Came back and got the walleye this time and it was excellent. Some of the best fried fish I've ever had. The potato pancakes are also delicious. This is an odd restaurant in that you must initially sit at the bar where you order and wait for your table/food. Once you are seated your food is waiting for you. I can't say I've ever seen a restaurant operate quite this way but it works for me. I've noticed some people complain in the reviews and I think it's unjustified. My only complaint is that they aren't open more often and that they are too darn popular on Fridays. read more

The best Friday Fish Fry in Southern Wisconsin since the mid to late 60's. Best Potato Pancakes ever.

We went for the Friday fish fry and knew we would have to wait. We even arrived before 5! We each had two drinks at the bar and they were delicious and reasonable. When we arrived they took our name and placed our order. We probably waited over an hour which is ok. What we did not like was being seated to have our food sitting on the table already. After waiting over an hour to eat we felt very rushed I'm sure they wanted to turn tables over as fast as possible but did not care for this type of service. We might go back but not for the fish fry. read more

Fish fry is great. We always get it to go. Hope to try in person sometime and try out the drink specials. It's a classic Wisconsin supper club. read more

Fish fry fabulous but waiting over an hour when there were tables available is not cool especially when there is no decent wine. We said we were leaving and then suddenly they were able to seat us. This is a long time practice and it keeps me away. read more

Some of the best potato pancakes and fish fry in the area. Make sure you stop in early on a Friday to get a table! While you wait for your table make sure to go to the bar and have an old-fashioned read more

Haven't been here in awhile, and am glad to say everything was excellent!!! Best fish, potato pancakes, and all the sides. Had a slice of salted caramel cheesecake and it was to die for. Service was excellent, reorders were hot and served in record time. Glad we got there early, when we were leaving there were no seats at the bar and people were starting to wait outside. So happy nothing has changed, best fish fry around!!! read more

A GEM. If you have gotten this far on Yelp, quit analyzing. Just GO. Ignore the few VERY old bad reviews. In summary: this unknowingly retro cool place is and has been in the family forever and produces DELICIOUS home cooked food. BELIEVE THE GOOD REVIEWS OF FRIDAY FISH FRY! And if you are really lucky on Thursday or Saturday, the German food is worth it! It might take awhile because Mom (I think her name is Susie) will cook to order. That might give you time to enjoy a drink at the fantastic Formica bar - a serious nod to design of the era. REALLY. read more

Nite Cap Inn - a sign for a fine food restaurant - American Near Me - Palmyra, Wisconsin

I've been going to the Nite Cap Inn for almost 50 years. Still WITHOUT EXCEPTION the best Fish Fry with potato pancakes anywhere. A real slice of Wisconsin Americana. It's worth the drive to the little town of Palmyra. Don't expect to be wowed by anything but the food and people. All that's changed in the place since the 70's is they now have a color TV. read more

We have loved this place for several years now. It's an old fashioned Wisconsin supper club. You order when you walk in. Then you wait at the bar enjoying homemade bloody Mary's, old fashioned or manhattan. The hostess finds you at the bar, takes you to your table, and the food is there already. The fish fry is real good, the fried chicken is even better. The German fare is like grandma used to make. Plan on being at the bar for about an hour - so pace yourself on the drinks!! read more

Great little place, supper club atmosphere. This family owned place serves one of the best fish fry's and German dinners (on Saturday) that I have had in a while. Mom is in the back cooking and daughter at the bar so be patient enjoy a great old fashioned and when it's time to sit down be ready to enjoy. Portions are just right and save room for the Schram Torte. read more

Best.potato.pancakes.EVER. Oh yeah....the fish is fantastic, the waitresses are perfectly Wisconsinite in their friendly and down-home ways, their brandy old-fashioned is nice and strong, the krinkle cut fries are stellar. My husband says you can judge a restaurant just on its coleslaw. The coleslaw here is perfect. So........ read more

Excellent food Excellent service Chicken crispy and delicious The menu looks wonderful I'll be back to try everything read more

Best fish fry you will find...EVER! My family has been driving out to Palmyra for longer than I've been alive. They used to have large parties of people actually eat in their living room for a while. It's a very family friendly place to eat, and it's a perfect gettaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. I almost forgot to mention that if you place a premium on potato pancakes, there is no other place in the world that compares. If you find yourself out there for dinner, just tell them you're friends with the Packards, and they'll hook you up with a spot in their living room. read more

