Smith Bros. Fish Shanty - Port Washington, WI

Smith Brothers Fish Shanty is always a joy to go to - not only because the food is always good, but because it offers one of the best views of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.

Located in the quaint downtown area of Port Washington, WI, a small lakeside town north of Milwaukee (see map), Smith Bros. Fish Shanty has been in existence since 1934.  Port Washington was once one of the largest commercial fishing ports on Lake Michigan and the Smith Bros. would sell fish out of their processing center (the original building is located behind the existing restaurant).  They began to boil some of their catch for the locals and the restaurant was born.

The restaurant is a casual place along the waterfront.  There's a formal dining area inside and a screened in deck for summertime dining. Also located in the front of the Fish Shanty is the Port Washington Brewing Company - a micro brewery that has been in business for about 10 years.  The full Fish Shanty menu is available in the Port Washington Brewing Company, which, effectively, is the bar area for the Fish Shanty.

And the menu is what you would expect for a fish and seafood restaurant - a lot of fresh and saltwater varieties along with steaks, chicken and sandwiches.  One of my favorite things to get is a chunk of fresh Lake Michigan white fish broiled on a cedar plank and drizzled in butter.  It's pretty damn good.   

In addition to the restaurant and brew pub, the Fish Shanty also has a fresh fish shop and deli so you can buy some of the same fish they use in the restaurant to make at home.   Port Washington Brewing Company beers are also available in the deli to take home.

Smith Brothers Fish Shanty is one of my favorite places to go to in Wisconsin.  The food is very good, the service is impeccable and the Port Washington beers are pretty good, as well.  I very highly recommend going to Port Washington - not only for the Fish Shanty, but because the town is pretty neat to see, too.  

(Update - Imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the Fish Shanty in the summer of 2010 and found it to be closed.  Turned out it had been out of business for a couple three years prior.  I was sort of shocked to see just this shell of a building looking back at me.  No brew vats, no bar, no tables, nothing.  Oh, well.  It was certainly very good while they were in business.)

Comments

[Laura Fischer-Guex]

Yes how much are smoked chubs??? When do you have them available?? what is the difference between cisco chubs???