The 28 Absolute Best Fish Fries In The US
Fried fish is a staple of many cuisines, especially in communities close to bodies of water. Whether it's British-style fish and chips or Southern-inspired catfish, you can cross the country and never run out of battered seafood options.
The Friday night fish fry is rooted in the Catholic tradition. During Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter) the Church asks its members to refrain from eating meat on Friday (the day Jesus died) as a form of penance. Throughout the 20th century, areas, where many European Catholics settled, became synonymous with fish fries. These weekly events are still popular fundraisers at local churches and civic organizations.
Fried fish can also be found in most bars and pubs, dating back to Prohibition. To stay afloat, bar owners served fish as a legitimizing form of business. The fish lunch was underpriced, sometimes all-you-can-eat or even free, to get customers in the door.
Fish fries have roots in the Black community, too. Food historian Adrian Miller explained to the New York Times that during the era of slavery, a plantation's work schedule slowed down by noon on Saturday. Enslaved people would often go fishing and bring back their catch, and the Saturday night fish fry became an impromptu get-together. Generations later, this tradition spread throughout the country during the Great Migration, including accouterments such as hot sauce, coleslaw, and hush puppies.
With all that history, let's take a look at 16 of the best fish fries in the United States.
Foxhole Lounge - Racine, Wisconsin
Descend into the basement of the Veterans Center of the Northshore American Legion, Post #331, and you'll find the Foxhole Lounge. It's a wood-grained banquet hall that seats about 60 people anchored by a three-sided bar. Some nights there's a DJ, karaoke, or bingo, but every night there's a fish fry. Enjoy cod, perch, or walleye served with potato pancakes, applesauce, coleslaw, succotash, and rye bread.
After a daylong crawl of Milwaukee's bars, Bill Addison, Eater's roving national critic, called Foxhole's fish fry "a study of golds and browns arranged on a plastic white oval platter, and everything about it felt right." The unfussy plate of precisely cooked fish, accompanied by the easy camaraderie among his fellow diners "conveyed everything I hoped to glean about Milwaukee fish fries."
The Foxhole also serves a fried cod sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato, and the cheese of your choice. Nicknamed the "McFox," it's served with fries. But if for some reason you're not in the mood for fried fish, the menu offers burgers, sandwiches, soups, and specials like ribs. An older menu even stated, "Don't see it?? Please ask. If we don't have it, we'll get it (within reason)."
No matter what you order, you'll love the fact that you're supporting veterans.
Fitz's on the Lake - Lodi, Wisconsin
Because fried fish is such a simple meal, its pleasures increase exponentially with good company and beautiful views. You'll find both at Fitz's on the Lake, on the shore of Lake Wisconsin, about 30 minutes outside of Madison.
You can order haddock or walleye one of two ways: battered and fried or breaded and baked (for the best of both worlds, order half and half). The beer batter is light and airy, but the buttercrumb coating of the baked fish is an equally tempting choice. On Friday, the fish is even better, because from 11 am to 4 pm, it's all-you-can-eat. The fish fry comes with a side of coleslaw and your choice of au gratin potatoes, French fries, hash browns, baked potato, or vegetables. Mike Seidel, who runs the blog Madison Fish Fry, recommends the signature hash browns with cheese and onion on the side.
Stretch out on the deck to watch the boats on the lake and listen to the crackling fire, or sit inside the cozy wood-paneled dining room to be closer to the live music and enticing aromas from the kitchen. You can't go wrong.
Sandy & Sons Kitchen - Syracuse, New York
After sitting vacant for three years, the Village Lanes bowling alley in East Syracuse was revitalized in 2011 by Sandy and Jon Paninski. They bade farewell to the shag carpeting, refurbished the oak bar, and now Sandy & Sons Kitchen is a popular hangout for Central New Yorkers.
"We bought the bowling alley mostly for the restaurant," Jon Paninski told Syracuse.com. His mother Sandy, the main cook, isn't new to fine bowling alley fare— she cooked at Fremont Lanes for 15 years, building a loyal following.
Sandy & Sons Kitchen dredges haddock fillets in an egg-milk dip and coats them with Golden Dipt breading. After frying in 350-degree vegetable oil, the fish is served in a sandwich or with sides. You can choose macaroni or potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or French fries. The restaurant even uses vegetables like onions, peppers, and corn that are grown on the family farm.
