Fridays in Wisconsin feel like a statewide holiday, and I set out to taste why. Fourteen stops, countless miles, and a mission to find that perfect first bite that crackles under your fork. Some plates were cozy classics, others bold twists, but five delivered undeniable, head-turning crunch. Grab a napkin and ride along as we chase golden fillets from taverns to storied supper clubs.
Kroll’s West – Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin
The moment the basket hit the table, that batter whispered promise with a crisp shimmer. The cod flaked in big, pearly sheets, staying juicy without feeling greasy. You get that iconic Green Bay energy in the room, buzzing like game day without the noise, just friendly nods and ketchup bottles.
TrendingNow
Crinkle fries were textbook, salty and hot, perfect for dipping into a peppery tartar sauce. Coleslaw leaned creamy with a light tang, and the marble rye added the familiar supper club comfort. If you like a crunch that announces itself, this delivers.
Service moved fast, even when the line curled by the door. It felt effortless, like Friday tradition perfected.
The Packing House – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This Milwaukee staple leans into tradition, starting with airy batter that crackles then melts into tender cod. Order potato pancakes and you will understand the hype, crisp outside and soft within, nudged sweet by applesauce. The rye arrives warm, ideal for catching drips of lemon and tartar.
There is a steady hum at the bar, Old Fashioneds lining up like parade floats. Staff keeps everything moving with calm precision, even through peak rush. The slaw is balanced and refreshing, giving the plate brightness.
Crunch score is excellent, holding up from first bite to last. It feels like a city institution where your grandparents and your friends would both feel at home. Bring an appetite and patience.
Ishnala Supper Club – Lake Delton, Wisconsin
At Ishnala, the setting almost steals the show, but the fish fry refuses to be background. The walleye wears a delicate coat that crackles, revealing sweet, clean flesh. Paired with a view over calm water, every bite feels like a deep breath.
Potatoes come crisp and comforting, and the relish tray is classic, a nod to supper club ritual. Tartar tastes bright with dill and lemon, cutting through richness without narrowing flavors. Rye bread is soft and supportive, nothing distracting.
Service is polished yet warm, even when the lobby fills. The crunch is refined rather than aggressive, but it holds. Sit by the window, sip an Old Fashioned, and let the night slow down.
Toby’s Supper Club – Madison, Wisconsin
Toby’s feels like slipping into a favorite sweater, and the fish backs that up. The batter is crisp but light, letting the cod shine. Perch is an excellent option here, delicate and slightly sweet, with just enough salt to sing.
Potato pancakes come lacy and golden, begging for applesauce. The slaw is crunchy and lightly sweet, balancing the plate. Everything tastes seasoned by tradition, like a recipe unchanged because it does not need changing.
Crunch fans will be happy, especially early in the evening when the fryers are zipping. Staff is cheerful and quick with refills. It is Madison comfort, no frills, just skill and heart on a plate.
Buckhorn Supper Club – Milton, Wisconsin
Right on the water, Buckhorn brings a relaxed, breezy mood to Friday night. The cod arrives with a confident crunch, protecting juicy flakes inside. If baked is your lane, they deliver, but the fried version is where the excitement lives.
Hash browns add buttery crisp edges, a great change-up from fries. Tartar leans citrusy, lifting each bite without overpowering. Coleslaw is cooling and fresh, fluttering between creamy and bright.
The dining room hums with families and date nights, clinking glasses and lake chatter. Servers keep things friendly and unhurried. It is a satisfying, classic fish fry anchored by a view, and the crunch keeps pace with the scenery.
Mark’s East Side – Appleton, Wisconsin
Mark’s East Side serves the kind of fish fry that wins regulars for life. Batter shatters lightly, and the fish inside is clean, moist, and generous. Perch steals the spotlight with a delicate texture that loves a squeeze of lemon.
Potato pancakes are crisp and deeply satisfying, especially with applesauce. Slaw has pop and crunch, bringing balance. The tartar is herb kissed, an easy dunk you will reach for until the last bite.
Even at peak, service feels personal, like everyone is rooting for your perfect meal. The crunch holds nicely across the plate, not soggy, not tooth cracking. It is the kind of comfort you remember on a Tuesday afternoon.
Van Abel’s of Hollandtown – Kaukauna, Wisconsin
Van Abel’s carries a small town heartbeat, and the fish fry reflects that welcome. The coating is golden and reliably crisp, hugging flaky fillets without heaviness. Portions lean generous, perfect for sharing or not sharing at all.
