Must go when in the Ludington are for fresh fried fish. Fresh fish vibe, Carry out only, cash or check only and come early as there is always a line.. read more

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The best in michigan fresh fish fine cooking friendly and professional staff A must go too in west michigan read more

The fish is so good as are the fried fish baskets lunches. Hard to pick which one to eat. Delivery is so fast by the time you have looked at the counter your lunch is ready. Ambiance? Sitting under the trees eating lunch with family and friends. Perfect. Priceless! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Line up for entrance!! - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

Fried smelt was so overcooked I couldn't eat it. My wife's fried walleye was also overcooked. I wouldn't recommend this place. Overpriced and overcooked read more

One moment you're in a corridor of trees and then you come up upon this place. Amazing selection of fish to fry up. Service was quick and prompt in a simple queue with menus on the wall. We especially enjoyed the halibut and lake Perch. Most selections come with fries and a nice assortment of drinks in the a small refrigerator on the side. Don't expect high-end dining or ambience here, it's all about the Fry. Once you order, there's a selection of picnic tables outside. Be aware there's no bathroom. read more

Visiting from another state and wanted to grab some fresh seafood, to see what Michigan has to offer. Was recommended to checkout Bortell's but my first major TIP is bring cash or check as they don't accept cards of any kind. We parked on the shoulders / ditches leading up to the location as they only have six parking spots. The line was all the way down the driveway and from the moment I got in line to the moment I left with my food took 50 minutes. When you go inside you stand in a shorter line and order your seafood raw, smoked or fried. I do wish they offered more grilled options as I'm not a huge fan of either smoked or fried fish. We got the Lake Perch, Ocean Perch, Smoked White Fish and Catfish. It was all fresh fish, with a tasting seasoning / batter that wasn't too greasy, though if it was grilled I think I could have enjoyed the flavors in the different fishes better. After you place your order you can take it to go, go across the street to the park or on the left side of the business sit at one of the five picnic tables that are shaded by local trees, minus that one table that's doing its own thing. I will for sure come back like all the rest of the locals and tourists when in the area. read more

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A must visit place if you are in the area. Quality food, friendly people, fast service. A local staple.

A must if around the Ludington/Pentwater area, grab a perch dinner and head down to Summit Park across the street and enjoy the best fresh fried fish in Michigan while enjoying great views of Lake Michigan. My family has been enjoying this treat for more than 50 years. Don't miss it! read more

We go camping every year and it's my first time going here. Just got there a little after it opened and there was a line outside already. There were so many options to choose from and decided to order the whitefish dinner basket. It was delicious! Took some smoked trout to go. Let's say I'm going to make this a tradition to stop by every year now. read more

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Best fresh fish you'll ever find! Cute little place with a lot of personality. Would recommend the smelt and the smoked fish- but won't go wrong with anything! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

A must try! Get there early because they do sell out of a lot of their items. This is truly an amazing place to get some fresh fish! A local spot with a lot of history. You can get baskets of many different kinds of fish by my favorite is the perch! Hot, flakey and not super greasy! The batter is very light and doesn't take away from the fish! They also have other items like fried cauliflower, mozzarella sticks, and fried mushrooms. The prices are high but it is a local spot! There a few picnic tables outside but no indoor seating. Service is great and fast! It's always exciting to visit and connect with the locals when eating here. It doesn't feel rushed or loud either when your inside placing your order! Note it's cash only. Parking is limited they do have parking for blue tag holders. You can park on both sides of the road but it is busy! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Perch basket - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

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Have to write a review so I remember this hidden gem. Our buddy from Manistee took us here for an amazing fish and chips experience. The family running this place were so nice. For 60+ years in business this place was spotless, super clean and just awesome. From fresh Walleye, Lake Trout, COD, Whitefish, etc., they have it all. We ordered baskets which come with 1/2 pound fish, fries and coleslaw. They sell soda or bring your own beer or wine and sit one one of their picnic tables outside or just down the street there is a public park and beach on Lake Michigan. Bathrooms available at the park. Cash only! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Whitefish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