Get to the bowling alley early, because Sandy's Friday fish fries regularly sell out.
Bulldog Ale House - Chicago, Illinois
Since opening in Rogers Park in 2017, Bulldog Ale House has become a favorite of Loyola University Chicago students. They congregate here to cheer on their team, the Ramblers, get their fill of bar food, and choose from an extensive list of craft beers on tap. This gastropub isn't purely a college crowd, though; locals pop in, as do visitors staying in nearby hotels. The wafting aromas of burgers, pizza, and fried fish is a likely reason why.
While a large portion of fish and chips is on the menu every day, the Friday special means they're all-you-can-eat (with the purchase of a beverage). Gorge yourself on beer-battered cod served with tartar sauce, fries, and coleslaw. Owner Matt Ahmeti takes pride that his chain of sports bars makes almost all its dishes from scratch. Since the first Bulldog Ale House opened in 2010, it's expanded to 10 Illinois locations, with new outposts scheduled to open in Wisconsin and Texas.
As one visitor to the area said, "The fish and chips were delicious! Crispy on the outside and not overcooked on the inside." In a word: perfection.
Mel's Fish Shack - Los Angeles, California
After moving to Los Angeles from Georgia, Mel Powell opened Mel's Fish Shack in the Crenshaw district in 1982. "People kept telling him to open a Mexican restaurant, but he opened a fish fry," his daughter Georgette Powell told the New York Times.
After her father's death in 2001, Georgette became the second-generation owner of Mel's Fish Shack, where she serves sole, red snapper, catfish, salmon, tilapia, and whiting fried however you like it: soft, medium crispy, or hard. Instead of tartar sauce, Mel's serves a lemony garlic dill sauce to counterbalance the cornmeal crust. "And you absolutely have to have some good hot sauce," she said. "You can make good fish taste bad with bad hot sauce."
But there's no bad-tasting fish here. Mel's has been a mainstay for generations of Angelenos, and recently its exterior became an unmissable sea-green social-justice-inspired landmark through the talents of muralist Dezcjon Lathrop. As Powell explained to the Los Angeles Sentinel, "I wanted to make sure that we talk about the importance of maintaining and sustaining legacy ... We've done a lot of things throughout history and a lot of times our stories get lost ... I think it is important to keep our community tight."
The Frying Scotsman - Beaverton, Oregon
When you're craving fried fish, make your way to BG Food Cartel and head straight for The Frying Scotsman food cart. Hailing from Ayrshire, Scotland, the Frying Scotsman himself, James Smith, has been serving U.K.-style fish and chips from this cart for over 10 years. During this time, he's been featured on The Cooking Channel's show "Eat Street" and developed a loyal following that's stayed true despite the cart's relocation in 2019.
At Smith's chippy, you can choose from cod, haddock, halibut, mahi-mahi, and red snapper, all bought locally. In true Scottish style, you can also order a side of mushy peas or a portion of curry sauce to go on top. Of course, there's lemon, tartar, HP sauce, and malt vinegar as toppings, too. For the thick-cut chips, Smith says on a busy day, he may peel upwards of 300 pounds of potatoes.
Other imported delicacies you can get from this cart include deep-fried haggis, bangers (sausage), Irn-Bru (a Scottish soda), or a deep-fried Mars bar (milk chocolate, nougat, and caramel covered in the cart's signature batter).
Starboard Tack - Las Vegas, Nevada
The Starboard Tack is an off-Strip hangout that opened in the early '70s. As one of the few places that served dinner 24 hours a day, it was a popular after-hours joint for performers like Frank Sinatra, Ringo Starr, and Tom Jones.
In 2017, the Starboard Tack made a glorious return as a rum bar under the ownership of Bryant Jane and Lyle Cervenka. "We're not a tiki bar whatsoever," Jane told Las Vegas Weekly. Instead, it's a retro-chic music venue, inviting industry workers, neighborhood locals, and visitors alike to its eclectic environs. While they added tropical touches, the new owners kept the original fireplace, the wooden ship deck tables, and the 24-hour kitchen — including fish and chips.
In the '70s, the original owners had a friend in La Jolla who would send fresh swordfish to the lounge twice a week. Today, the dish is battered Pacific cod served with house tartar and fries, a perfect complement to a rum cocktail. The bar claims to have the largest rum selection in the state, so work your way through the extensive list as you nosh on lightly battered fish and transport yourself to an island oasis.
