Ah, behold; the fried fish platter. Maybe Buffalo didn’t invent the fish fry like our chicken wing game claim to fame, but their popularity year round and especially during lent is semi-unique to Western New York if you can believe it.
With fish fry season in full swing we’re here to break it down and let you in on some awesome fish fry-related finds. We’ve already summed up (several times) the top fish fry spots all over WNY. And while the main event is super important, like Thanksgiving the sides can make or break an experience just as much as the fish.
So without further ado here are some of the spots we love for not only fish fry, but fish fry side(kick)s!
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Griffon Gastropub
- 2470 Military Rd, Niagara Falls / More Info
- 5445 Transit Rd. Clarence / More Info
- 634 Main St. East Aurora / More Info
On Fridays at Griffon Gastropub they’re offering a menu of fresh, boneless, skinless haddock, served with cut fries that are seasoned with Miami spice, cole slaw, and a garlic knot. Choose from their selection of cajun crunch with panko bread crumbs and cajun seasoning, fresh haddock rubbed and baked in crushed Ritz crackers & drawn butter, Italiano broiled haddock seasoned with lemon pepper and topped with sliced tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, garlic parmesan crusted baked with panko bread crumbs, garlic, and parmesan, and seafood baked haddock with a fresh lobster and crabmeat stuffing on top (no imitation).
ON THE SIDE: Now for the very important part: the gouda mac. You can swap a side with the gouda mac for a small up charge and trust us, it’s worth every penny for those creamy, smokey shells. Hungry yet?
2. McPartlan’s
669 Wehrle Dr, Buffalo / More Info
McPartlan’s is my family’s go-to classic fish fry joint. They’ve been serving their famous haddock fish fry for 50 years and don’t show any signs of stopping. Their fish fry comes in a half portion or a whole portion (for the big spender).
ON THE SIDE: Each is served with fresh coleslaw and your choice of potato which are all well and good, but nothing compared to their pasta salad that can be easily swapped out for either standard side. We don’t know what they do to make this stuff so good other than the fact that it’s not loaded up with mayo and they seem to use fresh ingredients, but obsessed is an understatement.
3. Tavern at Windsor Park
8444 Transit Rd, Williamsville / More Info
This fish and chips dish features hand beer battered codfish, fried and served with english chips (AKA fries), jalapeño apple coleslaw, and Sriracha tarter sauce.
ON THE SIDE: Did we have you at jalapeño apple slaw? Sriracha tarter sauce? Thought so.
ADVERTISEMENT
4. The Irishman
This Williamsville Irish pub serves traditional Irish food along with American bar food. The food is awesome and they have live music on a regular basis. Their crispy fish fry is served with fries and coleslaw every day. We said every day, people.
ON THE SIDE: Our favorite part about coming here is the beer selection to enjoy with the fish fry and drumroll please…their Cajun remoulade! The remoulade is spicy and creamy, perfectly complimenting the crispy salty fish. Ask for extra.
ADVERTISEMENT
5. New York Beer Project
6933 S Transit Rd Lockport / More Info
NYBP’s fish fry consists of multiple pieces of fresh beer battered Atlantic cod. The beauty of separate pieces is the fact that you get more crunch ‘n’ batter, less of the healthy unfried inside.
ON THE SIDE: It comes with a side of french fries, coleslaw, their scratch made Project cocktail sauce and Destination IPA infused tartar sauce, and – wait for it – a FLIGHT OF BEER. It actually doesn’t get any better than this.
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated.
