SPECIAL MILWAUKEE'S BEST FISH FRY
FOUR GREAT
Milwaukee Fish Frys A complete guide to Milwaukee’s fish frys would be as long as a phonebook. And given the enormous number and variety of the locally popular entrée, how could we presume to pick and chose which are best? So, we left it up to our readers. The four restaurants below were the top vote getters in our 2020 Best of Milwaukee contest for fish fry. Enjoy, but remember: There are hundreds of others to choose from.
Photo Courtesy of The Packing House
Kegel’s Inn
The Packing House
Kegel’s Inn is a remnant of old Milwaukee in West Allis—a German restaurant with authentic Old World charm, many Bavarian dishes and a fish fry with many options (baked included). Kegel’s “Classic Fish Fry” includes five pieces of lightly battered, golden-brown cod with two slices of hearty rye bread, homemade coleslaw and a choice of soup. French fries and mashed potatoes are the standard sides, but Kegel’s also offers some unusual alternatives: potato pancakes, red cabbage or spaetzle. It’s available for carryout on Fridays. Adapting to COVID conditions, Kegel’s has installed a yurt on its outdoor patio, the Beer Garden, where up to 12 people can eat or drink in an insulated, enclosed space. (David Luhrssen)
There is something to be said about a fish fry’s popularity. On a Friday evening in early December, approximately 75 cars strung east on Layton Avenue, filled with hungry folks in line for the Packing House’s drive-through fish fry. The line moved steadily, and the 35 minute wait to get to the cash-only window was worth it. Three large pieces of mild, flaky cod were prepared lightly breaded and served with creamy coleslaw, slices of marble rye bread and a side of tartar sauce. The fries were extra crispy, and we also sampled a cup of the clam chowder; the perfect way to warm up a winter evening. The Packing House’s dining room is open, and the full menu is also available for carryout. If you choose this option, you will be given a pickup time and your order will be delivered to you in the nearby Nite Owl parking lot. (Blaine Schultz)
5901 W. National Ave. (414) 257-9999 | kegelsinn.com
40 | SHEPHERD EXPRESS
900 E. Layton Ave. (414) 483-5054 | packinghousemke.com
Background Image by NaokiKim/Getty Images