Tipsy Steer - Minneapolis, Minnesota
With three locations throughout Minneapolis, Tipsy Steer serves locally sourced, "sassy" comfort food like burgers, pizza, and tacos. A favorite here is sunnies and chips, otherwise known as sunfish served with fries and coleslaw. Sunfish is a generic name for varied species found throughout Minnesota's lakes that include bluegill, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, orange-spotted sunfish, longear, and warmouth.
Pioneer Press reporter Jess Fleming raved that she and her husband are "eastern Wisconsin natives who are fans of a good lake-fish fish fry." The lightly breaded and crisp-fried sunnies won her whole table over: "Our neighbor and dining companion, whom we have converted to believing that the Wisconsin way is best, ate half of my plate."
You can also order a sunny po'boy, or for a Friday night fish fry, you might get a special like a lightly battered walleye filet. Tipsy Steer prides itself on serving seasonal catches and showcasing producers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The restaurant even grows its own herbs on-site.
Pair your sunfish with a local craft beer or delve into the "Psycho Milkshakes" menu offering flavors like Chocolate Dream Xtreme and Crazy Carnival (with cotton candy).
The Old Monk - Dallas, Texas
The Old Monk is an Irish pub started by Dublin-born Feargal McKinney that's been a Dallas institution since 1998. True to its name, you'll find religious touches including lights from an old monastery, reclaimed dark wood paneling from confessional booths, and an altar door that dates back to the early 1900s. With a long list of beers on tap and in bottles, The Old Monk is the perfect place to find the classic combo of fried fish and ale, especially when you can grab a seat on the patio on a sunny day.
Here, Atlantic cod is covered in a batter made from Smithwick's Irish Red and a blend of flours including rice flour, giving the fish a light tempura flavor. The housemade tartar sauce is a mix of roasted garlic, capers, olives, red onion, fresh tarragon, and dill, making it a bright, herbaceous complement to your cod and thick-cut steak fries. It's a classic preparation, and defiantly so: as the Dallas Observer wrote, "You remember the fish and chips; you count on them to be crispy and the ramekins to be rimmed with paprika and shards of dill, no matter the state of food trends boiling within the city."
The Old Monk has two sister pubs on the same street, the Skelling and Spider Murphy's, the makings of a satisfying day of bar-hopping. But the Old Monk stands sentry.
"We didn't want to be a restaurant," McKinney says. "We wanted to be a pub."
Bull & Bush - Denver, Colorado
Long before gastropubs and microbreweries entered the lexicon, Bull & Bush Brewery, a spacious British-style pub, opened its doors. Twin brothers Dean and Dale Peterson left their careers as stockbrokers in 1971 and named their bar after a pub in Hampstead Heath near London. While that Bull & Bush opened in 1645, this one pays homage through original artifacts including the warped copper-top bar still in use today (via Uncover Colorado). Glendale locals, the brothers say that in their childhood, the bar's location used to be a dairy that they would ride their bikes past.
These days, the bar is still in the Peterson family, run by Dale's sons David and Erik. On Fridays, the special is "Thank Cod It's Fry-Day," with all-you-can-eat fish and chips. The fish is panko-breaded cod served with housemade Tower E.S.B. tartar sauce. Tower E.S.B. is an award-winning amber-colored extra strong bitter ale brewed on-site. As for the other six days of the week, you can still order the fish and chips, but you'll have to restrain yourself (or get two orders).
With "brewery" in the name, you might not expect to find an extensive list of whiskeys, but Bull & Bush has one of the largest selections in Colorado. Create your own flight of three whiskeys and take in some live music, or sit back on the patio and sip.
Urban Growler - St. Paul, Minnesota
Bringing People Together Through Beer. Now there's a mission statement we can get behind. Urban Growler is the first women-owned microbrewery in Wisconsin. Deb Loch and Jill Pavlak left their corporate jobs in 2008 to start their operation. Despite being denied funding from 12 banks, the pair crowdfunded through founding memberships and t-shirt sales and were finally able to open their doors to a spacious, welcoming space in 2014.
Loch's website bio says that she is "all things Wisconsin -– Packers, cheese, and fish frys. You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take the desire for a fish fry out of the girl. Hence, our Friday night fish frys."
