Where Is The Best Fish Fry In The Twin Ports?

The fish fry is one of those meals that has become synonymous with Upper Midwest cuisine.  While New England claims its seafood, Texas has its barbecue, and California is the land of 10,000 salads - it seems like the fish fry is omnipresent on a lot of restaurant and grill menus in the part of the country we live in.

And while some could argue what constitutes a proper fish fry (i.e. is the fish battered and deep dried, grilled, or broiled?).  And - some might debate whether or not the side dish matters (i.e. is it served with "chips" (French fries) or some other side like mashed potatoes or rice?).  No one debates what day of the week is traditional for a fish fry meal:  That honor goes to Friday.  The Friday connection has it's origins because a variety of religious denominations couldn't eat meat on that day of the week - especially during the Lenten season.  However, even outside of Lent, the fish fry special is something most people expect to see on the menu at a restaurant on a Friday.

Even with the special being so prolific to Friday restaurant menus, it seems like the common question - especially here in the Northland - is "who has a fish fry?" or "who has the best fish fry?".

To answer those questions, we've compiled the following list of businesses - listed in alphabetic order - who specifically make mention of their Friday fish fry special on their menus, websites, and social media sites.

Try one, try some, or try them all.  You can't go wrong!

Aces on 29th - Superior

2827 Oakes Avenue, Superior, WI

Check out Aces on 29th's website for a complete look at their menu and also be sure to like their Facebook  page for daily specials and special events.

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Duluth

1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN - in the Miller Hill Mall

Applebee's offers an extensive menu option on their website.  They also have a Facebook page that provides additional details about their daily specials.

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Superior

3605 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI

The Superior Applebees also offers an extensive menu option on their website. They, too have a Facebook page that provides additional details about their daily specials.

Barkers Island Inn - Barkers Waterfront Grille + Lounge

300 Marina Drive, Superior, WI

In addition to their indoor dining room, this restaurant - located within the Barkers Island Inn complex - also offers an outdoor patio dining area, open during the warmer season.  Check out their website for a complete menu and Facebook for daily specials and upcoming events.

Big Daddy's Burgers

2828 Piedmont Avenue, Duluth, MN

Big Daddy's might be famous for their enormous, made-from-scratch burgers and fries, but they also feature a fish fry on the menu.  Check out their website for menu details and also take a look a their Facebook for specials.

Blue Max Bar + Grill

6139 Lavaque Rd - Duluth, MN

Located in the Fish Lake area of the Twin Ports, the Blue Max Bar and Grill offers the proverbial "food with a view".  Check out their website for a complete, up-to-date menu ad well as Facebook for specials and events.

Bridgeman's Restaurant - Duluth

2202 Mountain Shadow Drive - Duluth, MN

Of course Bridgeman's is famous for their ice cream and desserts, but their food is also top-notch.  Look for their complete menu on their website and be sure to check out their Facebook page as well.

Cast Iron Bar + Grill

5906 Old Miller Trunk Highway - Duluth, MN

A destination favorite of many, the Cast Iron Bar and Grill offers a peak at their menu on their website as well as detailing their daily specials and upcoming events on their Facebook page.

Chalet Lounge

4833 Miller Trunk Hwy - Hermantown, MN

For decades, folks up on the Hill have counted on the Chalet Lounge as a place to gather for cocktails and a delicious bite to eat.  Be sure to follow them on their Facebook page for upcoming daily specials, menu items, and events.

Choo Choo Bar + Grill

5002 E 3rd Street - Superior, WI

The Choo Choo Bar and Grill might be famous for their bloody mary's, but they also serve up some good food.  Check out their website for a look at their menu.  You can also follow them on their Facebook page to keep up with the different daily specials.

Clearwater Grill on Lake Superior

5135 N Shore Drive - Duluth, MN

A long-time destination favorite up the North Shore, Clearwater Grille offers a little of something for everyone on their menu.  You can check it out for yourself on their website.  And be sure to like them on Facebook  to stay up to date on their specials and coming events.

Dry Dock

2820 Midway Road - Duluth, MN

The perfect place for dinner after a round or two of golf - or - even "just because".  The Dry Dock's menu is full of favorites - including fish.  They've included a link to their menu on their website. You can also get details about the restaurant on their Facebook page.

Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub

109 W Superior Street - Duluth, MN

Fish and chips? The origins of the classic combination are shared between Great Britain and Ireland.  If it's an authentic Irish brew pub experience you're after, Dubh Linn in downtown Duluth delivers.  Check out their website for complete menus and look for upcoming special events on their Facebook  page.

Duluth Grill

118 S 27th Ave West - Duluth, MN

One of the handful of Northland restaurants that have been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, the Duluth Grill serves up comfort food with a gourmet flair.  Look for menus on their website and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Eddie's World Famous Ribs

5221 E 4th Street - Superior, WI

Nestled just a little off the beaten path of the main highway, Eddie's World Famous Ribs - or Eddie's Supper Club as most locals know it - is a worthy destination in Superior.  And while they're known for steaks, prime rib, and ribs (of course), they also offer an excellent fish dinner.  Look for details and menus on their website and click a "like" on their Facebook  page to stay up to date.

Fitger's Brewhouse

Fitger's Brewery Complex

600 East Superior Street - Duluth, MN

While the emphasis at Fitger's Brewhouse might be on beer, burgers, and sandwiches, they also serve up a pretty stellar fish option, too. For a complete look at their menu, visit their website or "like" them on their Facebook page.

Foster's Sports Bar + Grill

4767 W Arrowhead Road - Hermantown, MN

Foster's serves up food and drink with an Irish-flair.  So it's no surprise that they offer a fish special.  Be sure to follow them on their Facebook  page so you can get access to their menu and upcoming special events.

Grandma's Restaurant Canal Park

522 South Lake Avenue - Duluth, MN

The Canal Park location of Grandma's Saloon and Grill is the flagship location of this locally-born regional chain. Along with their signature pastas and burgers, they offer some fan-favorite fish options.  There's even a walleye sandwich.  Look for their menu on their website or follow them on Facebook.

Grandma's Restaurant Miller Hill

2202 Maple Grove Road - Duluth, MN

The sister-location to Grandma's in Canal Park, the Miller Hill location offers a similar menu in an atmosphere that is totally theirs.  Again, Grandma's offers their menus on their website and maintains a Facebook  presence.

Gronk's Bar + Grill

4909 E 2nd Street - Superior, WI

This local favorite has become known for doing things "upside down" as they put it.  From "upside down" burgers to their unique-to-the-area "bottom up" tappers, Gronk's serves a complete menu - which is available on both their website and on their Facebook page.

Island Lake Inn / Island Lake Bar + Restaurant

7153 Rice Lake Road - Duluth, MN

If you're looking for a little "island time", the Island Lake Inn Bar and Restaurant delivers.  Be sure to check out their complete menu - which is available on their website as well as on their Facebook page.

Izzy's BBQ Lounge + Grill

1506 N 3rd Street - Superior, WI

While barbecue might be their specialty, Izzy's also provides some fish dinner options.  Be sure to look for their menu and daily specials on their Facebook page.  Give 'em a "like" to follow along.

Julie's Family Restaurant

403 Belknap Street - Superior, WI

Long time Superior residents have come to depend on Julie's Family Restaurant for a good, made-from-scratch meal that doesn't break the bank.  And - like any good family-style restaurant, they offer some fish options.  Look for full details on their Facebook page.

Mr. D's

5622 Grand Avenue - Duluth, MN

This West Duluth establishment icon is a long-time Northland favorite.  Over the years they've hosted countless benefits and events.  Look for their menus on their website   and be sure to give them a "like" on their Facebook page to follow along for daily specials and upcoming events.

New London Café

4721 E Superior Street - Duluth, MN

This contemporary restaurant offers something for everyone.  ...Including fish!  Look for menus on their website and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Outback Steakhouse

4255 Haines Road - Hermantown, MN

Be sure to look for Outback's menu on their website and also "like" them on their Facebook page for specials.

