With a rich dairy farming tradition, Wisconsin became a hub for cheese production, including the popular cheese curds. And with abundant freshwater fish resources and historical Catholic influences who established the fish fry tradition to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, the Friday Fish Fry became and remains a beloved Wisconsin tradition all year.
We’ve put together featured destinations for both cheese curds and fish fries to enjoy throughout the area. Check the websites or contact the restaurant for how each works with special dietary needs.
Six Featured Locations for Incredible Deep-Fried Cheese Curds!
Walworth County, Wisconsin, is home to some incredible spots for cheese curds! Here are some top locations where you can find fresh and deep-fried cheese curds, along with details on why they’re so good.
1. The Next Door Pub & Pizzeria
411 Interchange N, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website: nextdoorpub.com
Why They Taste So Good:
These white cheddar cheese curds are famous for their thick, crunchy pub beer batter, giving them a rich flavor. They use locally sourced cheese, which keeps the inside incredibly melty and fresh. Served with a zesty marinara sauce or ranch, they have the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
2. The Waterfront Pub & Grill
408 State Road 50, Delavan, WI 53115
Website: waterfrontdelavan.com/
Why They Taste So Good:
These made-to-order cheese curds are known for their incredible flavor and texture. Fresh, locally sourced cheese curds are in a light, crispy batter with a well-balanced seasoning. They are served with a tasty ranch or another house-made sauce that complements the cheese.
3. East Troy Brewery
2905 Main St, East Troy, WI 53120
Website: etbrew.com
Why They Taste So Good:
These beer-battered cheese curds are infused with flavors from their own house-brewed beer, giving them a unique taste. The batter is light and crispy, with a slightly malty note from the beer. Paired with a homemade dipping sauce, these curds are an essential Wisconsin experience.
4. Pier 290
1 Liechty Dr, Williams Bay, WI 53191
Website: pier290.com
Why They Taste So Good:
Pier 290 uses fresh, high-quality Wisconsin cheddar curds coated in a seasoned, crispy batter. They offer a slightly elevated take on the classic curd served with sliced red bell peppers and ranch dressing. Plus, you can enjoy them on a beautiful lakeside patio!
5. Second Salem Brewing Company
111 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Website: secondsalem.com
Why They Taste So Good:
Lightly breaded and fried Ellsworth white cheddar curds are served with creamy ranch dressing at this local hot spot located in historic downtown and on Cravath Lake. Learn more about intriguing eerie incidents while pairing tasty cheese curds with craft beers.
6. Someplace Else Restaurant
1 W Walworth St, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Website: someplaceelserestaurant.com
Why They Taste So Good:
The cheese curds at Someplace Else Restaurant are a local favorite! The fresh Wisconsin cheese curds are beer-battered, creating a light, crispy, and slightly airy coating that enhances the cheesy goodness inside. They are served with a side of ranch or marinara that complements the curds beautifully.
These places all use fresh, local Wisconsin cheese, which is the key to making their curds taste amazing. Whether you like them lightly breaded, beer-battered, or served with gourmet sauces, Walworth County has some of the best cheese curds around!
Ten Not-to-Miss Fish Fry Locations
WalCo is also home to some amazing Friday Fish Fries, a beloved tradition in Wisconsin. Here are some featured places to enjoy crispy, golden fish with all the classic fixings!
1. The Duck Inn Supper Club
N6214 WI-89, Delavan, WI 53115
Website: duckinndelavan.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
The Duck Inn offers a classic Wisconsin supper club fish fry experience, featuring beer-battered cod, lake perch, and walleye. The batter is light and crispy, sealing in the fish’s natural flavors. Served with homemade coleslaw, potato pancakes, and rye bread, this meal is as traditional as it gets.
2. Mars Resort
W4098 S Shore Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website: mars-resort.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
This lakefront gem serves up a Friday Fish Fry that includes hand-battered cod, lake perch, and bluegill. Their batter is perfectly seasoned, making every bite crispy and flavorful. The lakeside setting makes it even better, especially if you sit outside and enjoy the view with a signature Old Fashioned!
3. Popeye’s on Lake Geneva
811 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website: popeyeslg.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
Popeye’s is famous for their beer-battered North Atlantic cod that’s fried to crispy perfection. They also offer baked fish options for a lighter meal. Served with homemade tartar sauce, coleslaw, and a choice of fries or potato pancakes, it’s a hearty, delicious meal with a great view of Geneva Lake.
4. Evergreen Golf Club
N6246 US-12, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Website: evergreengolf.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
New Glarus Spotted Cow battered or white wine and lemon pepper baked cod is served with garlic bread sticks and three potato options. Dinner also includes a complimentary salad bar. Other choices also include shrimp, perch or salmon. The setting in a golf club gives it a casual and comfortable vibe.
5. Lulabells Dockside
N9228 E Shore Drive, East Troy, WI 53120
Website: lulabellsdockside.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
Enjoy one of the best views on Lake Beulah, perfectly positioned for beautiful sunsets as you enjoy Lulabell’s fish fry on Wednesday or Friday. Great cooking, small-town charm, great service, and a welcoming crowd make it a place you want to keep coming back to.
6. Foley’s Irish Woods
W3905 County Rd A, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website: facebook.com/foleys.bar.9
Why It Tastes So Good:
This cozy Irish pub is known for its light and crispy cod, perch, and bluegill. The batter has a hint of Irish seasoning, making it slightly different from your average fish fry. They also have homemade potato pancakes that are crispy outside and fluffy inside.
7. The Village Supper Club
1725 South Shore Dr, Delavan, WI 53115
Website: villagesupperclubdelavan.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
This classic Wisconsin supper club offers beer-battered or baked cod, perch, and walleye. Their house-made tartar sauce is extra tangy, and their potato pancakes are legendary. Located right on Delavan Lake, this recently renovated space is a great spot for a relaxed, scenic dinner.
8. Gordy’s Boat House
336 Lake Ave, Fontana, WI 53125
Website: gordysboats.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
Their beer-battered lake perch and walleye are crispy yet light, keeping the fish’s delicate flavor intact. They also serve sweet potato fries as an option, adding a unique twist to the traditional fish fry. Located right on Geneva Lake, it’s perfect for a lakeside meal.
9. Pirates Cove
622 State Hwy 50, Delavan, WI 53115
Website: facebook.com/piratescovedelavan/
Why It Tastes So Good:
This casual, no-frills Wisconsin bar and grill near Delavan Lake serves a perfectly hand-battered cod that’s crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Served with coleslaw, rye bread, and tartar sauce—just like a true Wisconsin fish fry, it’s a local favorite.
10. Rick’s Eastside Pub & Grill
561 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Website: rickspubandgrill.com
Why It Tastes So Good:
Enjoy cooked-just-right, hand-breaded or beer-battered fish (often cod, perch, or walleye) in this relaxed pub setting. Catfish and bluegill are also on the menu and served as available. Comes with classic sides like coleslaw, rye bread, and crispy fries or tater tots.
ADDED TIPS
Each WalCo community is closer than you think. See a simple chart of the mileage between each on this website. On the same page you’ll also find links to each of our community Chambers and Visitor centers for further exploration.
Be sure to check our event calendar for the largest events in our WalCo communities. For additional events, check out our WalCo Wisconsin Events Facebook Group.