Whether you eat in the beer garden or taproom or take your meal to go, you'll taste a little bit of Wisconsin in Minnesota. The fish is a panko-breaded lake walleye served with coleslaw, pumpernickel rye bread, and your choice of side (fries, tots, veggies, tortilla chips). The menu warns in all caps that it "STARTS FRIDAY TILL GONE," so get there early. Pair it with the brewery's flagship Cowbell Cream Ale, or ask your server for a recommendation.
Apple Granny - Lewiston, New York
Apple Granny is a well-known Center Street eatery for locals as well as visitors to Niagara Falls. As far back as 1830, the site was a general store. In 1975, John Roberts acquired it and turned it into the beloved institution. In 2015, new owners Chuck Barber and Michael J. Burke took over but made a point to change very little. "We'd be foolish to change it," Burke told the Niagra County Tribune/Sentinel at the time.
Famous for its Friday fish fries, the restaurant serves moist, flaky beer-battered haddock with French fries and coleslaw.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the restaurant lost its Canadian clientele who could no longer easily cross the border. Apple Granny also had never done much takeout business and had to pivot quickly. "The curbside Friday fish frys were a huge help to us," Barber said. "The community rallied behind our fish frys. I'm glad to see people still were looking for those fish frys ... It wasn't always the fastest way possible for people, but we really did want to make sure we did that: Continue to serve that consistently throughout the year in the safest way possible. We're glad that people enjoyed it."
That's probably why in 2021, Apple Granny won its fourth consecutive "Best Fish Fry" by readers of the Tribune/Sentinel. As Joelle C. stated, "If you've ever had it ... you know! It's incredible!"
The Rustic Grill at StoneWater - Highland Heights, Ohio
When you're in the suburbs of Cleveland, head to Fish Fry Fridays at the Rustic Grill on the StoneWater golf course. There, you can enjoy beer-battered cod and house slaw, or opt for the breaded Lake Erie perch sliders, topped with house slaw and garlic aioli. Both come with Old Bay wedge fries. For the little ones, the kid's version is a smaller portion of battered cod served with french fries and applesauce. It's a Friday-only affair; the rest of the week you'll have to rely on seasonal fish specials like veralasso salamon with a creamy orzo pasta that incorporates rosemary, chili-roasted carrots, pistachio, and a lemon cream sauce
If beer on tap or a glass of wine aren't calling to you, the seasonal cocktail the Ship Faced Mule with absolute citron, lemon juice, and ginger beer, should hit the spot.
Feeling a little posh? When dining in, reserve one of the restaurant's four heated igloos that can fit up to eight people. Or for a more casual affair, sit inside or on the patio (no tee time required). And for eating-over-the-sink-in-your-PJs vibes, order your food from a delivery app or pick it up curbside. Whatever way you choose, you're in the capable hands of executive chef Kathryn Neidus.
Barrow's Catfish - New Orleans, Louisiana
According to Very Local, the first time a Louisiana newspaper used the term "fish fry" was in an 1843 edition of the Times-Picayune. For about a hundred years, a fish fry was a family get-together, much like a crab boil or barbecue. But in the 1930s and '40s, advertisements for dances at churches and dance halls began appearing in local newspapers, with fish fries mentioned as one of the major draws.
At Barrow's Catfish, though, frying fish isn't a once-a-week special, but the whole ball game. "We're the tenth oldest restaurant in the city and the second oldest Black-owned restaurant," said co-owner Kenneth Johnson Jr. "My wife's family has been frying fish here for more than 70 years — it's what we do best."
During a typical Lenten week, Johnson said they might fry between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds of fish and serve about 450 pounds of potato salad.
But don't fret about these quantities. Individual attention is the restaurant's signature. "The reason people love our fish is because we make our food the same way those ladies made theirs at those fish fries," Johnson said. "We have one person who adds the individual seasonings, and we have one person who smashes the potatoes. We treat it like a real fish fry, but we're just making it for a lot of people."
The catfish filets are coated with a thin cayenne and cornmeal crust. There's a soft heat that lingers but doesn't overpower the flavorful fish.
The Fish Box - Seattle, Washington
Fried fish isn't generally thought of as the greatest dish served to-go. When food comes from a fryer, it gives off steam that can make whatever's just been fried soggy by the time you get it home.
But at the Fish Box in Seattle, the fish is made to be served in a to-go box (hence the name). In fact, there's no dine-in option at all. This seafood spot in the Central District serves four kinds of fish and chips: catfish, salmon, halibut, and tilapia.
