Picture this: You’re in Wisconsin, it’s Friday night, and the aroma of crispy, golden fish is wafting through the air.

Welcome to the Badger State’s favorite weekly ritual – the fish fry. Let’s dive into nine spots that’ll make your taste buds do the polka!

1. Liquid Johnny’s (Milwaukee)

Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee, Liquid Johnny’s is like that cool uncle who always has the best stories – and in this case, the best fish fry.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm glow of neon signs and the inviting aroma of perfectly battered fish.

The outdoor patio is a hidden gem, strung with twinkling lights that make you feel like you’re at a backyard party with your closest friends.

It’s the kind of place where you can show up in your favorite flannel shirt and feel right at home.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the fish.

It’s so fresh, you’d think they have a secret underwater tunnel connected to Lake Michigan.

The crispy exterior gives way to flaky, tender fish that practically melts in your mouth.

Pair it with their hand-cut fries, and you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven.

But what really sets Liquid Johnny’s apart is the atmosphere.

It’s like they’ve bottled up the essence of Wisconsin friendliness and sprinkled it all over the place.

You might come for the fish, but you’ll stay for the conversation with the regulars at the bar, who’ll treat you like a long-lost friend within minutes.

2. Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee)

If Willy Wonka decided to trade in chocolate for beer and fish fry, the result would be Lakefront Brewery.

This place is a wonderland for grown-ups who love good food, great beer, and a side of industrial chic.

Housed in a former power plant along the Milwaukee River, Lakefront Brewery is a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.

The massive copper brewing kettles gleam like treasure chests, and the high ceilings make you feel like you’re dining in a cathedral dedicated to the holy trinity of hops, barley, and fish.

Their fish fry is the stuff of legend.

The beer-battered cod is so good, it might make you consider trading in your car for a fishing boat.

And let’s not forget about the potato pancakes – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the perfect vehicle for applesauce or syrup (or both, we won’t judge).

But the real magic happens when you pair your fish with one of their house-brewed beers.

It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, orchestrated by a maestro who really knows their stuff.

The Riverwest Stein, their amber lager, is the perfect companion to the rich, crispy fish.

And if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on their riverside patio, you’re in for a treat.

There’s something special about munching on fish fry while watching boats glide by on the Milwaukee River.

It’s like a mini-vacation right in the middle of the city.

3. The Old Fashioned (Madison)

Stepping into The Old Fashioned is like walking into a time capsule of Wisconsin’s greatest hits.

This place is so quintessentially Badger State, you half expect to see Vince Lombardi sitting at the bar, sipping on a brandy old fashioned.

Located on Capitol Square in Madison, The Old Fashioned is a love letter to Wisconsin’s supper club culture.

The warm glow of the vintage light fixtures, the cozy wood paneling, and the quirky decor (keep an eye out for the cow-shaped creamer) all come together to create an atmosphere that’s as comforting as a bear hug from your favorite aunt.

Their fish fry is the kind of meal that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.

The beer-battered cod is crispy perfection, and the tartar sauce?

Let’s just say it could make even the most ardent ketchup fan switch allegiances.

But the real showstopper is their potato pancakes.

These golden discs of joy are like the superheroes of the side dish world – crispy, savory, and ready to save your taste buds from boredom.

And let’s not forget about their namesake cocktail.

The Old Fashioned here is so good, it might make you forget about every other drink you’ve ever had.

It’s sweet, it’s strong, and it’s the perfect companion to your fish fry feast.

But what really sets The Old Fashioned apart is its ability to make you feel like you’re part of a big, happy Wisconsin family.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, by the time you leave, you’ll be saying “ope” and “you betcha” like a true Wisconsinite.

4. Dexter’s Pub (Madison)

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Madison, Dexter’s Pub is like that friend who doesn’t say much but always knows where to find the best food in town.

From the outside, it might not look like much – just a simple brick building with a green awning.

But don’t let that fool you.

