Friday night in Wisconsin is a ritual, and the sizzle of cod is your cue to pull up a barstool. These beloved taverns serve plates so crisp you hear the crackle before the first bite.
Get there early, because locals know the seats go fast and the tartar disappears quicker. If you crave golden fillets, rye bread, and a good old fashioned, this list is your roadmap.
TrendingNow
Kegel’s Inn – West Allis, Wisconsin
Kegel’s Inn feels like stepping into a cozy time capsule, where the cod arrives with a crackle and the potato pancakes steam gently. You will love how the batter clings light and crisp, giving way to moist flakes and bright lemon.
The rye bread and coleslaw balance every bite.
Arrive early, because the bar fills with neighbors swapping stories over old fashioneds. Service is friendly, quick, and comfortable without rushing you from that last crunchy corner.
Ask for applesauce with the pancakes and a side of tartar to double down on tradition.
Parking is tight, but the turnover moves fast, especially on Fridays. Expect a short wait that rewards your patience.
Leave full, content, and planning your next visit.
American Serb Hall Banquet – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
American Serb Hall Banquet is a fish fry legend where the operation hums like a well-oiled fryer. You move through the line, watch fillets turn golden, and somehow hunger grows with each sizzling basket.
The portions are generous, and the sides arrive exactly how you want them.
It is equal parts supper and community gathering, with families, teams, and old friends sharing tables. You will appreciate the speed without sacrificing crunch.
The tartar sauce is bright, and the fries are hot and sturdy enough for dipping.
Bring cash just in case, and come ready for the bustle. The parking lot fills quickly.
You leave with a satisfied quiet that only a perfect cod crunch can create.
The Packing House – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Packing House nails the supper club feel with a polished yet welcoming glow. The cod is light, shattering at the fork, and the baked potato is fluffy with a salty skin.
Add a brandy old fashioned sweet and you are set for a perfect Friday.
Service moves with confident rhythm, refilling drinks while keeping fish hot. The rye bread is a must, and the coleslaw brings sharp crunch to every bite.
Go early or embrace the classic wait with a cocktail.
There is curbside on busy nights, but dining in wins for atmosphere. You will savor each buttery flake and the soft hum of happy conversation.
Classic Milwaukee, done right.
Clifford’s Supper Club – Hales Corners, Wisconsin
Clifford’s Supper Club is the definition of Friday comfort. The cod is airy and crisp, while potato pancakes arrive hot with applesauce.
Add a cup of clam chowder to start, and you will be smiling by the first spoonful.
It is family friendly without losing that date night charm. The bar pours sturdy brandy old fashioneds, and service keeps the pace.
You will appreciate how quickly refills land and how warm the welcome feels.
Expect a wait during peak hours, but the buzz makes time fly. Grab a high-top near the bar if you can.
By the end, the last crisp bite practically begs for one more round.
The Fox & Hounds Restaurant & Tavern – Hubertus, Wisconsin
The Fox & Hounds feels like a cabin getaway with the comforts of a faithful fish fry. The cod carries a bubbly crust and a gentle, flaky interior.
Potato pancakes come crispy edged, perfect with a swipe of applesauce.
Settle near the fireplace if you can for that northwoods warmth. The dining rooms sprawl, yet service keeps plates moving hot.
You will enjoy a steady flow of cocktails and friendly check-ins without hovering.
Drive out early and watch deer on the way, then settle in for a long supper. Portions satisfy without overdoing it.
You will leave with that lingering woodsmoke scent and a happy, crackling memory.
Red Shorts Cafe – Plymouth, Wisconsin
Red Shorts Cafe proves humble spots can deliver mighty crunch. The cod arrives golden, paired with fries or a baked potato, and a simple side salad.
You will taste the care in the batter and the warmth in the service.
Bring cash and an appetite, because portions lean generous. The atmosphere is bright, with families cycling through and staff greeting regulars by name.
Save room for pie, because the crust is flaky and fillings are seasonal.
Weekend mornings can blur into lunch, so timing helps. Sit by the window for sunshine while you wait.
By the last bite, you will understand why locals guard their favorite booths.
