Facebook Google+ Instagram Twitter

Get Ready For Fish Fry Face Off 2022

MSP Magazine’s Inaugural Fish Fry Face Off begins now!

March: The month of college basketball, St. Patrick’s Day and fish fries.

(credit: Summit Brewing Co.)

If you’re not familiar, a fish fry is a meal that consists of battered or breaded white fish (often cod or walleye) that’s fried in oil and served with tartar sauce and lemon. Often there are fries, rolls or other carbohydrate-based sides as well. Variations can include sandwiches, spicy breading, beer-breaded (we particularly like this one) or seafood combo platters.

For many in the Midwest the Fish Fry is a weekly tradition, often occurring on Fridays. This stems from the Christian observation of the Lenten season during which it is tradition to abstain from meat on Fridays. That also explains why in March, typically when Lent falls, the number of fish fries multiplies.

And we’re not mad about it!

In case you haven’t noticed, St. Paul has a plethora of chefs creating mouth-watering fish dishes to commemorate this season.

To celebrate, MSP Magazine decided to have some fun and put together a bracket challenge featuring eight great spots! And Summit Brewing Co., alongside the St. Paul Downtown Alliance, Brother Justus and Stokeyard Outfitters, are helping to sponsor the good time!

Each week through the end of March two St. Paul restaurants’ seafood-centered serving will face off against one another. A panel of local experts have weighed in as judges previous to the competition, but the public’s votes will count, too!

Fans will have until Saturday each week to submit their choice for the winner. While its encouraged to go out and enjoy each dish in-person, it’s not required to vote.

Semifinals will take place April 5, with the championship match occurring April 12.

Saint Dinette Fish Fry Face Off Dish March 2022
(credit: MSP Magazine)

The #FishFryFaceOff begins Tuesday, March 8 with a match up against The Pillbox Tavern and The Loon Café St. Paul. The winner will be announced on March 15, when Dark Horse Bar & Eatery takes on Eagle Street Grille!

Follow along at MSP Magazine or the hashtag #FishFryFaceOff on Instagram!

Fish Fry Face Off Judges at The Pillbox Tavern in March 2022
(credit: MSP Magazine)
Back to News
Are you 21 years of age or older?
This site is intended for those of legal drinking age. By entering the website, you affirm that you are of legal drinking age.