What’s your favorite area fish fry? Tell our critic where to go
The annual fish fry guide. It’s the assignment I feared most when taking on this job. Covering a tradition so sacred in Wisconsin, with countless restaurants that represent at least one person’s “absolute best,” is pretty much a no-win situation for a newb like me. Especially as a non-native Wisconsinite.
I have called Wisconsin home for more than 15 years, and in that time I’ve collected a coterie of my own favorites (I’m keeping those close to the vest for now), but I know I’ve only skimmed the lake when diving into some of the state’s most hallowed halls of fried fish.
Which is why I’m asking for your help.
Readers, for my first-ever fish fry guide, I want you to tell me where to go. What’s the classic spot that’s slung baskets of the same crispy cod recipe for 50 years? What unassuming tavern boasts a wow-worthy walleye that keeps you coming back? What’s the mom-and-pop shop that makes perfect potato pancakes that might overshadow the famed fish in question? Maybe your go-to spot shines with old-school charm and an awesome old fashioned. Please share your gold standard. I’ll keep track of your responses and visit the restaurants that rise to the top of the most-requested list. The only stipulations are that the restaurant is within a 40-minute drive of Milwaukee, offers a special fish fry dinner from now through March (or year-round) and that it’s a place you absolutely think I need to try.
Share your fish fry pick with me via email (rseis@gannett.com), and stay tuned to see if your favorite Fridaynight delight reels in a review in the coming weeks.