Bortell’s Fisheries

Bortell’s is a summer staple for us. The fish is amazing — the lake perch, ocean perch, shrimp, and smelt have all been fantastic. With a bottle of Michigan wine and a sunny day, there is no other meal I’d rather have. Just make sure to have cash, and be aware of their hours so you’re not disappointed.

Absolutely fantastic spot a short drive south of downtown Ludington. We pulled up for lunch on our way into town to discover a full parking lot and cars lining the road. An excellent sign.
You can either order any of their fish by the pound to be fried up, have one of their plated dinners (½ lb), or sample one of their smoked varieties.
We sprang for an excellent fried lake perch (the only choice) along with a sample of the smoked salmon, and smoked whitefish. Salmon was unbelievably moist, but with a limited smoky flavor, the whitefish was the consensus favorite. Also, bonus points for a local catch.
Grab your order and head outside to sit down at one of the tables dotting the lawn.
Place has been around forever, with a friendly staff to boot. A real winner in this part of the state.

I look forward to coming here every year. These people work hard serving some of the best fried fish I have ever had. All the fish is good, but I especially like the trout — yes you read it — trout! This is not a single $ per meal place, but it’s worth it! Here’s to another 50 years of great fish.

Holy freaking heck is this good fish! The coleslaw is also very unique and delicious with a fruity note.
Could use a few more picnic tables, but when you see that many people lined up on the side of the road for a hidden building that simply says «fish» on it you can bet on two things: 1– it’s good and 2 it’s quant

Fried perch, walleye, and whitefish — AMAZEballs! Light and crispy breaking. Smoked salmon and lake trout legit as well. Deec fries. Wish they had homemade tartar sauce. Must do if you are in the area.

Pretty good, but if you don’t like fish, then skip

Been coming to this area for over 30 years. The fried fish dinners haunt my dreams. My family says I’m addicted. I say it is a deep love. Three times for lunch in eight days! Different fish each time. Also, in contrast to what another review stated, it’s not all fried. The smoked fish is outstanding. The fresh fish is perfect for cooking. Have to leave Sunday. Can’t wait until I come back up over Labor Day. Will definitely be dropping by!

Best fish and chips in Ludington! The smoked salmon was also fantastic. I first found this place when visiting the park across the street to play tennis. They were sadly closed that day (they are closed on Mondays). I went back and the food was great. I got the perch and sampled a small piece of smoked salmon. The prices vary depending on the kind of fish. They served it with kraft tartar sauce. It would have been even better if they made their own tartar sauce. The place was packed and there was a line. We ate at the park across the street with a beautiful view of lake Michigan.

I can see this little secret is gettting out. Darn it! This place has been a family favorite for 20+ years. They are only open May through Labor Day, so a short season, but a must when you are in the area — an absolute must. Pick out a fried fish dinner of your choosing and they’ll fry it up for you right there while you wait; fish, fries, cole slaw. Then take it across the street to the small park and enjoy your meal overlooking Lake Michigan.
Don’t forget to pickup their specialtiy — the smolked fish! I always bring a pound or more home everytime I come go the area. It is the best stuff — a cracker, a little cream cheese, smoked salmon to top it off — what a treat! All of it is good.
Bring your cash! They don’t take credit cards, which is fine.

Amazing fried smelt. I bet all of their fried seafood is great. We also tried the ocean perch. It was good, but not as good as the smelt. The fries were just ok, as well as the coleslaw. I recommend going to a park slightly down the road for a picnic with a wonderful view of Lake Michigan. Cash only and the line moves fairly quickly.

Good example of doing one thing but doing it totally right. Great little place on the side of the road; fresh fish that they fry up to order. They also have smoked fish.
Few notes: cash only and minimal seating — just a few picnic tables.

Bortell’s has the best smoked fish out there. Hands down, end of story. They have a great selection of fresh caught fish as well as an array of fried items. I have been coming here for about 7 years and the owner who smokes everything himself is a great guy. You won’t he disappointed if you come to this off the beaten path place.

Thanks to all the Unilocalers before me who helped us decide to eat here. Simply the best. We arrived during the week around 5 pm just before the dinner rush. About 20 minutes later, there were cars everywhere pulling up and parking along the street. You know the food must be great when even a $ 200,000 Bentley pulls up for carry out. Now I know why this little, out-​of-​the way place has been in business for so may generations. They do one thing and do it the best!

Heard great things about this place. Went about 40 miles out of our way to try it. THEY ARE CLOSED ON MONDAYS! No one mentioned that…

We all know of places like this around the country. This is one of those places one has to go to if you’re driving down US 31. They do such a great job frying up the fish, never greasy. You’ll never have perch anywhere that’s as good as it is here. Everything is so fresh. Also, if you can’t pick up some fish to cook for yourself later, grab a piece of smoked salmon. It’s smoked on site, and keeps for a long time, and is oh so good.

Bortell’s is one of the eateries we locals are most proud to have. Definitely stop there as you journey south of Ludington! And no, I am NOT going to tell you about the secret eating spot that’s right near Bortell’s.
Expect a long line, but it moves quickly. Have one adult and one child go in to carry the food out, and have the rest of the family grab a picnic table and start playing a card game.

If only there was a place like this in every city.
Amazing fresh fish. Get it fried while you wait or take it home uncooked.
The lake perch is probably the best choice. We ordered three different varieties and the perch was the best. All were amazing though.
As another Unilocal’er noted, there is a small park 200-​ft down the road (south) which is a perfect spot to enjoy your fish and chips. The park has a great view and access to the lake and tons of picnic tables.
A MUST stop if you like fish and chips.
Cash only!

We had given up on good food in Ludington! I am a snobby southerner when it comes to food. Married to a Michigan boy. This place serves the best fried fish but the smoked salmon is also outstanding! There is no indoor seating but there is a park with picnic tables close by that overlooks the lake. We look forward to this every year and it has not dissapointed. Jewel of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

How cool is it that a fish store will not only sell you fresh fish, but cook it into a nice shore lunch for you? Love it; wish we had something like this on the Lake Huron side of the state. We’ve also been pleased with our fresh and smoked fish purchases here. If only we lived closer!

I am not really a fish person, but I love the fish here. Whenever I am up in the area I make a real effort to stop at this little fish shack for lunch. I have not had anything bad here. Almost everything is deep fried for to go food, but they fry the fish perfectly. My husband and I usually grab our to go bags and drive a few hundred feet South to a cute little park with picinic tables and a wonderful view of Lake Michigan. Open the first Wednesday in May to sometime in fall, don’t remember exactly when… Labor Day, I believe.