Smack Shack
Is there a bad fish fry? Actually, there is. I have to be honest, I’ve sort of given up on the church fish fries. They’re great for vibes, they’re great for camaraderie, they’re great to support your church… but i’ve been disappointed too many times with the fish itself. I know giving up meat is supposed to involve sacrifice: but I have my limits.
Instead, I’ve put together 13 of my favorite spots for fish fry in the Twin Cities metro (and Rochester!), as well as a couple alternatives, and a list of my favorite fish sandwiches. I hope you save this and share this with your friends—and don’t forget to tag me in all your social media posts (@DeRushaJ) with new spots to add to the list next year!
Jason DeRusha’s Favorites Spots for Fish Fry
The Anchor Fish & Chips, Minneapolis
This Northeast Minneapolis gem fries fish all year-round, and it shows—perfectly fried, flaky cod with the best hand-cut fries on this list. All for $18, $15 if you don’t want the fries. 302 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis
Gluek’s, Minneapolis
One of my absolute favorites, Gluek’s is a great spot to go before or after a Timberwolves game at Target Center. Get the cod filet dipped in Gluek’s Pils beer batter, perfect with the hushpuppies on the side—all for $22. Open for lunch and dinner, Gluek’s is downtown’s oldest restaurant. 16 N. Sixth St. Minneapolis
Gabe’s/Manitou Bar & Kitchen, St. Paul/White Bear Lake
I drive to White Bear Lake just for this fish fry—the St. Paul version at Gabe’s is also one of my absolute favorites. The Lift Bridge Farm Girl batter gives such depth of flavor—they batter it fresh as you order it, just how I like it. Gabe’s has old-school bar vibes, and Manitou in White Bear Lake is right on the square, with big windows and a gorgeous bar. All you can eat dinner runs from 3-10 p.m. for $18.95; and the two-piece lunch special is $15.50. 991 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul; 2171 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Ukrainian American Community Center, Minneapolis
This is an annual pilgrimage for me—live Ukrainian music, fabulous pierogi, fish is… fine. It feels right—you’re in a big gym with a big stage and you’re going to see friends. Fridays only, Feb. 20 through April 11. Fish with a couple pierogi is $15, and a dozen dumplings is only $15, too. Order online for take-out only here. 301 Main St. NE, Minneapolis
328 Grill at the American Legion, St. Paul
Honestly, I was blown away by the quality here last year—buffet-style too! We saw young people volunteering to help, the proceeds go to various nonprofits and the Legion. Super talented chef Mik Germain serves up baked or fried cod, mac and cheese, Parmesean potatoes drenched in cheese, green beans, slaw, and pudding for dessert. Just $20 for adults, and $10 for kids under 10. American Legion Post 98, 328 Broadway St., St. Paul Park
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar, Eagan
Mason Jar does everything with high quality—find three pieces of cod, hand-dipped in a house-made Bent Paddle Light Lager beer batter. Comes with coleslaw and Parmesan-parsley french fries. Available every Friday from Feb. 20 through April 3, all day until 9 p.m., for $19. 1565 Cliff Road, Eagan
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar
One big fish! Get a solid 12-ounce filet of hand-battered haddock, tots or fries, and coleslaw for $24. Every Friday, Feb. 20 through April 3 (available for lunch & dinner). 12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW, Coon Rapids
Get Walleye Bites for $17 to start, and then more fried fish with the 10-ounce, hand-battered haddock and fries for $25. Every Friday, Feb. 20 through April 3. 456 Concord Exchange S., South St. Paul
Urban Growler, St. Paul
Good beer, great fish fry. Urban Growler’s $25 Wisconsin fish fry is a weekly event, but it really pops this time of year. Panko-crusted walleye, pumpernickel rye bread, and pick your side from tots, fries, veggies, and more. 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul
Birch’s on the Lake, Long Lake: This lakeside supper club is so beautiful—great service and fabulous beer-battered cod, hand-cut fries, and house tartar sauce for $36. You can go fancy with herb-crusted walleye, whipped potatoes, and asparagus ($40) or stuffed walleye with wild rice and crab, baby carrots, asparagus, Cipollini onions, and lemon cream for $48, if you must. 1310 Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake
Burger Dive, Rosedale and St. Paul
I’m late to the Bay Street Burger Dive party in St. Paul—such a great spot, and starting Feb. 17 you can get Nick O’Leary’s fish fry every day until April 3. House-battered cod, sliced potatoes, rye toast, remoulade, and coleslaw for $22. 1595 Hwy 36, Roseville and 731 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
Red Cow, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Wayzata, and Rochester
One of my favorites, Red Cow’s fish fry basket comes with three pieces of Alaskan cod, fries, and coleslaw for $19.50. Find addresses at redcowmn.com.
Smack Shack, Minneapolis and Bloomington
A daily choice for seafood, the beer-battered cod & cajun fries (Shack Fish and Chips) is a winner for $22.95. 603 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis and 3801 Minnesota Drive, Bloomington
Fish Fry Alternatives and Fish Sandwiches
Parlour Food Truck at Luce Line Brewing, Plymouth: Beer-battered fish fry and fish sandwich every Friday from February 20 to April 3.
The St. Paul Grill, St. Paul
Get a shore lunch: Three jumbo fried shrimps, crab cake, coleslaw, and hand-cut fries. Fridays, Feb. 20 through April 3. 350 Market St., St. Paul
Come for a $35 three-course prix fixe menu with fish and chips—or, walleye is $45 and lobster is $60. The three-course dinner is a nice touch. 5959 Centerville Road, North Oaks
My favorite fast-food fish sandwich in town, My Burger’s is always available, and it’s always delicious. Find locations near you at myburgerusa.com.
The best fast-casual fish sandwich in town: panko fish, caramelized kimchi tartar, sesame cabbage, on a perfect bun. The Filet-o-Fish for grownups. 2743 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
 fish in Minnesota—for Friday or any day){kind=link}