This is a great place to stop in for a meal. It has a simple menu. It's only open during late Spring and Summer. They have picnic tables outside to eat your meal or you can cross the street and go to the park that has a view of Lake Michigan. We usually get a smelt meal and a perch meal. They are always fresh and crisp. Fries and coleslaw (sweet not vinegar based). They handle long lines quickly. And there is always a line. read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Smelt and fries - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

Actually some of the best food I have ever had and as a Chicago native I would definitely know the difference between ok food and fantastic food! The smoked salmon is a must grab! And as a family run and owned business you could not ask for better service! Great people! read more

Fabulous fish! Clean and a nice selection! A few picnic tables to eat outside, or there is a nice park nearby! Cash only! One of our favorite fish stops! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

AMAZING place! Cash only! Prices vary depending on what type of food, walk up and order, they weigh and fry it right there and you pay at the register. Picnic Tables adjacent to it and the quality couldn't be any fresher. My second time here over the years. It'll remain in my list! read more

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I love there smelt. This service is somewhat slow because people line up at the door and on some days cars lineup for miles just to get fried fish. The ambience is amazing. Their seats are outside, which I really like. read more

Awesome fish we travel from Indiana every year. We love the fish and the family is so friendly.

Great fresh fried Walleye and perch. Fries were awesome too! Never disappoints! A gem that has stood the test of time. A must stop if you love fish. read more

Good fried catfish, could have used more kick in spice. Were passing through, but would love to try some of the smoked fish, it all looked amazing. Great fresh fish place if looking to get some grill on read more

The best walleye we have ever had! Lightly breaded not greasy at all! Fries were so yummy as well again no grease at all! The owner was so friendly and can't wait to go back! They also have fresh fish to purchase which we are going back with a cooler to stock up for home! Just bring cash! No cards accepted!!! So happy we found this gem of a place while visiting Ludington!!!! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

This has to be the greatest little Gem we have discovered since moving to Ludington! The fish selections are amazing and what's even more amazing is you can order and eat at their picnic tables doesn't get any better fresh catch of the day and eating alfresco delicious! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - The line to ordering and picking up your dinner! Get there early!!! Yummy - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

We all loved the fish, although we dropped a pretty penny for a place that has no indoor seating. We came here because it was one of the few places that served local fish. They took it straight from their fish counter and fried it up. It was quick and delicious. $120 for 5 people, but I was really upset about that. read more

Are you in Hawaii getting fish from a roadside stand, eating as you listen to sound of crashing waves? Nope, you are in Ludington Michigan, enjoying the best fish fry and smoked fish as you enjoy the shark free waters of Lake Michigan. This hidden gem is open seasonly. It is a must visit place. Grab your food and head to Summit Park across the street. Oh and be sure to ask for malt vinegar... the perfect accompaniment to fried fish! read more

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A must visit every summer. Cannot leave without ordering pounds of walleye, whitefish and smoked salmon

If you know you know. I can't say enough great things from this place. Never a bad meal and I have been going there for decades!! Never pass this place when ever I get a chance to go!! Just go you will love it and then go to the park and eat your fish on Lake Michigan. It's heaven on earth! read more

Great food but a long line which moves quite well but no public restroom. Used to have a port-a-pot at least! When inside we asked about portable and he said you can go down to the county park. We grabbed our food and sped on over. read more

Bortell's Fisheries - the front of the store - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

Food is Awesome!! Service good( can be busy.. Need more seating !! AWESOME Sea foods, may favorites are Claims, Shrimp..

Fantastic fish fry and smoked fish choices. Outdoor seating. Small parking lot. Most people park on the street. Hours are 11AM to 8 PM. The hours listed on Trip Advisor is wrong!!! read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Walleye! - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

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The fish is always so fresh and cooked well. It was a busy day but the line moved fast and we managed to get a picnic table to eat at.