This place is a hidden gem that locals guard more fiercely than their secret cheese curd suppliers.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the warm glow of neon beer signs and the inviting aroma of perfectly fried fish.

The atmosphere is as laid-back as a Sunday afternoon nap, but with better food and drinks.

Now, let’s talk about their fish fry.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to hug the chef (but don’t, because that would be weird).

The fish is so perfectly crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, it’s like they’ve discovered some sort of deep-frying magic.

And the portion sizes?

Let’s just say you might want to wear your stretchy pants.

But what really sets Dexter’s apart is their commitment to craft beer.

Their tap list reads like a who’s who of Wisconsin brewing, with options that’ll make beer nerds weep tears of hoppy joy.

Pairing your fish fry with one of their local brews is like creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

And here’s a pro tip: if you’re feeling adventurous, try their fish tacos.

It’s like they took the best parts of a fish fry, wrapped it in a tortilla, and said, “You’re welcome, world.”

5. Schwarz’s Supper Club (St. Anna)

Imagine if your grandma’s living room decided to have a love affair with a five-star restaurant, and their child grew up to become the coolest place in town.

That’s Schwarz’s Supper Club for you.

Located in the tiny town of St. Anna (population: probably less than your high school graduating class), Schwarz’s is the kind of place that time forgot – in the best possible way.

The moment you pull up, you’ll see cars filling the parking lot and spilling onto the grass.

It’s like the entire town decided to have dinner here tonight, and honestly, can you blame them?

Step inside, and you’re transported to a world of wood paneling, cozy booths, and enough taxidermy to make a naturalist blush.

But don’t let the decor fool you – this place is all about the food.

Their fish fry is the stuff of legend.

The fish is so fresh, you’d think they have a secret underground river running beneath the restaurant.

It’s perfectly crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and served in portions that would make a lumberjack say, “Whoa, that’s a lot of food.”

But the real star of the show?

The relish tray.

It’s like someone took all the best parts of a Wisconsin picnic and put them on one plate.

Pickles, cheese spreads, raw veggies – it’s a feast before the feast.

And let’s not forget about the Old Fashioneds.

They’re so good, you might find yourself wondering if you can order one to go (spoiler alert: you can’t, but you can always come back tomorrow).

6. Wendt’s on the Lake (Van Dyne)

Perched on the shores of Lake Winnebago, Wendt’s on the Lake is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you don’t live on a lake.

It’s part restaurant, part time machine, whisking you back to a simpler time when fish was always fried and calories didn’t exist.

From the outside, Wendt’s looks like a cozy lake house that decided to invite the whole town over for dinner.

The yellow siding and homey exterior might fool you into thinking you’ve accidentally crashed someone’s family reunion.

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But step inside, and you’ll realize you’re in for a treat.

The interior is a delightful mishmash of lake house chic and supper club cool.

Wood paneling?

Check.

Vintage beer signs?

You bet.

A view of the lake that’ll make you want to quit your job and become a professional fisherman?

Absolutely.

Now, let’s talk about their fish fry.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you understand why Friday night fish fries are practically a religion in Wisconsin.

The fish is so fresh, you’d swear they have a secret trap door that leads straight into the lake.

It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it’s served in portions that’ll make you wonder if they misheard “one person” as “one small army.”

But what really sets Wendt’s apart is their famous lake perch.

These little flavor bombs are like the superheroes of the fish world – small but mighty.

They’re lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish inside.

It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth.

And if you’re lucky enough to snag a table by the window, you’re in for a treat.

Watching the sun set over Lake Winnebago while munching on perfectly fried fish is the kind of experience that makes you think, “Yeah, this is what life’s all about.”

7. The Packing House (Milwaukee)

The Packing House in Milwaukee is like that cool jazz club your parents used to go to, but with better food and less smoke.

This place has been serving up fish fries since 1974, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the art of the crispy cod.

From the outside, The Packing House looks like it could be the set of a classic mob movie.

