There’s no fish fry quite like one in Wisconsin! As a true Friday night tradition, the classic fish fry brings people together over crispy, golden fillets, hearty sides, and an atmosphere that feels like home. Whether you prefer a classic beer-battered cod, a light and flaky perch, or a flavorful walleye, there are plenty of spots here serving up some of the best.
If you’re looking for your next favorite fish fry, this guide will help you find the top places to enjoy this beloved Wisconsin staple right here in La Crosse!
Ardie’s Flipside Pub & Grill
Location: 400 Lang Drive, La Crosse
Ardie’s serves up a haddock dinner every Friday, pairing it with crispy chicken! With a casual pub setting, it’s a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal with friends. If you’re looking to enjoy your fish fry at home, Ardie’s also offers a Friday Fish Carryout Special – three piece batter fried white haddock filets, or two piece batter fried haddock and a fourth chicken.
Blue Moon
Location: 716 2nd Ave North, Onalaska
Being a friendly neighborhood spot with water views, Blue Moon is a go-to for a classic Wisconsin fish fry! Friday’s meal features cod or walleye (different preparations available!), delicious sides like homemade coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or French fries (among others), and options to upgrade to sides such as waffle fries or onion rings.
Buzzard Billy’s
Location: 222 Pearl Street, La Crosse
Photos courtesy of Buzzard Billy’s
If you’re looking for something beyond the traditional, Buzzard Billy’s offers a Cajun twist on the Friday fish fry. Their Southern-style catfish and walleye, paired with unique seasoning, set them apart from the typical Midwest-style fry. Don’t fret if you’re looking for the traditional fish fry, though – on Friday’s during lent, Buzzard Billy’s serves a good old fashioned beer-battered cod!
The Crow
Location: 100 3rd Street South, La Crosse
Downtown La Crosse’s The Crow serves up a mean fish fry, featuring beer-marinated cod with crispy fries and tangy coleslaw. Pair it with one of their many bourbon and whiskey selections for the ultimate Friday night meal.
Coulee Golf Bowl
Location: 100 Green Coulee Road, Onalaska
A great place to grab a fish fry after hitting the lanes or the golf course! Their fish specials include battered, pan-fried, or blackened cod or walleye. Take it a step further and get a combo meal – walleye and tenderloin tips, or fish and shrimp!
Drugan’s
Location: W7665 Sylvester Road, Holmen
This Holmen supper club is a great spot to enjoy your meal while taking in scenic views of the golf course. Dive into their Friday night cod dinner special, branch out and go for a combo to pair the fish with tenderloin tips, or fill up with a traditional (and delicious) salad bar!
Features
Location: 504 Holmen Drive North, Holmen
A family-friendly spot offering a Friday fish fry with beer-battered cod, perch, walleye, shrimp, or seafood pasta. With a welcoming atmosphere and consistently good food, it’s a great choice for a casual night out.
Fork and Fable Crafthouse
Location: 1003 16th Street South, La Crosse
Photos courtesy of Fork and Fable
Fork and Fable focuses on high-quality, sustainably sourced fish – offering options like cod or walleye (options for pan fried or batter fried) with slaw and fries. Their menu offerings rotate, so you may be able to grab some mahi mahi, salmon, or sole while you’re there too.
Fox Hollow
Location: 3287 County Road O, La Crosse
Nestled just outside of town, Fox Hollow serves a well-seasoned and crispy fish fry that keeps locals coming back – think beer battered cod, slaw, hand cut fries, and garlic bread.. yum! Their relaxed bar-and-grill vibe makes it a great spot for families and groups.
The Hillside Fish House
Location: W124 WI-35, Fountain City
One of the area’s most historic fish fry destinations, The Hillside Fish House has been serving seafood lovers for generations. Their traditional Friday night fish fry – haddock, shrimp, bread, soup, salad, and potato – is always fresh and full of flavor, making it a must-try (and well worth the drive!).
Houghton’s Jackson Street Pub
Location: 1002 Jackson Street, La Crosse
Houghton’s keeps things simple and delicious with a classic North Atlantic beer-battered cod fry and soup & salad bar. This long-standing La Crosse favorite is perfect for those who appreciate a no-fuss, great-tasting fish dinner!
Howie’s
Location: 1128 La Crosse Street, La Crosse
A lively bar with a solid reputation for their beer-battered and broiled fish options. We recommend opting in for the Dynamite Fries, too! Howie’s is a great place to kick off the weekend with good food, craft beer, and a fun atmosphere.
Hungry Peddler
Location: 3429 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse
The Hungry Peddler offers a a nostalgic diner-style setting and delivers an array of fish options all throughout the day on Fridays! Head there for lunch to enjoy a fish sandwich and soup, or tap in to the dinner hour for a catfish meal (option to add in chicken, too!). Either way, it’s a great choice for big appetites and lovers of classic Wisconsin Friday night vibes.
Red Pines Bar & Grill
Location: W7305 County Road Z, Onalaska
With its scenic lakeside setting, Red Pines is the perfect place to enjoy a fish fry with a view. Their beer-battered cod and shrimp, paired with homemade tartar sauce and Red Pines Fries, is a local favorite. Don’t let the busy crowd or longer wait times deter you..just enjoy a drink and company while you wait. Trust us, it’s so worth it!
The Ridge Restaurant
Location: W2782 State Road 33, La Crosse
The Ridge serves up a fish fry every Friday featuring different fish throughout the year – catfish, cod, mahi mahi, and more! Their welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxing dinner with family and friends. If you want a quick grab and go for home, they also offer a take-out family meal deal with fish, fries, and housemade slaw.
Schmidty’s
Location: 3119 State Road, La Crosse
A longtime favorite for La Crosse locals, Schmidty’s offers an array of seafood options like pan fried walleye, salmon, or golden brown cod. The old-school supper club atmosphere adds to the experience, which you know we’re all for!
Sullivan’s
Location: W25709 Sullivan Road, Trempealeau
Tucked away in a quiet spot of Trempealeau overlooking the Mississippi River, Sullivan’s serves a Friday fish fry that feels like a well-kept secret. Their fresh, hand-breaded fish and classic Wisconsin charm make it worth the visit. You can dive into their other seafood options too, like shrimp, salmon, or lobster tails.
Tom Sawyer’s
Location: 136 Clinton Street, La Crosse
Stop in to Tom Sawyers on the Island for all-you-can-eat fish! Served pan fried, broiled, or batter fried with grilled veggies, and your choice of a salad and potato. It’s a great place to start your weekend1
The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern
Location: 328 Front Street South, La Crosse
A refined take on the Wisconsin fish fry, The Waterfront offers beer-battered yellow lake perch with house-made coleslaw and chef-prepared sides. The upscale setting and river views make for a memorable dining experience! Snag the opportunity to visit before The Waterfront closes in mid March 2026!
