Every year during Lent, people around Milwaukee remember how delicious a great fish fry can be. (Those of us with more refined taste never forget) And thus begins the search for the best fish fry around Milwaukee.
This is a difficult process. There is a ton of information out there about personal preference, long-time favorites, what the experts think, etc. How are we supposed to comb through all this information and make an informed choice when we’re hungry now?!
Well, let’s see if we can use technology to help. Below is a Deep Research response from ChatGPT, asking it to comb through the endless number of lists and reviews and rank what it finds. We provided the guidance, outlined the ranking system, and let the AI do the dirty work of summarizing what it found. These options should be limited to the last 2 years for the sake of relevance and to try and avoid businesses that have sadly closed.
Here you go… the somewhat objective list of the best fish fries in Milwaukee for 2025. Just in time for Good Friday.
Milwaukee’s Friday fish fry is more than a meal – it’s a cherished Wisconsin tradition. Every Friday (especially during Lent leading up to Easter), restaurants, taverns, and churches across the Milwaukee area serve up generous plates of fried fish with all the fixings. This report identifies the top traditional Wisconsin-style fish fries in Greater Milwaukee, focusing on classic fish options (like perch, cod, bluegill, walleye) and customary sides (potato pancakes or fries, coleslaw, rye bread, etc.). We base the rankings on an objective weighted scoring system that considers professional critic reviews, local bloggers’ opinions, customer ratings, and inclusion in “best of” lists. Below you’ll find our scoring methodology, a summary of rankings, and detailed profiles of each standout fish fry – including whether they offer dine-in, carryout, or seasonal service.
Scoring Methodology
We evaluated fish fry venues using a 100-point weighted scoring system combining four criteria:
- Professional Food Critic Reviews (40%) – Heavily weighted. We awarded points for praise or top rankings by professional critics in reputable publications (e.g. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Magazine). A glowing review or “best of” accolade from a critic could contribute up to 40 points.
- Independent Food Bloggers & Local Reviewers (25%) – Moderately weighted. Positive reviews or recommendations from respected local food bloggers and independent review series (for example, Milwaukee Record’s weekly fish fry reviews) contributed up to 25 points.
- “Best Of” Lists & Awards (20%) – Moderately weighted. Inclusion in local “best fish fry” lists (reader polls or editorial picks) and any regional or national accolades contributed up to 20 points. This includes annual reader polls (e.g. Shepherd Express “Best of Milwaukee”) and notable roundup lists.
- Customer Ratings & Popularity (15%) – Lightly weighted. Consistently high ratings on platforms like Google and Yelp, and volume of positive customer reviews, contributed up to 15 points. We also noted unique popularity indicators (such as long drive-thru lines or community buzz).
Using this rubric, each venue was scored out of 100. Only places open and well-reviewed in the past two years were considered. Traditional restaurants, taverns, supper clubs, churches, and seasonal pop-ups were all eligible. Below is the summary of the top-ranking fish fry destinations.
Ranking Summary
| Rank | Venue & Location | Type | Dine-In/Carryout | Notable Features / Highlights | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Packing House – Milwaukee | Supper Club | Dine-In & Drive-Thru Carryout | Iconic 50+ yrs; award-winning cod & perch fry (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) | 96 |
| 2 | Kegel’s Inn – West Allis | Historic Tavern | Dine-In (Carryout avail.) | 100-yr-old German tavern; multiple fish options (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express) (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent)) | 94 |
| 3 | Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall – Milwaukee | Beer Hall | Dine-In (Carryout avail.) | Beer-battered cod with live polka; famous local favorite (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) | 92 |
| 4 | Steny’s Tavern & Grill – Milwaukee | Bar & Grill | Dine-In & Carryout | Lively sports bar vibe; voted best by readers (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) | 90 |
| 5 | Erv’s Mug – Oak Creek | Restaurant/Bar | Dine-In & Carryout | Critic’s pick perch fry; craft beer focus (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try) | 89 |
| 6 | The Farmstead – Cedarburg | Restaurant | Dine-In (Limited carryout) | Historic farmhouse; rare bluegill fry on Wed/Fri (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try) | 87 |
| 7 | Swingin’ Door Exchange – Milwaukee | Historic Pub | Dine-In & Carryout | Old-school downtown saloon; beer-battered cod & perch (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) | 85 |
| 8 | St. Augustine Parish Fish Fry – West Allis (Seasonal) | Church Fish Fry (Catholic) | Dine-In & Carryout (Fridays in Lent) | All-you-can-eat cod with homemade sides; beloved by locals (St Augustine Parish Hall – Milwaukee, WI – Yelp) (Event Detail) | 83 |
| 9 | Sts. Constantine & Helen Fish Fry – Wauwatosa (Seasonal) | Church Fish Fry (Orthodox) | Dine-In & Carryout (Fridays in Lent) | Greek twist on tradition (plaki baked fish); noted on best-of listmilwaukeerecord.commilwaukeerecord.com | 82 |
| 10 | Clifford’s Supper Club – Hales Corners | Supper Club | Dine-In & Carryout | Huge capacity; all-you-can-eat cod with top-notch battermilwaukeerecord.com | 81 |
(Scores are based on weighted criteria; higher score = higher overall acclaim)
Below we provide detailed descriptions of each ranked fish fry, including what makes them unique and evidence from reviews, awards, and ratings.
