Early in 2022, we went to Quivey’s Grove for a Fish Fry, and we both walked away saying it was the best one we had ever had. This inspired me to start tracking and rating all of the fish we try. I love a good fish fry– give me some beer battered fish any day of the week! Here’s our list so far, and I will keep it updated for you!
Anvil Pub & Grille
N70 W6340 Bridge Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
The Menu Description: Beer battered cod or perch, served with coleslaw, rye bread, and tartar.
Our Description: This fish fry is excellent. The batter is made with spotted cow and really good– thick and crispy. The fish was perfectly flaky. I upgraded to the Black & Tan Onion Rings that were absolutely incredible. Anvil is known for their homemade bread and their rye bread was delicious!!
Julia: B+
Baraboo Burger Company
116 4th Ave, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Menu Description: Guinness Beer Battered Cod served with a choice of side, coleslaw, breadstick, and tartar.
Our Description: When it is served you can tell that it was frozen by its appearance, but I was pleasantly surprised by the batter! It has a thick, crispy layer and great flavor. One thing BBC always does great is their portion size– So much food!
Hayden: (it has been too long for him. Will re-try and come back with a score)
Julia: B
Check out our Baraboo Travel Guide: Baraboo Visitors Guide - #NotTheDells
Beach Club on Madeline Island
817 Fort Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850
The Menu Description: Fresh Caught Lake Superior Whitefish, prepared breaded. Severed with French Fries, house made tartar, and coleslaw.
Our Description: Sit outside and dine right on Lake Superior. The fish isn’t battered which I prefer, but the breading was still so crispy. It definitely tasted fresh!
Julia: B+
Visiting the Bayfield?: Bayfield, WI Travel Guide
Bent’s Camp
6882 S Helen Creek Rd, Land O' Lakes, WI 54540
The Menu Description: 3 or 5 pieces of deep fried haddock with french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, beans, lemon, & tartar sauce.
Our Description: This is such a legendary Wisconsin resort, bar, and restaurant and on my very first visit I understood why. It is the definition of Northwoods vibes. Grab a cocktail, order a fish fry and kick back on their lovely dog-friendly patio, or grassy picnic tables overlooking the chain of lakes.
Julia: B+
Check out out Northwoods blog: DOGS IN THE NORTHWOODS
Bootleggers Lodge
2001 Indian Pine Point Rd, Tomahawk, WI 54487
The Menu Description: Beer Battered Cod
Our Description: It is served with a light crispy batter that has remarkable flavor! It comes with apple sauce, potato pancakes, coleslaw, and tartar. I recommend a reservation if you are looking to do dinner. I was by myself and ate at the bar. My food came so quickly.
Julia: A-
Check out out Northwoods blog: DOGS IN THE NORTHWOODS
Broadway Diner
304 Broadway St, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Menu Description: Hand battered cod served with choice of potato and our homemade coleslaw
Our Description: This beer batter is so great–think light fluffy batter! It could have been crispier, but I also really enjoyed the super savory potato pancakes
Julia: B+
Check out our Baraboo Travel Guide: Baraboo Visitors Guide - #NotTheDells
Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
7700 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
The Menu Description: Beer-battered fish (choice of perch, haddock, or pan-fried walleye) served with potato pancakes, apple sauce, tartar sauce, buttermilk coleslaw, rye bread, and lemon
Our Description: The vibe of this place is cool! It is a staged supper club! Makes you feel like you’re in the Northwoods even though you are in the city. The food looks so pretty! I liked the potato pancakes. They were super crispy! I got the perch and it was very, very salty. Hayden got the pan-fried walleye.
Hayden: A
Julia: C+
Commerce Street Brewing
23 Commerce St, Mineral Point, WI 53565
The Menu Description: Two pieces of crispy, tempura-battered cod with hand-cut, seasoned french fries and carrot salad.
Our Description: This light crispy batter was so good!!
Hayden: A-
Julia: A-
Plan the perfect visit: MINERAL POINT TRAVEL GUIDE
Dorf Haus
8931 County Hwy Y, Sauk City, WI 53583
The Menu Description: Lightly breaded and deep fried. Served with German potato salad, French Fries, or baked potato, coleslaw, and fritters.
Our Description: The wait can be long, but the Fritters are worth the wait! They serve warm fritters with honey butter that will keep me coming back! The breading is very thin, but has a good flavor.
Hayden: B
Julia: B
Downtowner
130 3rd St, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Menu Description: Breaded cod with fries, homemade coleslaw and Texas toast
Our Description: Super crispy and has a shrimp add on. Also comes as a fish sandwich. Our hometown bar!
Hayden: B+
Julia: B
Check out our Baraboo Travel Guide: Baraboo Visitors Guide - #NotTheDells
The Fat Seagull
807 Quay St, Manitowoc, WI 54220
The Menu Description: Perch or walleye plate: Fish fry entrees include choice of potato salad or fries, coleslaw, and rye bread
Our Description: We enjoyed a walleye fish fry. The fish was breaded and crispy and the patio had live music to enjoy. The lobster bisque came highly recommended, and it must be good, because it was already sold out when we arrived at 7pm. We’ll definitely be back for the bisque, but make sure you learn from our mistake and get there early!!
Hayden: B
Julia: B+
Head to Manitowoc: Manitowoc Travel Guide: Dog-Friendly
Fish Tales
W12690 WI-188, Lodi, WI 53555
The Menu Description: Potato & Cheddar Crusted Cod – two piece baked cod crusted with potato and cheddar. Walleye Pike – beer battered or broiled. Deep Fried Lake Perch – lightly hand-breaded, seasoned and deep fried. Deep Fried Bluegill – lightly hand-breaded, seasoned and deep fried.
Icelandic Haddock –beer battered
Our Description: They have lots of choices! The atmosphere is great. The patio is right on Lake Wisconsin… take the free ferry across the lake! I love the beer battered walleye! It comes with potato pancakes and tartar.
Hayden: A-
Julia: A-
Lodi is an Ice Age Trail community! Here's what you need to know: All Things Ice Age Trail
Green Acres
7487 WI-78 Trunk, Sauk City, WI 53583
The Menu Description: A Wisconsin Friday tradition! Haddock served with french fries or baked potato & coleslaw.
Our Description: This old school supper club has great food options and the fish fry is no exception! The fish has a thick, beer batter that is perfectly crispy! The sides are very lack luster, but you should try the french onion soup.
Hayden: B+
Julia: B+
Hi Point Steakhouse
6900 Co Rd HHH, Ridgeway, WI 53582
The Menu Description: Friday Fish Fry
Our Description: Light, thin, and crispy batter. Solid fish fry, but nothing earth shattering. If it is being featured, be sure to get the Seafood Wellington. It is so good! The French Onion soup is also great.
Julia: B
Hillsboro Berwing Compnay
206 E Madison St, Hillsboro, WI 54634
The Menu Description: Tempura Battered Cod fillets with house-made tartar sauce, beer fries, and coleslaw
Our Description: They have a fun atmosphere and are a great space for groups. We thought the fish was great! It came with super crispy light batter. When we were there one of the features was fish tacos that came with churro cheesecake, but they never brought us our cheesecakes. When we inquired about it they let us know that it was sold out, which was a bummer. Not our best service experience, but still enjoyed the brews and the fish itself.
Hayden: A-
Julia: B
Honey Bear
5430 WI-70, Eagle River, WI 54521
The Menu Description: 3 pieces of North Atlantic Cod - Tender and flakey beer batter cod filets. Our traditional Honey Bear fish fry.
Our Description: I was in a little bit of sticker shock looking at the menu. Their Honey Bear Fish Fry was $21. That felt a bit steep to us, but when we got our order it was a big portion: 3 large pieces of beer battered cod that was nice and crispy, a side–get the potato salad, and rye bread. It was yummy, but I don’t feel the need to go back for it again due to the high price.
Hayden: B+ (but the potato salad got an A!)
Julia: B+
Need a weekend getaway?: Escape to the Wisconsin Northwoods
The Keg & Patio
732 Oak St, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Menu Description: Beer battered or broiled cod. Served with coleslaw & choice of french fries or baked potato. 2 piece or 3 piece
Our Description: Thin beer batter with good flavor. Great patio dining!