But don’t let that fool you – the only thing criminal about this place is how good their fish fry is.

Step inside, and you’re transported to a world of old-school cool.

The dim lighting, the cozy booths, the live piano music – it’s like the 1970s decided to throw a party and invited all the best parts of the 21st century.

Now, let’s talk about their fish fry.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.

The fish is so perfectly crispy, it makes other fried foods look at it in awe.

And the portions?

Let’s just say you might want to skip lunch… and possibly breakfast too.

But what really sets The Packing House apart is their drive-thru fish fry.

Yes, you read that right. It’s like they took the best parts of fast food (convenience, speed) and combined it with the best parts of a supper club (amazing food, no regrets).

It’s perfect for those nights when you want a fantastic fish fry, but don’t want to change out of your sweatpants.

And let’s not forget about their cocktails.

Their Old Fashioned is so good, it might make you forget about every other drink you’ve ever had.

It’s sweet, it’s strong, and it’s the perfect companion to your fish fry feast.

8. Points East Pub (Milwaukee)

Points East Pub is like that cool, slightly grungy dive bar you discovered in college, but with food so good it makes you question everything you thought you knew about bar grub.

Tucked away on a corner in Milwaukee’s East Side, Points East doesn’t look like much from the outside.

In fact, if it weren’t for the neon signs in the window, you might think it was just someone’s really big garage.

But step inside, and you’re in for a treat.

The interior is pure, unadulterated dive bar chic.

We’re talking dark wood, vintage beer signs, and a bar that looks like it’s seen more stories than a library.

It’s the kind of place where you can show up in your favorite ratty t-shirt and feel right at home.

Now, let’s talk about their fish fry.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to high-five the chef (but don’t, because that would be weird).

The fish is crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and served with a side of “how is this so good?”

Their potato pancakes are like little discs of joy – crispy, savory, and the perfect vehicle for applesauce or sour cream.

But what really sets Points East apart is its wings.

I know, I know, we’re here to talk about fish fry.

But trust me, these wings are worth breaking the fish fry code for.

They’re crispy, they’re spicy, and they’re so good they might make you consider trading in your Friday fish fry tradition for a wing night (but don’t, because that would be sacrilege in Wisconsin).

And let’s not forget about the beer.

Their tap list is like a love letter to Wisconsin brewing, with options that’ll make beer nerds weep tears of hoppy joy.

Pairing your fish fry with one of their local brews is like creating a flavor party in your mouth where everyone’s invited.

9. Toby’s Supper Club (Madison)

Last but certainly not least, we have Toby’s Supper Club in Madison.

This place is like that one friend who doesn’t say much but always knows where to find the best food in town.

From the outside, Toby’s looks like a cozy little house that decided to invite the whole neighborhood over for dinner.

The white siding and simple sign might make you think you’ve accidentally pulled into someone’s driveway.

But trust me, you’re in the right place.

Step inside, and you’re transported to a world of supper club magic.

The wood paneling, the cozy booths, the bar that looks like it’s been there since the dawn of time – it’s all part of Toby’s charm.

Now, let’s talk about their fish fry.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to write a love song… to a piece of fish.

The cod is so perfectly crispy and flaky, it’s like they’ve discovered some sort of fish fry alchemy.

And the portions?

Let’s just say you might want to skip lunch… and possibly breakfast… and maybe even yesterday’s dinner.

But what really sets Toby’s apart is their relish tray.

It’s like someone took all the best parts of a Wisconsin picnic and put them on one plate.

Pickles, cheese spreads, raw veggies – it’s a feast before the feast.

And let’s not forget about their Old Fashioneds.

They’re so good, you might find yourself wondering if it’s socially acceptable to order one in a to-go cup (spoiler alert: it’s not, but you can always come back tomorrow).

So there you have it, folks – nine spots in Wisconsin that serve up fish fry so good, you’ll be dreaming about it until next Friday.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with some crispy cod and a cold beer.

Cheers!