As visitors to any new area, we often crave familiar comfort foods. Few dishes satisfy like classic fish and chips. Around Lake Superior, this beloved dish is a culinary staple in Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, showcasing the mouthwatering taste of fresh whitefish and lake trout. From cozy restaurants to casual chip stands, each offers unique batter recipes and twists on this favourite meal. This guide highlights some of the tastiest fish and chips stops around Lake Superior, perfect for those seeking the best the lake has to offer.
Ontario
Sandro’s Restaurant – Sault Ste. Marie
A Sault Ste. Marie family favourite for decades, Sandro’s Restaurant, an Italian eatery, offers a delectable fish dinner. Choose fresh Lake Superior whitefish, grilled or deep-fried, served with pasta or potato, a tossed salad, and homemade bread and butter. The beautiful dine-in setting encourages a leisurely meal; reservations are recommended. Start with a bowl of cappelletti soup and save room for a sweet and sticky butter tart – you won’t regret it!
What To Know: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take-out is available. Licensed restaurant.
Jack’s Chicken & Fish – Sault Ste. Marie
Lightly breaded and deep-fried pickerel and hand-cut fries await at Jack’s Chicken & Fish. This Sault Ste. Marie institution has served fish and chips for years. Choose cod or haddock if pickerel isn’t your preference. For something different, try the fragrant Masala fish. Enjoy your meal at picnic tables before continuing your journey – perhaps with a stop at the nearby Big Moose Ice Cream Parlor.
What To Know: Add shrimp to your order or upgrade to classic Canadian poutine.
Agawa Fish & Chips – Batchawana
Travelling along TransCanada Hwy 17 between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie? Stop at Agawa Fish and Chips in Batchawana. This family-owned and operated fish and chip stand serves hand-breaded Lake Superior whitefish (harvested by the Agawa Family), hand-cut fries, and creamy coleslaw. If you love smoked fish, purchase some at the stand. Agawa Fisheries also has a booth at the Soo Market in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, sells smoked whitefish pepperettes and smoked trout cheeseballs for on-the-go snacks.
What To Know: Open from spring to Labour Day.
The Golden Rail – Schreiber
Schreiber, a town along TransCanada Hwy 17 with a rich Canadian Pacific Railway history, is home to The Golden Rail. Enjoy a generous piece of haddock and fries or try their Fish Burger with tartar sauce, coleslaw, lettuce, and tomato. Picnic tables are available.
What To Know: After your meal, take a short drive to Schreiber Beach for stunning Lake Superior views.
The Fish Shop – Thunder Bay
The Fish Shop in Thunder Bay isn’t your typical fish and chips joint. It’s a must-visit for smoked fish prepared in traditional Finnish style. Simple, chemical-free, and full of flavour, they offer whole lake trout, whitefish, herring, and B.C. salmon. Sample smoked lake trout fillets or smoked salmon nuggets in maple candy, roasted garlic, or Cajun flavours.
What To Know: The Fish Shop also sells Finnish crafts like Lapland hats.
Michigan
Lockview Restaurant – Sault Ste. Marie
Since 1945, the Lockview Restaurant has served the freshest whitefish, caught daily by local Lake Superior fishermen. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whitefish graces every menu: Whitefish & Eggs, Whitefish Bites, and the popular Fresh Whitefish Basket (served with fries or sweet potato fries). The Walleye Basket is another great choice, and for something unique, try the Whitefish Reuben, topped with coleslaw and Swiss cheese on rye bread.
What To Know: Enjoy your meal with a beautiful view overlooking the Soo Locks.
Four Suns Fish & Chips – Hancock
The scenic Brockway Mountain Drive, Copper Harbor, the Covered Road – and Four Suns Fish & Chips – are all great reasons to explore the Keweenaw Peninsula. Four Suns offers fresh Lake Superior whitefish daily, from their family to yours. Mouthwatering menu items include deep-fried whitefish baskets, whitefish tostadas, smoked whitefish chowder, and the flavorful Singapore chilli-baked whitefish.
What To Know: On a nice day, sit outside and enjoy the view of the Quincy Mine hoist, a reminder of the area’s copper mining history.
Wisconsin
Patsy’s Bar & Grill – Washburn
A Washburn legend for over 200 years (with the original bar opening in the 1880s), Patsy’s Bar & Grill is a local favourite. Their Friday Night Fish Fry features lightly beer-battered, deep-fried Lake Superior whitefish from Bodin Fisheries in Bayfield, served with fries, homemade coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Pair your fish fry with a local brew on tap.
What To Know: The fish fry is very popular, so arrive early!
Hoop’s Fish Market and Dockside – Bayfield
In the charming coastal town of Bayfield, you’ll find Hoop’s Fish Market, a sixth-generation family-owned business. They offer the freshest Lake Superior fish. Buy smoked fish from the market or enjoy fish & chips (with fries and coleslaw) at their Dockside location. Seating by the water provides a beautiful view.
What To Know: Hoops offers a casual atmosphere and friendly service.
The Corny Fish Shed – Cornucopia
A hidden gem on the Ride Lake Superior route! The Corny Fish Shed offers local flavours, serving Lake Superior whitefish and burbot. Daily menu items include the Whitefish Sammich or Tacos, and the Poor Man’s Lobster Roll (lightly fried burbot on a bun with chips). Don’t miss the Fish Shed Chowder! They also have a great selection of iced teas and local craft brews.
What To Know: This community-oriented spot is perfect for feeling like a local.
Minnesota
The Angry Trout Café – Grand Marais
Located lakeside in Grand Marais, the Angry Trout Café has a big focus on sustainability and local sourcing everything from ingredients to the salt and pepper shakers on your table. Their fish and chips are made with fresh Lake Superior trout in a light, crispy homemade batter. They’re committed to sourcing local ingredients for making delicious and environmentally conscious meals.
What To Know: Their whitefish meal is served with a famous Minnesota food: wild rice.
The Pickwick Restaurant & Pub – Duluth
The historic Pickwick in Duluth has served customers since 1914 and offers some of the best fish and chips in the state. Their beer-battered cod is a must-try. The cozy ambiance and lakeside views create a perfect dining experience.
What To Know: The Pickwick is located in Canal Park, along the shore of Lake Superior.
The Fisherman’s Daughter – Grand Marais
The cozy Fisherman’s Daughter offers incredibly fresh fish. Their fish and chips feature locally caught fish and hand-cut fries. The lakeside location provides stunning views. Fish & chips showcase the day’s catch from Lake Superior, and there’s a gluten-free option.
What To Know: Finish your meal with a slice of Lingonberry Cheesecake, featuring a delicious local berry.
No matter where your Ride Lake Superior journey takes you, indulging in the fresh, local flavours of fish and chips is an absolute must! From the crisp lake air to the stunning scenery to the very satisfying crunch of battered fish with hand-cut fries. Whether you’re craving crispy whitefish, flaky lake trout, or even flavorful burbot, there’s a fish-and-chips experience waiting for you around every bend.