Hayden: B
Julia: B
Looking for more than waterparks?: Dogs In The Dells
Lake City Social
644 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Menu Description: 2 or 3 piece beer battered cod served with choice of side, coleslaw, and tartar.
Our Description: It looks great and was a classic fish fry. The batter was thin. I highly recommend the loaded mash potatoes as a side. They were the star of the show. We didn’t try it this time, but I would love to go back and try the Old Fashioned flavor cheesecake.
Hayden: B
Julia: B
Lakefront Brewery
1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
The Menu Description: Fish Fry Dinner: 3-piece beer battered cod with choice of side. Fried Walleye Dinner: Hand breaded crispy walleye filets served with choice of side. Combo Dinner: Beer-battered cod, breaded walleye and fried shrimp. Served with choice of side and wasabi cocktail sauce. (no substitutions)
Our Description: Be sure you get the cheese curds to start! They are so good and have a great cheese pull. You should also get the Lakefront Rootbeer Ol’ Fashioned– so unique and so good! Fish fry has a great batter that is super crispy with yummy flavor. They also have great sides.
Hayden: B
Julia: A
Lost Land Lake Lodge
9436 W Brandt Rd, Hayward, WI 54843
The Menu Description: All-you-can-eat served family style. Serving fish the same way for the past 40 years and people seem to love it. The delicious fillets are beer-battered and deep fried; served with homemade tartar sauce, fried potatoes, and coleslaw.
Our Description: It’s all you can eat for a very reasonable price, and it’s served family style with the best garlic rolls, fries, coleslaw, and homemade tartar. The fish was excellent and came with a nice thick beer batter.
Hayden: C+
Julia: A
Mars Resort
W4098 S Shore Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
The Menu Description: Mars Famous Fish Fry: Served with lemon, butter or our homemade tartar sauce Choice of soup, salad or coleslaw. Choice of potato, vegetable or homemade corn fritters
Our Description: The fish was okay. The breading lacked flavor for me. I got the fritters and they were very over cooked. Hayden loved the swordfish special and definitely wait for your table with a cocktail at the beach!
Julia: C
Check out our guide to Lake Geneva: LAKE GENEVA WEEKEND GETAWAY
Minocqua Yacht Club
8290 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548
The Menu Description: Beer battered walleye or haddock. Served with rye bread, coleslaw, baked beans, and your choice of fries, or potato salad.
Our Description: Sit on the water and enjoy this massive portion of crispy fish.
Julia: B+
Check out out Northwoods blog: DOGS IN THE NORTHWOODS
On Tap
1203 N 10th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
The Menu Description: Enjoy fried North Atlantic Cod in our signature PBR beer batter or change it up with our 21-piece hand-breaded shrimp basket. Both entrees are served with coleslaw, tartar sauce, and French fries. Pair it with a Pabst draft or your favorite local brew to get the full Wisconsin tradition experience.
Our Description: I had high hopes for this fish fry, but skip it. The batter on the fish was thick and extremely overcooked.Order the soft Pretzel instead. We enjoyed it and the dips served with it were so good.
Julia: I plead the fifth.
Heading to the city? Check out: Our Top 5 Milwaukee Recommendations
Ope Haus Pub
107 Co Rd ID, Barneveld, WI 53507
The Menu Description: 2 or 3 piece deep fried cod. Choice of potato + cottage cheese or coleslaw + slice of cornbread.
Our Description: This bread has a thick PBR batter that we loved! The fish is great and the batter has great flavor. I loved that they had cornbread instead of rye– it’s a fun touch! If you like sweet potato fries you MUST get their sweet potato waffle fries. They are so good and actually crispy!! I loved it and highly recommend a Friday night at Ope Haus.
Hayden: A-
Julia: A-
Pickled Herring
1 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
The Menu Description: Voted Top 10 in Wisconsin. Deep Fried fresh Bayfield Whitefish with choice of side.
Our Description: They have an awesome breaded fish fry, a huge dessert selection, and fun Old Fashioneds.