I noticed reviews for Bortell's popping up from some of my friends here on Yelp and got excited as we were planning a camping trip nearby. I love the type of fish and chips you get at these little places near the lakeshore and make a point to stop at them whenever I can. Bortell's was just a short detour off our route to Cartier Park Campground so my boyfriend and I stopped for a late lunch on our way. There is a small parking lot with limited spots so you may have to park down the road a bit. The outside of the building has a big mural on it for a great photo op. The menu is simple: fried fish, a few fried sides, a couple cold sides, baskets, smoked fish, and fresh fish. It's a little pricey but I think it's totally worth it. The line wraps around inside the tiny building and out the door, but they've got ordering and frying down to a science and it moves quickly. We ordered a whitefish basket, which comes with fries and coleslaw. They have canned pop and bottled water as well. It was $12.90 for the basket that had four filets and a couple handfuls of fries. There are picnic tables available outside to enjoy your food. The whitefish was flaky but just slightly over cooked. My favorite part of these types of places is that it's not heavy beer batter, they use more of a light cornmeal dusting. It's not at all greasy and gives the fish a great texture. One of my favorite things about this place was the sense of community and family. There were several people who asked a young man working where his grandma was (she's retired now). They've been family owned and operated since 1898 which is so cool! They have old photos hanging up inside showing their history and family members. I can't wait to go back next summer. read more

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A Fried lake perch dinner from Bortell's is a must-have Northern Michigan delicacy. We also enjoy their smoked rainbow trout. Dinners come with fries and coleslaw. We take our food across the street and eat at the park right on the Lake. It is a more rocky beach, so if you want to jump in bring your water shoes! read more

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I love checking out great, little, local gems to eat at while out of town. In fact, sometimes I will base my travels on highly recommended restaurants/ food joints. That was not the case with my most recent trip to Ludington. I was camping for the week, so foil packs, camper pies and campfire cooking was my sole intention. That was until I received a recommendation by a local couple while hiking the trails in the area. Bortell's came highly recommended by them so I decided to check it out on my way out of town. Wow, it did not disappoint! The fish was some of the best Whitefish I have had! I love that it is caught fresh, daily and served by this great little Fish Market. I'm so happy I made the drive out and I'll certainly be back next time I'm in the area. The seating area, which is located at a little park, just down the road, is great, also! Overlooking Lake Michigan, you can sit at a picnic table while enjoying your delicious lunch! I only gave 4 stars because honestly, I was not impressed with the fries or the coleslaw. I also think non-prepackaged tater sauce would have been a better option. The store bought, single serving they provide was not what I was expecting. Please note, they DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! Unfortunately, I did not see a sign indicating this until I was at the window to pay. Thankfully there is a little gas station about 2-3 miles down the road with an ATM but having this posted on the order window would have been very helpful! Otherwise, excellent service and fish totally worth the drive for!! I will definitely be back!! read more

Seasonal fishery situated between Pentwater and Ludington akin to an Irish/English chip shop serving up an extensive selection of fried fresh and saltwater seafood. Also an impressive selection of smoked fish. CASH ONLY. A true Michigan gem. read more

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We have been ordering fish from Bortells for 50+ years! We love this place! The fish is always fresh and freshly cooked....

I haven't been to the area in over ten years but im thrilled to see Bortell's is still around! Fun and tasty

Delicious FRESH caught fish(many species) cooked on the spot! Great price! Quality you can rely on 100%!!! Remember CASH or checks only! No credit cards! Support local!!! You won't be disappointed!! read more

Awesome fresh fish cooked right in front of your eyes. Probably the best perch I've ever had. We will definitely be hitting this place whenever we are on the west side of Michigan. read more

Yum, yum, yum! Recommended via MANY people when we were searching Pentwater/Ludington area for "must-visit" places. Glad we stopped here. A patron in line behind us mentioned he had been coming there for 35 years and it's delicious every time. Clean, well-adapted for Covid rules, staff was friendly and food was delish! Hubby got the perch basket and I got smoked sockeye salmon. Fries included in his basket were definitely enough for the both of us to share. We walked across the street and ate in the little park. Very nice, would go again and recommend. read more

Bortell's Fisheries - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

A great find along the lakeshore north of Pentwater. Fresh fish fried when you order. There was a line out the door. I also got some smoked fish spread smoked and made in house. There is a county park across the street where everyone at the picnic tables was eating fish from this place, scenic spot for a delicious lunch. I can't wait to go back. read more