Catch a Fish Fry in Door County

While known for the historic fish boil, a Door County fish fry is exceptional in its own right. Not only is it a specialty of our freshwater communities, but Fry-days are events that bring family and friends together in winter throughout our lakeside lands. Wherever you are in Door County, you can easily find a nearby fish fry to add to your Lenten meal plan like these. 

Sturgeon Bay Fish Fry-Days

Donny’s Glidden Lodge 

The only thing better than the Friday fresh catch dinner is the view of Lake Michigan when you look up from your meal at Donny’s Glidden Lodge. (For the best seats, the 4 p.m. reservation is recommended.) Open every day except Sundays, the restaurant also offers certified Black Angus cuts of steak and other fresh Midwestern fare.

Hidden Bridge Pub

Sometimes, a mouthwatering meal is right off the beaten path, and Hidden Bridge Pub is one of Sturgeon Bay’s well-kept secrets. Their flawlessly fried weekly specials include your choice of bluegill, pike, cod, and more, all served with fresh sides and a sweet treat to top off your dinner. Littles will enjoy tasty fare off their kid's menu, while adults can savor something from their extensive beer and wine list.

Birmingham's Bar and Cottages

A charming, rustic atmosphere meets homestyle cooking at Birmingham’s Bar and Cottages. Bring your seafood appetite for their flavorful, lightly-breaded whitefish or lake perch; both pan-seared to perfection. Spice up the meal with frog legs or shrimp, or enjoy surf and turf with their burger served on homemade white bread, just like Grandma would make.

Kitty O'Riley's Irish Pub

Give your Fish Fry-Day the luck of the Irish with delectable recipes at Kitty O’Riley’s Irish Pub. Located steps from the waterfront, this quaint retreat serves up harp-ale battered cod in their classic fish & chips, as well as breaded shrimp, bluegill, and perch baskets with fries. Kick off the meal with an order of coconut shrimp, and don’t miss out on Kitty’s Famous Loaded Bloody Mary, complete with mozzarella whips and a beef stick.

The Mill Supper Club 

You’ll get the best of both German and American dishes at The Mill Supper Club. Their longstanding tradition of excellence comes through in their Friday fish fry. Choose from cod, perch, white fish, shrimp, scallops, or a little bit of everything with a full range of sides. Stop by during happy hour and ask about the exclusive Mill Mug Club membership before it’s full!

Nightingale Supper Club

Serving Door County since 1913, Nightingale Supper Club is a cultural landmark featuring a twice-weekly fish fry (Wednesday and Friday) you won’t want to miss. Reservations are encouraged to partake in the best of Wisconsin’s supper club tradition, which is also home to the “best deep-fried cheese curds in the county.” 

Samuelson's Creek Pub and Grill

The only fish fry with the option of pretzel crust walleye plus perch, cod and whitefish fillet dinners are a few reasons Samuelson’s Creek Pub and Grill is a must for anyone in Door County. The menu reflects cooking from the original Samuelson’s Family Restaurant, with memorability adorning the walls. As part of the White Birch Inn, Samuelson’s is a staple for your winter weekend getaway, featuring over 50 craft beers and cocktails, plus unique specialties such as “Bratchos” and pizza of the month.

Scaturo’s Baking Co. & Cafe 

Although hours adjust in the winter, the family-owned and operated Scaturo’s Baking Co. & Cafe is still open seven days a week for seasonal creations you’ll love. That includes Chef Bert’s perfected Friday fish fry, and fresh bakery items made daily. Come for a meal or stop by for a grab-n-go meal to bake at home for the family. 

Waterfront Mary’s Bar and Grill 

Wintertime is still the perfect time to enjoy Sturgeon Bay views — add Waterfront Mary’s Friday Fish Fry, and you’ve got yourself a weekend to remember. Open every day, this unique restaurant can accommodate parties of any size. As the locals say, “It’s not a dead end; it’s the road to Waterfront Mary’s.”

Egg Harbor Fish Fry-Days

Stone Hedge Golf and Pub

Like your fish fry with a quick nine on the side? Stone Hedge Golf and Pub is the place to be in Egg Harbor, with a family-friendly atmosphere, a fully stocked bar, and your choice of beer-battered cod or breaded perch for your Friday fish fry. Enjoy warm-weather fun on their outdoor patio, cheer on your favorite team on their giant screen TVs, and, of course, hit a ball or two.

