One of the Best Places in Wisconsin to Try This Local Favorite

Wisconsin’s food scene is serious business. Even the cooking competition show Top Chef took notice, choosing the state as the backdrop for a recent season and showcasing just how much culinary talent lives here. There's upscale dining, like Nook in Madison, and institutions like Leon's Frozen Custard have perfected their craft over decades. But when I think about Wisconsin food, I do not dream of artisanal cheese boards or beer brats. I think of the Friday night fish fry.

The Wisconsin fish fry isn't just a meal. It's a ritual.

Wisconsin’s early Catholic immigrants brought the tradition of avoiding meat on Fridays, but it was Prohibition that truly cemented the fish fry’s place in the state’s culture. With alcohol off the menu, taverns needed a new way to stay in business, and the answer was right in the local lakes: plentiful, inexpensive freshwater fish. By the 1960s, when the Catholic Church eased its Friday meat restrictions, the fish fry was no longer just a religious practice... it was a way of life. Today, it's as much about community as the food. Every self-respecting Wisconsinite has a strong opinion on where to get the best one.

For a fish fry done right, my suggestion is Landmark 1850 Inn in Milwaukee. As the city’s oldest tavern, it has been around since 1850, back when it served as a stagecoach stop between Milwaukee and Racine. The building has seen its share of changes and, in fact, has had new owners since 2024. However, it still holds onto the kind of character that makes you want to settle in for a few hours. The exposed beams, antique details, and warm lighting make every beer look more appealing. It's also right near General Mitchell Airport, which means it's an easy stop if you are coming into town for a weekend and want to start with something classic.

The fish fry at Landmark 1850 Inn is a master class in tradition. You have choices: fried cod, fried bluegill, fried shrimp, or baked Mediterranean cod. The fish is crisp and golden with just the right amount of batter. For sides, you pick from french fries, potato pancakes, sweet potato fries, or steamed broccoli. The meal comes with coleslaw, tartar sauce, and a slice of rye bread because this is Wisconsin, and that's how it is done.

The rye bread might seem like a strange addition if you're not from the area. No, it's not for making a sandwich. During the Prohibition era, it was a practical choice because it was cheap and readily available. More importantly, it was meant to help with any tiny fish bones that might have slipped through. Today that's not much of a concern, so the bread is more about keeping the tradition alive. It is also just tasty with a little butter.

Beyond the fish fry, Landmark 1850 Inn has a menu full of solid bar food. There are juicy burgers, stone-fired pizzas, and chicken nachos piled high with toppings. Sometimes, they even do a full-on crawfish boil. But the garlic fries deserve their own moment of appreciation. They are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and covered in enough garlic to make you reconsider your plans for later. Garlic fries are often one of my favorite things on any menu, and I couldn't forgive myself for not mentioning them.

The beer selection is just as well thought out, with a mix of local and classic options on tap. The tavern also hosts regular events, including trivia, bingo, and what looks like a Halloween party worth planning a trip around.

If you want to experience a proper Wisconsin fish fry, Landmark 1850 Inn is where you need to go. If you want to turn it into a full weekend, book a stay at one of the nearby rentals, like one that perfectly captures the vibes of Brew City and is perfect for winding down while digesting a pile of fried fish. Spend the next day exploring Milwaukee, maybe with a stop at the Milwaukee Art Museum or a brewery tour, before heading back to Landmark 1850 Inn for another round. Because once you have had a proper Wisconsin fish fry, you will start wondering why every other state has not caught on.

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