10 Minnesota Walleye Fries That Feel Like Friday Night Tradition

Friday night in Minnesota means one thing: walleye fries. These crispy, golden fish platters bring families together across the Land of 10,000 Lakes when the workweek winds down.

Nothing beats the comfort of fresh-caught walleye, lightly breaded and served with all the fixings at your favorite local spot. From Minneapolis to Duluth, these ten walleye fries have become beloved traditions that Minnesotans look forward to all week long.

1. The Tavern Grill’s Lake-to-Table Walleye

Crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside that’s what makes The Tavern Grill’s walleye the talk of Minneapolis. Their secret lies in a signature cornmeal coating that adds the perfect crunch without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.

Friday nights here buzz with energy as families gather around tables, sharing stories while waiting for their golden-brown fillets. The walleye comes paired with house-made tartar sauce that has just the right amount of dill and lemon.

What truly sets this place apart is their commitment to freshness. The Tavern Grill sources walleye from local fishermen whenever possible, creating that authentic Minnesota taste that keeps locals coming back week after week.

2. Manny’s Ale House Beer-Battered Beauty

Beer makes everything better at Manny’s Ale House, especially their legendary walleye. Using their own craft brew in the batter creates a light, airy coating that puffs up around the fish like a golden cloud.

When you bite through that crispy exterior, the contrast with the tender fish inside is nothing short of magical. Kids especially love the mini-portion option that comes with house-made potato chips instead of fries.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try their walleye sandwich variation the same amazing fish but served on a toasted hoagie with their signature “Northwoods sauce.” Locals know to arrive early on Fridays because this Minneapolis favorite fills up fast once the dinner rush hits.

3. The Saloon’s Spicy Cajun Walleye

Heat lovers, rejoice! The Saloon takes Minnesota’s favorite fish in an unexpected direction with their Cajun-spiced walleye that leaves a pleasant tingle on your tongue. Unlike traditional preparations, they add a blend of paprika, cayenne, and secret spices to their coating.

Fridays at The Saloon feel like a party as the Minneapolis spot fills with regulars who’ve made this spicy treat their end-of-week reward. The fish comes with cooling sides a creamy coleslaw and their famous sweet potato fries.

Don’t worry about the spice overwhelming the fish the kitchen knows exactly how to balance the heat so you still taste the walleye’s natural sweetness. Their homemade remoulade sauce ties everything together perfectly.

4. The Local’s Irish-Inspired Walleye and Chips

Who knew Irish pub traditions and Minnesota fishing would make such a perfect match? The Local in Minneapolis combines these worlds with their walleye and chips a Minnesota spin on the classic fish and chips.

Hand-cut potatoes fried to golden perfection accompany walleye that’s been dipped in a Guinness batter before hitting the fryer. The contrast between the dark, malty batter and the snow-white fish inside makes for an Instagram-worthy plate.

Friday nights here feature live Irish music that creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying this cultural mashup. Their malt vinegar aioli deserves special mention it’s tangy, rich, and makes the perfect dipping sauce for both the fish and those incredible chips.

5. Tin Whiskers’ Craft Beer Walleye Flight

Innovation meets tradition at Tin Whiskers in St. Paul, where they’ve reimagined the Friday fish fry as a tasting experience. Their walleye flight features three different preparations of Minnesota’s favorite fish, each paired with a 5oz pour of their craft beers.

The classic beer-battered version comes with their wheat ale, while the herb-crusted walleye pairs perfectly with their IPA. My favorite is the blackened walleye matched with their robust porter the combination creates flavor fireworks in your mouth!

Families love the shareable nature of this plate, and it’s become a Friday ritual for St. Paul tech workers who flock here after work. The brewery atmosphere adds a casual vibe that makes everyone feel welcome, from walleye newcomers to lifelong enthusiasts.

6. Keys Café’s Homestyle Walleye Comfort

If grandma made walleye, it would taste just like the Friday special at Keys Café in St. Paul. This no-frills preparation focuses on letting the fish shine with just a light dusting of seasoned flour before a quick swim in the fryer.

Keys’ walleye comes with the sides that Minnesotans have loved for generations buttery mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, and a warm dinner roll that’s perfect for sopping up any leftover tartar sauce. The portions here are Minnesota-generous, easily enough for lunch the next day.

Families have been making Keys their Friday tradition for decades, with some customers claiming they’ve been coming since the 1970s. There’s something deeply comforting about eating food that hasn’t changed with every culinary trend just honest, delicious walleye done right.

7. Jake’s City Grille’s Almond-Crusted Creation

Unexpected ingredients make Jake’s City Grille’s walleye stand out in St. Paul’s crowded fish fry scene. Their almond-crusted walleye offers a delightful textural twist the nuts adding a satisfying crunch while bringing out the fish’s natural sweetness.

Friday nights at Jake’s feel upscale yet comfortable, with the warm lighting creating the perfect atmosphere for their signature dish. The walleye arrives with wild rice pilaf (another Minnesota favorite) and seasonal vegetables that change weekly.

What really elevates this dish is the brown butter sauce drizzled over the top, adding a nutty richness that complements both the almonds and the fish. Regulars know to save room for their famous lemon cake, the perfect tart ending to a rich meal.

8. Big River Brew Haus’s Northwoods Walleye Feast

Hungry lumberjacks would approve of the portions at Big River Brew Haus in Duluth, where Friday’s walleye feast could easily feed two. Their signature preparation features a whole walleye (head removed but tail intact) fried to perfection and served center-stage on a wooden plank.

This Duluth hotspot embraces the northwoods aesthetic with rustic decor and servers in plaid flannel. The fish comes with their famous German potato salad and housemade pickles that provide the perfect tangy contrast to the rich fish.

Kids love watching the dramatic presentation as servers carry out these massive platters. The walleye itself has a distinctive cornmeal and herb coating that gives it a rustic, campfire quality as if you caught it yourself at the cabin just hours earlier.

9. Fitger’s Brewhouse Superior-Caught Specialty

Lake Superior’s icy waters produce some of the sweetest walleye in Minnesota, and nobody showcases it better than Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth. Their locally-caught fish arrives at your table within 24 hours of being pulled from the big lake, creating an unmatched freshness you can taste in every bite.

Friday nights at Fitger’s historic brewery building buzz with excitement as locals and tourists alike line up for this legendary dish. The walleye gets a light coating of their beer batter made with their own Superior Pale Ale.

The fish comes with house-cut fries and a roasted garlic aioli that’s worth the drive alone. Between the historic surroundings, lake views, and that incredible walleye, this Friday tradition captures the essence of Minnesota’s North Shore in a single meal.

10. Grandma’s Saloon & Grill’s Time-Honored Tradition

History flavors every bite at Grandma’s Saloon & Grill, where Duluth’s shipping heritage meets Minnesota’s fishing tradition. Their walleye recipe hasn’t changed since 1976, creating a taste of nostalgia that brings multiple generations together every Friday night.

The fish gets a classic treatment dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in egg wash, then coated with panko breadcrumbs for that perfect golden exterior. Servers bring the walleye with a wedge of lemon, house-made tartar sauce, and their famous salt-crusted baked potato.

What makes this experience special is the restaurant itself, filled with authentic maritime artifacts and photographs of Lake Superior ships. You’re not just eating Minnesota’s favorite fish you’re participating in a decades-old ritual that connects you to the state’s rich cultural heritage.