Some of the best meals in Minnesota hide behind the plainest storefronts, the kind you might drive past a hundred times without a second look. I almost did exactly that, until the smell of hot oil and seasoned cornmeal pulled me through the door.
What came out of the fryer was golden, crackly catfish that made me forget every fancy fish plate I had ever paid too much for. If you love comfort food with zero pretense, this little fry shack deserves a spot on your list.
A Counter-Serve Gem on East Lake Street
Right at 500 E Lake St in south Minneapolis sits A & J Fish & Chicken Inc., a counter-serve joint that keeps its focus squarely on the fryer. You order at the counter, grab your box, and either sit down or head out with your takeout.
Nobody would call the building glamorous. Visitors often describe it as a weird little spot, and a few admit the outside look can be deceiving.
Step inside, though, and the priorities become clear fast: fried fish, fried chicken, and generous sides.
For Minnesotans who love proving that the best food often hides in the humblest places, A & J fits the bill perfectly. Lake Street has long been one of the most diverse and lively corridors in the Twin Cities, and this shop adds its own crispy, golden chapter to that story.
Think of it as a neighborhood fry shack with big-city flavor and small-shop heart.
Owners Who Earn Long-Term Loyalty
Fifteen years. That is how long one regular says he has known the owner, and his verdict is simple: good people, outstanding food, and nothing better around.
Loyalty like that does not happen by accident. Many customers mention the friendly crew working the front, the folks taking orders who greet newcomers and returning faces alike.
One out-of-town guest shared that the staff made them feel welcome and did not skimp on the A&J combo.
The owners also tend to answer feedback personally, often thanking customers warmly and promising to look into small issues, like a missing dipping sauce. In a world of faceless chains, that personal touch feels distinctly old-school Minnesota.
It may not be a decades-old supper club, but it carries a similar spirit. People come back because they feel recognized, and because the cooking stays consistent enough to keep them returning year after year.
Catfish, the Undisputed Star
Ask around and one word keeps coming up: catfish. It is easily the most talked-about item on the menu, mentioned far more often than anything else.
So what makes it special? Regulars point to batter that actually stays on the fish, fried properly instead of soggy or falling apart.
One fan said every other place they had tried simply did not compare, and that the seasoning hits hard in a way that feels different from the rest.
The fillets arrive hot, golden, and crunchy at the edges with tender, flaky fish inside. A splash of hot sauce, which customers often praise, sends it over the top.
For anyone who usually fries fish at home but wants a night off, this is the place people recommend. It is the kind of plate that makes you rethink what a fry shack can do, and why a simple catfish dinner can feel like a celebration.
Nuggets, Strips, and the Catfish Sandwich
Not everyone wants a full fillet, and A & J clearly understands that. Catfish shows up in several shapes here, giving you options depending on your appetite and mood.
Catfish nuggets are a popular pick for snacking or sharing. Bite-sized and crispy all around, they are easy to dunk in sauce and hard to stop eating.
Catfish strips offer a slightly longer cut with plenty of crunchy surface area, great for anyone who loves the crust as much as the fish.
Then there is the catfish sandwich, a handheld option that turns the shop’s signature item into something you can eat on the go. It is a smart choice for a quick lunch on Lake Street.
Having multiple ways to enjoy the same star ingredient keeps things fresh. Kids might gravitate toward nuggets, while adults go for strips or the sandwich, making it easy for a whole family to order together.
Walleye and Shrimp for the Seafood Crowd
Here is a fun Minnesota twist: alongside the catfish, A & J also fries up walleye, the state fish and a lake-country favorite. One customer drove 40 minutes out of their way just for it.
That same diner loved the walleye so much they wished for one more fillet. That kind of complaint is really a compliment in disguise.
Walleye fans across Minnesota know how tricky it is to find a good fried version outside of up-north resorts, so having it on Lake Street is a nice surprise.
Shrimp also gets attention. A fish and shrimp combo is one of the orders visitors mention, offering a little variety in a single box.
Between catfish, walleye, and shrimp, seafood lovers have plenty to explore. It is a reminder that a Minneapolis fry shack can honor Minnesota traditions while still bringing its own bold seasoning to the table.
Wings With Chicago-Style Flavor
Fish may get top billing, yet chicken holds its own here. Wings are the second most popular topic among customers, and fried chicken fills plenty of takeout boxes every day.
