Far from either of the “big coasts,” we here in Wisconsin are still incredibly lucky to have access to some of the most delicious seafood there is.
One of the best under-the-radar spots to stock up on fresh and smoked fish is Schwarz Fish Market in Sheboygan. Family owned and operated since it opened in 1912, Schwarz is a no frills little shop just steps from the Sheboygan River and blocks from Lake Michigan. Step inside their retail store for a true taste of Midwestern seafood heaven.
The retail location on the riverfront has been open since 1953. The company's wholesale location, on 9th street, has been there since 1924. Schwarz Fish Market was started by Herman Sr. and William Schwarz and processed only smoked fish. When they moved in 1924, they expanded into fresh fish processing and frozen seafood products. Herman's son Marcel bought the company in 1938 and it's been owned by his family ever since. His son Neil is acting President and Neil's children are active in running the company.
This is a small spot, but it's jam-packed with everything you could ever want, from fresh fish and seafood to spreads, dips and more. You'll also find all the fixin's you could need, from fish fry batter to seafood seasoning. You might be tempted to drive right on by this little spot - heck, you might not even see it. But if you do, you'd be missing out on one of the best-kept secrets in Wisconsin. Schwarz's has more than a century of experience providing for the folks in Sheboygan and you don't want to miss out.
But if you buy nothing else, you need to buy some smoked fish. Schwarz started out smoking fish more than a century ago, so you know they're doing something right. They use only salt and water for brining and all-natural hardwood fires to achieve the smoky deliciousness they've come to be known for. They've been using the same methods for more than 90 years because if it ain't broke, why fix it?
