1 Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 3943
5144 N. Dixie Highway
Newport, Mich. • 734-289-2080

Perch and walleye have been on the menu here for 40 years. Country and classic rock bands keep the seniors who arrive early from leaving and the younger wave that arrives later dancing. Fridays all year from 4 to 8 p.m.

2 The American Slovak Club
2915 Broadway Ave.
Lorain, Ohio • 440-244-2787

The women of this club have been serving up perch dinners since the mid-1950s. Although the price has increased from the original 80 cents, not too much else has. The cabbage and noodles are almost as famous as the fish. Served Fridays all year from noon to 9 p.m.

3 St. Mary’s Romanian
Orthodox Cathedral
3256 Warren Road
Cleveland, Ohio • 216-941-5550

There are three fish options, but the blue pike is the one that keeps the crowds coming back. Fridays during Lent from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

4 Knechtel’s
15 Walker St. West
Port Dover, Ontario • 519-583-1908

Walk up to the takeout window (or fight the crowds inside), order your battered perch dinner, then find yourself a spot at a picnic table overlooking the beach.

5 Kosciuszko Polish Home
252 Nevins St. • Dunkirk, N.Y.
716-366-1044

Nicknamed “The Dog House” years ago by wives whose husbands stayed late, this club serves up fresh cod and perch, as well as hearty extras like polish pigs in a blanket and homemade pierogi, to the 275 who attend each week. Fridays all year from 4 to 8 p.m.