Milwaukee Fish Fries with Baked Fish Options

The Friday fish fry is Milwaukee's most cherished culinary tradition—a weekly ritual rooted in Catholic customs, German and Polish immigrant heritage, and pure Wisconsin hospitality. But what if you're watching your waistline or simply prefer a lighter preparation? Great news: dozens of establishments across the greater Milwaukee area now offer baked fish alongside their traditional fried options, letting everyone enjoy this beloved tradition without compromise. This guide covers more than 50 locations across the metro area where you can find delicious baked alternatives.

North Shore communities

The North Shore suburbs deliver some of Milwaukee's most beloved fish fry destinations, with several establishments specifically catering to health-conscious diners seeking baked preparations.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn

1319 E. Henry Clay St., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
📞 (414) 964-3800 | 🌐 jackpandls.com

This family-run institution has operated since 1915 and offers the North Shore's most impressive selection of non-fried fish. The menu features three baked options: Broiled Cod ($17.95), Broiled Whitefish finished with Spanish paprika ($17.95), and Potato-Crusted Cod ($17.95). The whitefish—a North Shore specialty rarely found elsewhere—is boneless and skinless, making it ideal for families with picky eaters.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:30 AM–10:00 PM

• Sides Included: Choose two from clam chowder, salad, coleslaw, baked potato, potato pancakes, fries, or vegetable

• Special Features: Classic supper club atmosphere, famous house-made tartar sauce and potato pancakes, full bar, reservations recommended on Friday nights, carryout available

• Family Tip: Arrive before 5:30 PM to avoid the Friday rush

The Bay Restaurant

342 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
📞 (414) 455-3045 | 🌐 thebayrestaurant.com

A casual neighborhood gem specifically marketing its baked fish as a gluten-free option—perfect for families managing dietary restrictions. Choose between Baked Haddock ($13) or Baked Perch ($15), both prepared simply to highlight the fish's natural flavor.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

• Sides Included: Tartar sauce, coleslaw, marble rye bread, lemon, choice of fries, baked potato, or chips

• Special Features: Live music Thursday and Friday nights, curbside pickup available, full craft beer selection

• Why It Stands Out: Uses haddock rather than cod—a slightly sweeter white fish that's a nice change of pace

Spanky's Hideaway — Best Value Pick

5208 W. County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53092
📞 (262) 242-3677 | 🌐 spankyshideaway.com

The best-priced baked fish in the North Shore at just $12.75—the same price as their fried cod. This neighborhood tavern offers an impressive 11-hour fish fry window on Fridays, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Baked Fish: North Atlantic Baked Cod ($12.75)

• Other Options: Deep Fried Cod, Perch, Pan Fried Walleye Pike ($15.25), weekly "Catch of the Week" special

• Sides Included: Coleslaw plus choice of seasoned fries, crinkle cut, steak fries, sweet potato fries, OR homemade potato pancakes with applesauce

• Special Features: Happy Hour Mon–Thu 3–7 PM, Bloody Mary Bar weekends, 8 flat screens for sports, historic 1969 building

• Family Tip: The extensive potato side options make this great for families where everyone wants something different

The Brick Pub & Grill

6343 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale, WI 53209
📞 (414) 797-0710 | 🌐 thebrickpubandgrill.com

This renovated pub offers something unique: Baked Cod served with rice pilaf and cooked vegetables ($16) instead of traditional fish fry accompaniments—a lighter, healthier presentation that stands apart from the crowd.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

• Fish Variety: Also offers pan-seared perch ($16-$18), pan-seared walleye ($19.50), pan-seared bluegill ($18), and grilled salmon ($20)

• Special Features: Beautiful four-season sun room, two outdoor patios, horseshoe bar, pet-friendly outdoor seating, 14 TVs

• Family Tip: The healthier sides with the baked option make this excellent for parents seeking nutritious options for kids

Downtown Milwaukee and city neighborhoods

Milwaukee's urban core delivers fish fry experiences ranging from historic taverns to award-winning breweries, with baked options increasingly common.

Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall — Must-Visit Experience

1872 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
📞 (414) 372-8800 | 🌐 lakefrontbrewery.com/beer-hall

Consistently voted Milwaukee's best fish fry, Lakefront offers a gluten-free baked cod ($16) that's light, flaky, and seasoned with smoky paprika, butter, and lemon juice, topped with fried capers and served with drawn butter.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 4:00–9:00 PM

• What's Included: Creamy coleslaw, house-made tartar sauce, complimentary bread basket with local artisan breads, choice of seasoned fries or potato pancakes

• The Experience: Live polka music from the Brewhaus Polka Kings every Friday 5:30–8:30 PM, family-style seating at long communal tables, 18 craft beers on tap

• Special Features: Limited reservations available 4:00–5:30 PM (book via Tock or call ahead), vegetarian fried eggplant alternative available

• Why It's Special: The quintessential Milwaukee fish fry experience—craft beer, live polka, communal dining, and dancing. Perfect for families wanting an authentic, memorable evening

Kegel's Inn — 100 Years of Excellence

5901 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53214
📞 (414) 257-9999 | 🌐 kegelsinn.com

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, this Prohibition-era speakeasy turned German beer hall offers Baked Cod Loin ($17)—three center-cut fillets lightly seasoned—alongside an impressive fish variety including cod, perch, walleye, bluegill, grouper, and catfish.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (dine-in), 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (carryout)

• What's Included: Soup, tossed salad, choice of potato (baked, fries, rice, spaetzle, or potato dumpling), Grebe's rye bread and butter

• Can't-Miss Features: Drive-thru window for carryout, hand-painted murals from the 1920s, original leaded glass windows, year-round heated beer garden "Bootleggers Alley," private dining yurts

• Family Tip: The drive-thru makes this perfect for families with young children who might not sit through a restaurant meal

The Packing House — The Iconic Drive-Thru

900 E. Layton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
📞 (414) 483-5054 | 🌐 packinghousemke.com

A Milwaukee institution for over 50 years, The Packing House is famous for its Friday fish fry drive-thru where cars line up for blocks—a sight that's become a rite of passage for Milwaukee families. Their Baked Cod runs $16.95.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (dining room), Drive-Thru 2:00–9:00 PM (cash only)

• What's Included: Cup of made-from-scratch clam chowder, fresh coleslaw, house-made tartar sauce, rye bread, choice of fries or potato pancakes

• Special Features: Classic supper club atmosphere with dim lighting and wood paneling, live music Wed/Fri/Sat, multiple "Best Fish Fry" awards

• Why It's Special: Hand-cut Icelandic cod known for meaty, substantial pieces. The drive-thru experience is genuinely fun for kids

Swingin' Door Exchange — Downtown's Historic Gem

219 E. Michigan St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
📞 (414) 276-8150 | 🌐 swingindoorexchange.com

Located in the stunning 1880 Mackie Building with views of the gorgeous Grain Exchange lobby, this old-school saloon offers baked Icelandic cod at accessible prices: 2 pieces $11.50, 3 pieces $13.50, 4 pieces $15.50.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

• What's Included: Buttered marble rye, homemade coleslaw, housemade tartar sauce, choice of house-made chips, fries, or cup of soup

• Special Features: Stained glass windows, ornate wooden bar, old Milwaukee photos throughout

• Parking Tip: Discount parking available in pay lot at SE corner of E. Michigan St. & N. Broadway

Saz's State House

5539 W. State St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
📞 (414) 453-2410 | 🌐 sazs.com/statehouse

Serving fish fry since 1976—before they became famous for ribs—Saz's offers Baked Cod ($19) with three pieces and lemon butter.

