With folks gathering outside as the weather heats up, its a perfect time of the year for a fried fish sandwich.
Written by Chris Mattingly
Louisville, KY – From catfish to traditional cod, Louisville is the best place to be for a fish sandwich. Each area of town has at least one spot to gather for fish even if it’s just as simple as a church fish fry in the spring.
From The Fish House in the Highlands, to Mike Linnig’s in the South End, to The Hungry Pelican in Fern Creek, Louisville is swimming with fish throughout the city! With The Ohio River in Louisville, its only natural for a true Louisvillian to love fish. It’s a staple of the city just as much as the Kentucky Derby and basketball is to Louisville.
Without wasting any more time, here are my personal top five places to get a fried fish sandwich in Louisville.
1 – The Fish House
The Fish House has been a staple in the Highlands since 1993. It is a family owned restaurant ran by a father and son duo in David and Adam Hilsenrad. I like to think of it as the introduction to the Highlands as it is located on Winter Avenue before you get to the heart of the neighborhood. It is also the only fish place in town that serves breakfast items, such as omelets. The Fish House prides itself with their signature green river style breading of fish. A peppery cornmeal crunchy breading. My personal favorite is their Catfish with a side of Mac and Cheese along with homemade Fried Mushrooms I like to drench the fish with their homemade jalapeno tarter sauce as well! . Of course everyone loves dessert after stuffing your bellies full of fried goodness. The Fish House has you covered with their homemade New Orleans inspired Beignets made fresh daily. The Fish House is also very affordable as you can get a sandwich with two sides for only $11 to $13. You will not find a better deal than The Fish House in which they are open every day of the week starting at 11 in the morning during the week and open at 8 AM on the weekend.
2 – Suburban Fish Fry
Just like The Fish House, Suburban Fish Fry also uses the green river style of breading for fish. Located in the South End on 3rd Street a few blocks away from Churchill Downs, Suburban Fish Fry is a sessional spot for fish each year from March to November on Saturdays only. Suburban is a true pillar of the community in the South End. They have been in business for over 100 years dating back to 1919. It is a place that sells out quickly every Saturday. In addition to fish, Suburban has baked goods for sale from different charitable organizations each week. Suburban is also known for their fresh onions that pairs well as a topping on their signature fried fish sandwich. Arrive early to secure your goods!
3 – Mike Linnig’s
Does Mike Linnig’s really need an introduction? If you are from Louisville you are bound to know all about the Valley Station treasure that is Mike Linnig’s. The restaurant is also family owned since 1925. Known for what is arguably one of the best scenic views in Louisville, Mike Linnig’s is what most people in Louisville would define as a traditional place to eat at every spring and summer. Known for their huge portions of fish and homemade tarter sauce and onion rings, Mike Linnig’s is the perfect place to visit for someone that is new to Louisville. It is only open from January to November each year.
4 – The Hungry Pelican
Located in Fern Creek, The Hungry Pelican is another example of community. It is also a family owned and operated business for over 50 years in Louisville. Known for its fish, The Hungry Pelican has an unique item in their homemade rolled oysters. Rolled oysters were invented in Louisville in the late 19th century by Phillip Mazzoni, an Italian immigrant saloon owner. It is a deep fried meal with two or three oysters dipped in a egg-milk-cornmeal batter before rolling them in cracker crumbs and then frying them until they are golden brown. To my knowledge, The Hungry Pelican is the only place in the city that serves them. It is a nice side that goes well with a fish sandwich or simply as a meal on it’s own.
5 – Hammerheads
This might come as a shock to a lot of people, but Hammerheads in Germantown has one of the best catfish sandwiches in the city. It is a thick piece of catfish that can easily be made into two sandwiches. Nested in a basement on Swan Street, Hammerheads has been established since 2010. Known for their Elk Burger, Smoked Wings, and fries, Hammerheads also offers a damn good catfish sandwich for only $14 So if you want a burger but also in the mood for fish or if you are going with a friend that does not want any smoked meats, the catfish sandwich is a great option at Hammerheads!
As I mentioned from the start, fish and Louisville simply go together. Fried fish is just as significant in the city as the Kentucky Derby, It is all about gathering as a family to enjoy a great meal at locally family owned places. Get out and support these businesses as they all need all of the support that they can get from the community. Besides, why spend hours being angry that you can’t catch any fish to eat when we have such great fish places around us!
Follow me on X @cmattingly97. Please feel free to let me know your favorite fish sandwich in town and let me know which topic you would like to read about next as I am always looking to unpack my thoughts on food in the city.
