I love a fish fry. I do. And different fish fries scratch different itches: Are you looking for deliciousness? Are you looking for community? Are you looking for church basement vibes? All you can eat? There is really no wrong answer—I love all of it.
I have to be honest—I’ve spent about a decade chasing church fish fries, I like the kitsch, I like the hometown spirit, I love the volunteers doing their thing. I don’t like the fish. It’s usually awful. So, I’m (generally) over it. Doesn’t mean I won’t chase that community spirit, but I’m not expecting tasty fish. (If you must, St. Albert The Great is the icon in Southeast Minneapolis.)
Who’s on your list? Let me know—I’ll be hitting the town checking out some of your favorites this year.
Gluek’s: This fish fry is slept on! Gluek’s is right by Target Center, and the above photo is hand-dipped cod fillet in Gluek’s Pils beer batter. Hushpuppies on the side make the all-you-can-eat version of this special—it’s $21.95, and it is lovely. Open for lunch and dinner, Gluek’s is downtown’s oldest restaurant. 16 N. Sixth St. Minneapolis
Gabe's / Manitou Cod Fish Fry
Gabe’s/Manitou Bar & Kitchen: Same owners, same chef, same fish fry. I just had this the other day, and when it comes freshly out of the fryer, this is pure perfection. Lift Bridge Farm Girl batter, freshly battered to order, nice tender cod—it hits all the notes right on. Gabe’s gives the old-school St. Paul bar vibe with the low ceilings, and Manitou in White Bear Lake is right on the square with big windows and a gorgeous bar. AYCE dinner, 3-10 p.m., $18.95; 2-piece lunch special is $15.50. 991 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul; 2171 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Ukrainian American Community Center: Where else can you get pierogi on Fish Fry Friday!? Live Ukrainian music, amazing pierogi, good enough fish—dine-in returned last year, we loved it, and this is my choice for vibes. You’ll see it Fridays only, March 7 through April 11. Fish with a couple pierogi is $15, dozen dumplings only is $15, too. Order online here. 301 Main St. NE, Minneapolis
328 Grill at the American Legion: Mik Germain gets it done in a buffet! This is a fundraiser for the legion as well. You can pick baked or fried cod, mac ‘n’ cheese, Parmesean potatoes drenched in cheese, green beans, and slaw, and pudding for dessert. $20 for adults, $10 kids under 10. American Legion Post 98, 328 Broadway St., St. Paul Park
Urban Growler: This woman-owned brewery does a real Wisconsin fish fry year-round, but it’s so good and worth calling out. The panko is the difference here—great crust on the walleye, with slaw, pumpernickel rye bread, and I go with tots for my side. Love tots. 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul
