Originally published March 2019
Fish fry season is upon us, thank you Jesus!
There are many elements to be considered when searching for the perfect Buffalo fish fry. First, whether it’s cornmeal or beer batter, the fish has to be coated in a flavorful batter. Second, the sides have an important role in this dish. A fish fry is garbage if it’s sidekick is mac salad drowning in mayo with no flavor or soggy fries. The key is finding an all around, well balanced plate. We’ve all heard of the heavy hitters and iconic spots like Strikers, McPartlan’s, and Wiechec’s Lounge, but if you’re craving something new, check out these 5 recommendations that might be considered “hidden gems” to some this season!
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1. Hamlin House
432 Franklin St Buffalo, NY 14202 / More Info
Hamlin House, hands down, has one of the best fish fries in Buffalo. They give you a giant piece of crispy fish with fresh lemon, your choice of potato, coleslaw, well-seasoned macaroni salad, bread and butter, and (as if that all wasn’t enough to sway you) you get to pick one more side. Literally sides on sides on sides, meaning a bunch of delicious leftovers which I’m always about. You can get the haddock broiled or beer-battered on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m.
2. Curry’s Restaurant and Pub
864 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo, New York 14216 / More Info
Curry’s might be known around town originally for their Signature Dibbles, but this highly recommended fish fry spot needs to be added to your list ASAP. A dibble is a sandwich consisting of stuffed banana peppers sauteed and smothered with mozzarella cheese, served on toasted garlic bread (with an option to add a protein). Have a date night or bring a friend to split a Dibble and one of their giant fish fries. Their fish fries, served on Fridays, come with macaroni salad, your choice of starch (baked potato, rice, french fries, and German potato salad), and rye bread. You can choose from breaded, broiled, beer-battered, half of a beer battered fish fry, and the fish sandwich served on a roll with tomato, lettuce, and your choice of fries, coleslaw, or mac salad.
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3. Amherst Pizza and Ale House
55 Crosspoint Pkwy, Getzville, New York 14068 / More Info
Don’t let the name fool you because they have way more than just good pizza and beer. On Fridays, you can enjoy a gigantic beer battered haddock, extra crispy, serves with all the best sides like coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, and those flat soft, really starchy french fries. You can enjoy a fish sandwich with a huge piece of beer battered haddock (baked or fried) served on a roll with french fries. They even have other fish dishes to choose from like the Luca Brasi (baked or fried) served with a side of tangy tartar sauce and fresh lemon.
4. Gabriel’s Gate
145 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201 / More Info
Gabriel’s Gate in Allentown has made a name for themselves by serving some of the best wings and French onion soup in Buffalo. With their other dishes being a huge hit, it’s no surprise that they would have one of the best fish fries in town. They serve deep fried Icelandic brand haddock and serve it with your choice of potato or french fries, bread and butter, and coleslaw on Thursdays and Fridays. For a $1 upcharge you can opt for a healthier version of either broiled or Cajun fish.
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5. Blackthorn Restaurant
2134 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210 / More Info
Blackthorn has more than just delicious Irish beer cheddar soup loaded with potatoes. Although, that’s a heavy hitter at the restaurant! When you’re looking for fresh options during Lent or just because you love seafood, head here for one of their fish fries. Their fresh haddock fillet comes either broiled, beer-battered, or breaded. It’s served with the pasta salad of the day, your choice of a potato, and coleslaw. They also have a delicious Maryland crab cakes topped with a lemon dill aioli split with the table and share!
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated.