The Friday fish fry tradition in Baileys Harbor is alive and well. These are the best Baileys Harbor fish fry restaurants.
While most restaurants offered fried fish in Baileys Harbor, I selected these restaurants based on the following criteria:
- They offer fish fry specials, especially on Friday
- My own personal experience with these restaurants. I don’t recommend anywhere I wouldn’t go.
- The opinions of others. Speaking of which:
What are your favorite fish fries in Baileys Harbor? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of the post.
5 Best Fish Fry Restaurants in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin
Most restaurants in Baileys Harbor offer Friday fish fry specials, but these are the ones I recommend to visitors on a regular basis. If you’re open to venturing further, there are fish fries all over the rest of Door County as well.
Coyote Roadhouse
Coyote Roadhouse offers an all-you-can-eat grouper fish fry on Friday nights.
Coyote Roadhouse is one of Door County’s best-kept secrets. Far from the bustle of the tourist hubs, this laid-back restaurant overlooking Kangaroo Lake, near Jacksonport, offers hand-crafted pub eats and a wide selection of beers.
Outdoor seating tantalizes diners in the summer months, and the classic bar and grill interior is a comfortable place to take in a meal and spend some time lingering throughout the year.
We love to go to Coyote Roadhouse when we are really hungry. They might not make money off of us for their all-you-can-eat fish fries!
Address: 3026 County Rd E, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Phone: 920-839-9192
Website
Map
Florian II Supper Club
The Florian II offers fried lake perch and gulf shrimp, along with a number of broiled fish items.
The Florian II Supper Club exudes the essence of a Wisconsin supper club, with buildings from the 70s, neon signs, and a family-run operation. Now in the 4th generation of family operation, the Florian II has one of the most amazing Lake Michigan views from their dining room, and live music is at the center of the experience that they offer.
Even if you’re staying on the Bay Side of Door Couty, make your way over to Door County’s quiet side for this unforgettable experience. The Florian II does not take reservations, however, so be ready to wait at the bar for a table. This is all part of the supper club experience.
We love Florian II’s classic Supper Club experience.
Website
Phone: 920-839-2361
Address: 8048 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Map
Harbor Fish Market & Grille
The Harbor Fish Market & Grille offers locally caught, fresh lake perch, walleye, and whitefish for their Friday night fish fry.
Besides these fried options, they also offer sea bass, ahi tuna, scallops, shrimp, and lobster. For those who do not like fish, they also offer several pork and beef items on their menu.
Cornerstone Pub
The Cornerstone Pub is a delightful place to eat, and their Friday fish fry is no different.
They offer perch, walleye, shrimp, haddock, and whitefish. Fresh and well-prepared, patrons can choose to dine in their cool, old, historic building or outside on their patio, weather permitting.
Cornerstone Pub is one of those rare places where both locals and tourists love to gather.
AC Tap
AC Tap is a classic Wisconsin dive bar. As such, they offer a classic Wisconsin Friday fish fry, regarded by many locals as the best in the county.
AC Tap has made the news recently as being one of the favorite Door County establishments of Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon. Also known as “Quadzilla” for his huge legs, AJ Dillon has adopted Door County as something of a second home, and the County has returned the love. In 2022, he was named the “Mayor of Door County.”
Come try out their fish fry, and perhaps you’ll run across a player for the Packers!
The History of Fish Fries in Wisconsin
The Friday fish fry has its roots in Christian piety. In the Middle Ages, Christians would refrain from eating meat on Fridays as a way of honoring the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. Instead of meat, many people would eat fish instead. This is still a requirement for Roman Catholics during Lent.
Because of this, fish fries are popular in Sturgeon Bay (and all of Wisconsin), especially during Lent. However, you can find Friday fish fries in Sturgeon Bay all year long.
Whether you are a Christian or not, you are welcome to participate in the Friday fish fry tradition, and these best Sturgeon Bay fish fry restaurants will leave you satisfied.
More About Baileys Harbor
Baileys Harbor is located on the Lake Michigan side of Door County, otherwise known as the “Quiet Side.”
Baileys Harbor was once one of the most important settlements in Wisconsin, offering the only harbor on Lake Michigan north of Sheboygan. It was integral to the development of Door County and was the original county seat.
Baileys Harbor still serves as an important location for commercial and charter fishing operations. Besides this, it is a popular tourist location.
To learn more about this village, check out our page about Baileys Harbor. You can also check out our posts on the best things to do in Baileys Harbor, and the best restaurants in Baileys Harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fish fry is a traditional meal in Wisconsin that usually consists of battered and fried fish, typically cod or perch, served with sides like fries, coleslaw, and rye bread. It’s a popular Friday night dining option and often served in restaurants, taverns, and churches.
Some of the best places to have fish fry in Baileys Harobr, Wisconsin include Florian II Supper Club, Cornerstone Pub, and Coyote Roadhouse. However, there are many other establishments that offer delicious fish fry options as well.
Fish fry season in Wisconsin, including in Door County, typically runs from late winter to early spring, starting around Ash Wednesday and ending around Easter. However, many places offer fish fry year-round. Fridays are the most popular day for fish fry, but some places also offer it on other days of the week.
Summary
- Friday fish fries are popular events in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.
- Friday fish fries have their roots in Christian piety.
- Fish fries can be found throughout Baileys Harbor on Fridays.