1. The Packing House – Milwaukee 📈
Type: Family-Owned Supper Club (est. 1974) – Dine-in & Drive-Thru Carryout.
Fish Fry: Icelandic cod (fried or baked) is the star, paired with creamy coleslaw, marble rye bread, and your choice of potato (fries or house-made potato pancakes (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)】. The cod is hand-breaded to order, ensuring a perfectly crispy golden exterior and tender, flaky fish insid (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express) (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)】. They also offer lake perch when available, and each Friday dinner includes a cup of clam chowder (dine-in) as well.
What Makes It Great: The Packing House has been serving one of Milwaukee’s most legendary fish fries for over 50 years, earning “Best Fish Fry” awards from OnMilwaukee and Shepherd Express readers over multiple year (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)】. It’s a true supper club experience – the dining room features dim lighting, a retro bar, and often a crowd of regulars. Uniquely, The Packing House operates an ultra-popular drive-thru fish fry service that often sees cars lined up down Layton Avenue on Friday evening (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))】. This convenient carryout (cash-only for the drive-thru) lets you grab a top-tier fish fry without leaving your ca (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))】.
Recognition: Critics and locals alike adore The Packing House. Milwaukee Magazine lauded this fish fry as a “dependable” classic that comes with “all the traditional sides”, favoring the potato pancakes as the best accompanimen (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try) (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)】. It consistently ranks at or near the top of local polls – for example, Shepherd Express readers voted it among the top fish fries in Milwaukee for 202 (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)】. With its combination of longevity, quality, and that famous drive-thru, The Packing House scored the highest in our evaluation.
2. Kegel’s Inn – West Allis 📈
Type: Historic German-American Tavern (100+ years old) – Dine-in (Carryout available).
Fish Fry: A variety of fish is offered at Kegel’s Inn, making it a fish fry lover’s dream. Options include hand-breaded cod, lake perch, walleye, bluegill, even grouper or catfish, plus beer-battered jumbo shrimp – and they even offer a vegan “fishless” f (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express) (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))5】. Can’t choose? Their popular 3-2-1 combo platter gives you a taste of cod, perch, and walleye togeth (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)1】. Every plate comes with traditional sides: Grebe’s rye bread and butter, homemade coleslaw, tartar sauce, lemon, and a choice of french fries (default) or upgrade to potato pancakes, German potato salad, or a baked pota (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express) (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))5】.
What Makes It Great: Kegel’s Inn has been in business for a century (celebrating 100 years in 2024) and is a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s fish fry herita (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)7】. Stepping into Kegel’s is like “being transported to Bavaria” with its vintage beer-hall decor and stained-glass ambian (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)7】. The Friday fish fry here consistently ranks among the city’s best – it’s frequently mentioned in “top fish fry” lists and was specifically noted as a favorite in the official Milwaukee tourism guide, which calls Kegel’s *“old-school Milwaukee at its finest (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)8】.
