Milwaukee Spotlight: St. Paul Fish Company

A Milwaukee staple for seafood lovers, St. Paul Fish Company is a popular establishment known for its fresh fish market, restaurant, and oyster bar, primarily located within the bustling Milwaukee Public Market.

🎣 What Makes It Unique?

The key to St. Paul Fish Company’s uniqueness is its dual identity as a premier fish house and a casual dining spot.

• Freshness and Quality: Their motto is “More fish, better fish, and cheaper fish.” They pride themselves on sourcing top-quality seafood, with products like Atlantic Salmon, Tuna, and a variety of oysters being flown in daily. Customers can purchase fresh fish at the counter to cook at home or enjoy it expertly prepared in the restaurant.
• Atmosphere: Located at the east end of the Milwaukee Public Market, it offers a vibrant, energetic atmosphere often described as being reminiscent of a “real fish market.” In Milwaukee, the location also features an Outdoor Palapa (Tiki Bar) for a fun, seasonal experience.
• Oyster Bar: They offer a daily changing selection of 5-7 different oyster varieties served on the half shell.

📜 History

St. Paul Fish Company was founded in 2005 by Tim Collins and was one of the original vendors in the Milwaukee Public Market. Through commitment and expertise, it has established itself as a go-to source for fresh seafood in the Milwaukee area.

🍴 Highlight Menu Items

St. Paul Fish Company is celebrated for several signature dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, simple preparations.

• Maine Lobster Roll: St. Paul’s best-selling item, featuring a butter-toasted brioche split-top bun stuffed with cold lobster salad, served with fries and coleslaw.
• Friday Fish Fry: A Wisconsin tradition, their Fish Fry is highly-rated, offering choices like Schlitz battered cod, grouper, walleye, catfish, and perch (often available at a reduced price on Fridays).
• Fresh Oysters: A daily selection of varieties from regions like Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Massachusetts.
• Other Favorites: Other popular items include the Alaskan Crab Roll, Baja Fish Tacos, and various Grilled Fish Dinners (Salmon, Grouper, etc.). They are also known for their famous Bloody Mary, which sometimes includes a fresh lobster claw as a garnish.

⭐ Customer Feedback

Customers frequently praise the freshness of the seafood and the vibrant, chaotic energy of the location.

• Positive Feedback: The lobster roll and the Friday Fish Fry are consistently cited as being “phenomenal” and “the best.” Reviewers often highlight the high quality of the raw bar items, like the oysters and shrimp cocktail.
• Service & Vibe: The staff are often commended for being friendly and attentive despite the bustling, fast-paced nature of the market setting. The “eclectic seafood joint’s vibe” and the fun atmosphere are major draws.

🗓️ Significant Events

While the business is part of the broader Milwaukee Public Market’s schedule of events (including cooking classes and seasonal happenings), St. Paul Fish Company itself is most notable for its contribution to local culture:

• The Continuous Friday Fish Fry Tradition: One significant highlight is its role as a premier spot for the classic Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry. News outlets have highlighted loyal customers who have maintained a tradition of having their fish fry there for years.
• Expansion: A significant event was the expansion to a second, full-service location in the Cannery Building in Mequon, Wisconsin, which opened in 2019, demonstrating the brand’s success and popularity beyond the Public Market.

📍 Location, Contact & Web Information