Simply the best potato pancakes that I have ever had! Having grown up in Milwaukee all my life with fish Fry's every Friday I was extremely happy to find the Nite Cap Inn. Potato pancakes made the way they were intended to be; crispy and full of flavor - just as they were when I was a kid in Milwaukee and went out for fish Fry's with the parents. On Friday's (I have never been there any other night) the hostess will greet you at the door and ask if you would like baked or fried fish and potato pancakes or fries. I understand the fries are awesome as well. You leave your name with the hostess and then proceed to the bar while your table becomes available. Another tradition that I love; I don't necessarily want to have to eat ten seconds after stepping into the restaurant; If I wanted that, I would do drive-thru. The bartender Don is awesome; he makes great drinks and always has friendly conversation ready, regardless how busy they are at the time. They have a nice selection of bottled beers but Don will make a killer Captain and Coke or Bloody Mary as well. You might be lucky enough to observe the owner, Helmut, playing the organ in the corner, another wonderful tradition at Nite Cap Inn. If you are looking for modern style, huge expansive seating, average food, go elsewhere. If you went to any bar that served fish Fry's back in the 60's or 70's, the Nite Cap Inn will certainly bring back those memories. Another great charm of this restaurant in my opinion. They will yell out your name when your table is ready and you will be seated at the table, with the food already presented. Along with the fish and fries/cakes you will also have the traditional rye bread, coleslaw and apple sauce. All exceptional food. I understand they have great desserts as well, but we are always way too full (all you can eat fish/fries/cakes) and never have been able to enjoy them. Friends of ours turned us on to the Nite Cap Inn and we have done the same to numerous friends of our own and absolutely no one has ever complained about the food, drinks, service or in some cases the hour drive. It was totally worth it. We are lucky enough to be only 15 minutes away but have friends from Milwaukee that won't blink an eye in coming out for a fish fry with us at the Nite Cap Inn. read more

We have heard about this place a few times but I'm not one to wait a long time for a table We went last Friday figuring it's more of an off season. Walked in and our order was taken and then we took a seat at the bar were served quickly and the drinks were perfect. After about 10 mins of so our table was ready. As soon as we sat down our food was ready. The fish fry was delicious. Potato pancakes were tasty. Fresh rye bread. My wife ordered the shrimp and loved. Great friendly atmosphere. Will definitely go back and try the German food read more

I used to go to the Nite Cap Inn at least once a month 35 years ago , when I lived in the area. I attended there on Wednesday & everything was just as good as I remembered it. We all had the Fish Fry with potato pancakes. Everything was excellent as I remembered it before. You can't get better potato pancakes anywhere. I've been to many places in the last 35 years , but none better then the Nite Cap Inn. It's worth the trip to Palmyra for the Fish Fry. read more

Nite Cap Inn - a green bay packers helmet - American Near Me - Palmyra, Wisconsin

Hands down best fish fry around. Classic setting, friendly staff. Cornmeal fish batter for the fried fish and life changing potatoe pancakes. read more

Great fish fry and potato pancakes. But don't leave without trying the German chocolate cake.

My dad used to tell me if I wanted good food, "look for the place with the line out the door." If you're in Palmyra, WI, only one place meets that standard and that's the Nite Cap Inn. The NCI has been packing the house on Fridays for years. People drive for crazy distances to catch the Friday tradition known as the Fish Fry. The owners decided to make their exclusive fish fry menu available on Wednesdays too for people who wanted the same great fish (cod or walleye) meal during the mid-week doldrums. The cod fish comes as an "all-you-can-eat" offering for about ten bucks, which includes authentic German potato pancakes (or french fries), apple sauce, coleslaw and rye bread. It's awesome! The walleye includes the same sides and consists of two HUGE fillets but is not "all you can eat," and costs a buck or two more. Frankly, I have a hard time finishing the second piece of walleye, they are just that big. Try to save room for a specialty, home-made dessert if you dare. You should be aware that some if the finest sauerbraten this side of the Rhine river (yeah, that's in Germany) can be yours at the NCI too. They don't serve it on Fish Fry nights but if you go on Thur, Sat. or Sun., and order it, it will just blow your mind. I know they have other German and American favorites on their menu but, I am so stuck on the sauerbraten that I never seem to order anything beyond that... one of these days. read more

My favorite fish fry joint. Nite Cap's potato pancakes are the yardstick by which all other potato pancakes are measured. I love the fish, and I'm always pleased with their tartar sauce. Standard bread and cole slaw come with meal, all you can eat for $10.75. It does seem the crowds are not quite as big as in the past, perhaps due to the economy. I also happen to know the owner is trying to sell. I hope the new owners, if there are any, know a good thing when they see it, and leave the fish fry as it is. Sometime I'll have to go on a different night. I see during the month of October, they will feature several German dishes on Saturday. read more