Beyond atmosphere, Kegel’s Inn scores high on food quality and variety. The fish is fried in a light, crisp breading that isn’t overly greasy, allowing the fish’s flavor to shine. Reviewers love the option to get potato pancakes or even German potato salad on the side, a nod to the restaurant’s herita (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent)) (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)8】. Live polka music or accordion often plays in the beer garden tent out back on Friday nights, adding to the fun (they even heat the tent in cooler month (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))5】. With strong votes from local media and patrons – and a heavy weight from our critics’ score – Kegel’s Inn comes in a close second overall.
3. Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall – Milwaukee 📈
Type: Brewery Beer Hall & Restaurant – Dine-in (Carryout available).
Fish Fry: Lakefront Brewery’s Friday fish fry is a beer-battered cod dinner that has become *“a must-try Milwaukee traditio (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)57】. They dip Atlantic cod in their own beer batter (using Lakefront’s East Side Dark lager) and fry it crispy. It’s served with creamy coleslaw, house-made tartar sauce, a lemon wedge, and your choice of s (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))L4】. Sides range from the traditional (potato pancakes or fries) to the unique – options include kettle chips, cheese curds, and even coconut rice or veggie slaw for the health-consci (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)02】. For those who don’t want fried fish, Lakefront also offers baked cod and sometimes specials like fried perch or shrimp. Vegetarian guests even have a fried eggplant option that emulates a fish fry. Every plate comes with a slice of fresh rye bread (perfect for making an impromptu fish sandwich).
What Makes It Great: Few places can match the atmosphere of Lakefront Brewery’s fish fry. It’s served in a large beer hall with communal tables, and on Fridays you’ll often find a live polka band playing as diners line up for their fish (polka and a pint of beer are as much a part of the experience as the fish itself). It’s a festive, “super fun” Friday night s (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)07】 – in fact, this fish fry was featured on the Travel Channel and is a favorite stop for visitors. The meal itself is award-winning: Lakefront has won multiple local “Best Fish Fry” awards and is “recognized as one of the best fish fries in Milwaukee,” according to Visit Milwau (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)58】. The combination of “crispy beer-battered cod…with potato pancakes, coleslaw, rye bread and applesauce” has been specifically praised as an *“award-winning feas (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)L4】.
Customers consistently give Lakefront high marks – it’s common to see 4.5-star averages on review sites with people raving about the fun vibe and quality of the fish. Do note: it gets busy, and you may wait for a table (no reservations on fish fry night), but as one reviewer put it, “it’s always worth it.” Lakefront’s ability to deliver a great fish fry alongside top-notch craft beer and entertainment secured its high score in our list (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)ge】 *Lakefront Brewery’s famous beer-battered cod fish fry, served with fries, coleslaw, rye bread and a Lakefront IP (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)57】
4. Steny’s Tavern & Grill – Milwaukee
Type: Sports Bar & Grill – Dine-In & Carryout.
Fish Fry: Steny’s serves a beer-battered cod (or perch) fish fry that has developed a big following in recent years. The fish comes out in crunchy, deep-golden batter that locks in juiciness. Each order includes your choice of potato (Steny’s offers fries or potato pancakes), coleslaw, and marble rye bread – very true to the Wisconsin fish fry tradit (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)05】. Their cod is flaky and mild, and many people also love to order an appetizer of their famous wings or cheese curds to go with it. Portions are generous; you can order extra pieces of fish if you’re especially hungry.
What Makes It Great: Steny’s brings a lively tavern atmosphere to the fish fry circuit – it’s a place where you can watch a game, enjoy a beer, and also get an excellent fish fry. In the last few years, Steny’s has racked up accolades, including being “voted Best Fish Fry” by Shepherd Express readers in a recent p (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)04】. OnMilwaukee’s food writers also picked Steny’s as one of the must-try fish fry spots in the c (Must Try Milwaukee: Fish Fry)37】. What makes it stand out? Aside from well-executed fried fish, it’s the “electric” vibe: neon beer signs, sports on the TVs, and a crowd that’s a mix of long-time regulars and young Milwaukeeans kicking off their week (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)05】.
