If Friday night feels like a hometown holiday, Fitz’s on the Lake makes it official the moment you pull into W11602 County Road V. The glow off Lake Wisconsin, that crackle from the fryer, and the low hum of neighbors catching up turn dinner into a ritual you will plan your week around. The fish is crisp, the views are mellow, and the Old Fashioneds are exactly what you hoped for. Come hungry, leave connected, and circle next Friday on your calendar before you hit the parking lot.
The Legendary Friday Fish Fry
Friday at Fitz’s on the Lake feels like a neighborhood roll call. Crisp battered fillets arrive steaming, lightly seasoned, and paired with tartar that leans bright rather than heavy. You get that first bite crackle, then the gentle flake that makes conversation pause.
On the side, expect marble rye, slaw with a touch of sweetness, and fries that hold their crunch. Prices stay friendly, and service moves fast without making you feel rushed. You will recognize faces by your second visit, which is part of the charm.
The lake view turns golden as the sun drops, and the whole room softens. It is not fancy, but it hits the spot. Come early if you want a patio table.
Baked vs. Fried Haddock Showdown
Sometimes you want the best of both worlds, and Fitz’s lets you do exactly that. Order a half baked, half fried haddock combo to compare textures with each forkful. The baked side is tender with lemony butter, while the fried side offers light crunch.
Sweet potato fries add a caramel edge that plays well with both preparations. If you lean lighter, the baked option keeps it clean without losing flavor. If you want full nostalgia, the fried fish tastes like Fridays should.
Pair it with a crisp beer and call it a win either way. This is the plate regulars mention when guiding first timers. It is simple, balanced, and satisfying.
Sunset Seats On Lake Wisconsin
Grab a table outside and the evening turns cinematic. The water throws back warm light, boats drift by, and conversations blend with the soft clink of glassware. It feels easy, like summer even when the air is cool.
Service flows smoothly on the patio, and you will still get those hot plates promptly. The view does a lot of heavy lifting, making even a simple burger feel celebratory. You will not mind lingering after dessert.
This is a date night layup, but it also fits a family crowd. Snap a photo at golden hour if you are into that. The sunset steals the show and makes Fridays memorable.
Brandy Old Fashioned, Wisconsin Style
The brandy Old Fashioned at Fitz’s nails the Wisconsin profile. It is bright, balanced, and a little playful, with muddled citrus and cherry shining through. You get the sweet finish without it turning syrupy.
Sit at the bar for a quick pour and people watching. The bartender’s rhythm sets the tone as plates fly past and games play on TV. Order it sweet or press it if you want extra fizz.
It pairs well with fried fish, but it is also a solid pre dinner sipper. Locals will tell you it is a must. You may order a second before you know it.
Salad Bar Comforts
The salad bar feels like a nod to Wisconsin supper club culture. You will find crisp greens, a couple of creamy salads, and enough toppings to build a solid pre game plate. It is not fussy, just dependable and fresh.
On busy nights, staff keeps it tidy and replenished. That quick scoop of pasta salad or coleslaw scratches the nostalgic itch. It is the kind of spread that calms a hungry table while orders fire.
Pair a small salad with fish to balance the fry. If you have kids along, they will spot favorites fast. It is a simple luxury that makes the meal feel complete.
Coconut Shrimp Crowd Pleaser
Not every plate needs to be fish fry. The coconut shrimp at Fitz’s lands perfectly crisp with a gentle sweetness that does not overwhelm. Dip it into a citrusy sauce and you will get a clean finish.
This is a smart shareable while waiting for mains. It also doubles as a lighter dinner if you are not chasing a full platter. The portion size hits that sweet spot between appetizer and meal.
Pair with a cold IPA if you like contrast. It sits right beside burgers and lake views in the greatest hits list. Expect it to disappear from the table quickly.
Burger And Beer By The Water
Sometimes the right move is a burger and a beer with your back to the water. Fitz’s grills a juicy patty with classic toppings that feel just right. Add cheddar, keep it simple, and let the char do the talking.
The beer list rotates with reliable regional picks on tap and in cans. Ask your server for a crisp lager or a bright IPA to match the moment. It is an easygoing combo that handles any appetite.
