12 Perch And Walleye Fryers In Ohio That Taste Like Tradition
There’s something special about biting into perfectly fried Lake Erie perch and walleye in the Buckeye State. These freshwater delicacies connect Ohioans to generations of fishing traditions and family gatherings around platters of golden-brown fish.
From lakeside shacks to beloved small-town diners, Ohio’s fish fry spots serve up more than just food they dish out memories with every crispy bite. Let me share some spots where the fish is always fresh and the traditions run deep.
1. Jolly Roger Seafood House – Port Clinton
Walking into Jolly Roger feels like stepping into a time capsule of Lake Erie dining history. Since 1980, this Port Clinton institution has been serving up what locals consider the gold standard for perch and walleye.
Their secret? Incredibly fresh fish delivered daily and a family batter recipe that creates the perfect light, crispy coating. The perch platter comes piled high with golden fillets alongside their famous house-made tartar sauce.
During summer months, expect a line out the door a testament to their reputation. The no-frills interior with nautical decorations hasn’t changed much over the decades, and that’s precisely what keeps generations of families returning year after year.
2. Brennan’s Fish House – Grand River
Hidden in the small village of Grand River, Brennan’s has been a fisherman’s haven since 1973. This historic building, once a canal hotel from the 1900s, now houses one of Ohio’s most beloved fish fry spots.
The perch and walleye here come fresh from nearby waters, lightly dusted in their signature breading before being flash-fried to perfection. What makes dining at Brennan’s special is the atmosphere walls covered with maritime artifacts and fishing memorabilia donated by loyal customers over decades.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during peak season, try their perch sandwich on thick-cut bread with a side of their legendary homemade potato chips. The place feels like dining in a maritime museum where the food matches the rich history.
3. Lemmy’s Restaurant – Huron
Lemmy’s might not look fancy from outside, but locals know this family-operated Huron gem serves some of the most consistently excellent lake fish in northern Ohio. Three generations of the same family have maintained their commitment to quality since 1950.
Their lake perch dinner features delicate fillets with a distinctive cornmeal-based coating that provides the perfect crunch. The restaurant sits just minutes from where many fishing boats dock, ensuring ultra-fresh catches make it to your plate.
During Friday nights, the place buzzes with energy as regulars crowd in for their weekly fish fix. The walls display black-and-white photos chronicling Lake Erie’s commercial fishing history a fitting backdrop for a meal that honors the region’s aquatic bounty.
4. New Sandusky Fish Company – Sandusky
This dockside eatery gives you the authentic Lake Erie experience you can literally watch fishing boats unload their daily catch while waiting for your meal. New Sandusky Fish Company operates as both a fresh fish market and a casual restaurant.
Their walleye sandwich has achieved legendary status among Ohio fish lovers. The fillets are dipped in beer batter made with local brews, creating a distinctively flavorful crust that complements the mild, sweet fish perfectly. Don’t skip their house-made remoulade sauce!
Summer weekends bring crowds of boaters who dock nearby just to grab lunch. For the full experience, eat at one of their outdoor picnic tables overlooking the water, where you’ll likely spot pelicans and herons hunting for their own fish dinners.
5. Cranberry Hill Winery – Berlin Heights
Who would expect one of Ohio’s best fish fries at a winery? Cranberry Hill breaks all expectations with their Friday night walleye dinners that have become a local tradition. The combination of locally-produced wines and perfectly fried lake fish creates a uniquely Ohio dining experience.
Their walleye is coated in a light, crisp batter that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish flavor. Each dinner comes with housemade vinegar-based coleslaw that cuts through the richness perfectly.
The rustic dining room overlooks rolling vineyards, creating a more upscale atmosphere than typical fish fry joints. Reservations become essential during peak summer months when locals and tourists alike flock here to pair crisp white wines with equally crisp fried perch and walleye.
6. Berardi’s Family Restaurant – Sandusky
If you’ve ever enjoyed the famous french fries at Cedar Point amusement park before 1978, you’ve tasted Berardi’s legacy. This family-owned institution has been serving Sandusky since 1939, and their fish fry has remained gloriously consistent for decades.
Their perch dinner features smaller, sweeter fillets than you’ll find elsewhere, lightly dusted in flour and seasonings before a quick fry. The result is extraordinarily tender fish with a delicate crispness. Many regulars insist the homemade tartar sauce, made from a closely guarded recipe, is what elevates the experience.
The restaurant maintains its mid-century charm with comfortable booths and friendly servers who often know regulars by name. During Lenten season, expect to wait for a table as this becomes fish fry central for locals.
7. Tackle Box 2 – Fremont
Despite its inland location, Tackle Box 2 has built a reputation for serving some of Ohio’s most authentic lake fish dinners. This unassuming roadside spot draws fishermen and fish lovers from across the state.
Their signature walleye dinner features enormous portions of fish with a distinctively crunchy coating that locals swear contains crushed Ritz crackers (though the owners neither confirm nor deny). Each dinner comes with old-school sides like applesauce and green beans that transport diners back to family dinners of yesteryear.
The walls display impressive mounted fish caught in nearby waters, creating a true sportsman’s atmosphere. During ice fishing season, this becomes command central for anglers who bring in their own catches for the kitchen to prepare using their famous breading.
8. Herb’s Sportsman’s Supplies – Marblehead
Half bait shop, half restaurant might sound strange, but Herb’s has perfected this unusual combination. Located minutes from prime fishing spots, this Marblehead institution has been serving fishermen and tourists alike since 1962.
The perch sandwich here is simplicity perfected fresh fillets with a light flour dredge fried until just done, served on a soft bun with nothing more than lettuce and their special sauce. You can literally buy fishing gear, catch your dinner, and return to eat their version while comparing notes.
During summer, the tiny dining area overflows, so many customers take their meals to nearby lakeside parks. The walls feature decades of photos showing proud customers with their catches some of which likely ended up on plates just hours later.
9. Crow’s Nest Restaurant – Ashtabula
Perched on the banks of the Ashtabula River with views of the historic lift bridge, Crow’s Nest delivers both scenery and exceptional lake fish. This dockside restaurant has been a fixture in Ohio’s northeastern corner for generations.
Their walleye dinner features enormous fillets with a distinctive golden-brown crust achieved through a double-dipping technique. The fish comes served atop a bed of house-made potato chips a local tradition that prevents the bottom crust from getting soggy.
During summer evenings, the outdoor deck becomes the perfect spot to watch boats navigate the river while enjoying their famous perch tacos a modern twist on tradition featuring lightly fried perch with cilantro-lime slaw. Boaters can even dock directly at the restaurant, making this a true fisherman’s destination.
10. Village Pump – Kelleys Island
Reaching the Village Pump requires a ferry ride to Kelleys Island, but generations of Ohio families consider this journey part of the tradition. This historic tavern dates back to 1902 and serves what many consider the definitive Lake Erie perch experience.
Their signature yellow perch platter features smaller, sweeter fillets with a distinctive breading that includes herbs grown on the island. The fish arrives at your table literally minutes after being prepared, ensuring that perfect texture contrast between crisp exterior and flaky interior.
The restaurant maintains its historic character with the original bar and lake stone walls. During summer, securing a table requires patience, but islanders and regular visitors know the wait is part of the charm as is the ritual of enjoying a cold beer from their extensive selection while watching boats come and go from the harbor.
11. Catawba Island Brewing – Port Clinton
Though primarily known for craft beer, this Port Clinton brewery hosts what locals call “the most innovative fish fry in Ohio.” Their Thursday night fish specials have become legendary among those seeking a modern twist on lake fish traditions.
Their walleye comes with a choice of preparations, but the standout is their pretzel-crusted version. The fish gets coated in crushed pretzels made from their own spent brewing grains, creating a sustainable full-circle approach that adds incredible flavor and texture.
The industrial-chic taproom fills with a mix of boaters, tourists, and local regulars on fish fry nights. Pairing recommendations from their knowledgeable staff help match each fish preparation with the perfect craft beer try the citrusy IPA with traditional fried perch or their malty amber ale with the pretzel-crusted walleye.
12. Eddie’s Grill – Geneva-on-the-Lake
Summer isn’t official in Northeast Ohio until Eddie’s Grill opens for the season. This classic lakeside stand has been serving vacationers at Ohio’s first summer resort since 1950, and their fish sandwich remains gloriously unchanged.
The walleye sandwich here embodies nostalgic simplicity a generous fillet with a thin, crispy coating served on a soft bun with nothing but a slice of American cheese and tartar sauce. Eating at one of their picnic tables while watching families stroll the historic strip is a quintessential Ohio summer experience.
Eddie’s only accepts cash, doesn’t take reservations, and closes promptly at the end of summer season all traditions that have remained steadfast for over 70 years. The colorful vintage signage and walk-up ordering windows transport visitors to mid-century vacations where fried lake fish and hand-cut fries were the highlight of summer trips.
