Friday nights in the Midwest Great Lakes area are known for one thing—fish fry. Whether it's a pub in Michigan like the legendary Art's Tavern, a German beer hall in Milwaukee on Lake Michigan, or a dive bar on the shores of Lake Superior in Wisconsin, the Friday fish fry is ubiquitous in every town. In addition to restaurants, almost every tavern that has a kitchen serves fish on Friday. 

The Fish

With Lake Superior and Lake Michigan flanking these three states, not to mention all the smaller inland lakes, rivers, and cold lake-fed streams, there is no shortage of fresh fish in the area.

Lake perch is one of the most plentiful and popular fishes served on Fridays. It is typically beer-battered, deep-fried, and dipped in tartar sauce. Walleye is another popular fish commonly found on the Friday night menu. Flaky and mild, even people who aren't overly fond of fish generally like walleye. Rather than battered and deep-fried, walleye is usually served broiled with a side of melted real Wisconsin butter.

Whitefish, abundant in the Great lakes, has a delicate flavor. In addition to being served at Friday night fish fry, it is often smoked or pickled and served as is or turned into a spread for crackers and served as an appetizer. Bluegill is another favorite. This panfish is usually lightly dusted in flour and pan-fried. Smelt, baby fish that are a sure sign of spring, are also popular for a few months. These tiny fish are either deep-fried or pan-fried, and are eaten tail and all. Fish boils, common on the shores of the Great Lakes, is another option. Whitefish, corn, and potatoes are all boiled in a giant cauldron, creating a stew.

The Sides

Friday night fish fry is almost always served with coleslaw and some type of potato. Potato choices are frequently baked, French fries, or potato salad. In areas with a heavy German concentration, potato pancakes, served with sour cream and applesauce, or German potato salad, are additional options. Baked beans are another common side dish. Rye bread, Italian bread, or a dinner roll round out the meal.

The Drinks

In addition to all the beers that "made Milwaukee famous," microbrews, and whiskey or brand Old Fashioneds, made with muddled fruit, sugar, and Angostura bitters mixed with sour or lemon soda or a combination of the two, known as an Old Fashioned Press, will complete your Midwest fish fry experience. Many of the pubs in this area also offer karaoke once the fish fry is over, so order another round of drinks and stick around for the fun.

For more information, contact companies like Art's Tavern​.