Most true Wisconsinites love Friday Night Fish Fries!  We wanted to know where to find some of the best Madison area fish fries, so we set out to find out what people thought!  Here is the list that we compiled in no particular order and they all offer dine-in or carryout!

Toby’s Supper Club

Toby’s encompasses what a true supper club is all about.  The dinners are served with soup or salad, potato, relish tray, and dinner rolls. They feature Blue Gill, Cod, Lake Perch, and Baby Pike, which keep people coming back for more. There’s also an option to do fish and steak or shrimp! The bartenders and wait staff are very friendly, and even when it is crazy busy, they always seem to make you feel welcome.  The earlier you come the better because this place fills up quickly!

“Perfect hole in the wall with a huge amazing spread, worth the wait and plenty of bar space and strong drinks to kill the time!!” – Kathryn

3717 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison/McFarland (608) 222-6913

Open for dine-in and carryout.

Quivey’s Grove Stable Grill 

The Stable Grill features both beer-battered and baked cod with parmesan potato or fries, coleslaw, and bread. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the staff is very friendly. Their fish fry is offered on both Wednesday and Friday.

“Baked cod and Parmesan potatoes are divine!” – Kathryn

6261 Nesbitt Rd, Fitchburg (608) 273-4900

Open for dine-in and carryout-order by phone.

Maple Tree

The Maple Tree’s fish fry is sure to please people of all hunger levels.  They offer fried or baked cod and offer the option of 1,2 or 3 pieces, and also have lake perch.  All their specials come with soup and salad bar, potato or vegetable and fresh bread.

“They have lightly battered, deep fried cod or you can get it broiled… and blackened! So delicious!!!! Plus a salad bar, great choice of sides and wonderful staff” – Krista

6010 Highway 51, McFarland (608) 838-5888

Open for dine-in and carryout- order by phone, online option coming soon.

The Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club

The Esquire received many rave reviews for their fish fry when we asked around.  They have been family owned and operated for 63 years!  The Esquire Club also is one of the first places to start the traditional “Friday Night Fish Fry.”  They are best known for their Ocean Perch which is served with potato, a homemade cheese dip with crackers, tossed salad, homemade soup, and bread.

“All you can eat ocean perch! We never go anywhere else.  Family owned and operated for forever.” – Kristen

“They have great ocean perch.” -Mary

1025 N. Sherman Ave, Madison (608) 249-0193

Open for dine-in and carryout- order online.

Rex’s Inn Keeper

Rex’s Inn Keeper is another great example of a wonderful old supper club.  They have fried or bake Cod and Haddock, both of which are both very good.  Dinners come with bread and a choice of potato, rice, or vegetables. Their salad bar is an additional charge, but worth it, especially once you see how big it is.  They accept reservations, especially during Covid, but you will get normally get seated in a reasonable amount of time if you don’t have them.

301 North Century Ave, Waunakee (608) 849-5011

Open for dine-in and carryout-order by phone.

Off Broadway Drafthouse

Off Broadway Drafthouse may not be a place you think of for a great fish fry unless you have been there yourself.  They have a variety of fish options on Fridays including, beer-battered deep fried or baked Cod, Blue Gill, and Perch.  All the fish dinners come with potato choice, coleslaw, and a dinner roll.

“I love South Bay Lounge if you want a casual fish fry (awesome walleye).” – Julie

5404 Raywood Ave., Madison (608) 630-9111

Open for dine-in and carryout-order by phone.

Dexter’s Pub

Dexter’s Pub is a popular spot to get your Friday night fish fry fixing. Their fish is caught in Wisconsin and is sustainably harvested too. The fish is sourced from local fishers and fish options may change based on season and availability. Current fish options are Cod, Perch, and Walleye. All dinners, unless specified, include potato, coleslaw, and a slice of Madison Sourdough Rye. This fish fry is available from noon-dusk every Friday.

301 N. Street, Madison (608) 244-3535

Open for dine-in and carryout-order by phone.