Friday Fish Fry Season Returns Across Wisconsin

Beloved tradition brings crowds to local restaurants for fried fish and community

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The annual Friday fish fry season has returned across Wisconsin, with restaurants and diners eagerly anticipating the start of Lent and the return of this beloved culinary tradition. Spots like Oscar's Winner's Circle in Milwaukee are seeing a major uptick in fried fish orders as locals flock to enjoy the hot, delicious meals and the sense of community the fish fry brings.

Why it matters

The Friday fish fry is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in Wisconsin, connecting communities and families through a shared love of fried seafood. As a seasonal event, the return of fish fry season is highly anticipated, supporting local restaurants and bringing people together during the winter months.

The details

Restaurants throughout Wisconsin, especially in the Milwaukee area, are gearing up for a surge in fish fry orders as the Lenten season begins. At Oscar's Winner's Circle, owner Oscar Castaneda says fried fish orders at least triple during this time of year, as customers eagerly await the return of the hot, crispy meals. Regulars like Steven Klebar and his wife Luci look forward to the fish fry all year, seeing it as both a delicious tradition and a chance to socialize with their community.

  • The Friday fish fry season officially began on the first Friday of Lent in 2026.

The players

Oscar Castaneda

The owner of Oscar's Winner's Circle, a restaurant in Milwaukee that sees a major increase in fried fish orders during the Friday fish fry season.

Steven Klebar

A regular customer at Oscar's Winner's Circle who looks forward to the fish fry all year round.

Luci Klebar

Steven Klebar's wife, who also regularly visits Oscar's Winner's Circle for the Friday fish fry.

Allen Foote

A customer at Oscar's Winner's Circle who appreciates the fish fry as both a delicious meal and a way to socialize with the community.

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What they’re saying

“It's always hot, and it's always good. The people who visit us, they don't get it.”

— Steven Klebar

“We are excited and happy to see so many people come in for their fish.”

— Oscar Castaneda, Owner, Oscar's Winner's Circle

“This was passed down generation after generation, and you know, people don't know what they're missing. It's also a good way to get out and socialize.”

— Allen Foote, Customer, Oscar's Winner's Circle

The takeaway

The return of Friday fish fry season in Wisconsin is a cherished community tradition that brings people together over a shared love of fried seafood and the sense of belonging it fosters. As local restaurants gear up for the influx of customers, the fish fry serves as a reminder of the enduring power of regional culinary customs to connect and uplift communities.