Stories

By Joe Vince

Hubbard Park Lodge
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays
Where: 3565 N. Morris Blvd., Shorewood
Phone: (414) 332-4207
Web site: www.hubbardlodge.com
Why you should go: With its communal tables and fieldstone fireplace, Hubbard Park Lodge is a cozy way to spend a Friday night eating fish with the family and making new friends. A polka band provides live entertainment, and kids can keep busy with crayons and paper.

Sneesby's Denoon Saloon
When: 4-9 p.m. Fridays, and on Wednesdays during Lent
Where: W198-S10857 Racine Ave., Muskego
Phone: (262) 971-0171
Web site: www.sneesbysdenoonsaloon.com
Why you should go: Don’t let the word “saloon” turn you off. This establishment is definitely family friendly. Situated in a former hotel built in 1912, Sneesby’s has a 24-table dining room that offers a view of Lake Denoon.

Cafe el Sol
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays
Where: 1028 S. 9th St., Milwaukee
Phone: (414) 384-3100
Web site: www.unitedcc.org
Why you should go: Café el Sol, located at the United Community Center, puts a different spin on the traditional Wisconsin fish frying by mixing in a bit of Hispanic culture. The all-you-can-eat buffet features Puerto Rican-style cod, along with rice, beans, salad and other items. Plus, different area musical acts perform Latin music while you eat.

Historic Turner Restaurant
When: All day, every day
Where: 1034 N. 4th St., Milwaukee
Phone: (414) 276-4844
Web site: www.historicturner.com
Why you should go: Across from the Bradley Center, Turner’s is the ideal spot to indulge in a fish dinner – or lunch – right before a Bucks, Marquette or UWM game. The restaurant has a spacious dining room as well as a large ballroom area that is opened up to accommodate big crowds on Friday and event nights. Roomy booths also provide plenty of space for kids.

Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden
When: 4-9 p.m. Fridays
Where: 1872 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee
Phone: (414) 273-8300
Web site: www.cafevecchio.com/palmgarden
Why you should go: Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden embodies the quintessential Wisconsin fish fry experience. Along with a variety of fish and seafood choices, diners can dance along with the Brew House Polka Kings from 6-9 p.m. It’s not quite an invitation to let your kids run around, but it’s close.

North Star American Bistro
When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays
Where: 4515 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood ; 19115 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 100, Sendik's Towne Centre, Brookfield
Phone: (414) 964-4663 (Shorewood); (262) 754-1515 (Brookfield)
Web site: www.northstarbistro.com
Why you should go: Every dining-out trip with your children doesn’t have to involve fast food or a restaurant with a ball pit. North Star American Bistro’s locations offer an upscale experience in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, they have an extensive kids menu that includes pasta, chicken, pizza and other items.
 
More

- A Journal Sentinel fish fry listing.

- JSOnline readers weigh in with their advice.