Delicious filets of tender fish deep-fried to golden perfection. The zing of tangy coleslaw. Thick, creamy tartar sauce for dipping. A squeeze of punchy lemon. The Wisconsin fish fry is more than a meal, it’s a euphoric experience that everyone should taste at least once in their lifetime.
But, how did a relatively simple concept become such a staple of the Wisconsin diet, especially during early spring? Let’s dive in.
First off, the Catholic church. Catholic immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries play a large role in the practice of Friday night fish fries. Without them, fish frys would likely not have had as big a cultural impact on Wisconsin.
Some of the first immigrants to settle in Wisconsin were from Germany, Poland, and Ireland, with a majority of them practicing the Catholic faith. During the 40-day season of Lent, parishioners are told to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, so, thanks to Lake Michigan and a plethora of inland lakes and rivers, they were still able to hit their protein goals on Fridays by eating freshwater fish like perch, bluegill and walleye. Hence, eating fish on Fridays.
But, devout Catholic communities aren’t the only ones who deserve credit for our fry-day nights, savvy business owners during the Prohibition era also helped to solidify this cultural cornerstone.
Bars, pubs and restaurants still wanted people to gather and socialize at their businesses despite the ban on alcohol, and they wanted to meet the needs of their town’s Catholic population. What better way to do that then with a cheap, hot fish dinner?
Friday night fish frys became an opportunity for business owners to kill two birds with one stone: staying afloat financially and serving their community. And, after Prohibition ended, fish frys had become so well-liked that they became ingrained in the diets (and hearts) of Wisconsinites and a permanent fixture on eatery menus.
So, whether you like your fish baked or deep fried, or served with french fries or potato pancakes, just know you’re eating a juicy piece of Wisconsin’s cultural history.
Side note: Technically, we think it’s fish fries, but doesn’t frys just look better?