Julia: B+
Visiting the Bayfield?: Bayfield, WI Travel Guide
Pier 290
1 Liechty Dr, Williams Bay, WI 53191
The Menu Description: Lightly flour dusted for a delicate crispy coating. Served with roasted potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables
Our Description: Not a typical fish fry because it is pan fried, but it is so good! This place was one of our favorite dates of the year. We loved the French Onion soup and the cobbler for dessert.
Julia: A-
Check out our guide to Lake Geneva: LAKE GENEVA WEEKEND GETAWAY
Quivey’s Grove
6261 Nesbitt Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53719
The Menu Description: Friday Fish Fry Served with choice of Parmesan Potato or French fries, coleslaw, and fresh baked muffins
Our Description: This was THE best fish fry we have ever had! Be sure to make a reservation for the Stone House. We both gave this meal an A and that never happens. The fish fry came with warm blueberry muffins— Hayden found this so strange, but I found it to be a unique “homemade” touch! Plus, they were SO GOOD, he couldn’t even deny it. Hayden ordered the nightly special, which was crab stuffed cod, but he much preferred my fried fish. It was so light, crispy, and full of flavor! I couldn’t speak more highly of it. As their menu says: “Some restaurants are IN Wisconsin, Quivey’s Grove IS Wisconsin.”
Hayden: A
Julia: A+
The Ranch
10590 N Ranch Rd, Hayward, WI 54843
The Menu Description: Canadian fillet deep fried
Our Description: Light crispy breading with lots of flavor. Served with a relish tray, soup or salad, and a side. Highly recommend a Pink Squirrel as well.
Hayden: A-
Julia: A-
The Rock
101 Maple Ave, Beloit, WI 53511
The Menu Description: Beer Battered Cod: Coleslaw and your choice of potato: choice of chips, French Fries, mashed, or Potato Pancakes
Our Description: Sit on their beautiful patio overlooking the Rock River. Great crisp on the fish!
Hayden: B+
Julia: B+
Check out Beloit's Glow Up!: Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaway - Beloit, WI
Riverside Bar & Grill
4385 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874
The Menu Description: Friday night fish fry- one reorder (2 fish servings).
Our Description: I really enjoyed this place. The pups and I walked up here from our campsite at Amnicon Falls State Park. Their patio is dog-friendly and they have a little doggy menu with treats, ice cream, and doggy “beer”. This fish is so great. Thick batter and great thick, crispy steak fries. My old fashioned was STRONG and they used an extra large ice cube that had an orange and cherry frozen in it. This was such a great experience! Make sure you try their rotating cheesecake flavor too!
Julia: A
River Walk Pub
911 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Menu Description: Hand-breaded cod
Our Description: This was a pretty lackluster fish fry for me. I thought the sweet potato fries were mushy and the fish wasn’t crispy.
Julia: C
Looking for more than waterparks?: Dogs In The Dells
Thunderbird Lanes
1117 8th St, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Menu Description: Our signature seasoned breaded cod served with tartar sauce, choice of potato, baked beans, homemade coleslaw and our delicious family recipe corn fritters with honey butter.
Our Description: This is the best breaded fish fry I have ever had. The breading has so much seasoning and flavor. Not to mention, the fritters and honey butter are absolutely fantastic! How have I lived 5 minutes from this fish fry for 5 years and this is the first time I’ve had it?!
Julia: A
Check out our Baraboo Travel Guide: Baraboo Visitors Guide - #NotTheDells
Tumbled Rock Brewery
S5718 State Rd 136 & DL, S5718 State Rd 123, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Menu Description: An 8 to 9 ounce portion of a Wisconsin fish fry classic. Served with potato. Sugar snap peas. Coleslaw. Rye dinner roll & butter.
Our Description: Great flavor, crispy, beer battered fish. Be sure to order the French Onion soup here. It is so good!
Hayden: B
Julia: A-
Check out our Baraboo Travel Guide: Baraboo Visitors Guide - #NotTheDells
841 Brewhouse
841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190
The Menu Description: House beer battered filet of Atlantic cod topped with Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Served with a side of tartar sauce.
Our Description: This fish was so good! The batter on the fish is so thick, but still crispy! Seriously so yummy!
Julia: A-
Get out and explore: Weekend in Whitewater