BEST OF OTC: Fish Fry

With over 1,000 lakes in Otter Tail County, lots of folks come here looking for a fish.  Sometimes they take the “do-it-yourself” approach, catching and cooking the fish themselves.  Other times, they are looking for someone else do the work.  If you find yourself in our neck of the woods and you are looking for a good fish fry, here are a few you might want to check out.  Please keep in mind this list is not an OFFICIAL designation as the BEST fish fry in Otter Tail Lakes Country, just a short list designed to help you find your inner otter. 

The Cactus- Perham, MN

On our quest for the best fish fry, we stopped at The Cactus in Perham, MN.  The ambience itself is worth the trip.  Handcrafted log furnishings give this place a real up north feel.  The other good news is the fish is fantastic!  Lightly breaded with a secret mix, this golden brown fillet is sure to hit the spot.  Throw in the fact that it is ALL YOU CAN EAT and you’ve got yourself a filling meal.  The Cactus plans to run a fish fry every Friday night all year long.

Ye Olde Schoolhouse- Erhard, MN

Another ALL YOU CAN EAT stop on our tour was Ye Olde Schoolhouse in Erhard, MN.  If atmosphere is part of what you are looking for in a dining experience, then this is a must visit.  The quaint decor and small town feel of this schoolhouse turned restaurant  are nestled in the tree lined rolling hills of the Northwestern part of Otter Tail County, which makes getting there half the fun.  Upon arrival, we don’t think be disappointed in the food either.  The Panko based breading make the walleye extra crispy and the potatoes are scrumptious.  This offering may be seasonal, but we were told they may be running fish fries all year long.  If not, be sure to check out their burgers and brisket as they are also well worth the trip.

St. Edward Catholic Church- Henning, MN

During the Lenten season, local churches become a place to gather on Friday evenings.  Locals and newcomers come from miles around to celebrate the season with a good old fashioned fish fry.  Henning, MN is home to one of the best in Otter Tail County.  St. Edward Catholic Church has been putting on a fish fry for so long, they have pretty much perfected the meal.  The light and crispy fish is fried to perfection.  The side dishes of potatoes and beans are nummy as well.  Be sure to save room for dessert, a whole table of fresh, homemade treats will have you coming back for more.

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church- Fergus Falls, MN

If church fish fries are your thing, another one you will want to be sure to visit is Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls, MN.  Arguably one of the most popular spots on Friday nights in the Spring, this place will be sure to send you home feeling fulfilled.  A classic meal with all the fixings.

Other places our audience recommended were the Shoreline in Battle Lake and Willy T’s in Ottertail.

No matter where you decide to go, we hope you enjoy your meal and we hope you are able to find your inner otter.