On a clear evening, this is hard to beat for value and vibe. It is the order you can fall back on if the table cannot decide. Comfort never fails here.
Breakfast Buffet And Sunday Mimosas
Sundays switch gears with a breakfast buffet that feels generous without trying too hard. Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and a spread of fruit set the tone. It is the kind of morning that brings friends together after a late night.
$5 mimosas keep things bright and social. Grab a window seat to soak in the lake while you wake up slow. Service is upbeat, and the room fills with a friendly buzz.
If you love variety, this is your lane. It is also great before a day on the water. You will leave fueled and smiling.
Lakefront Date Night Playbook
Fitz’s can flip from family friendly to romantic without trying. Aim for twilight, order an appetizer to share, and settle in while the sky does its thing. The water settles, voices drop, and the place turns softly intimate.
Pick a baked fish plate if you want something light. Or split a burger and coconut shrimp for a relaxed pace. A brandy Old Fashioned sweet keeps it classic and local.
Staff understands when you want to linger. No rush, just lake time. It is an easy way to make a regular Friday feel special.
Kid Friendly, Parent Approved
Bringing kids is no stress here. The menu has straightforward picks like tenders, burgers, and fries, which hit the table hot. Servers check in without hovering and keep refills coming.
The salad bar doubles as an easy starter for younger eaters. You can sneak in some veggies between bites of fish. The lakeside view gives kids something to watch while waiting.
It is a spot where families feel welcome, not just tolerated. Budget friendly prices help, especially on weeknights. By dessert, everyone is relaxed and happy.
Weeknight Calm, Friday Buzz
Timing shapes your experience at Fitz’s. Weeknights feel calm with steady service and a shorter wait. You can take your time, chat with staff, and try a new item without the rush.
Fridays flip the switch and the room hums. The fish fry pulls in locals, and the line moves with practiced ease. Even when it is busy, servers keep things friendly.
Pick your lane based on your mood. Quiet Tuesday for a sunset date, or Friday for the full reunion vibe. Both feel exactly right.
Sweet Endings And Big Desserts
Save room if you can because desserts here like to make an entrance. Think big slices and plenty of whipped cream. It is the kind of plate that makes the table lean in and share forks.
After a salty fry, a rich chocolate finish hits the spot. Coffee is hot and comes fast, which helps the last bites go down smooth. You will leave grinning and a little proud of yourselves.
Sharing is the move unless you are fearless. It wraps the night with a wink. Consider it your victory lap around the lake.
Service With Small Town Heart
Friendly service is not an accident here. Staff reads the room and matches your pace, whether you are catching up with neighbors or squeezing in a quick dinner. First day servers get coached well and rise to the moment.
Ask for recommendations and you will get honest answers. The team knows which specials are shining that day. Refill timing feels intuitive, not robotic.
It is the kind of treatment that turns guests into regulars. You feel looked after without fuss. That small town warmth sticks with you.
Best Value Plays On The Menu
If you are counting dollars, Fitz’s still lets you eat well. The classic fish fry remains a strong value, especially with hearty sides. Burgers and baskets round out the budget options without feeling skimpy.
Watch for daily specials that sneak extra savings into the bill. A well priced pint and a shareable appetizer can cover a casual night. You will leave full without second guessing the tab.
Ask your server what is running that day. They will steer you right. Value lives here in plain sight.
Getting There And When To Go
You will find Fitz’s at W11602 County Road V in Lodi, right on the water. Parking is straightforward, and the entrance is easy to spot. It is a smooth hop from Madison for a dinner with a view.
Hours run most days with Friday later by a notch, so check before you roll. Aim early for prime patio seats on sunny nights. If the weather turns, indoor seating stays comfortable with lake sightlines.
Call ahead for larger groups and expect a friendly yes. The flow is practiced and welcoming. Getting in and out is painless.
Make It A Weekly Tradition
The best part of Fitz’s is how it turns into a rhythm. Show up on Fridays, and you will start recognizing faces, servers, and even boats drifting past. It becomes a habit that makes the week feel anchored.
Pick your staples or rotate through the hits. Either way, there is comfort in knowing exactly how the night will unfold. It is a soft landing after a long week.
You will leave lighter than you arrived. The view, the fry, the chatter, it all ties together. Next Friday is already calling your name.