One regular compared the chicken to Chicago-style flavor, noting that it is never undercooked like it can be at other spots. Another praised the A&J combo as straight heat.
The hot sauce earns frequent shout-outs too.
Opinions are not unanimous, which is honest to share. A few diners have found some pieces small or a bit salty, and one wished the chicken tasted fresher.
Most, though, keep coming back for wings that are crunchy and well-seasoned.
For a mixed group where some people want fish and others want chicken, A & J makes everyone happy in one stop. Order a combo, share it around, and let the table decide which side of the menu wins the night.
Gyros, Italian Beef, and Phillies
Surprise! A fish and chicken shop that also serves gyros and Italian beef.
These sandwiches pop up again and again in customer chatter, proving the menu reaches well beyond the fryer.
Gyros are especially popular, offering a savory, satisfying change of pace. Italian beef, a nod to Chicago sandwich culture, adds another hearty option for big appetites.
The chicken philly also has fans. One first-timer, sent by a co-worker, said it was packed with chicken and flavor and far better than expected.
Their advice was simple: try it, or you will wish you had sooner.
This variety makes A & J an easy pick for groups who cannot agree on dinner. One person grabs catfish, another orders a gyro, and someone else goes for Italian beef.
Everyone leaves full, and nobody had to compromise, which is a small victory any Minnesota family can appreciate.
Gizzards, Okra, and Classic Sides
True soul food fans will spot the good stuff right away. Gizzards and fried okra show up often in customer comments, and they are worth ordering.
One fan raves about the mixed chicken livers and gizzards for around 20 dollars, saying you get a lot of both plus fries. That is a hearty, budget-friendly meal for anyone who loves these classic bites.
Fried okra makes a crunchy side, and jalapeno poppers add a little kick with their dipping sauce. Tip: ask for sauce with the okra, since one diner noticed it did not come automatically.
Save room for dessert if you can. A 7up pound cake has been spotted on the menu, a sweet, old-fashioned treat with deep Southern roots.
Desserts like that carry family history, the kind of recipe that gets passed down kitchen to kitchen for generations.
No-Frills Atmosphere and Who Will Love It
Listen closely and you can hear your food being made. Diners love that sizzle of fish hitting hot oil, paired with that unmistakable fry-shop aroma.
The space itself is basic. There is some seating, but the setup leans heavily toward takeout.
A few visitors have mentioned that cleanliness could improve and that there is no restroom, so plan accordingly.
Who is it for? Anyone who values flavor over decor will feel right at home.
Lunch-break workers, families grabbing dinner, and late-night snackers all find their way here. A packed parking lot is common, and one first-timer took that as a sign the food would be worth it.
Service gets mixed comments. Many praise the friendly crew and a fast-moving line, though wait times can occasionally stretch longer than quoted during busy stretches.
A little patience usually pays off with a hot, crispy box.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Late-night cravings are covered. A & J typically opens at 11 AM every day and stays open until 11 PM Sunday through Thursday, then until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Those long hours make it a handy stop after a game, a late shift, or a long drive into the city. Phone orders can be placed at 612-825-7000, and the website at ajfishchicken.com may offer menu details.
Prices are generally seen as fair for the portions. Customers describe the food as affordable, and one combo of livers and gizzards with fries runs about 20 dollars.
Some wish a few items were a touch cheaper, but most feel they get their money’s worth.
You will find it at 500 E Lake St in Minneapolis, with a parking lot on site. From the suburbs or greater Minnesota, it is an easy detour off the freeway.
Why the Drive Pays Off
Forget the white tablecloths. Minnesota has plenty of upscale seafood spots, yet a humble Lake Street fry shack keeps winning hearts with crispy catfish and bold seasoning.
A & J is not perfect, and it does not pretend to be. The building is plain, service can vary, and portions of some sides are modest.
Still, the core reason people come, golden fried fish with batter that sticks, delivers again and again.
Add in walleye, wings, gyros, gizzards, and late hours, and you have a menu that satisfies almost any craving. Long-time regulars and first-timers alike often leave planning their next visit.
So round up the family, text a friend who loves fried fish, and point the car toward south Minneapolis. Sometimes the most memorable meals in our state come in a foam box, and this little shop proves that small can absolutely beat big.
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