The Friday fish fry has become a popular tradition in Wisconsin, especially during the weeks leading up to Easter. Dining out with children, however, requires a little forethought. With child sized portions taken into account, families can dine out without breaking the bank. These family-approved fish fries will satisfy your cravings without the fuss.
Cafe Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366
cafehollander.com
The potato chip crusted fish fry stands out among Hollander’s Friday specials and comes with the cafe’s famous frites, coleslaw and rye bread. There are healthy options too, like cedar planked Scottish salmon (available in salad form as well) served with sweet potato wedges and garden vegetable hash. The kid’s menu includes the usual suspects – macaroni and cheese, mini burgers and chicken tenders – but also Swedish meatballs and cheese pizza.
Polish Center of Wisconsin
6941 S. 68th St., Franklin, (414) 529-2140
polishcenterofwisconsin.org
The influence of the Polish on Milwaukee is undeniable. Polish food is put in the spotlight when the Polish Center of Wisconsin opens their doors to the Friday night dining crowd during Lent. You can expect fried or baked fish paired with fries, coleslaw and rye bread. The kicker? The meal comes with pierogi, Polish dumplings traditionally filled with cheese, potato, meat or sauerkraut. Kids ages 6 to 12 are offered a reduced rate, and children 5 and under eat free.
Clifford's Supper Club
10418 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, (414) 425-6226
cliffordsfinefood.com
A hot spot year round, Clifford’s serves up their fish fry family style in the Large Hall. Their fish fry is all you can eat and comes served with french fries, coleslaw, biscuits and rye bread. Fish alternatives of a cheeseburger, chicken strips or grilled cheese are present for children.
Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. Commerce St., (414) 372-8800
lakefrontbrewery.com
It’s more like dinner and a show at Lakefront on Friday nights. Live music from The Brewhaus Polka Kings entices visitors onto the dance floor. Plan ahead or arrive early because it gets busy. It is not uncommon for a line to form out the door. Beer battered or baked cod and fried perch are on the menu with coleslaw, side and bread basket. For the kids, a small portion of fish fry is an option as well as Wisconsin five-cheese macaroni and cheese, chicken strips and grilled cheese.
The Chancery
4624 S. 27th St., (414) 282-3350
thechancery.com
All you can eat cod fish fry is served in a child-friendly space. The fish dinners come with french fries or potato pancakes and coleslaw. Other options include cornflake crusted perch, beer battered or broiled walleye and lobster bisque.
Hubbard Park Lodge
3565 N. Morris Blvd., (414) 332-4207
hubbardlodge.com
Tucked away in Hubbard Park, the lodge serves beer battered cod with french fries or potato pancakes, coleslaw, applesauce and rye bread. Children aged 12 and under receive reduced pricing. Live polka music starting at 6 p.m. elevates the experience.
North Avenue Grill
7225 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 453-7225
northavenuegrill.com
North Avenue Grill offers breaded fish fry of cod, perch or walleye on Fridays served with a choice of potato. The kids are welcome to be picky at this classic joint and chow down on a cheese quesadilla, burger, grilled cheese or chicken tenders.
Kegel's Inn
5901 W. National Ave., (414) 257-9999
kegelsinn.com
A German institution, Kegel’s Inn has Friday fish fry specials of fried cod, perch, pike or baked cod with choice of potato, coleslaw and rye bread. New England clam chowder is on the menu too. There is no dedicated children’s menu, but a few choices are available at a reasonable price.
Saz’s State House
5539 W. State St., (414) 453-2410
sazs.com
Fried cod or perch and baked cod make an appearance at Saz’s on Fridays. The fried fish dinners are served with coleslaw and a choice of side. Barbecue pulled pork or chicken, corn dog or pasta with garlic bread may entice the kids.
Oscar’s Frozen Custard
2362 S. 108th St., (414) 327-5220
oscarscustard.com
Oscar’s fish sandwich or fish and chips are available daily. There is even a family sized order consisting of 12 pieces of cod and french fries. And what kid would argue with custard for dessert?
Saint Francis Brewery
3825 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 744-4448
stfrancisbrewery.com
The brewery’s fried cod is available in adult or child portions. Adults can also select baked cod or fried perch. Kids 12 and under have non-fish choices of a cheeseburger, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, and pasta.
Red Dot
2498 N. Bartlett Ave., (414) 964-5720
With a location in Wauwatosa in addition to the East Side, the Red Dot offers fish fry on their normal menu and adds breaded bluegill and perch and baked cod on Fridays. The fish comes with a side choice, coleslaw and rye bread. Try the poutine as a side or starter!
Mo’s Irish Pub
142 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 272-0721
mosirishpub.com/milwaukee
Live Irish music floods the pub on weekends. Mo’s batters their fish fry in Irish beer and serves it with seasoned french fries and coleslaw. The little ones have a menu of their own featuring pasta with marinara sauce, chicken tenders, hamburger and grilled cheese.
