Even though it’s always a good time for fish fry in Wisconsin, the state really goes all out in the fried fish fry department each and ever year when Lent rolls around. No matter if you’re Catholic or not (I fall into the “not” category, for the record), there’s a good chance you—someone who clicked on a link to an article with the headline you see above—are game to enjoy some fish on Fridays…and potentially other days of the week as well.
Adding to the unending array of Friday fish fry purveyors in the city is an abundance of excellent fish sandwiches available at bars, restaurants, and corner cafes throughout the Milwaukee area. I’m not the fried fish expert around these parts, but here are some of my favorite fish sandwiches I’ve had in and around Milwaukee. Note: I didn’t “miss” anything. If your favorite fish sandwich isn’t listed, I either haven’t have it yet or I don’t share your opinion. Please feel free to let us know about some other top-tier local fish sandwiches in our forum. I genuinely want to know about more great fish sandwiches!
Archie’s Flat Top — The Randy
Since opening in 2023, Archie’s Flat Top (6922 W. Becher St., West Allis) has been making some of the region’s best smash burgers. Prior to moving in, the Becher St. property was home to Randy’s Neighbors Inn, a classic ‘Stallis bar with an iconic fish fry. As a nod to its predecessor, Archie’s expands its menu every Lenten season to offer a fish sandwich.
“The Randy” is a limited time item that runs $15. This seasonal specialty comes complete with meaty hunks of “cheddar and potato crusted” cod. The fried fish is the topped with a thick slice of American cheese, tomato, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of the zesty house Archie’s Sauce (in place of traditional tartar) that’s all pressed between a spongy potato roll. Pickles are also served on the side. Though the sandwich—like many Archie’s offerings—is brittle and prone to breaking apart as you eat it, The Randy is a simple but terrific riff on a classic fish sandwich. It’s available daily until Easter, so grab one while you can!
Camino — Fish Sandwich
In addition to offering one of the city’s best burgers (which can sometimes be enjoyed for just $5), a great beer selection, and standout sides, Camino (434 S. 2nd St. and 7211 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis) also makes one heck of a fish sandwich. The aptly-named “Fish Sandwich” is available at both locations every Friday all year long. The massive sandwich ($17, including a side of fries or Brussels sprouts) is stuffed with sizable pieces of Icelandic cod with a light batter.
The fish is topped with slices of American cheese and rests atop fresh slices of tomato and a bed of shredded lettuce. It’s all encased in a soft bakery bun. The tartar is served on the side and, well, it doesn’t actually seem to be traditional tartar sauce. Instead, it’s a creamy sauce that’s inventively spiced. Flavor-wise, it lands somewhere between veggie tray dip and Chicken In A Biskit dust, which might sound odd, but it’s extremely good when applied to the sandwich itself and when used as a dip for french fries.
Crave Cafe — Crispy Fish Sandwich
Out on the North Shore, Crave Cafe (3592 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood) has recently been garnering some well-deserved attention on account of its exceptional burgers. Well, I’m here to tell you Crave’s quality and level of execution also extends beyond the realm of beef. The Crispy Fish Sandwich ($8.75) is a simple but oh-so satisfying year-round menu item. Encased in a buttered and toasted artisan bun are two pieces of crunchy, flaky battered cod, two slices of American cheese (one on top, one on the bottom) and a generous glob of rich, dill-forward house tartar that permeates every delicious bite. Whether you snag one of the eight available seats—split between three tables—in the cozy dining area or you order it to-go, you’ll be happy to tried the fish sandwich at Crave Cafe.
Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown — Chili Crisp Fish Sandwich
I say this without a shred of hyperbole or an ounce of exaggeration: the Chili Crisp Fish Sandwich at Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown (600 N. Broadway) is the best fish sandwich I’ve ever had. It’s nothing short of incredible. This all-year offering and undisputed menu touchstone runs $20 (includes a side of hand cut fries or “taverns” potatoes) and it’s worth every red cent.
Szechuan and cornmeal encrusted fish is tossed in a savory and spicy chili crisp, then complemented with fresh dill and mustard greens, slivers of raw red onion, thick medallions of house dill pickles, slices of American cheese (that have been laid on a flat top griddle and scraped off), and a creamy tartar with a lilt of lemon. All of that is set between two pieces of bun that somehow manage to be impossibly soft and malleable on the outside and lightly charred and crunchy within. The Chili Crisp Fish Sandwich might not be for everyone, but it’s right up my alley and I’m already planning out the next time I’ll get it.
(FAST FOOD BONUS!)
Culver’s — Northwoods Walleye Sandwich
Finally, we come to what I’m referring to as a bonus pick for readers who don’t live near Milwaukee or don’t have a company card to cover a $20 fish sandwich charge for the sake of journalism. Culver’s has a beloved North Atlantic Cod Sandwich at all its locations all year, but the Northwoods Walleye Sandwich ($8.49 in Milwaukee, prices vary nationwide) is only available for a few weeks annually. It returned this week, so we paid the Layton Ave. location a visit and reeled one in.
The limited time sandwich features one long piece of Canadian walleye on a pillow-y hoagie roll. It’s accented with some tartar and shredded lettuce. The tartar sauce is pretty standard, which might be a good thing to some and a drawback to others, and the lettuce does little to elevate things. Customizing yours with cheese, tomato, and even pickles might be a good idea to consider. The fish was actually a little bit “fishy,” which I mean in the best way, as it implies the walleye was far more fresh than anything you’d get from another national chain. In terms of this sandwiches on this list, the Culver’s Northwoods Walleye Sandwich is a distant fifth place finisher, but it’s still far better than a fast food fish sandwich has any right to be.
Once again, please take to our forum to let us know some of your favorite local fish sandwiches!