Fish Fries
5 Favorites
1813 E. Kenilworth Place
(414) 727-2122
Hotch-A-Do
offers East Side diners what is billed as the city’s only “vegetarian
fish fry,” a choice of natural tilapia (purchased locally from St. Paul
Fish Co.) or meatless soy patties. Both are breaded in Japanese-style
“panko” bread crumbs and pan-fried. Sides include coleslaw, rye bread
with butter, and hash browns topped with melted cheddar. Hotch-A-Do’s
unofficial “slow-food” approach—everything is prepared from scratch, to
order—makes this fish fry a healthier alternative, allowing
vegetarians, foodies and the health-conscious to participate in a
Milwaukee tradition while eschewing the deep-fried fish and potatoes
generally offered at fish fries. (Heather Zydek)
Kegel’s Inn
5901 W. National Ave.
(414) 257-9999
Kegel’s
Inn is a remnant of Old Milwaukee’s Teutonic heritage with its dark
wood interior, stained-glass windows and ornate decorative beer steins.
At least in appearance, not much has changed since the West Allis
restaurant opened its current location in 1933—and although prices have
crept up over the years, they remain (in that favorite local term)
“reasonable.” Along with a menu of German and American favorites comes
a classic Milwaukee fish fry—nothing fancy, but rooted in the city’s
tradition. (David Luhrssen)
Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. Commerce St.
(414) 273-8300
The
Friday fish fry at Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden, frequently voted by
Milwaukeeans as a local favorite, serves up a traditional, family-style
fish fry complete with live polka music performed by the Brewhaus Polka
Kings starting at 6 p.m. and brewery tours for fish fry guests
beginning at 5:30 p.m. The menu features beer-battered cod, baked
tilapia, and breaded perch, bluegill and shrimp, with a combo platter
available as well. Other options include burgers, veggie burgers,
chicken tortellini, salads and soups. There is also a small children’s
menu. Except during Lent, reservations are accepted for groups of eight
or more. (H.Z.)
The Packing House
900 E. Layton Ave.
(414) 483-5054
When
cars start spilling out onto Layton Avenue, you know it’s Friday night
at The Packing House. One of Milwaukee’s most famous fish fries (baked
or fried, actually) comes with the proper fixings of coleslaw, marble
rye bread and your choice of french fries or potato pancakes. Add some
lemon and tartar sauce, order up some clam chowder and you’re set for a
memorable Friday feast. This weekly tradition may cause cars to line up
for The Packing House’s drive-through carryout service, but it’s one
time you won’t mind waiting in traffic. (Robbie Hartman)
St. Connie’s Fish Fry
2160 N. Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa
(414) 778-1555
For
decades St. Connie’s, located in the large gymnasium attached to Sts.
Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, has offered a fish fry
with a Greek flavor. Current offerings include traditional adult’s and
children’s fish fries for less than $10 as well as fish sandwiches,
“plaki” (white fish baked in a rich tomato and herb sauce), shrimp,
rotisserie chicken with rice pilaf, and a rotating Greek
dessert—anything from kourabiethes (buttery almond cookies coated with
powdered sugar) to galaktoboureko (a crispy phyllo pastry filled with
custard and soaked in a lemony syrup). (H.Z.)
Photo: Lakefront Brewery’s Fish Fry by Lindsey Abendschein
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