Fridays in Wisconsin are a vibe, and the fish fry is the heartbeat. Golden fillets, clinking Old Fashioneds, and cozy supper club glow turn a simple meal into a weekly celebration.
This list rounds up beloved spots where crispy cod, perch, and walleye meet warm hospitality. Come hungry and curious, because your new favorite Friday tradition might be waiting right down the road.
Toby’s Supper Club – Madison, Wisconsin
Toby’s feels like the quintessential Madison Friday, where you slide into a red booth and the bartender already knows your Old Fashioned sweet. The fish fry is generous: crisp cod, lake perch, and a tender walleye when available.
Expect tangy coleslaw, buttery rye, and fries or pancakes that soak up every last crumb.
The line forms early, but that is part of the ritual, chatting with neighbors and eyeing platters cruising by. Service moves fast, yet never rushed, like they have perfected this dance for decades.
You leave smelling faintly of fryer and happiness, promising to return next week.
Ishnala Supper Club – Lake Delton, Wisconsin
Ishnala delivers spectacle with supper, perched over Mirror Lake where the pines frame your meal like a postcard. Order an Old Fashioned, then the fish fry featuring flaky walleye or perch, fried to a shattering crust.
The rye bread is soft, the slaw crisp, and the view steals a bite every minute.
Arrive early because reservations are not a thing here, and the wait becomes part of the magic. You watch loons and sunsets while anticipating sizzling baskets.
By the time your plate lands, Friday feels like a lakefront holiday you never want to end.
HOBNOB Restaurant – Racine, Wisconsin
HOBNOB brings old school elegance to the Friday ritual, with sweeping lake views and a dining room that glows like a vintage postcard. The fish fry nails texture: airy batter on cod and perch, plus potato pancakes with lacy edges.
Applesauce, rye, and slaw balance every crunchy bite.
Come for the fish, linger for the loungey piano energy and expertly shaken cocktails. Service is polished but friendly, making special occasions feel casual.
You leave with that Racine lake breeze still on your mind and a plan to dress up again soon.
Rupp’s Supperclub (Rupp’s on Washington) – Cleveland, Wisconsin
Rupp’s on Washington is hometown cozy with a classic fish fry that checks every Wisconsin box. Expect perch, cod, or walleye fried golden and served with potato pancakes or fries.
The batter is crisp without heaviness, letting the fish shine like it should.
Rye bread arrives warm, and the slaw is creamy with just enough bite. It feels like everyone knows each other, yet newcomers are welcomed with smiles.
By the second Old Fashioned, you understand why this Cleveland staple anchors the week.
Dorf Haus Supper Club – Sauk City, Wisconsin
Dorf Haus adds a Bavarian twist to Friday night with chalet charm and portions that wow. The fish fry features cod or perch, crisp and hot, alongside excellent potato pancakes with applesauce.
You get rye bread, slaw, and that celebratory hum only a full dining room can make.
Servers hustle with smiles, and cocktails flow steadily from the bar. If you are lucky, there is a polka vibe in the background that nudges another round.
Sauk City feels festive here, turning dinner into an upbeat tradition.
Norwood Pines Supper Club – Minocqua, Wisconsin
Norwood Pines feels like stepping into a Northwoods postcard, with crackling fireplaces and pine-scented air. The fish fry leans into walleye and perch, fried to a delicate crunch that lets the flaky meat shine.
Potato pancakes are crisp, and coleslaw cools the palate perfectly.
It is the kind of place where time slows and conversation flows as easily as the brandy. After dinner, you step outside to quiet woods and clear stars.
Fridays feel restorative up here, like a tradition that heals and fills at once.
Red Circle Inn – Nashotah, Wisconsin
Red Circle Inn blends history with a polished fish fry that respects tradition. Expect beautifully fried cod or perch, plus some refined sides that upgrade the classic plate.
Potato pancakes are golden and airy, and the slaw is bright without being fussy.
The dining room whispers history in every wood beam, while the bar shakes an impeccable Old Fashioned. Service is attentive but relaxed, letting conversation stretch.
Lake Country date nights meet Friday comfort here, and it just works.
Buckhorn Supper Club – Milton, Wisconsin
Buckhorn sits right on the lake, and that water view makes every fry taste better. Cod and walleye come out crackly and hot, paired with pancakes or fries and a proper slice of rye.
The slaw is crisp, and tartar is tangy enough to keep you dipping.
Fridays get busy, but it feels neighborly, with friendly chatter rolling across the room. Watch boats glide by as you sip an Old Fashioned.
There is no rush here, just the easy rhythm of a Wisconsin weekend starting right.
The Del-Bar – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The Del-Bar mixes architectural charm with a fish fry that feels elevated yet familiar. Walleye or perch gets a delicate batter, landing crisp without grease.
The sides are thoughtfully prepared, from tangy slaw to perfectly seasoned pancakes.
It is a place for celebrations, but also a comforting Friday ritual for locals. Cocktails are dialed in, and service is smooth, even when the dining room buzzes.
The Dells can feel touristy, yet here you settle into timeless Wisconsin hospitality.
Schwarz’s Supper Club – New Holstein, Wisconsin
Schwarz’s is a rite of passage for fish fry lovers, with portions that satisfy the hungriest crew. Cod and perch fry up crisp, and the walleye is a highlight when offered.
Potato pancakes arrive crackling, with applesauce ready for dipping.
Lines form for good reason, but the bar keeps spirits high with brandy and chatter. The dining room feels timeless, a place where families and friends have gathered for decades.
You roll out happy, already plotting your next visit.
Sisters Saloon Inc – St Germain, Wisconsin
Sisters Saloon brings a lively tavern energy to the Northwoods fish fry tradition. The batter is light and crisp, letting the perch shine, while cod remains a dependable favorite.
Expect quick service, cold beer, and tartar with enough zip to keep things interesting.
It is informal in the best way, the kind of place you pop into after trails or a day on the lake. Regulars swap stories while baskets disappear fast.
Friday feels effortless here, just good fish and friendly faces.
Culver’s – Sauk City, Wisconsin
Culver’s brings a dependable, quick fish fry that still hits those Wisconsin notes. The North Atlantic cod is hand battered and fried to a golden crunch, paired with crinkle fries.
Coleslaw is cool and creamy, and a warm dinner roll or rye often rounds it out.
It is fast, friendly, and perfect when the craving hits but time is tight. Grab a custard for dessert to complete the ritual.
For Sauk City locals, it is an easy Friday fix that never disappoints.
Crafty Cow – Burgers & Fried Chicken – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Crafty Cow is known for burgers and chicken, but their fish fry surprises in the best way. Beer battered fillets land ultra crisp, with waffle fries and zippy sauces that modernize tradition.
Slaw is crunchy and lightly dressed, keeping each bite bright.
The vibe is energetic, with local taps flowing and playlists keeping things upbeat. It is a great pick when you want fish fry comfort with a Milwaukee twist.
You leave full and already eyeing the next visit with friends.