• Fish Fry Hours: Fridays all day (also available Wednesdays during Lent)

• What's Included: Salted cocktail rye bread and butter, unique house slaw featuring broccoli and Brussels sprouts, tartar sauce

• Signature Side: Famous sour cream and chive fries OR homemade German-style potato pancakes

• Special Features: Pre-game gathering spot for Brewers and Bucks games, complimentary shuttle to major sporting events, OpenTable reservations available

• Family Tip: The notably healthy coleslaw with vegetables makes this a sneaky-healthy option

Greater Milwaukee suburbs deliver excellent variety

The suburbs surrounding Milwaukee offer everything from award-winning neighborhood taverns to upscale Italian restaurants—many with outstanding baked fish options.

Balistreri's Italian/American Ristorante — Unique Italian Twist

812 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
📞 (414) 475-1414 | 🌐 balistreris.com

The standout here is the Baked Italian Cod ($19)—cod dredged in olive oil and breadcrumbs, baked, topped with onion tomato relish, and served atop capellini pasta with garlic butter. It's unlike any other baked fish fry in the area.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM (also Wednesdays during Lent)

• Other Options: Sautéed Walleye ($25), Breaded Walleye ($23), Breaded Perch ($23), award-winning Cod Fish Fry ($16)

• What's Included: Coleslaw, fries, tartar sauce, fresh Italian bread

• Why It Stands Out: Voted one of Milwaukee's top 5 fish fries; the Italian preparation offers something genuinely different

Erv's Mug — Award-Winning Since 1979

130 W. Ryan Rd., Oak Creek, WI 53154
📞 (414) 762-5010 | 🌐 ervsmug.com

Family-owned since 1979, Erv's offers a beloved "half and half" option—one fried and one baked cod fillet—perfect for indecisive diners or families wanting to share both preparations.

• Fish Fry Hours: Every Wednesday AND Friday, all day (11:00 AM–9:00 PM)

• Baked Fish: Cod baked in oven, same high-quality fish as their famous fried version

• What's Included: Choice of soup, choice of side, marble rye bread, tartar sauce, coleslaw

• Awards: Multiple recognitions from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, OnMilwaukee, Shepherd Express, TMJ4

• Family Tip: The half-and-half option lets you satisfy both the fried-fish-lovers and the health-conscious at your table

Matty's Bar & Grille — Top-Rated Sports Bar

14460 W. College Ave., New Berlin, WI 53151
📞 (414) 427-3838 | 🌐 mattysbar.com

Voted #1 Best Fish Fry by JS Online readers and named Best Sports Bar on the WISN A-List for eight consecutive years, Matty's offers both baked cod and baked perch.

• What's Included: Coleslaw, rye bread, tartar sauce, choice of red mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, or fries

• Family Tip: The chef-inspired menu and family-friendly sports bar atmosphere make this great for families with older kids who enjoy watching games

State Fair Inn — Since 1921

8101 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214
📞 (414) 778-0760 | 🌐 statefairinn1921.com

This 100+ year-old institution offers Baked Filet of Cod lightly buttered and topped with almonds—an elegant preparation rarely found elsewhere.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 5:15–8:30 PM (food), Bar 5:00–10:00 PM

• Other Options: Walleye Almondine (spicy seasoned, almond crusted, or Cajun), pan-fried Tilapia, Lake Perch

• What's Included: All dinners include soup, salad, and choice of potato

• Special Features: Historic German beer hall ambiance, family recipes handed down through generations

Silvernail Inn — Six Baked Cod Flavors

Waukesha Area (verify exact address locally)

For the most variety in baked preparations, Silvernail Inn offers six distinct baked cod flavors: Cajun, Bourbon, Bangkok, Caribbean Jerk, Thai Coconut, and Garlic Butter. Allow 30 minutes for baked fish preparation.

• Other Options: Grilled salmon, shrimp, mahi mahi, grilled swordfish, pan-fried walleye

• What's Included: Fries, coleslaw, bread, soup or salad

• Why It Stands Out: The flavor variety makes this perfect for repeat visits—try a different preparation each time

Studz Pub — Flavor Options Galore

6833 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53214

Another excellent choice for variety, Studz offers baked cod in four flavors: Greek, Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper, and Cajun. Pricing runs 2-piece ($11.95), 3-piece ($15.95), 5-piece ($19.95).

