Scalawags Whitefish & Chips® is a locally owned and operated Michigan tradition.
We are a quick-service, casual seafood dining establishment featuring the freshest Whitefish, Perch, and Walleye harvested from the Great Lakes.
For more than 30 years, families and groups have planned their vacations and trips to Northern Michigan around a meal at Scalawags Whitefish and Chips®.
Whether dining in or taking your meal out for a lake-view picnic, we are dedicated to serving the freshest Great Lakes Whitefish around.
Be sure to check out our locations page to find the Scalawags Whitefish & Chips® that’s closest to you!
PD Wilks
Neat place. Nice local northern MI chain that only does fish and does it well. Counter ordering with table delivery.
Whitefish chowder was very good and a must have when I visit again. Whitefish basket with chips was good, house tartar was tasty and malt vinegar on the tables. Fish was mild and firm, crispy and breaded, but not overloaded.
Seasoning was light for everything, but there was red hot available.
It would be nice if they ever expand downstate. Good stuff.
… moreBruce Lucas
We’re so happy to see that someone started a Scalawags franchise in Petoskey. Ever since the one in Traverse City had to close, we’ve been driving to Mackinaw City to eat at the Scalawags there. Petoskey didn’t disappoint. The whitefish filets were thick and piping hot. The fries were fried in fresh oil and were nice and crispy. The hush puppies were delicious. We’ll be back!
Update on 1/2/2026 – My wife was stir crazy and had a hankering for whitefish, so we drove up from Traverse City for lunch. The whitefish and hush puppies were just as delicious as our last visit in the fall. They’ve changed their french fries, though. Now you get deep fried potato wedges. They taste great, but we prefer smaller fries ourselves. It’s no reason to stay away, though! Excellent fish & chips.
… moreBrian Conway
Petoskey, your latest addition to the food scene is doing you proud! Scalywags has been a staple in Mackinaw for decades, known for fantastic food, friendly staff and amazing customer service. Now Petoskey (and all of us out of towners) can enjoy the same timeless menue and atmosphere all year round.
Go there if you haven’t been before. Personally I love the fish taco and the hush puppies!
… moreHillary Whittaker
I don’t understand why this place doesn’t have all 5 star reviews! It’s SO good. We’ve been several times since they opened this location. The seafood is fresh and perfectly cooked. Service is great and fast. We’ve tried all the fish options. Our favorite is the whitefish and cod. Had the cod today with some extra shrimp and it did not disappoint. Their tartar sauce is incredible – always ask for extra. This is by far the best place around for fish n chips, highly recommend!
… moreJennifer wood
Ordered the fish tacos with potato wedges and coleslaw..The coleslaw was nice and creamy..the tacos were fantastic! The potato wedges could use some type of seasoning but we’re nice and crisp
… morerick bloomfield
We had dinner there last night and everything was perfect. As other reviews have stated the restaurant was very clean, the staff was very friendly and attentive. We both ordered the two piece whitefish & chips, a clam chowder, and shared an order of the shrimp. We were very full afterwards. The fish, fries, and shrimp were all excellent. Exactly what you expect from a place that focuses on fish & chips. I cannot wait to go there again.
… moreThe Boss Babe
Scalawags is an absolute delight! The whitefish and chips were delicious, and we also tried the walleye and catfish—both cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The service was friendly and welcoming, and the whole place was clean and well-run. A fantastic spot for fresh, satisfying seafood. Highly recommend!
… moreErik Battilana
Got Take out, it was good. Home made batter is evident – no store bought onion rings here folks. Walleye was delightful and supple.
… moreAlan G
Onion rings were great, tasted and looked homemade. Cottage fries were ok, probably great if you like a thick fry. The fish tacos were sparce. Just a piece of fish with coleslaw on a taco shell. Thats it. The coleslaw was very runny. Fish tasted fresh with a light breading. The bluegill platter was great. The clam chowder was runny and tasted more like potato soup. Which is strange since you could see the clam pieces in it. Get a fish basket with onion rings and you’ll be happy! They give you a lot of fish in the basket.
… moreEva Taylor
This place is amazing! The food is incredibly tasty with generous portions, and the whitefish chowder is absolutely divine. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried, especially the cod platter and fish tacos. It’s such a laid-back, casual spot with friendly, personable employees!
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