When a popular national food website released its annual list of “America’s Best Fish Fry Spots,” many Michiganders were excited — and confident — that their beloved local joints would earn a rightful place. But the results were met with shock and disappointment: not a single Michigan restaurant cut.
The list, compiled by food and travel editors at a major publication, highlighted standout fish fries from Wisconsin to Louisiana — but somehow skipped over a state that practically runs on perch, walleye, and cod every Friday during Lent and beyond.
For many Michigan residents, the omission wasn’t just puzzling — it was personal.
“A Slap in the Face”
“This is a state surrounded by the Great Lakes. We live and breathe fresh fish — and we know how to fry it,” said John Gorski, owner of the popular Eastside Fish Fry in Lansing. “To not even get a mention? It’s a slap in the face.”
Fish fry season in Michigan isn’t just a culinary trend — it’s a cultural staple. From Detroit to Traverse City, and from small-town VFWs to Catholic parishes, Friday night fish fries have become a beloved tradition, especially during Lent. But in Michigan, the practice stretches well beyond religious observance. It’s a community ritual.
“Every week, we have people lining up down the block for whitefish and chips,” Gorski added. “We’ve got families, retirees, college kids — everybody comes out for it. We’re not some hidden gem. We’re the real deal.”
Local Favorites Ignored
Ask any Michigan local and they’ll quickly rattle off a list of fish fry staples that, they believe, deserved national recognition. Among the most commonly mentioned:
- Scotty’s Fish & Chips in Detroit, a decades-old spot known for crispy cod and secret tartar sauce.
- Captain Lou’s in South Haven, which sits right on the water and serves Lake Michigan perch with coleslaw and hand-cut fries.
- Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington Township, which offers an elevated fish fry with beer-battered haddock and craft beer pairings.
- The Polish Yacht Club (aka Ivanhoe Café) in Detroit’s west side, famous for its no-nonsense perch plates and Old World charm.
“I’ve traveled a lot, and Michigan’s fish fries hold their own against any state — hands down,” said Sandra Mullins of Grand Rapids. “To see places in Texas or California on that list, but nothing from here? That just doesn’t add up.”
Why the Snub?
Food critics say it could be a matter of exposure and marketing. While Michigan has hundreds of quality fish fry spots, many are hyperlocal, community-driven operations without much national publicity. They don’t always end up on Yelp’s trending lists or Instagram reels — even though their food is often better than what’s found in tourist hubs.
“These lists tend to reward places with big media profiles or social media buzz,” said food writer Marcus Ellis. “Unfortunately, that can mean hidden gems in states like Michigan get overlooked — even when they’re offering authentic, time-tested recipes.”
Another theory: the list-makers may have leaned too heavily on coastal or Southern states that promote seafood year-round, while northern, inland states are more seasonal in their seafood culture.
Community Pride Still Strong
Despite the national oversight, pride in Michigan’s fish fry heritage hasn’t wavered. If anything, it’s been reinvigorated.
“I see it as a challenge,” said Tameka Richardson, who runs pop-up fish fries in Flint. “Now we have to show the country what we’ve got. If they won’t come looking for us, we’ll put ourselves on the map.”
Social media lit up with posts defending Michigan’s fish fry honor, using hashtags like #FishFryJustice and #MichiganDeservesAPlate. Some local radio stations even began organizing “Michigan’s Best Fish Fry” brackets, inviting listeners to vote for their favorites.
“I don’t need a national website to tell me where the best fish is,” said Traverse City resident Mark Dunlap. “It’s down the road at the church hall — fried golden, served hot, and made with love.”
Conclusion
Michigan’s exclusion from the “America’s Best Fish Fry” list may sting, but it has also sparked renewed appreciation for the local institutions that have been feeding generations. While the national spotlight might have missed the state this time, Michiganders know the truth: some of the best fish fries in the country are right here at home — crispy, golden, and served with a side of pride.