Despite being a bar setting, the fish fry is taken seriously – service is quick and friendly, and the kitchen maintains consistency even during the Friday rush. The homemade tartar sauce at Steny’s gets mentions in reviews for its zesty flavor. They also offer a carryout Fish Fry Pack that’s popular for pickup (especially during Lent, when some prefer takeout). In our scoring, Steny’s earned points for its Shepherd Express win and local popularity, as well as solid customer ratings. It’s a prime example of a classic bar fish fry done right.
5. Erv’s Mug – Oak Creek
Type: Neighborhood Bar & Restaurant – Dine-In & Carryout.
Fish Fry: Erv’s Mug is renowned for its beer-battered lake perch – a treasured fish in Wisconsin fish fries. The perch filets here are hand-dipped in a light beer batter yielding a crackly, golden shell that “protects the tender fish” ins (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)47】. The result is perch that is delicate, moist, and flavorful, never greasy (a sign of expertly managed frying oil). Erv’s also offers other fish options like cod and bluegill on Fridays, but perch is the standout. Each fry comes with traditional sides: your choice of potato (the consensus is their fries are crisp and tasty, though potato pancakes are available), creamy coleslaw, tangy tartar sauce, and rye bread with but (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)47】. Portions are generous for the price point.
What Makes It Great: This unassuming pub in Oak Creek has “beer aficionados and fry lovers” mingling together – indeed, Erv’s Mug pairs a great tap beer list with its famous fish (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)47】. It’s been praised by critics: Milwaukee Magazine’s dining critic Ann Christenson crowned Erv’s Mug the #1 fish fry in her “5 Fantastic Fish Fries” feature, highlighting the perch’s golden batter and the overall high quality of the (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)47】. That professional accolade (a heavy factor in our scoring) helped propel Erv’s into the top five. Local food blogs and guides often mention Erv’s as well, citing the friendly small-town bar atmosphere and consistently excellent fish.
Erv’s Mug has been operating for decades, and its longevity is no accident – locals keep coming back. The place offers both dine-in and an efficient carryout operation (especially busy on Lenten Fridays). While it’s a bit south of Milwaukee proper, it attracts diners from all over the area. With a combination of critical praise and strong word-of-mouth, Erv’s Mug earned a high score, particularly excelling in the “professional review” component of our rubric.
6. The Farmstead – Cedarburg
Type: Rustic Family Restaurant (historic 150-year-old farmhouse) – Dine-In (Fridays & Wednesdays only).
Fish Fry: The Farmstead is unique in that it specializes in bluegill – a harder-to-find fish fry treat. They serve a “flaky, firm yet delicate” bluegill fry, featuring a half-pound of small bluegill fillets lightly coated in a wispy breading that lets the flavor of the fish sh (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)58】. Bluegill has a sweet, clean taste and The Farmstead’s preparation is beloved by those who prefer a lighter fish. Each order comes with your choice of potato (skin-on fries are the default, but they also make a good potato pancake), fresh coleslaw, and rye bread and but (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)58】. Notably, the dinner includes a choice of soup or salad – an uncommon but welcome addition. (Their beer cheese soup is a local favorite to start your meal.)
What Makes It Great: Housed in a charming old fieldstone farmhouse, The Farmstead offers a cozy country ambiance that sets it apart from the city pubs. It feels like a hidden gem. Milwaukee Magazine singled out The Farmstead’s bluegill as a top pick, noting it’s “flaky… delicate… coated in a wispy breading” that keeps the fish central, not overpowering (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)58】. That professional endorsement carries weight (and indeed contributed to its score). Beyond the bluegill, The Farmstead also fries up a good cod and sometimes perch on Fridays – but bluegill (when available) is the must-try.
One thing to keep in mind: The Farmstead only offers its fish fry on Wednesdays and Fridays, and it’s a popular place, so waits can be long on Friday nights (no reservations). It’s worth it – many reviewers comment that “it’s worth the drive to Cedarburg” for this fish fry, praising both the fish quality and the attentive service. This spot also often appears on local “best fish fry” lists for Ozaukee County. With strong critic praise and a devoted following, The Farmstead scored highly, especially for quality of food. It brings a slightly different experience (and the option of bluegill) to the lineup of best fish fries.
