13 Comments

One not to be missed if only for the historical aspect is Range Line Inn in Mequon Wi. Built around 1840, it served as a safe stop for the Underground Railroad. It is a no frills restaurant that has mostly regular locals that know the waitresses name by heart. My favorite is the fried perch and they make a great old fashioned. Even have the traditional potato pancakes.

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Sounds perfect.

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I’m from New York’s Hudson Valley and our fish of choice was lake perch. Yes, it had bones but it was delicious. I’ve been living on the west coast for years and lake perch is not available.

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I grew up in the Milwaukee area and have been to most of the places you mention in your newsletter. I've lived away for far too many years, and you've made me miss my Friday Fish Fry. I teared up when you mentioned crappies in the recipe. We used to ice fish for those babies on Lac LaBelle. No finer fare anywhere. Thank you for giving me a trip down memory lane, and maybe a reason to go home for a visit, soon.

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Yum!!

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Growing up next door to Wisc, I’ve been to several of these. I’m a cod, walleye & hush puppy kind of gal. Even a mediocre fish fry is still delicious in Wisc. This one touched some great memories…we spent many cabin vacations in Hayward as kids. Caught lots of fish; first rule of fishing with brothers?? You bait your own hook, clean your own fish and then we cooked much of it on a fire outside. A big hell ya on the Spotted cow, and btw…your Kegal comment made me spit out my smoothie 😂.

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Yes, even a mediocre fish fry is good!

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The Pine Tree Supper Club in Tomahawk is the best up here. I grew up in the Midwest and am used to the fish fry but most places up here serve ocean fish like haddock! I wish it was lake fish!

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The Kegel's Inn - HAHAHA!! Oh I love it! I'm in Iowa and we also worship the Friday Fish Fry!!

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Andrew if you ever in Palm Springs California please go to Sherman’s Deli & Bakery.

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Andrew: isn’t that remoulade?

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Is there ANYTHING better than fresh Blue Gill fried to perfection? ( with the exception of having to fillet them🤦‍♀️) But it is well worth the effort!

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Hi Andrew- Great article on Wisconsin fish frys! There are so many good ones it’s difficult to choose a favorite. Just a note that Dorf House is correctly spelled as Dorf Haus. I know this as my father grew up in the house next door to the restaurant!

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