• What's Included: Choice of potato pancakes, fries, or tots

• Add-On: "Make it a combo" for $5 extra adds 4 panko-breaded shrimp

• Special Features: Welcoming neighborhood bar atmosphere

Church fish fries keep community traditions alive

Milwaukee's parish fish fries represent the tradition's deepest roots—community gatherings where volunteers serve hundreds of meals while raising funds for schools and charities. Several specifically offer baked fish for health-conscious attendees.

St. Sebastian Parish — Milwaukee's Most Famous

1747 N. 54th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208 (School Cafeteria)
📞 (414) 453-1061 | 🌐 saintsebs.org

Operating for 64+ years, St. Sebastian serves 700–800 meals on typical Fridays and offers both baked and fried cod hand-battered on site.

• Schedule: Year-round first Friday of each month (October–May), plus weekly during Lent

• Hours: 4:30–7:30 PM

• Pricing: Adults $15, Seniors $13, Children $3–$7

• What's Included: French fries served family-style, coleslaw, rye bread, salad bar, coffee, homemade desserts

• The Experience: Communal seating, service by "Fry Kids" (students in neon-green shirts), legendary dessert table

• Why It's Special: Featured in Milwaukee Magazine, Journal Sentinel, and Milwaukee Record—this is the church fish fry experience at its finest

Blessed Sacrament Church — All-You-Can-Eat Value

3100 S. 41st St., Milwaukee, WI

One of the best values in town: All-You-Can-Eat baked OR fried cod for $15 ($14 seniors, $8 children).

• Schedule: Every Friday during Lent (typically late February–April)

• Hours: 4:00–7:00 PM

• What's Included: Fries or parsley potatoes, coleslaw, 2 slices rye bread, dessert, milk/coffee

• Carryout: $14 includes 4 pieces (any baked/fried combination)

• Note: Cash or check only

Mother of Perpetual Help Parish

1121 S. 116th St., West Allis, WI 53214 (MQSCA School Cafeteria, entrance on S. 117th St.)
📞 (414) 453-5192 | 🌐 mphwa.org

A year-round option (October–May) featuring 3 pieces breaded cod OR 3 pieces baked cod for $15. Children 5–11 pay $5; ages 4 and under eat free.

• Hours: 4:30–7:00 PM

• Sides: French fries, parsley potatoes, tater tots, OR mini potato pancakes; green beans almondine, mac & cheese, coleslaw, applesauce, bread, dessert, beverages

• Special Features: Credit cards accepted, live music by Jim Madritsch Band at every fish fry

• Why It's Special: Featured in Milwaukee Record for its "wholesomeness" and community spirit

St. Augustine of Hippo Parish — Bay View Favorite

2530 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
📞 (414) 481-3242 | 🌐 staugies.org

The baked cod here is made with real butter and is famous for selling out early—arrive before 5 PM if you want the baked option. Pricing: 2 pieces $10, 1 piece $6.

• Schedule: Monthly (typically third Friday) October–April, plus select Lenten Fridays

• Hours: Dinner 4:00–7:00 PM (walk-in only)

• What's Included: Oven-browned parsley butter potatoes OR fries, hot vegetable, famous homemade coleslaw, rye bread, dessert

• Special Features: Drive-up service available, kids mac & cheese meals

• Catholic Herald Quote: "When it comes to fish fries, St. Augustine hits it out of the park!"

St. Florian Parish — All-You-Can-Eat Everything

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Cafeteria, 1215 S. 45th St., West Milwaukee
📞 (414) 383-3565

Outstanding value with all-you-can-eat baked cod, fried cod, AND smelt during Lent. Adults $12–$16, Children 3–10 $9.

