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A fried whole fish served on a round white plate with red rice and salad from La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria in southwest Detroit, Michigan.
The mojarra frita from La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria in southwest Detroit
Andre’ Stefon/Featherstone

20 Fantastic Plates of Fish and Chips in Metro Detroit

Where to eat battered and fried fillets, whole red snappers, fish tacos, and more

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
1 comment / new
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The mojarra frita from La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria in southwest Detroit
| Andre’ Stefon/Featherstone
by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
1 comment / new

The Friday night fish fry is one of those food traditions in metro Detroit that dates back generations. From church kitchens, veterans halls, and Moose’s lodges, the options for this Lenten time meal here are abundant. Nowadays, countless restaurants and bars have also taken on the role of fish fry purveyors, having learned the art of selecting just the right-sized fillet, style of batter, and the quality of oil to produce a timeless taste.

For folks wanting to branch out of the typical fish and chips world, but still need to adhere to Lenten tradition there are a number of spots that offer flavorful variations to the classic dish. So be prepared to grab that tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and an appetite. Below find 20 enticing destinations for fish and starchy fried potatoes, and spots dishing out other classic twists — all worthy of satisfying any seafood craving.

Where is your go-to fish and chips destination? Passionately make your case in the comments, on Facebook, Twitter, or at the tipline.

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Bellflower

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Bellflower’s New Orleans-influenced menu changes on a daily basis, but one thing is constant: this acclaimed, downtown Ypsilanti destination turns out a good fish sandwich. Take a look at the sandwich counter menu, featuring fried smelt and shrimp sammies, a fried smelt box accompanied by cocktail sauce and Duke’s mayonnaise, along with a hearty bowl of gumbo, whose recipe changes based on what’s available.

209 Pearl St # 202, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

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The Sardine Room

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One of the staples at this Plymouth seafood bistro is the fish and chips. The fried filets are delivered to the table as two big slabs served atop thin, hand-cut fries with coleslaw and tartare sauce. Drop by during happy hour to take advantage of the dollar oysters for a true seafood feast.

340 S Main St, Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 416-0261
(734) 416-0261

Also featured in:

Toria

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This Northville spot features several Lenten specials, including on scallops, mussels, oysters, and sea bream. For lunch, served noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, treat yourself to a classic basket of beer-battered haddock with roasted potatoes, mushy peas, and truffle tartare sauce. This promotion runs every Friday from February 24 to April 7.

115 E Main St, Northville, MI 48167
(248) 924-3793
(248) 924-3793
A fish and chips platter set on a white rectangular plate and newspaper print paper at Toria in Northville, Michigan. Toria

Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips

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Brightmoor classic Scotty Simpson’s has faithfully served Detroiters fish and chips needs since 1950. Though it offers options like fried smelt and frog legs, the house specialty is Nova Scotian cod and chips fried in a secret batter recipe with fries, a roll, and tartar sauce. Don’t miss the pies, made fresh every Friday.

22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
(313) 533-0950
(313) 533-0950
Customers sit at tables and order from the counter in the wood-paneled dining room at Scotty Simpson’s. Stock Detroit

Also featured in:

Aliz Seafood House

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For a Middle Eastern-inspired take on Lenten time, Aliz offers a variety of seafood options. Seafood-centric skewers, hummus, grilled kibbeh, and kofta sandwiches are all on hand, as well as roasted red snapper, grilled salmon with herbs, casseroles, and shrimp biryani.

14507 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 977-7787
(313) 977-7787

Also featured in:

Mariscos El Salpicon

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For a seafood paradise with nightclub vibes, Mariscos El Salpicon is the jam. The menu is inspired by the Mexican coastal Nayarit region, with specialties like the molcajete de mariscos that’s literally overflowing with citrusy shellfish, tostadas available with a variety of seafood toppings, spicy shrimp a la diabla, and equally huge cocktails and micheladas. For a Lenten time treat, opt for the whole grilled red snapper. Oh, and no meal here is complete without a couple of slices of garlic bread, perfect for sopping up sauces.

8600 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 914-2214
(313) 914-2214

Also featured in:

El Asador Steakhouse

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Yes, this southwest Detroit gem is popular for its steaks flavored with poblano peppers and sizzling alambre platters, but El Asador also hits the spot for seafood. Dig into tacos stuffed with crispy shrimp and fried or grilled mahi mahi, or a generous cazuela de mariscos.

1312 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 297-2360
(313) 297-2360

Also featured in:

Detroit 75 Kitchen

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The sandwiches, wraps, and rolls at Detroit 75 Kitchen are enough all year ‘round. During Lent, the popular food truck unveils its Fisher Fwy. fish sandwich, available with wild-caught catfish or Lake Erie Walleye, and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, sweet pickled onions, and house-made Old Bay tartar sauce. For more of a Latin flair, there’s the ceviche with lobster and shrimp, featuring cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, cherry tomatoes, radish, and green onion, and served with tortilla chips. Both entrees are available Monday through Friday only during Lent. Or select a year-round favorite in the shrimp po’boy made with plump, battered fried shrimp.

4800 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 843-3215
(313) 843-3215

Also featured in:

La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria

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It’s already a beloved supermarket and dining destination, raved about for its carnitas, chicharrones, and breakfast menu. This Lenten season, La Jalisciense is highlighting its Friday fish fries. Each week, expect a seasoned, deep-fried whole mojarra, which comes with rice and salad.

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 551-0522
(313) 551-0522

Also featured in:

Nancy Whiskey Pub

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Pack into one of Detroit’s oldest bars for Nancy Whiskey’s longstanding Friday night fish fry. From noon to 8 p.m. weekly diners can order up big portions of classic, battered and fried fillets and fries.

2644 Harrison St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-4247
(313) 962-4247
The exterior of Nancy Whiskey’s is covered in wood cladding with a green roof on a sunny, cloudless day. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Nemo's Bar

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Nemo’s keeps things simple with big, classic beer-battered filets and french fries paired with tartare sauce that’s livened up by celery seed.

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3180
(313) 965-3180
Owner Pat Osman looks out the window of Nemo’s, a classic baseball bar in Corktown. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Andrews on the Corner

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This century-old Rivertown Warehouse District institution serves several types of fried fish including lake perch and catfish. Patrons looking for a little punch of flavor can order the Cajun spice meal. The large portion of seafood is served with spuds and slaw.

201 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 259-8325
(313) 259-8325

Also featured in:

Common Pub Detroit

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Wayne State-area hangout Common Pub serves up big pieces of haddock fried until golden in a brown ale batter. The fillets are paired with a large helping of crispy, duck fat fries, house slaw, remoulade for dipping.

5440 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 285-8849
(313) 285-8849
A plate of dark brown beer battered fish filets on a pile of fries with slaw and tartar sauce on the side. Brenna Houck

Saffron De Twah

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Moroccan-influenced Saffron De Twah does a fish and chips dinner every Friday during Lent, featuring cornmeal-breaded catfish filets with brightly flavored charmoula sauce for dipping and crispy harissa potatoes on the side and a pile of tangy slaw. Chef Omar Anani is also mixing things up a bit by revamping its popular fried fish sandwich as a bocadillo (a traditional street food typical of Morocco and Spain), using freshly-baked baguettes from Rising Star Academy, and available year-round.

7636 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48213
(586) 359-6138
(586) 359-6138

Also featured in:

Balkan House

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The German-style döner is the go-to item for customers at Balkan House, with locations in Hamtramck and Ferndale. Already beloved for its take on the iconic döner kabab, this year Balkan House adds breaded, fried cod as a filling, served in the spot’s signature springy Bosnian lepinja bread, along with sauce and veggies.

3028 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 262-6234
(313) 262-6234

Also featured in:

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Voyager

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This longtime Ferndale destination in a renovated garage is great for sophisticated yet casual seafood options year-round. coastal cuisine-inspired spot utilizes wild-caught, responsibly-farmed, and sustainable fish and seafood, including east and west coast oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp. In addition, Voyager also offers a fish and chips plate, featuring halibut.

600 Vester St, Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 658-4999
(248) 658-4999

Also featured in:

Republica

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Berkley’s laid-back neighborhood gastropub serves a particularly good version of classic beer-battered cod and chips with plenty of creamy dill tartar sauce on the side.

1999 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072
(248) 268-3175
(248) 268-3175

Also featured in:

Griffin Claw Brewing Company

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The fish frys at Griffin Claw Brewing put a local twist as its Michigan lake perch is encrusted with Better Made chips for an extra crunch. Served with an Israeli couscous spinach salad, this specialty is available every day during Lent.

575 S Eton St, Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 712-4050
(248) 712-4050

Also featured in:

Hazel's

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Formerly known as Hazel, Ravines, and Downtown, this eatery now goes simply by Hazel’s and features a seafood-forward menu that changes seasonally. That means its Fish Fry Fridays are on point. Featuring a choice of a fried fish sandwich or classic fish and chips dinner, along with coleslaw and malt vinegar aioli.