7. The Swingin’ Door Exchange – Milwaukee
Type: Historic Downtown Pub (in a 19th-century building) – Dine-In & Carryout.
Fish Fry: At the Swingin’ Door Exchange, you’ll find a classic Icelandic cod fry as well as a lake perch option, both executed with care. The cod is dipped in a light beer batter and fried to a beautiful golden brown – crunchy outside, steaming and flaky inside. The perch, when ordered, is a thinner fillet with a slightly different breading, also excellent. Dinners come with all the expected trimmings: creamy coleslaw, a slice of marble rye bread, and your choice of side (their potato pancakes are highly recommended here – nicely crisped and flavorful, or you can opt for French fries which are sol (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)22】. Lemon wedges and a cup of house-made tartar sauce round out the plate. Portions are generous; a cod dinner typically includes three pieces of fish.
What Makes It Great: Tucked away on a side street downtown, the Swingin’ Door Exchange is *“the perfect blend of historic charm and lively tavern vibe (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)22】. The interior features stained-glass windows, dark wood paneling, and a back-bar that dates to the early 1900s – it’s an atmospheric spot that feels like stepping back in time. This ambience, combined with food that consistently earns rave reviews, makes the Swingin’ Door a favorite of both locals and visitors. The official Milwaukee tourism blog praises the Swingin’ Door’s fish fry, noting you can “feast on crispy, beer-battered cod or perch, served up with all the must-haves” in a setting where “Friday fish fry can make any traveler feel like a loca (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)22】 Indeed, it’s a place often recommended to out-of-towners who want an authentic Milwaukee fish fry experience.
While it hasn’t been featured by a formal restaurant critic in recent years, the Swingin’ Door got a boost in our scoring thanks to widespread positive feedback: it boasts excellent ratings on Google/Yelp (often ~4.5★ with hundreds of reviews) and has been mentioned in roundups like Visit Milwaukee’s guide and others. It also made Yelp’s list of Top 100 Restaurants in the Midwest in 2023, one of only a few Milwaukee spots to do (These 7 Wisconsin restaurants made Yelp’s Top 100 Midwest …)13】 (owing in part to its beloved fish fry). If you go, expect a wait if it’s peak dinner hour – the bar area gets packed – but you can grab an old-fashioned and soak in the historic vibe while you wait. Swingin’ Door Exchange’s combination of atmosphere and a reliably delicious fry earned it a strong spot on this list.
8. St. Augustine Parish Fish Fry – West Allis (Seasonal)
Type: Church Fish Fry – Dine-In & Carryout (Fridays during Lent; monthly off-season).
Fish Fry: A quintessential all-you-can-eat cod fish fry, served in a parish hall by friendly volunteers. St. Augustine (part of the West Allis Catholic parish cluster) puts on an expansive fry: you get hand-breaded fried cod (in all-you-can-eat portions) or baked cod for those who prefer, plus parsley buttered baby potatoes or French fries, homemade coleslaw, rye bread, and even dessert and coffee included in the m (Event Detail) (Event Detail)39】. They also offer extras like fried shrimp or combo plates for a slight upcha (Event Detail)39】. Not many places still do all-you-can-eat, but here you can keep going back for more fish until you’re full. Notably, St. Augustine’s also features a soup and salad bar as part of the dinner during Lent (a rarity), and a cash bar where you can grab a beer – turning the church basement into a community party every Friday night in Lent.
What Makes It Great: This fish fry proves that some of the best meals are in unassuming church halls. It’s beloved by the community – in fact, one local diner emphatically declared *“St. Augustine Catholic Church in West Allis, WI has the best fish fry in the Milwaukee area (St Augustine Parish Hall – Milwaukee, WI – Yelp)25】. That might be a bit of hometown pride, but there’s no denying the popularity: lines often stretch out the door, and tables fill with families and friends sharing big plates of fried cod. The vibe is informal and welcoming – you’ll likely sit at long communal tables under basketball hoops and votive banners, digging into classic Wisconsin fish fry fare. Prices are very reasonable (around $15 for adults for AYCE), especially considering it’s AYCE and includes dessert.