• Schedule: Select Fridays during Lent

• Hours: 4:30–7:00 PM

• What's Included: Full salad bar, fries, parsley potatoes, homemade clam chowder, rye bread, dessert, coffee and milk

• Special Features: Smelt available during Lent, elevator accessible

St. Stephen Catholic Church — Drive-Thru Convenience

1441 W. Oakwood Rd., Oak Creek, WI 53154
📞 (414) 762-0552

Offers both fried and baked cod with convenient dine-in AND drive-thru service (south side of building).

• Schedule: Lent only (March 7–April 11, 2025)

• Hours: 4:00–7:00 PM

• What's Included: Mac and cheese, fries, bread, coleslaw, tartar sauce, homemade dessert

• Payment: Cash, check, credit/debit accepted

Supper clubs deliver the authentic Wisconsin experience

For the full Wisconsin supper club experience—complete with brandy Old Fashioneds, relish trays, and unhurried dining—these establishments offer baked fish alongside their traditional preparations.

Golden Mast Inn

W349 N5293 Lacy's Lane, Okauchee, WI 53069
📞 (262) 567-7047 | 🌐 goldenmastinn.com

Operating since 1967 with spectacular views of Okauchee Lake, Golden Mast offers an all-you-can-eat fish fry featuring both fried AND baked fish—perfect for groups with different preferences.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 4:30–10:00 PM (no reservations—first come, first served)

• What's Included: Salted rye bread, potato salad, coleslaw, potato pancakes, salads (family-style service)

• Special Features: Grand fireplace, marina and boat launch, wedding venue, live bands

• Why It's Special: One of Lake Country's top restaurants for 50+ years; the lakeside setting is truly memorable

Blue Heron Supper Club

W229 S8300 Highway 164, Big Bend, WI
📞 (262) 662-9985

This classic supper club has offered the same all-you-can-eat "Triple Threat"—fried cod, baked cod, AND fried chicken—for over 30 years.

• What's Included: Chowder, coleslaw, bread, fries, tartar sauce

• The Experience: Set back from the highway past trees and a pond, the Blue Heron cuts an imposing two-story figure. Expect 45-minute waits on Friday nights—but enjoy fantastic brandy Old Fashioneds while you wait

• Insider Tip: The baked cod comes with drawn butter that enhances both flavor and texture

5 O'Clock Club — Since 1929

N405 Peterson Drive, Pewaukee, WI
📞 (262) 691-9960

Lake Country's quintessential supper club has offered fish fry for nearly a century. Both fried and baked cod are available alongside perch, shrimp, scallops, and Friday bluegill specials.

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday (Friday service extends to 10 PM)

• The Experience: Lake views of Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin sports memorabilia, staff who remember faces and favorite orders

• Why It's Special: "There's a reason Friday nights in Pewaukee feel like a tradition more than a reservation." Expect an hour wait but enjoy cocktails with a view

Clifford's Supper Club

10418 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130
📞 (414) 425-6226 | 🌐 cliffordssupperclub.com

Fish fry is available Tuesday through Saturday (not just Friday!), with an all-you-can-eat Friday option in the Banquet Hall featuring communal seating at 8-foot shared tables.

• Fish Fry Hours: Friday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Dining Room), 4:00–8:00 PM (Banquet Hall AYCE)

• What's Included: French fries, rye bread, rolls, coleslaw, signature homemade tartar sauce

• Special Features: Main Dining Room for intimate experience, banquet facilities, hamburgers and chicken fingers for non-fish eaters

• Family Tip: Parties of 6+ should call for Banquet Hall reservations

Joey Gerard's — A Bartolotta Supper Club

5601 Broad St., Greendale, WI
📞 (414) 858-1900 | 🌐 bartolottas.com/joey-gerards

For an elevated experience, this Hollywood-style supper club offers Baked Atlantic Salmon ($39.95) with honey mustard and parmesan-herb breadcrumbs—a sophisticated alternative to traditional preparations.