Shipwrecked Brew Pub

All of Door County’s local sailors know that the Shipwrecked Brew Pub is the area’s premier microbrewery, housed in what was once a historic saloon built in 1882. These days, diners find waterfront views, more than 10 house-made craft brews on tap, and a menu full of tavern fare. Check out their fish fry every day of the week, with beer-battered cod, breaded lake perch, and pan-fried walleye to choose from.

Coyote Roadhouse 

On the snowmobile trail of County E at Kangaroo Lake, you’ll find an all-you-can-eat fish fry that stands apart from the rest at Coyote Roadhouse. You’ll enjoy a sweet, deep-fried grouper with lake views and friendly service here. Open for lunch or dinner all winter long, Coyote Roadhouse has other mouthwatering specialties, as well, such as their “Kanga” Reuben and “heaping loaf” of fried onion strands.

Log Den 

Open weekends during the winter, Log Den is a must-see for Door County visitors. Admire the hand-carved wildlife featured throughout the 10,000-square-foot cabin restaurant and lounge within the wooded retreat. Then choose between fried perch or baked parmesan haddock for your fish fry, with other country fare and exotic food items also available.

Fish Creek Fish Frys

English Inn 

There’s no other fish fry quite like what you’ll experience at The English Inn. The former lumber mill of a century ago still stands today as a traditional supper club with the elegance of years gone by. The all-you-can-eat Friday night fish fry starts at 4 p.m., with your choice of perch, walleye, cod, catfish, whitefish, bluegill, or a mix of your favorites.  

White Gull Inn Restaurant

The adjoining White Gull Inn Restaurant has served award-winning cuisine for more than 125 years that includes several fish dishes. Choose from the pan-fried herb-crusted walleye or they offer broiled options like lemon dill whitefish and whitefish parmesan.

Baileys Harbor Fish Fry-Days

Harbor Fish Market and Grille 

The Harbor Fish Market and Grille is a seafood lover’s dream. Along with the lake perch or whitefish Friday fish fry, you can also enjoy a traditional New England lobster boil here, all within a historic building surrounded by the best harbor views. Open year-round with seasonal menus, Harbor specializes in fresh seafood, fine wines, and house-made desserts.

Cornerstone Pub

Treat yourself to fine dining and friendly service on the Bailey’s Harbor Marina at Cornerstone Pub. Situated in the storybook-like streets of downtown Bailey’s Harbor, their menu offers seafood favorites like deep-fried walleye or pan-friend perch sandwiches or zesty twists on old recipes, like Cajun-baked whitefish. Don’t pass up the Wisconsin Cheese Melt while you’re there; you’ll get a cheesy, gooey, melty favorite in cheese’s own capital state.

Thirsty Cow Taphouse

Self-pour satisfaction and delicious eats make Thirsty Cow Taphouse a Door County must-see. Savor the flavor of local seltzers, ciders, beers, and cocktails over 25 self-service taps, then bring your glass to the table for a seafood feast. Try their crispy fried Walleye Fingerlings or the “Fintastic” Hook Line & Sinker, a Perch filet smothered in cheddar cheese and tartar sauce on a toasted telera roll.

Sister Bay Fish Fry-Days

Chop

Give your Fish Fry-Day an elegant upgrade at Chop in Sister Bay. Choose from deep or pan-fried lake perch, walleye, or jumbo shrimp, all served with steak fries, clam chowder, and more. If you’re looking to enjoy the classy, casual atmosphere all week long, stop in for a craft cocktail with seafood delights ranging from king crab legs to scallops to lobster tails.

Husby’s Food and Spirits 

If casual is your mood, make your way to Husby’s Food and Spirits, the original sports bar of Door County. Open every day, all winter long, it’s the perfect way to welcome in the weekend, surrounded by flat screens, pool and bar games, and delicious nightly specials, including the Friday fish fry. Everyone is welcome at Husby’s, which is wheelchair accessible.

Sister Bay Bowl 

Where can you enjoy the Best Fish Fry (as recognized by the readers of Door County Advocate) plus a game of bowling all in one place? Head downtown in Sister Bay to Sister Bay Bowl, a one-of-a-kind supper club, where the owners are family and the portions are too. 

Endless options await your next Door County fish fry, so don’t wait to make Fry-day plans. Learn more about this dish and other traditional cuisine of Door County now.