Syracuse, NYFish Fry

Doug's serves a large fried whitefish sandwich from its Skaneateles kitchen. The haddock or cod comes in a light, crisp breading on a sesame-seed bun, with a fillet that stretches beyond the bread. Order the fish sandwich and let the fish, rather than the bun, lead the meal.

The Fish Friar brings a downtown bistro setting to Syracuse's fish-fry tradition. Its kitchen dips skinless haddock in fresh eggs, then coats it with flour, spices and ground panko before frying. Fish and chips and fried haddock sandwiches anchor the menu; mushy peas and roasted carrots are choices alongside the fish.

At Westvale Plaza, Fish Cove turns Boston haddock into a substantial fried fish dinner. The kitchen lets its breaded fish rest in the refrigerator before frying so the coating stays put. The thick fillet comes with two sides and tartar sauce; onion rings and cabbage salad make a fitting pair.

The Old Ledge is a neighborhood bar with a Friday fish fry. Its haddock dinner can be fried or broiled and comes with two sides; the kitchen also makes clam chowder and mac and cheese. Take a seat at the bar or a high-top table for a fish dinner with the feel of a local gathering.

Kitty Hoynes serves beer-battered haddock in Armory Square. The fish-and-chips plate comes with house fries, tartar sauce and coleslaw, and the pub pours Guinness alongside it. The generous dinner offers a traditional Irish-pub route into Syracuse's Friday fish-fry culture.