The catfish is the specialty here, with the Fish Box's website claiming that it's so good, some people mistake it for chicken. The chefs take care to cut and marinate the catfish to remove any muddy flavor. Then they soak the filets in buttermilk and a homemade blend of spices (bonus: the spice mix is available for purchase). Your box comes with seasoned French fries and hush puppies.
Beyond fish and chips, you can also order The Sammich, a generous portion of fish served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and special sauce.
Chico's Villa Tap - Madison, Wisconsin
Everyone knows that one of the best places to score an awesome fish fry is in Wisconsin, and when it comes to Chico's Villa Tap, you aren't likely to walk away disappointed. This long-standing sports bar is home to several delicious menu options, six flat-screen TVs, a jukebox, and an on-site ATM for your convenience. Beyond those perks, the Friday fish fries feature a variety of options including lake perch, bluegill, Icelandic cod, Canadian walleye, and jumbo shrimp.
Reviewers from Yelp report that Chico's Villa Tap can draw you in by smell alone, but the fun doesn't stop there. Its fish is outstanding, featuring perfectly cooked filets that are crispy, crunchy, and everything you'd want in a great fried fish meal. In fact, Chico's has become so popular for its fried fish that visitors recommend you show up earlier in the day, preferably before 5:30 p.m., to ensure you get a table.
Hey, places like these might not be extravagant, but when you're in the mood for good food, the locals sure know where to point you. People proclaim over and over again that the hype is real when it comes to Chico's Villa Tap in Madison, WI. If you're ever in the area, don't forget to stop by (early) to see what all the fuss is about.
Adam's Catfish House - Belle Chasse, Louisiana
If you're a fan of good ole southern catfish, you'll score it big here. With "catfish" in its name, Adam's Catfish House in Belle Chasse, Louisiana is well known among the residents as a joint worthy of the visit –- especially when it comes to the fish. According to Yelp, visitors from out yonder take special note of the adoration amongst those who live close by, and though some may have complaints about various items not featured on the menu, we have yet to see many people take ought with the catfish itself.
Indeed, the catfish at Adam's Catfish House is described as utterly delicious, with a crisp and thick breading on it and nice portion sizes. Pair your catfish with fried shrimp, fried okra, fried pickles, fried onions, or fried fries (ahem), and you'll likely find yourself in a state of southern fried bliss. Seriously, folks, if you're a fan of catfish, be sure to check this place out.
Captain Jim's Fish Market - Rochester, New York
Captain Jim's Fish Market in Rochester, New York is quaint and unassuming, but don't let the exterior fool you. According to its Facebook page, the joint is the five-time recipient of the "Best Fish Fry" by City Magazine, which we think is a pretty impressive feat. After salivating over photos we've found of the fish online, we took to the online streets to see what visitors had to say. Not surprisingly, most people have nothing but positive comments about the place, especially the fish fry on Fridays. Fried shrimp and scallops are mentioned by name, as are fried clams. Reviewers claim the coleslaw is good, the fries are crispy, and the haddock is fresh.
Bear in mind also that this place is quite literally a meat market and is said to have very fresh raw fish. Just know that you won't be able to dine here like you would in most places; from what we've read online, the dining room has been closed since the pandemic due to a lack of employees. Order curbside, or dine using the outdoor seating, if weather permits. If you plan to stop by, call the restaurant ahead of time to confirm that these details are indeed still true at the time of your visit.
The Fish Fry - Brookhaven, Mississippi
Friday fish fries can get packed out pretty darn quick. That's why we love joints that expand the number of days they serve fish to help us skip the crowd. The Fish Fry in Brookhaven, Mississippi offers its fish fry every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, making it easier on those of us who are a little slower to the punch. Get a load of yummy catfish, fried oysters, and clams, and enjoy a variety of side dishes, including coleslaw, hush puppies, fried pickles, greens, and more.
One of the things Yelp reviewers love most about this restaurant is the fact that its catfish doesn't have "that" taste. If you've ever tasted catfish before, you likely know what we're talking about here. Catfish can be an acquired taste for some, with that "dirty" background flavor that can take some getting used to. According to guests, this catfish tastes nothing of the sort, instead offering up a clean and neutral taste not typical of catfish fare. In addition, visitors claim that the prices are good, the staff keeps your glasses full, and everyone is friendly and hospitable. Thus, the Fish Fry in Brookhaven, Mississippi works to live up to its name –- and then some!