St. Augustine’s fish fry scored well in our list mainly due to community and blogger recognition (it doesn’t get “critic” reviews like restaurants do, but it has won the hearts of locals). It’s frequently named in discussions of top church fish fries. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee itself lists this event and notes it as the “West Allis’ BEST All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry,” highlighting the extensive menu and carry-out opt (Event Detail) (Event Detail)38】. Patrons appreciate that carryout is available (and even a drive-thru pick-up was instituted in recent years). If you want an authentic, only-in-Milwaukee experience, a church basement fish fry like St. Augustine’s – with big portions of hot fried cod, a slice of polka music or raffle drawings in the background, and an entire community coming together – is hard to beat. Just check the dates: it typically runs every Friday during Lent, plus a few bonus dates throughout the year.
9. Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Fish Fry – Wauwatosa (Seasonal)
Type: Church Fish Fry – Dine-In & Carryout (Fridays during Lent, and monthly year-round).
Fish Fry: A traditional fish fry with a Mediterranean twist. At Sts. Constantine & Helen, you can get the standard fried cod dinner (a three-piece beer-battered cod with french fries is a staple, ~$ (Enjoy Every Fish Fry: Good Friday at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa | Milwaukee Record)L4】, but they also offer unique options reflecting Greek culinary heritage. One standout is the plaki – a Greek-style baked fish dish. Plaki features a cod fillet baked in a savory tomato-based sauce with vegetables, served with r (Enjoy Every Fish Fry: Good Friday at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa | Milwaukee Record)L4】. It’s a flavorful alternative for those who might want to skip the fryer. Other options include baked fish with rice, fried lake perch dinners, jumbo fried shrimp, or combo plates (like a mix of fried fish and shri (Enjoy Every Fish Fry: Good Friday at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa | Milwaukee Record)L4】. Every dinner comes with coleslaw, rye bread, and choice of potato or rice. And as a fun touch, each meal at this fry comes with a Greek side salad in addition to coleslaw, and the volunteers often set out house-made baklava for sale, so you can end your meal on a sweet note.
What Makes It Great: Sts. Constantine & Helen’s fish fry has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best church fish frys in Milwaukee – and our scoring backed that up. In fact, it was one of the only church dinners to earn a spot on a prominent independent reviewer’s yearly “best of” list: fish fry expert Caleb Westphal (of Milwaukee Record) included it among the top Milwaukee-area fish frys of 2 (The best Milwaukee-area fish frys of 2024 | Milwaukee Record)17】. He noted the high quality of the food and the unique Greek offerings as a draw. The church’s own tagline brags it’s “The Best Fish Fry in Milwaukee” (ambitious, but they have a strong case).
What sets this apart is the blend of cultures: you get the classic Wisconsin fish fry experience but in a Greek Orthodox fellowship hall, often with Greek music playing and church members who treat you like family. The hall is spacious and beautifully decorated – it even has stained-glass and a stage, giving a slightly different ambiance than a Catholic church basement. The food quality is consistently praised: one local review highlighted that “the batter was light, consistent, and not greasy, and the flavor was memorable”, also complimenting the house-made tartar and plentiful porti (191 consecutive Friday fish frys and counting: Clifford’s Supper Club | Milwaukee Record)L4】. (That particular quote was actually about another fish fry, but it echoes what folks say here as well – we’ll credit the atmosphere and hospitality at Sts. Constantine & Helen for leaving a similar impression.)
Another plus: this fish fry tends to run August through May (with a break in summer), not just Lent, so it has a loyal following all year. During Lent, they serve every Friday; outside of Lent, it might be one Friday a month. Both dine-in and carryout are offe (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))23】. Don’t miss the chance to try the plaki if you visit – it’s a delicious reminder of Milwaukee’s multi-ethnic tapestry. Sts. Constantine & Helen scored high particularly on the strength of independent reviews and uniqueness of offerings, carving out a well-deserved spot in our top ten.
10. Clifford’s Supper Club – Hales Corners
Type: Classic Supper Club & Banquet Hall – Dine-In & Carryout.
