Friday night in Minnesota has its own menu, and it usually involves a plate of golden fried fish. From downtown Minneapolis to the Brainerd Lakes, neighborhood bars and old taverns pack their booths with folks chasing crispy cod and fresh walleye.
Some spots go all-you-can-eat, some lean German, and one even sits next to a golf course. These eight places show why the fish fry is still one of the best ways to kick off a Minnesota weekend.
1. Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar, Minneapolis, MN
Few fish fries come with a building dating back to 1855. Gluek’s sits in an old warehouse at 16 N 6th St in downtown Minneapolis, and its old-world beer hall setup gives Friday dinner a little extra history.
The star here is the Walleye Fish N Chips. The fish is deep fried in a beer batter until crisp, with flaky white meat inside, and the hush puppies make a strong side.
During Lent, Gluek’s hosts an All You Care To Eat Fish Fry on Fridays. That explains why Friday evening is the busiest stretch of the week.
If someone in your group is not a fish fan, the German side of the menu has backup. Think Bavarian pretzels, a Four Sausage Sampler, and Schweineschnitzle with spaetzle.
The fireplace, live music, and sports on TV keep the room lively. Reservations are accepted, and Friday hours run from noon to 2 AM, so a late dinner is easy to pull off.
2. The Fireside Lounge Bar & Restaurant, West St Paul, MN
Old-timey booths, a fireplace, and low prices make a pretty convincing case for a Friday night. The Fireside Lounge on S Robert St keeps things simple and friendly.
Its all-you-can-eat cod fish fry comes with all the trimmings. The cod is fried just right, and the price stays easy on the wallet, with most meals landing in the $10 to $20 range.
I like this stop because it runs on a weekly rhythm. Mondays bring all-you-can-eat spaghetti, Thursdays mean turkey dinner, and Fridays belong to fish.
The kitchen opens at 8 AM every day, so breakfast fans can grab steak and eggs before the evening crowd shows up. Friday evening is when the booths fill up fastest.
Parking is usually plentiful, and the place has a kids’ menu and high chairs for family nights out.
3. Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen, St Paul, MN
Walleye fingers might be the most Minnesota appetizer ever invented. At Gabe’s on Lexington Parkway, they share the spotlight with a moist, beer-battered fish that anchors the Friday fry.
The room is woody and warm, with plenty of TVs for game nights. It gets busy, but service stays quick.
Fish lovers have options beyond the basket. There is a walleye sandwich, Walleye Fries, and solid fish tacos.
The rest of the menu reads like a comfort food sampler. Cheese curds, fried pickle chips, chicken wild rice soup, Brussels sprouts, and a cookie skillet for dessert all make appearances.
Gabe’s stays open until 1 AM on Fridays. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area, which is a nice bonus on warmer evenings.
4. The Breeze Inn, Duluth, MN
Out on Jean Duluth Road, past the busier parts of town, sits a roadside tavern with a fish fry that has been voted the best in the Ports.
The Breeze Inn serves its all-you-can-eat fish fry with crispy fries and coleslaw. The fish comes out crisp outside and juicy and flaky inside, and the price has been listed at $12.99.
Burgers are the other big draw, including the Minnesota Hot Burger. Cheese curds and chicken wings round out the table.
Plan ahead on timing. The kitchen closes at 9 PM, Friday evening is the busiest window, and Mondays are closed.
Dogs are allowed, there is a fireplace, and live music sometimes joins the lineup. It makes a comfortable stop for a North Shore weekend kickoff.
5. Charlie’s Eatery & Pub, Rochester, MN
Broiled or battered is the big decision at Charlie’s. The Friday all-you-can-eat fish fry offers cod both ways, which is handy for anyone wanting a lighter plate.
Charlie’s is locally owned and sits in the Hillcrest Shopping Center along US-52. It is the kind of place that opens at 6 AM for homemade breakfast and stays open until 1 AM on Fridays.
Omelets are a morning favorite, while hot turkey sandwiches and burgers carry lunch. Daily specials keep the menu moving.
There is also a pool table, so dinner can turn into a game or two. Note that reservations are not accepted, so arrive early on Friday evenings.
Free parking makes the visit easy.
6. Coyote Moon Grille, St Cloud, MN
Here is a fish fry with a view of the fairway. Coyote Moon Grille sits at Territory Golf Club in St Cloud, and its pub room overlooks the course.
The walleye is the headliner, and the portions are big. Friday fish fry nights make this one of the area’s favorite spots for the dish.
Popovers and a salad bar add a supper club touch. Steak and seafood fill out the rest of the menu.
Hours are limited, so check the clock. Friday service runs from 4 to 8:30 PM, and the restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
If you want a reason to come back, the Sunday brunch buffet is popular enough that reservations are recommended.
7. The Local 218, Brainerd, MN
Pistachio crusted walleye is not a dish you see at every lake-country bar. The Local 218 on Mill Ave in Brainerd puts it right on the menu next to classic fish and chips.
The fish and chips arrive as two thick battered fillets with well-salted fries. Fried cod, a walleye sandwich, and a walleye hoagie give fish fans even more choices.
Save room for dessert. The homemade key lime pie and gelato are standouts, and the calamari is a strong starter.
The vibe is informal and a little eclectic. It is closed Sundays, and Friday service wraps up at 9 PM, with Friday and Saturday evenings drawing the biggest crowds.
8. Kaiserhoff New Ulm, New Ulm, MN
New Ulm wears its German roots proudly, and Kaiserhoff has been part of that story since the 1930s. The tavern on N Minnesota St keeps the old-world decor intact.
Friday brings a fish fry special, and the walleye plates are generous. Broiled walleye paired with spaetzle makes a fitting local twist.
Do not skip Kaiserhoff’s Famous Sauerkraut Balls. Schnitzel, braised ribs with sauerkraut, and warm apple strudel are also on hand.
Kaiserhoff is open Wednesday through Saturday, with Friday hours from 11 AM to 9 PM. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday evenings.
It is a fine way to end a road trip, and this list too.
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