My Fish Stop - Sherman Oaks, California
My Fish Stop has set up shop in California, but it's advertised as good old Mississippi soul fish. The people on Yelp have spoken once again and declared just about everything here is delicious, from the side dishes to the catfish. The catfish is said to be perfectly crunchy while remaining melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. They offer lobster mac and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, and tater "crack" chips. In addition to the scrumptious fish fries come the recommendation of trying the establishments' desserts. Apparently, desserts like Nana's Pudding and the peach cobbler are amazingly good.
Because of the rave reviews, we're ecstatic to learn that My Fish Stop has two locations, one in Sherman Oaks, California, and one in North Hollywood (a location that also offers delivery). We also love the fact that the fish offered here is available every day except for Sunday, rather than serving it exclusively on one or two days of the week.
The Celt Irish Pub - McKinney, Texas
Just the sight of some of the food at The Celt in McKinney, Texas is enough to make us salivate. The fish looks crispy and crunchy, and people who have been lucky enough to take a bit of this deliciousness agree it's pretty phenomenal. According to the company's website, the fish and chips here is a bestseller and offers fish and chips at $12.99 for one generous filet and $15.99 for two filets.
Not bad!
In addition to simply tasting good, another characteristic to adore about the fish fry at The Celt in McKinney, Texas is the fact that both the batter and tartar sauce are homemade. Don't forget about the fact the establishment offers a number of other yummy eats for those who might not be fans of fish — these include classic wings, Guinness Irish Stew, the Philly Cheesesteak, and more. Oh, and be sure to sample curry sauce or brown gravy with your order of fries –- you might not find these offerings everywhere, so take it while you can.
Gordon Ramsay's Fish and Chips - Washington, D.C.
This was an interesting find, but Gordon Ramsay has restaurants checkering the states that feature fish and chips as the main attraction. Today, we will focus on the location in Washington, D.C., although patrons can expect to sample these fish and chips entrees in Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York City as well.
Granted, when compared to some of the other eateries on the list, Gordon Ramsay's Fish and Chips may come across as a little "frou-frou" to some. After all, ma and pa shops tend to pump out the best fish and chips, right? Most times! Nevertheless, those who have visited Gordon's fish and chips joints really love it, and though there isn't much variety on the menu (it's literally fish and chips with a few other seafood options like lobster and shrimp) the basic menu seems to suit visitors just fine.
According to fellow Yelpers, the fish is light and flavorful and pairs exceptionally well with the mango curry sauce and spicy sriracha aioli. The restaurant also treats fans to yummy Biscoff and Creamsicle shakes, "near perfect" lemonade, and a yummy sweet tea. No, it may not fit the same mold as other options on the list, but a good fish fry is a good fish fry — and Gordon Ramsay nails it here.
Fish Creel - Anderson, Alabama
Catfish can be downright scrumptious when cooked up in Alabama, so it's no surprise that beloved restaurants like the Fish Creel made our list of faves. Yes, the catfish here is said to be marvelous, even for those who don't particularly tend to love catfish. Patrons also enjoy the fried shrimp, hushpuppies, and impeccably friendly service that works to make virtually everyone feel comfortable and at home.
In addition to the delicious fish and seafood options comes a salad bar that's amazing. We know, we know. You don't seek out the best fish fries available in the U.S. to hear about salad bars, but hear us out. In tandem with the aforementioned amazing fish, customers can't seem to get past how delicious the salads offered here are. Might as well grab a plate and take advantage of all the goodness they've got going here; the Fish Creel is an awesome place to get your money's worth. And, according to Yelp reviewers, the pricing is shockingly affordable as well!
Crow's Nest - Cincinnati, Ohio
You may not think of Ohio when it comes to a good old-fashioned fish fry, but honestly, The Crow's Nest in Cincinnati does its thing when it comes to satisfying your craving for high-quality, delicious fish. Locals of the area claim that The Crow's Nest feels "like home" to most of them and that a fish sandwich paired with a glass of deliciously creamy Guinness is about all you need for a satisfying meal. Everything from the hush puppies and coleslaw to the fries is downright delectable, and the fish sandwich is said to be huge. "During [L]ent this is the place to get the best fish sandwich," wrote one Facebook reviewer. Another said, "Great music, friendly eclectic crowd, good service at the bar."