1 Peabody St, Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 671-1714
(248) 671-1714
Fried fish wrapped in white paper, French fries, lemon wedges, cup of sauce all set on a metal pan, on top of a red and white checkered table cloth.
Hazel’s Classic Fish and Chips are a crispy favorite this time of year.
Anthony Morrow/Bureau

Bath City Bistro

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This Mount Clemens gem partnered with Bell’s Brewery to serve up its bountiful plate of three pieces of cod fish, which is flash-fried in Two Hearted Ale, and served with fries, slaw, and tartar sauce. After the fish and chips, be sure to play a round of feather bowling. Bath City Bistro is one of just a few places in metro Detroit that has feather bowling lanes.

75 Macomb Pl, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-0917
(586) 469-0917

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Bellflower

209 Pearl St # 202, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Bellflower’s New Orleans-influenced menu changes on a daily basis, but one thing is constant: this acclaimed, downtown Ypsilanti destination turns out a good fish sandwich. Take a look at the sandwich counter menu, featuring fried smelt and shrimp sammies, a fried smelt box accompanied by cocktail sauce and Duke’s mayonnaise, along with a hearty bowl of gumbo, whose recipe changes based on what’s available.

209 Pearl St # 202, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

The Sardine Room

340 S Main St, Plymouth, MI 48170

One of the staples at this Plymouth seafood bistro is the fish and chips. The fried filets are delivered to the table as two big slabs served atop thin, hand-cut fries with coleslaw and tartare sauce. Drop by during happy hour to take advantage of the dollar oysters for a true seafood feast.

340 S Main St, Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 416-0261
(734) 416-0261

Toria

115 E Main St, Northville, MI 48167

This Northville spot features several Lenten specials, including on scallops, mussels, oysters, and sea bream. For lunch, served noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, treat yourself to a classic basket of beer-battered haddock with roasted potatoes, mushy peas, and truffle tartare sauce. This promotion runs every Friday from February 24 to April 7.

115 E Main St, Northville, MI 48167
(248) 924-3793
(248) 924-3793
A fish and chips platter set on a white rectangular plate and newspaper print paper at Toria in Northville, Michigan. Toria

Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips

22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223

Brightmoor classic Scotty Simpson’s has faithfully served Detroiters fish and chips needs since 1950. Though it offers options like fried smelt and frog legs, the house specialty is Nova Scotian cod and chips fried in a secret batter recipe with fries, a roll, and tartar sauce. Don’t miss the pies, made fresh every Friday.

22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
(313) 533-0950
(313) 533-0950
Customers sit at tables and order from the counter in the wood-paneled dining room at Scotty Simpson’s. Stock Detroit

Aliz Seafood House

14507 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

For a Middle Eastern-inspired take on Lenten time, Aliz offers a variety of seafood options. Seafood-centric skewers, hummus, grilled kibbeh, and kofta sandwiches are all on hand, as well as roasted red snapper, grilled salmon with herbs, casseroles, and shrimp biryani.

14507 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 977-7787
(313) 977-7787

Mariscos El Salpicon

8600 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

For a seafood paradise with nightclub vibes, Mariscos El Salpicon is the jam. The menu is inspired by the Mexican coastal Nayarit region, with specialties like the molcajete de mariscos that’s literally overflowing with citrusy shellfish, tostadas available with a variety of seafood toppings, spicy shrimp a la diabla, and equally huge cocktails and micheladas. For a Lenten time treat, opt for the whole grilled red snapper. Oh, and no meal here is complete without a couple of slices of garlic bread, perfect for sopping up sauces.

8600 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 914-2214
(313) 914-2214

El Asador Steakhouse

1312 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209

Yes, this southwest Detroit gem is popular for its steaks flavored with poblano peppers and sizzling alambre platters, but El Asador also hits the spot for seafood. Dig into tacos stuffed with crispy shrimp and fried or grilled mahi mahi, or a generous cazuela de mariscos.

1312 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 297-2360
(313) 297-2360

Detroit 75 Kitchen

4800 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

The sandwiches, wraps, and rolls at Detroit 75 Kitchen are enough all year ‘round. During Lent, the popular food truck unveils its Fisher Fwy. fish sandwich, available with wild-caught catfish or Lake Erie Walleye, and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, sweet pickled onions, and house-made Old Bay tartar sauce. For more of a Latin flair, there’s the ceviche with lobster and shrimp, featuring cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, cherry tomatoes, radish, and green onion, and served with tortilla chips. Both entrees are available Monday through Friday only during Lent. Or select a year-round favorite in the shrimp po’boy made with plump, battered fried shrimp.

4800 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 843-3215
(313) 843-3215

La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216

It’s already a beloved supermarket and dining destination, raved about for its carnitas, chicharrones, and breakfast menu. This Lenten season, La Jalisciense is highlighting its Friday fish fries. Each week, expect a seasoned, deep-fried whole mojarra, which comes with rice and salad.

