In Wisconsin there's a law somewhere that says on Friday's we must eat fish. Maybe it's not law but it's one of our favorite traditions, especially during lent. Every bar, restaurant and grocery store serves them up from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday.
What kind of fish is most popular varies based on the area of the state. In northern Wisconsin perch what is most commonly served. Also you'll find bluegill, smelt and walleye. In southeast Wisconsin however we know Cod is King! It's a standard on every menu. Yes you will sometimes find other options mixed in but when you think fish fry in the Milwaukee area, it's cod.
No matter where you get your fish fry one thing that remains is the accompaniments; tartar sauce, cole slaw, rye bread with butter and either fries or potato pancake. It's non-negotiable.
This is where this weeks Friday Fish Fry Faceoff winner flips the script and adds carrots. Yes, carrots.
The Social Haus in Menoninee Falls is a hidden gem. Nusstled away somewhere between Brookfield, Butler, Sussex and the Falls. The bar itself is tiny. It houses only 55 seats in the entire place. This is part of the charm!
Once a gas station and repair shop it was converted to a small breakfast only place before owners Mark Brooks and Dan Della bought it and updated the 60 year old building into a sports bar complete with lots of big screen TV's that show Brewers, Badgers, Bucks and Packer Games. And obvioulsy they serve up a Friday fish fry.
When our listeners voted them the winner, none of us had heard of the place. After calling up and talking with Dan Della we asked him what is so special about their fish fry? Della simply said the customers rave about the carrots. Carrots are not something we've ever seen with a fish fry and after visiting, we now understand.
There is something special and addicting to them. Della says when they were creating the fish fry all the salty and fried needed something sweet to round it out. That thought alone may have changed how we and you should think about fish fries forever!
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The fish fry is very affordable too. Its a three-piece beer-battered cod with a perfectly thin batter, served with rye bread, slaw, fries or potato pancakes, and steamed carrots for $10.95.
If you're not into the traditional fish fry you will love the fish tacos. They may be even better than the fish fry itself! For ten bucks you get three cajun grilled fish tacos, served on flour tortillas topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese. Chips and salsa come on the side. Make sure you get the avocado mayo with them too!
You can find The Social Haus at N48-W18474 W. Lisbon Road, Menomonee Falls. Fish fry hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, with a fish option on Wednesdays in Lent. Takeout is available; orders can be called in. Beware there is also limited parking. But it’s worth the walk if you have to park down the road.
Aside from the fish fry that brought us in; the bar is huge stocked with lots of whiskeys, a nice amount of craft beer's including many IPA's and Domestic Beers served in a quaint but Social setting. We've also been told the summer time patio seats over 30 comfortably to make more room for the social fun! And on Sundays they do FREE pancakes with beverage purchase!
Contact The Social Haus at (262) 293-9565 or facebook.com/thesocialhaus