Though almost everyone loves this place, the locals would like to remind you that the joint is unpretentious (as are most of the restaurants on this list) and that the side of town it's located on may be deemed less than desirable to some. Still, if you're the type of person who likes to chat it up with the locals, scarf down good food, and throw back a beer or two, the Crow's Nest in Cincinnati is the place for you.
Jackie's Dream - Knoxville, Tennessee
Jackie's Dream has a lot going for it, and in fact, the out-of-this-world catfish is only one of its main attractions. Known best for its hot chicken plate, the place also serves up amazing catfish, even though we were a bit bummed to find out that it's only available on Fridays. Nevertheless, Yelp reviewers agree that if you can catch the fish on this special day of the week, you'll do your body a world of good. Served with coleslaw, potatoes with onion, and hush puppies, Jackie's fried fish makes for a delectable meal well worthy of a stop in Knoxville.
In addition to fried catfish, you can also choose to grab yourself a portion of the fried tilapia, although we haven't read many reviews on the taste of this fish variety. We can't say we blame them –- if you're gonna go for fish, we'd take catfish over tilapia any day –- but that's just us.
Anywoo, Jackie's Dream not only dishes up incredible fish and chicken, but awesome service, as well. Jackie is said to be out and about chatting away with everyone, promoting a warm social atmosphere in the restaurant with friendly service that most people adore.
Wiechec's - Buffalo, New York
Another wonderful place to score an amazing fish fry in New York is Wiechec's Lounge. The restaurant can be found in Buffalo and features an amazingly huge portion of fish with a hodgepodge of sides. From what reviewers claim, this is one of the most affordable fish fries you'll come across. Observing pictures posted online and hints from reviewers at Yelp, you'll potentially receive huge portions of fries, potato salad, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and more.
And though we'd like to get more specific about the offerings here, we aren't seeing an official online menu, which makes it hard for us to tell you definitively what to expect. Nevertheless, almost everyone who has dropped a review has had nothing but good things to say about Weichec's Lounge in Buffalo. Still, we will admit that while the fish seems to suit people just fine, the potato salad it comes with tends to get less than stellar reviews. Oh well — potato salad or not, we still think the fish offered makes it worth the visit!
Big Fish and Chicken - Marietta, Georgia
Folks living in Marietta, Georgia are lucky to have a place like this in town. Sharing parking with a local gas station, Big Fish and Chicken offers delicious breaded catfish and whiting fish that's well worth the trip. Yelp reviewers agree that almost everything on the menu is well worth your time, especially the shrimp and catfish. In addition to the fish, expect to be able to get your hands on fried chicken, Philly steaks, sauced wings, and more.
One thing we do think is interesting is the fact that the fried fish is advertised as being served with fries and coleslaw, or you can substitute the fries with spaghetti. Weird, right? And though it doesn't sound like anything we've ever sampled before, we don't think it'd taste too bad, if we're totally honest. Overall, Big Fish and Chicken in Marietta, Georgia has captured the hearts of people in the ATL for good reason – it whips up a delicious fish fry with tempting (and sometimes peculiar) sides most people can't resist!
Scotty's Fish and Chips - Detroit, Michigan
Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips is located in Detroit, Michigan, and is known for doling out fantastic deep-fried battered fish with outstanding golden brown fried shrimp. And though some reviews directed toward this place feature a few complaints, we will say that those who dislike the fish are few and far between. Scotty's menu includes a variety of seafood options, including fried cod, perch, shrimp, and frog legs. You can also order the cod baked or grilled and can get it as a part of a sandwich if you are so inclined.
So what else does Scotty's Fish and Chips have to offer? When ordering the fishy fry, expect to get coleslaw, fries, and tartar sauce on the side. The restaurant also features burgers, chicken strips, and grilled cheese for those of you who may come with folks who aren't fish fans. Other menu items include pies, ice cream, floats, sundaes –- the whole nine. It's definitely worth the stop if you find yourself in the Detroit area and have a hankering for fish — pig out!
Methodology
"Best Fish Fries in the US" was composed using Google reviews, Yelp reviews, Reddit, and suggestions from locals. All reviews were carefully examined, as were the menus for each restaurant, in order to ensure that we composed a list of truly great options to satisfy your insatiable desire for the ultimate fish fry.