Schwarz’s Supper Club – New Holstein, Wisconsin
Schwarz’s Supper Club is where tradition sticks the landing. The cod is crisp without greasiness, letting flaky meat shine through.
Start with a relish tray and end with a scoop of peppermint stick ice cream if available.
You will love the cadence: cocktail, order, salad, sizzling platters. The potato pancakes have a whisper of onion and a great crunch.
Staff are attentive in that quiet, polished supper club manner.
Reservations help, but the bar area is a scene worth experiencing. Strike up a conversation and trade local tips.
Leave with a full stomach, a lingering cinnamon cherry from your old fashioned, and a happy glow.
Landmark Square Condominium – Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Landmark Square Condominium is an unconventional entry, yet locals whisper about occasional community-style fish fry gatherings. When they happen, the fryers hum and platters circulate with neighborly cheer.
You will find crisp cod, simple sides, and a view that nods toward the lake.
Check community boards or local groups for dates. It feels like a potluck meets tavern night, with stories trading hands faster than ketchup bottles.
The energy is casual, friendly, and thoroughly Sheboygan.
If a pop-up is not on, nearby taverns still scratch the itch. Either way, you will appreciate the close-knit vibe and shared plates.
Bring cash, patience, and a smile, because this scene thrives on togetherness.
Marty’s Place North – Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Marty’s Place North delivers that up-north magic with a plate that crackles. The cod is tender inside, armored by a bubbly golden coat.
Order the potato pancakes and a cup of chowder to settle into the evening.
You will appreciate the view of tall pines and the hum of friendly conversation. The bar pours confidently, and staff keep the pace brisk.
It is the kind of place where strangers trade snowmobile tips between bites.
Busy weekends reward early arrivals. Sit near a window if you can for sunset colors.
By the time you leave, the lingering crunch and pine-scented air follow you to the car.
Wendt’s on the Lake – Van Dyne, Wisconsin
Wendt’s on the Lake is a shoreline classic where fish tastes like vacation. Cod is excellent, though perch fans lose their minds here.
The breading is crisp and lightly seasoned, letting the fish shine.
Arrive early for a lake view and a breezy patio seat. You will want extra lemon and a second tartar for dipping.
The rye bread and coleslaw tie it all together without stealing attention.
Fridays draw a crowd, but turnover stays steady. Boat in if weather allows and make an evening of it.
You will leave smiling, carrying that perfect lakeside crunch into the night.
Krabbe’s Supper Club – Seymour, Wisconsin
Krabbe’s Supper Club delivers a hometown hug on a plate. The cod is remarkably crisp, never soggy, with steam escaping at first cut.
Pair it with potato salad and crunchy slaw for the full effect.
The bar scene is lively, and you might catch a local recommending desserts. You will appreciate sensible pricing and portions sized for real appetites.
Staff are quick with refills and good conversation.
Expect prime-time waits, but they move. Bring friends and share appetizers while you hang by the bar rail.
The last bite hits like a perfect cadence, ending with a bright squeeze of lemon.
Toby’s Supper Club – Madison, Wisconsin
Toby’s Supper Club is Madison’s dependable Friday ritual. The cod crackles and the potato pancakes come thin, crisp, and oniony.
Start with a brandy old fashioned and settle into the hum of conversation.
You will find quick service and servers who read the room well. The coleslaw is tangy, balancing each bite of fried goodness.
Ask about soup specials, because chowder often steals the show.
Parking gets tight, so arrive early or rideshare. The dining room fills fast but stays comfortable.
By the end, you will swear the crunch echoes as you walk back outside.
Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lakefront Brewery turns a fish fry into a party. The cod is crunchy and generous, riding alongside fries, coleslaw, and a pint brewed meters away.
Add cheese curds for the full Wisconsin welcome.
The beer hall buzzes with tours and birthdays, so expect laughter and clinking glasses. You will want to try a flight, then land on a favorite pint with your plate.
The tartar has zip, and the fries stay crisp to the last bite.
Lines can snake, but they move fast. Snag a river-adjacent table if you can.
You will leave warm, full, and planning a return with more friends.
Discussion about this post