Latino-owned restaurants are giving their own spin on Wisconsin’s fish fry tradition

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Fish fry season is upon us and it’s a great Wisconsin tradition.

We decided to highlight a few Latino-owned restaurants that offer something a little different from the Badger State classic.

Sabrosa Café & Gallery

Address: 3216 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee

Fish Fries: Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with live music

Much of owner and executive chef Francisco Sanchez’s inspiration comes from his family ties to Mexico.

“I learned all my recipes from my family, my mom, my abuelita (grandmother) and then my cousins ​​in Mexico City, and then I kind of ran with it,” Sanchez told CBS 58. .

Sabrosa is a Latin and European influenced restaurant and its fried fish menu reflects this and the touch of its executive chef.

“It’ll just be a mix,” Sanchez said. “Everything is going to be fresh and it’s my own sazón, so it’s unique in its aroma and you’re going to taste a little bit at home with it.”

One of the highlights of the fish dishes on offer is the cornmeal breaded perch tacos. They are served with chipotle mayonnaise, Oaxaca beans and Mexican rice.

More information about Sabrosa can be found by clicking here.

Orenda Cafe

Address: 3514 W. National Ave., Milwaukee

Alevins: offered year-round

Orenda Café is a Latina owned and operated restaurant that offers breakfast, brunch and lunch.

“We call ourselves a kind of American cafe with a Mexican twist,” said general manager Jessica Sobojinski.

The cafe offers classic Wisconsin fish fry all year round.

“We just make a light flour breading on top, fried of course, served with our homemade coleslaw, tartar sauce, rye bread,” Sobojinski said.

The restaurant also offers salmon and eggs as well as a salmon benedict. For a Latin twist, people can enjoy the dishes with a margarita.

“Blending things like that together is kind of where the Mexican and American inspiration comes together.”

More information about Orenda can be found by clicking here.

Cafe le Sol

Address: 1028 S. 9th St., Milwaukee

Fried fish: Friday evenings with buffet and live music

Café el Sol is located in the heart of Milwaukee’s south side Latin Quarter, on the lower level of the United Community Center on Walker Square.

“We specialize in Mexican and Puerto Rican cuisine, we try to keep Latin flavors in our menu, in our kitchen,” said manager Miguel Sanchez.

Café el Sol has live music on Friday nights and their menu includes a baked fish plate as well as fried fish.

“The spices and the breading that we use, that’s fresh, number one. Number two, we try to focus on that, we try to keep it Latino with all of our spices and everything from rice to salad and also the fish,” Sanchez said.

More information about Café el Sol can be found by clicking here.