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 551-0522
(313) 551-0522

Nancy Whiskey Pub

2644 Harrison St, Detroit, MI 48216

Pack into one of Detroit’s oldest bars for Nancy Whiskey’s longstanding Friday night fish fry. From noon to 8 p.m. weekly diners can order up big portions of classic, battered and fried fillets and fries.

2644 Harrison St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-4247
(313) 962-4247
The exterior of Nancy Whiskey’s is covered in wood cladding with a green roof on a sunny, cloudless day. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Nemo's Bar

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Nemo’s keeps things simple with big, classic beer-battered filets and french fries paired with tartare sauce that’s livened up by celery seed.

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3180
(313) 965-3180
Owner Pat Osman looks out the window of Nemo’s, a classic baseball bar in Corktown. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Andrews on the Corner

201 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207

This century-old Rivertown Warehouse District institution serves several types of fried fish including lake perch and catfish. Patrons looking for a little punch of flavor can order the Cajun spice meal. The large portion of seafood is served with spuds and slaw.

201 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 259-8325
(313) 259-8325

Common Pub Detroit

5440 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Wayne State-area hangout Common Pub serves up big pieces of haddock fried until golden in a brown ale batter. The fillets are paired with a large helping of crispy, duck fat fries, house slaw, remoulade for dipping.

5440 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 285-8849
(313) 285-8849
A plate of dark brown beer battered fish filets on a pile of fries with slaw and tartar sauce on the side. Brenna Houck

Saffron De Twah

7636 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48213

Moroccan-influenced Saffron De Twah does a fish and chips dinner every Friday during Lent, featuring cornmeal-breaded catfish filets with brightly flavored charmoula sauce for dipping and crispy harissa potatoes on the side and a pile of tangy slaw. Chef Omar Anani is also mixing things up a bit by revamping its popular fried fish sandwich as a bocadillo (a traditional street food typical of Morocco and Spain), using freshly-baked baguettes from Rising Star Academy, and available year-round.

7636 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48213
(586) 359-6138
(586) 359-6138

Balkan House

3028 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

The German-style döner is the go-to item for customers at Balkan House, with locations in Hamtramck and Ferndale. Already beloved for its take on the iconic döner kabab, this year Balkan House adds breaded, fried cod as a filling, served in the spot’s signature springy Bosnian lepinja bread, along with sauce and veggies.

3028 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 262-6234
(313) 262-6234

Related Maps

Voyager

600 Vester St, Ferndale, MI 48220

This longtime Ferndale destination in a renovated garage is great for sophisticated yet casual seafood options year-round. coastal cuisine-inspired spot utilizes wild-caught, responsibly-farmed, and sustainable fish and seafood, including east and west coast oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp. In addition, Voyager also offers a fish and chips plate, featuring halibut.

600 Vester St, Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 658-4999
(248) 658-4999

Republica

1999 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072

Berkley’s laid-back neighborhood gastropub serves a particularly good version of classic beer-battered cod and chips with plenty of creamy dill tartar sauce on the side.

1999 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072
(248) 268-3175
(248) 268-3175

Griffin Claw Brewing Company

575 S Eton St, Birmingham, MI 48009

The fish frys at Griffin Claw Brewing put a local twist as its Michigan lake perch is encrusted with Better Made chips for an extra crunch. Served with an Israeli couscous spinach salad, this specialty is available every day during Lent.

575 S Eton St, Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 712-4050
(248) 712-4050

Hazel's

1 Peabody St, Birmingham, MI 48009

Formerly known as Hazel, Ravines, and Downtown, this eatery now goes simply by Hazel’s and features a seafood-forward menu that changes seasonally. That means its Fish Fry Fridays are on point. Featuring a choice of a fried fish sandwich or classic fish and chips dinner, along with coleslaw and malt vinegar aioli.

1 Peabody St, Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 671-1714
(248) 671-1714
Fried fish wrapped in white paper, French fries, lemon wedges, cup of sauce all set on a metal pan, on top of a red and white checkered table cloth.
Hazel’s Classic Fish and Chips are a crispy favorite this time of year.
Anthony Morrow/Bureau

Bath City Bistro

75 Macomb Pl, Mt Clemens, MI 48043

This Mount Clemens gem partnered with Bell’s Brewery to serve up its bountiful plate of three pieces of cod fish, which is flash-fried in Two Hearted Ale, and served with fries, slaw, and tartar sauce. After the fish and chips, be sure to play a round of feather bowling. Bath City Bistro is one of just a few places in metro Detroit that has feather bowling lanes.

75 Macomb Pl, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-0917
(586) 469-0917

Related Maps