11 Wisconsin Tavern Fish Fries That Bring The Friday Vibe
Friday nights in Wisconsin mean one thing: fish fry season is always in full swing. I’ve traveled across the state to find the best tavern fish fries that capture that authentic Friday feeling.
Whether you crave beer-battered cod or crispy perch, these spots serve up tradition with every golden bite.
1. Tipsy Cow – Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s hip crowd flocks here for a modern twist on tradition. Craft beers pair wonderfully with their hand-breaded fish, creating flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere.
The menu offers creative sides that complement without overpowering. I love how they honor Wisconsin traditions while adding their own flair to every plate served.
2. Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee
Fresh beer and fresh fish make the ultimate Friday pairing. Lakefront’s brewery tour ends perfectly with their famous fish fry, where the beer batter uses their own brews.
Tours run throughout the evening, making it an experience beyond just dinner. The perch is delicate and flaky, and the atmosphere buzzes with energy every single Friday night.
3. The Packing House – Madison
Madison locals know where to find their Friday fix. Beer-battered cod arrives at your table piping hot, with a crispy coating that crunches perfectly with every bite.
The coleslaw is tangy and fresh, balancing the richness beautifully. Tartar sauce comes homemade, and the rye bread is sliced thick just how you’d expect it.
4. The White Gull Inn – Fish Creek (Door County)
Door County’s charm shines brightest at this historic inn. Lake Superior whitefish takes center stage here, offering a lighter alternative to the usual cod you’ll find elsewhere.
The dining room feels warm and inviting, perfect for tourists and locals alike. I recommend arriving early because tables fill up fast on Friday evenings throughout the year.
5. Klemmer’s Banquet Center – Madison
Generations of families have gathered here for their Friday tradition. Klemmer’s serves up generous portions that leave nobody hungry, with potato pancakes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
You’ll find classic Wisconsin hospitality at every turn. The fish is always fresh, and the atmosphere feels like coming home for dinner.
6. The Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. – Wisconsin Dells
Tourist town doesn’t mean tourist trap at Moosejaw. Their fish fry holds its own against any tavern in the state, with house-brewed beers that complement every bite perfectly.
Families love the relaxed vibe and diverse menu options. The fish batter stays light and crispy, and kids actually finish their plates here without any complaints or fuss.
7. Hoffmann’s Café – Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s south side treasure serves fish fry with German flair. Hoffmann’s has been feeding the neighborhood since forever, and their recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to improve.
Rye bread comes warm with real butter. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, and regulars greet each other by name every Friday without fail.
8. Club Garibaldi – Milwaukee
Walking into Club Garibaldi feels like stepping back in time to old Milwaukee. This Italian-American social club has been serving up Friday fish fries since 1918, making it one of the oldest spots in the city. The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter as families and friends gather around checkered tablecloths.
What sets this place apart is the homemade pasta that comes alongside your fish. You’ll get generous portions of beer-battered cod that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and flaky inside. The coleslaw is tangy and fresh, complementing the rich flavors beautifully.
Club Garibaldi proves that tradition never goes out of style when done right.
9. Schwarz’s Supper Club – St. Anna
Out in the countryside near St. Anna, Schwarz’s has been a Friday night destination for generations of Wisconsin families. This unassuming spot doesn’t need flashy advertising because word-of-mouth keeps the dining room packed every week.
Their secret weapon is the potato pancakes that accompany the fish – crispy edges with tender centers that pair perfectly with applesauce or sour cream. The cod is hand-breaded and fried to golden perfection, never greasy or heavy. You’ll also enjoy their signature brandy old fashioned, a Wisconsin staple that starts the meal off right.
The friendly staff treats everyone like family, remembering regulars and welcoming newcomers with genuine warmth.
10. Serb Hall – Milwaukee
Walk into Serb Hall on a Friday evening and you’ll find yourself in the middle of Wisconsin’s most famous fish fry scene. Lines stretch around the block as locals and tourists alike wait for a taste of their legendary all-you-can-eat fish feast. The cod is perfectly breaded with a secret recipe that’s been perfected over decades.
Portions here are huge, so come hungry and ready to enjoy multiple rounds. The sides are just as impressive, with creamy coleslaw, crispy potato pancakes, and buttery rye bread that complements every bite. Servers hustle through the crowded dining room with trays piled high, keeping the energy lively and fun.
It’s not fancy, but that’s exactly the point—this is comfort food at its finest.
11. Ray’s Butcher Shoppe – Green Bay
Tucked away in Green Bay, Ray’s Butcher Shoppe serves up one of the most underrated fish fries in the state. This family-owned spot started as a butcher shop but quickly became famous for its Friday night tradition. Fresh perch and cod are hand-breaded daily, giving each piece a satisfying crunch that keeps customers coming back week after week.
The atmosphere feels like stepping into your neighbor’s basement bar – friendly, unpretentious, and welcoming. Regulars chat with the staff like old friends while newcomers are greeted with warm smiles and helpful menu suggestions. The fish is accompanied by homemade tartar sauce that adds the perfect tangy kick.
Don’t skip the cheese curds as an appetizer—they’re just as legendary.
