The Best Fish Dishes in Town

Photo: Tate Carlson

The colorful walleye tacos at Axel's Bonfire are served in tortillas with lettuce, a chipotleaioli and pico de gallo

The start of Lent is fast approaching, but even if you don’t observe the meat-free Catholic tradition, these seafood dishes still stand tall. Spicy shrimp, traditional fish fry and seared walleye—any of them are tasty enough to have you forgoing the steak meal and turning to the fruits of the sea. 

Coconut Shrimp Basket

O’Malley’s Irish Pub

It’s no shock that the local Irish pub is one of the best spots for catching a Friday fish special in observance of Lent. The coconut shrimp basket ($9.95)—coconut-battered, butterflied prawns served with fries and a dipping sauce—is a favorite dish offered on Fridays throughout Lent. The Friday fish fry runs all year, but enjoys a surge in popularity this time of year as well, including two pieces of Harp beer-battered fresh Atlantic cod served with house fries and a complimentary 16-ounce tap beer of your choice ($9.95). Manager Sarah Heiller says other Lent-related specials may be on offer this month as well, so ask for more details on your next visit.  

Blackened Grouper

Lakes Tavern and Grill

The blackened grouper ($17) at Lakes Tavern and Grill is a signature, with lightly blackened seasoning, served on a bed of rice, and accompanied with broccoli, fruit compote, and a side of “Lake sauce,” a stoneground mustard aioli. That same blackened grouper on a ciabatta roll makes for a tasty sandwich at lunch ($13). The cornmeal-crusted walleye, with sundried tomato confit, rice pilaf and the daily vegetable, also served with the Lake sauce, is another staple. The restaurant usually runs a fish fry or some kind of Lent special, so call for details.

Stir-fried Shrimp with Vegetables

Duc’s Vietnamese and Chinese

While Duc’s probably won’t be doing any Lent specials this year, there are plenty of meat-free items to choose from, including a bright and colorful stir-fried shrimp with vegetables, a special item that you won’t find on the menu but is available on request. When green beans are in season, they are the star of the dish, but otherwise it comes with a mix of broccoli, pea pods, onions and carrots, tossed in a garlic black bean sauce. If you’re ordering for a large table, owner Duc Kim says this dish is a nice compliment to the sweet, citrusy flavors of the sesame shrimp. Two entrees will feed at least three people.  

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