Pickwick

508 E Superior Street - Duluth, MN

This historical restaurant has been a fixture in fine dining in the Twin Ports for more than a century.  Look for a detailed menu on their website and follow them on Facebook to stay up to date.

Red Lobster

301 S Lake Avenue - Duluth, MN

You'd expect a restaurant that specializes in seafood to offer a fish dinner, right?  Well, they do!  And a whole lot more as well.  To see a menu, visit their website  or like them on Facebook to stay up to date with daily specials.

St. Anthony's Catholic Church

4315 E 3rd Street - Superior, WI

What's more traditional than a Friday night fish fry dinner at a Catholic church during Lent? St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Superior has traditionally served their meal to the general public for decades.  This one is seasonal, only occurring during the Friday's during the Lenten season.  You can get more details on their website or, follow them on Facebook for more information.

St. Benedict's Catholic Church

1419 St Benedict Street - Duluth, MN

Similar to the above listing, St. Benedict's Catholic Church holds the tradition for Friday night Lenten fish fries in Duluth.  Check out their website for additional details and you can also follow them on  Facebook for more.

Sammy's Pizza - Downtown Duluth

103 West First Street - Duluth, MN

Okay, so Sammy's Pizza is a Northland tradition for pizza and Italian cuisine.  But, they also serve a delicious fish dinner.  Look for complete menu details on their website and you can also follow them on  Facebook.

Sammy's Pizza - West Duluth

403 North Central Avenue - Duluth, MN

The West Duluth Sammy's Pizza is part of that Northland tradition for pizza and Italian cuisine. And, like their sister locations, they also serve a delicious fish dinner. Look for complete menu details on their website or be sure to give them a 'like' on Facebook.

Sammy's Pizza - Woodland

4011 Woodland Avenue - Duluth, MN

The Woodland Sammy's Pizza is part of that Northland tradition for pizza and Italian cuisine. And, like their sister locations, they also serve a delicious fish dinner. Look for complete menu details on their website or follow them on Facebook.

Tappa Keg Inn

7036 Grand Avenue - Duluth, MN

This restaurant is a long standing tradition for dining in West Duluth.  Be sure to check out their Facebook page for menus and specials.

Tavern On The Hill

1102 Woodland Avenue - Duluth, MN

Contemporary, upscale, and fun.  Tavern on the Hill offers a relaxing place to meet up with friends for cocktails and good food.  Check out their website  for menus and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

The Breeze Inn

5168 Jean Duluth Road - Duluth, MN

Form burgers and sandwiches to salads and more, the Breeze Inn is a long-time Duluth favorite.  Their website  offers a look at the menu and you can also follow them on Facebook for daily specials and events.

The Kitchen

803 N 5th Street - Superior, WI

Located in Superior's North End, the Kitchen is a long time favorite of many for made-from-scratch food at a great price. Look for more details on their Facebook page.

The Other Place Bar & Grill

3930 E Calvary Road - Duluth, MN

The Other Place is a favorite of many for happy hour cocktails and something good to eat.  Look for menus and events on their website.  You can also follow them on  Facebook for more information.

The Shack

3301 Belknap Street - Superior, WI

For many years, The Shack has been the place many go for a great meal and maybe a cocktail or two. This Superior restaurant offers a look at their menu on their website and you can also follow them on Facebook for daily specials.

Trophy Café

1314 Commonwealth Avenue - Duluth, MN

The Trophy Cafe is a friendly, upscale restaurant that serves scratch-made comfort food with a flair. Look for complete menus on their website  or check out their Facebook page.

Wabegon Bar + Grill

14030 MN-23 - Superior, WI (but you get there from Minnesota!)

This hidden gem has a lot to offer.  Many use the Wabegon as a great place to stop off while snowmobiling or exploring.  From burgers to breakfast, they have something for literally every appetite.  Look for menus on their website or be sure to give them a 'like' on Facebook.

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