What makes a classic fish fry? Well, that depends who you ask. For us, it’s about a great old-school atmosphere, delicious fish and friends to share it with.
Here are five to try on this Good Friday eve.
1. Serb Hall
5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., (414) 545-6030
serbhall.com
One of the biggest classic Good Friday fish fries takes place at Serb Hall, where it’s predicted they’ll serve 3,000 pounds of fish alongside 2,000 pounds of French fries, 900 pounds of cole slaw and 40 gallons of tartar sauce.
On Friday they’ll be serving up Serbian baked cod, deep fried cod, breaded baked cod, ocean perch, haddock, or shrimp served with family style coleslaw, tartar sauce, mashed or french fried potatoes, bread and butter. Order it up between 11:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Dine in or grab your fish at the drive-thru or walk-up window. Either way, be prepared for the line.
2. Bass Bay Brewhouse
S79W15851 Aud Mar Dr., Muskego (414) 377-9449
bassbaybrewhouse.com
Alright. So, this spot might not have the years notched in its belt that other places do. But, it’s a worthy contender for your Good Friday fish fry. Consider Bass Bay a "new" classic. The highlight of their fish fry is the hand-breaded Atlantic cod, which is some of the crispiest you’ll find (it even holds up to reheating!). It’s served with tartar sauce, French fries and marbled rye with Wisconsin butter and house made cole slaw. There’s also rye bread crusted walleye, poor man’s lobster served with drawn butter and lemon or crab-crusted cod oscar if you’re feeling a bit fancy. You would be wise to order up a bowl of their clam chowder to start.
3. Kegel's Inn
5901 W. National Ave., (414) 257-9999
kegelsinn.com
There are few more classic spots to get your fish fry on than Kegel’s. The line is long, but the folks are cheerful at this classic corner tavern with a German beer hall feel. Enjoy the company of your dining companions and order up a classic old fashioned or mug of German beer while you wait for your table. Then order up the classic fish fry with four pieces of lightly breaded cod with rye bread, cole slaw and potato pancakes with applesauce. There’s also lake perch, walleye bluegill or baked cod, if you prefer.
4. The Packing House
900 E. Layton Ave., (414) 483-5054
packinghousemke.com
What’s more classic than the supper clubby feel of The Packing House? Gather up a few of your closest friends and head south for a great classic brandy old fashioned and a good old fish fry. Theirs features hand-breaded Icelandic cod, French fries, cole slaw, rye bread and house-made tartar sauce. If you’d prefer to enjoy your fish at home, there is drive-through service from 3 to 9 p.m.; just don’t forget, it’s cash only!
5. Old German Beer Hall
1009 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 226-2728
Oldgermanbeerhall.com
Embrace Milwaukee’s German heritage at the Old German Beer Hall, a venue modeled after Munich’s legendary Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. On Fridays, you’ll find plenty of gemütlichkeit, along with plates filled with a half-pound Hofbrau beer-battered cod, served up alongside fries, bread and coleslaw. Wash it all down with a liter of Hofbrau, brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot of 1516, which limits the ingredients in the beer to water, barley and hops.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