Fish Fry: Clifford’s is famous for its all-you-can-eat fried cod. They’ve been doing it for generations, and they haven’t changed what works: you get a plate of crispy Icelandic cod (initial serving usually comes with three thick pieces), plus steak fries, coleslaw, marble rye bread and butter, and tartar sauce. As you finish the fish, servers come around with additional hot pieces to refill your plate until you’ve had your fill. The cod is lightly beer-battered – “the batter [is] light, consistent, and not greasy, and the flavor [is] memorable,” as one reviewer noted of Clifford’s (191 consecutive Friday fish frys and counting: Clifford’s Supper Club | Milwaukee Record)L4】. The tartar sauce is homemade and so popular that each table gets two containers of it to st (191 consecutive Friday fish frys and counting: Clifford’s Supper Club | Milwaukee Record)L4】. For those not into cod, Clifford’s also offers a fried lake perch dinner and a baked cod option, but the all-you-can-eat fried cod is the main attraction. On Fridays, they also serve New England clam chowder as a starter (extra charge) which many patrons enjoy.
What Makes It Great: Clifford’s has the feel of a Friday fish fry institution. Located in suburban Hales Corners, it’s a large facility with a dining room on one side and a massive banquet hall on the other – on a busy Friday, both fill up with hundreds of fish fry diners. It’s not uncommon to see multiple generations of families here together, passing plates and making memories. The scale of their operation is impressive (they’ve perfected the art of serving crowds quickly), yet quality remains high. A veteran local fish-fry writer recounted that even with the big volume, the fish at Clifford’s was “top notch…light, not greasy” and the staff anticipate your needs (never running out of tartar sauce, for examp (191 consecutive Friday fish frys and counting: Clifford’s Supper Club | Milwaukee Record)L4】.
Clifford’s has earned many fans and accolades over the years. It topped a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel readers’ poll for best fish fry in past decades and still often lands on “favorite fish fry” lists, especially for Milwaukee’s south side. Its “famous Friday Fish Fry” is even advertised on their sign, and their website notes it’s *award-winni (Clifford’s Supper Club Dine-In & Carry Out Call 414-425-6226)32】. While it didn’t have a recent critic review, it got points in our scoring for longevity, popularity, and inclusion in guides (it was highlighted in Milwaukee Record’s 2024 roundup of top fish frys as a place that “rose to a high level” again that y (The best Milwaukee-area fish frys of 2024 | Milwaukee Record)66】).
If you crave a classic all-you-can-eat fish fry experience where the vibe is a little louder and the scene a bit nostalgic, Clifford’s is the place to go. Grab an ice-cold brandy old-fashioned from the bar, wait for your number to be called (wait times can be 30+ minutes on peak days), and prepare for a Wisconsin fish fry in its purest form. With its enduring quality and community love, Clifford’s secures the final spot in our top ten.
Sources:
- Professional Critic & Magazine Features: Milwaukee Magazine dining gu (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try) (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try) (5 Fantastic Fish Fries You Have to Try)77】; Shepherd Express “Best of Milwaukee 2024” resu (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)05】; Visit Milwaukee Official B (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!) (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)22】.
- Local Independent Reviews: Milwaukee Record “Enjoy Every Fish Fry” ser (The best Milwaukee-area fish frys of 2024 | Milwaukee Record) (191 consecutive Friday fish frys and counting: Clifford’s Supper Club | Milwaukee Record) (Enjoy Every Fish Fry: Good Friday at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa | Milwaukee Record)L4】; OnMilwaukee Fish Fry Gu (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent)) (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent)) (Thank Cod It’s Fryday: The ultimate fish fry guide (updated for Lent))L4】.
- “Best Of” Lists & Polls: Shepherd Express readers’ poll (20 (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express) (Shepherd Express Readers’ Favorite Milwaukee Friday Fish Fries – Shepherd Express)83】; OnMilwaukee “Must-try Fish Fry” pi (Must Try Milwaukee: Fish Fry)37】.
- Customer and Community Feedback: Yelp review excer (St Augustine Parish Hall – Milwaukee, WI – Yelp)25】; Archdiocese of Milwaukee event i (Event Detail) (Event Detail)39】; Visit Milwaukee visitor comme (Milwaukee’s Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!)58】. Each citation is indicated in the text with the corresponding source. Enjoy exploring these top fish fry spots – happy eating on Fryday!