• Fish Fry Options: Hand-dipped beer-battered cod, Joey's Fried Friday Seafood Basket (perch, cod, shrimp, calamari, scallops), Great Lakes Perch "Yooper" Sandwich

• Hours: Monday–Saturday 5:00–9:00 PM, Happy Hour Monday–Friday 4:00–6:00 PM

• The Experience: Dark leather booths, 50+ vintage celebrity photos, Josper charcoal ovens, classic cocktails (Side Car, Sloe Gin Fizz)

• Why It's Special: Pays homage to the supper clubs Joe Bartolotta frequented with his parents—"classy and swanky but approachable"

Quick reference: Best baked fish by category

Best Overall Selection: Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn (three baked/broiled options including rare whitefish)

Best Value: Spanky's Hideaway, Mequon ($12.75 baked cod—same price as fried)

Best for Gluten-Free: The Bay Restaurant, Whitefish Bay (specifically advertises GF baked options) and Lakefront Brewery (GF baked cod)

Best for All-You-Can-Eat: Victor's ($13.75 AYCE baked cod), Blessed Sacrament Church, Blue Heron Supper Club, Golden Mast Inn

Most Flavor Options: Silvernail Inn (6 flavors), Studz Pub (4 flavors)

Best Unique Preparation: Balistreri's Italian Baked Cod (Italian style on capellini), The Brick Pub (served with rice pilaf)

Best Church Fish Fry: St. Sebastian Parish (64-year tradition, 700+ meals served)

Best Drive-Thru: The Packing House (legendary), Kegel's Inn, St. Stephen Church

Best Supper Club Experience: Golden Mast Inn (lake views), Kegel's Inn (100-year history), Blue Heron (classic triple threat)

Best for Live Entertainment: Lakefront Brewery (live polka every Friday)

Planning your fish fry outing: Practical tips for families

Timing matters. Most popular establishments see peak crowds between 5:30 and 7:00 PM on Fridays. For the smoothest experience with children, arrive before 5:00 PM or after 7:30 PM. During Lent (typically late February through mid-April), expect even longer waits—some popular spots see 45-minute to 1-hour waits.

Baked fish may sell out. At several locations (especially church fish fries), the baked option is less common than fried and can sell out early. Arrive by 5:00 PM if baked fish is your priority, or call ahead to confirm availability.

Cash is often required. Many church fish fries and some taverns are cash-only or cash-preferred. The Packing House drive-thru is strictly cash only. Bring cash to avoid disappointment.

Reservations vary by venue. Most casual taverns and church fish fries don't take reservations—arrive early. However, Lakefront Brewery offers limited reservations 4:00–5:30 PM via Tock, and supper clubs like Kegel's Inn, Joey Gerard's, and Saz's accept reservations via OpenTable.

Wednesday fish fry exists. Many establishments offer fish fry on Wednesdays during Lent, and some (like Erv's Mug and 4th Base Restaurant) serve it daily. Great for avoiding Friday crowds.

Consider the drive-thru. For families with young children who might not sit through a full restaurant meal, the drive-thru options at The Packing House, Kegel's Inn, and St. Stephen Church offer the full fish fry experience without the wait.

Start with an Old Fashioned. At supper clubs, it's Wisconsin tradition to enjoy a brandy Old Fashioned (sweet, sour, or press) while waiting for your table. Kids can enjoy Shirley Temples or house-made lemonade.

Lenten season timing for 2026

2026 Lent: Ash Wednesday is February 18; Easter is April 5.

Most church fish fries operate only during Lent or on select Fridays October through May. Restaurant fish fries are typically available year-round every Friday. Good Friday finds many establishments closed, so plan accordingly.

The Milwaukee fish fry tradition is about more than just food—it's about community, family, and carrying forward customs that connect us to generations past. Whether you prefer your cod battered and golden or simply baked with lemon butter, there's a place at the table for you. Grab the family, head to one of these welcoming establishments, and experience what makes Friday nights in Milwaukee truly special.