Choose mashed or fries, and the slaw comes cold and crunchy. Rye slices are soft, just right for sopping tartar and lemony drips. It feels like a community table where everyone knows someone.
The crunch is steady and satisfying, not flashy yet totally dependable. Service is upbeat and fast, even with a full house. If your Friday needs warmth plus tradition, this is a very easy yes.
Schwarz’s Supper Club – New Holstein, Wisconsin
Schwarz’s does comfort with confidence, starting with haddock that breaks clean under the fork. The batter is crisp with a hint of pepper, never greasy. You taste attention in the seasoning, simple and dialed in.
Potato pancakes are a highlight, browned just right and ready for applesauce. The slaw is bright and snappy, keeping each bite lively. Add the relish tray and you have the full supper club picture.
Crunch stays consistent from first to last piece. Service is friendly in a we have got you way, guiding newcomers with ease. It is the kind of spot where Friday feels exactly as it should, familiar and satisfying.
Five O’Clock Club – Eau Claire, Wisconsin
This Eau Claire favorite serves fish that snaps when you bite, then gives way to tender flakes. The batter is golden and evenly seasoned, keeping its structure to the final piece. Waffle fries add a playful crunch that holds up under tartar.
Coleslaw is chilled and crisp, a good foil for the hot fry. The bar hums with easygoing chatter, and drinks land quickly. Portions are hearty without feeling overboard.
Expect friendly service and a pace that suits lingering. The crunch factor is excellent for anyone chasing texture. It is the kind of stop that turns a road trip into a story you will want to retell.
Norwood Pines Supper Club – Minocqua, Wisconsin
Norwood Pines wraps you in pine scent and warm light, then hands you a plate with serious crunch. The batter is crisp and thin, showing off moist fish beneath. A baked potato with plenty of butter keeps things classic.
Coleslaw has a refreshing snap, and the rye bread is soft and toasty. The room feels timeless, with big windows framing tall trees. An Old Fashioned fits right in, orange and cherry smiling from the glass.
Service is gracious and steady, even during the rush. The crunch stays true from first bite to last. It is a northwoods evening done right, the kind of meal that lingers in your memory.
Eddie’s – Superior, Wisconsin
Eddie’s does not complicate things, and that is part of the charm. The fish arrives hot, with a sturdy crunch that stands up to tartar and vinegar. Inside, the flakes stay moist and clean tasting.
Fries are seasoned and plentiful, with edges that stay crisp. Slaw provides a cool counterpoint, leaning tangy rather than sweet. Add a squeeze of lemon and you are locked into a perfect rhythm.
The room feels welcoming, with staff who remember your order by the second visit. Crunch seekers will be pleased, especially if you eat fast from the fryer. It is a reliable northern stop that delivers simple joy.
The Old Fashioned – Madison, Wisconsin
The Old Fashioned leans local and proud, and the fish fry carries that spirit. The crust is crisp without heaviness, letting walleye or cod shine. Shoestring fries bring a salty tangle that stays crunchy.
House tartar is zippy with herbs, and the slaw adds cool crunch. The room buzzes with Capitol energy, clattering plates and happy chatter. You can taste care in the sourcing and seasoning.
Service is brisk, and the line is worth it. Crunch holds strong, especially on the thinner fillets. Grab a booth, order a brandy Old Fashioned sweet, and settle in for quintessential Madison comfort.
Bootleggers Lodge – Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Bootleggers brings lodge vibes and a hearty fry you can hear. The batter has a coarse crunch, almost crackly, protecting tender fish beneath. Potato pancakes are crisp edged and comforting, especially with applesauce.
Coleslaw is fresh and straightforward, doing its balance work well. Rye bread soaks up all the good bits. The windows frame a glowing lake, and time seems to slow between bites.
Staff is upbeat and attentive without hovering. The crunch factor ranks high here, with texture that survives leisurely conversations. It is the kind of place where stories grow a little taller and plates empty fast.
The Del-Bar – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The Del-Bar dresses Friday night in a pressed shirt, and the fish fry follows suit. The crust is refined and crisp, emphasizing tender, fresh tasting fillets. You can go broiled, but the fried option is confident without being heavy.
Baked potato with sour cream adds steakhouse comfort. The relish tray is immaculate, a throwback that feels right at home. Tartar is balanced and bright, each dip bringing citrus and herb notes.
Service is polished, with timing that feels choreographed. The crunch holds better than expected for a finer setting. It is a special occasion fish fry that still feels warmly Wisconsin at heart.
Discussion about this post