Fish fry

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American style fried fish and french fries with lemon, ketchup, and tartar sauce as served in San Diego.

A fish fry is a meal usually consisting of battered and fried fish, french fries, coleslaw, lemon slices and tartar sauce. Usually served on Friday nights as a restaurant special; often served "all you can eat" and occasionally as family style (serving dishes brought to and left at the table). Beer is common beverage of choice to accompany a fish fry. A fish fry will often include potato pancakes (with accompanying side dishes of sour cream or applesauce) and sliced caraway rye bread if served in a German restaurant or area.

Fish fries are very common in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions of the United States. This is especially true for predominantly Catholic communities on Fridays during Lent, when regulations calling for abstaining from most meat products are in effect. In Wisconsin, a fish fry is offered at almost all non-chain restaurants on Friday nights throughout the entire year. A number of chain "casual dining" restaurants, such as Olive Garden, also offer a Friday night fish fry throughout the state.

Beer-battered haddock fish fry is one of the trademark local cuisines of Buffalo, New York. The majority of restaurants in the Buffalo area serve fish fry on Friday, even outside of Lent, and it's often available throughout the week.

[edit] Southeastern U.S. Social/Family Event

In the Southern portion of the United States, a fish fry is a family or social gathering, held outdoors or in large halls. At a typical fish fry, quantities of freshwater fish (such as brim, catfish, and bass) available locally are battered and deep fried in cooking oil. The batter usually consists of corn meal, milk or buttermilk, and seasonings. In addition to the fish, hushpuppies (deep fried, seasoned corn dumplings), and cole slaw are served. These events are often potluck affairs, with many or all participants bringing side dishes, beverages, desserts, or otherwise contributing to the event.