In Western New York, the closest thing we have to Groundhog Day is the Sabres season. After that, it’s fish fry season.
For each season, we enter wide-eyed with the adrenaline rush of possibilities. Will this be the year the Sabres make the playoffs? Is that dripped out fish fry in Medina worth the drive?
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Too often, hopes are dashed. That playoffs are out of reach, while that much-hyped fish fry comes out of the kitchen dripping with grease. At Step Out Buffalo, we find it’s best to set your expectations low. Don’t look at the NHL standings. Don’t look at Yelp.
Are the five fish fry spots below (listed in no particular order) the best in WNY? Possibly not (and don’t @ us). Will they give you a massive bang for your buck? You betcha. Read on.
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1. The Grill at the Dome
175 Brompton Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150 / More Info
Served Fridays Only
The biggest draw at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome in Tonawanda might be the indoor driving range, but the attached restaurant packs them in year round, especially on the weekend. The fish fry is one of the best and the rest of the menu is tricked out af, with luxurious burgers and house-smoked barbecue.
Also, you won’t find another place on this list with more clean-cut, All-American family vibes.
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2. Blarney Castle
1856 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220 / More Info
Served Fridays Only
And then there’s the Blarney Castle… Although marauding SoBuff denizens successfully laid siege to the Castle years ago, the South Park pub keeps calm and carries on with its low-key hit of a Friday night fish fry. With a surface-of-the-Moon crust and homemade sides, this fish fry has got it where it counts and pairs well with a flagon of local ale.
3. North End Bar & Grill
2692 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217 / More Info
Served Thursdays and Fridays Only
Not since the Pequod sailed the seas has such a massive fish been glimpsed by human eyes. Avast, such a Levithan has been known to inspire shrieks of terror and delight. Haughty diners beware: This venerable yet supple beast has conquered many a man and many a wo-man. Come ravenous with maw a-gape, and avoid wrapping thyself in the takeout box of shame.
4. Jades Bar & Restaurant
4495 Broadway Street, Depew, NY 14043 / More Info
Served Daily
Basically an institution in Depew, Jade’s mostly flies under the radar across greater Buffalo. That’s a particular shame because Jade’s does a proper fish fry every day of the week. Coming in large, small or nuggets-sized, as well as with rye bread and hand-cut fries, we’re happy to f— with this golden bad boy.
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5. Happy Swallow
1349 Sycamore Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 / More Info
Served Fridays Only
The yin to the Blarney Castle’s yang, the Happy Swallow does Polish-American classics, and that means a compulsory Fish Fry Friday during Lent. The East Side pub is normally packed to the gills on the Fridays before Easter. The house-made sides include French fries, mac salad, coleslaw, and choice of American or German Potato salad.
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated.