Why is the Friday fish fry a Wisconsin tradition? Mix a storied history with a bit of culture, religion, natural resources for the answer. The foundation of the Friday Fish Fry is rooted in the Catholic codes of canon law. Roman Catholics traditionally set aside Friday to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, by abstaining from eating meat.
Prohibition also played a role. During the 1920s, speakeasies and bars in Wisconsin took a major economic hit with the nationwide ban of alcohol. To recoup lost revenue, bar owners quickly needed an inexpensive way to lure patrons back, enter the fish fry. Wisconsin with its' thousands of lakes and streams offered many options for sourcing
fish cheaply and locally. Bars served up breaded fried Perch, Walleye, and assorted Panfish to hungry bar patrons with a side of Cole slaw, or potato.
From the bar stool, Wisconsin's culinary history was made and Fish Fries can be found on most days of the week all across the Badger State. For many supper clubs, resorts, restaurants, pubs, and marinas cod is the preferred fish for frying, although a number of establishments offer blue gill and walleye at a premium.
Here is just a small, sampling of fish fries around
Southern Wisconsin:
At Banushis BBG Bar and Grill in Stoughton, choose from cod or walleye, with a side of coleslaw, baked potato, or grilled veggies. Banushis also serves up a fish fried sandwich with two pieces of fried cod. Order the walleye and be prepared to eat. "It's one of the biggest i've seen around, it does not fit in to go box." says Brandon, Kitchen Manager at Banushis BBG Bar and Grill. And as COVID-19 cases continue to rise Brandon says "we go above and beyond, with seating more than six feet apart always sanitized. We have sanitize stations all over and at the entrance. During the pandemic our original capacity we’re at less than ½ tables used to have. " Last year, Banushis was able to open the full dining room with ample spacing and less tables.. For pick up, "we actually have a drive thru that we had never used until COVID-19," Banushis manager added..
800 Nygaard St, Stoughton, WI 53589-5420
Overlooking Delavan Lake, located in the lovely, Lake Lawn Resort, The Lookout Bar & Eatery features battered cod (Wisconsin's own Spotted Cow), hush puppies, and the traditional Wisconsin sides like a roll & butter, home made apple sauce and chips. The Lookout''s fish fry is only available Friday after 5 pm.
2400 E. Geneva St. | Delavan WI 53115
In downtown Evansville at Night Owl Food and Spirits, cod and Alaskan pollock are the fish of choice. Both options can be prepared fried or baked with traditional sides of coleslaw, choice of potato and rolls In 2016, The Night Owl burned down, it took two years to rebuild. The newer location is much more spacious with a garage, dining room and bar it's easier to socially distance in. There is outdoor dining available on their patio. Or order online, call ahead, or just come in as the tables are spaced far apart from each other. "We do curbside, come into double doors to host stand to the right. If you choose curbside we tell you wear to park you just pay over phone," says Michelle, Night Owl's assistant manager.
The Road Dawg Saloon and Eatery in Janesville has a couple of worthy fish fry options. "We’re doing both baked and beer battered cod. Sides include coleslaw, dinner rolls from an area bakery and choice of potato," the manager at the chain eatery told Lakes Edition.
2914 Morse Street, Janesville, WI 53545
And lastly and not the least, Jill, manager over in Footville at the Footville Friendly Cafe says they offer one, two or three pieces of cod with a choice of potato and salad. "It's quite popular, we do a lot of to go orders, and more people are dining in," says the Footville Friendly Cafe's manager. The cafe is at 50% capacity. "We took some chairs out of some of bigger tables, and seat people at every other table," Jill added. The staff at the cafe are required to wear masks and there is hand sanitizer and wipes for the customers.
How popular is the Friday Fish Fry in Wisconsin? On Friday Feb. 16, 2024 Governor Tony Evers issued a proclamation declaring the Friday Fish Fry an unofficial holiday.
Where ever you travel in the Badger state you're sure to find a great fish fry dinner just around at the corner bar, grill or supper club to meet your culinary tastes. But before you go please respect our small businesses and their COVID-19 protocols in place to keep you and hour family safe. Bon appétit!