Went for a Friday fish fry a few weeks ago. Heard good things from friends. The wait staff and bartenders were good and on top of things dispite being rather busy. Old fashioneds were good and strong. Unfortunately the fish tasted like Gortons or Van de camps :(. The potato pancakes were ok. But all in all food was a disappointment. We won't be back. read more

great chicken and fish. been going here for years and we just love it !!!! read more

I have been coming here for 25 years and they have one of the best fish fries in Wisconsin. That being the last few years have been a struggle to come here. Between the snarl you get from the grouchy bartender to the indifferent staff l, this is the last straw. I will never return. Showed up 45 mins before close and they weren't sure they would seat us because they didn't want to cook any more food. I am done. Farewell read more

It's been awhile since I've driven all the way to Palmyra for a fish fry, but boy am I glad I did. I recall from past visits that the wait could be pretty long, but it was well worth it. While waiting for our table, we had a great time at the bar, on top of some tasty beverages, the bar staff was entertaining as well as efficient. When we were called for our table, we were lead into the quaint dining room with everything ready. We opted to try both the baked and fried fish, pancakes and fries. The baked was yummy, flaky, and perfectly seasoned. The fried was crisp and hot without a greasy aftertaste. The fries were crisp, but the potato pancakes were ORGASMIC! Couldn't get enough, and they keep bringing them! As wll as the fish! We did the applesauce, the maple syrup and just plain. Delish. Room for dessert? Could not resist the schaum torte. Light and tasty. The other options were just as tempting. We had a wonderful meal and great time. And I found a little known secret . . . they also serve the fish fry on Wednesday nights! I understand this cat isn't out of the bag as the wait isn''t as long. We're planning on a Saturday for the German menu. Kann nicht warten! read more

Great little place for fish fry. We went on a Wednesday, getting there at 5:47 ( they opened at 5:30) and people who got there at 6:05 were informed the walleye was gone. I don't know if this was a usual Wednesday or extremely busy. By the time we got to dessert, the German chocolate cake was history also. The fish was very good and the potato pancakes are some of the best we had ever had. I heard the husband passed away last year and it is getting harder for the widow to carry on. If you want to give this place a shot, better do it sooner rather than later. read more

We found this place on Yelp while camping in the area. Instead of cooking at camp we decided to go into Palmyra. The food was excellent and affordable. We went on a Saturday night, so it was German food. We were told on Friday they have a fish fry and that it is very busy. On Saturday it was not busy; and that's a shame. We had kids with us and they loved the place. The staff was very nice and understanding about the kids running around. It is a wonderful place; give it a try. read more

We used to go for fish fry every Friday night for about 10 years. We stopped going to Nite Cap because the service had declined. It has been years since we had been there and thought we would give it a try again because the fish fry was always good. We went there tonight and waited 1 1/2 hours. I understand there is a wait when you go out for fish. The problem I had was that people that came in after us were being seated before we were. There had to be at least 6 different parties that came in after us that got a table before we did. Won't be going back again which is such a disappointment because the food is really good. read more

Expected wait on Friday told 30 minutes 1.5 hours later we were seated. Had high expectations per previous yelp reviews. There's a million fish frys on Friday in Wisconsin this one is very average at best. From az grew up in Wisconsin. Love fish frys. Do yourself a favor don't waste a Friday on this one Palmyra is a small town,which I love but a good fish fry is just around the bend read more

Not sure if they still have it,but I think on Wednesdays they have German food,and it is damn good.Friendly and attentive service and you don`t have to be a local yokel to be treated great! read more

This really is as good as it gets. We've been eating at this restaurant for 30 years. It is consistently beyond what other restaurants offer. Yes, you will have to wait longer for your food, but it is well worth the wait. Fish fries, Walleye, Baked Fish are wonderful and the German food is the best. read more

This is an awesome family-style fish fry. The service is always excellent. Potato pancakes, coleslaw, applesauce and tartar sauce are all homemade. read more

Terrible service and probably the WORST potato pancakes I've ever had! I will never go back as my rule is 3 times you're out!

Good solid no frills fish fry; all you can eat. Decent beer selection and good bar staff.

Sooooo glad we come!!!!!! The best fish fry ever!!!!!! and the potatoes pancakes amazing!!!!! We drove all the way from Waukesha, nice place, good food, good service, we will comeback for sure read more

Best fish fry I've had in a long time. Hot crispy fish, yummy potato pancakes, great cole slaw and strong drinks. Well worth the pleasant drive. Just remember to bring cash, no cards accepted! read more

One of the best Jefferson County fish fries (all you can eat) in the tavern/supper club category. Put your order in when you arrive and enjoy a drink at the bar. Sometimes a 15 min or so...but worth it. read more

This is the best fish fry ever! Potato pancakes are a must, fish is perfect, you could also get chicken, walleye or baked fish but the main battered cod is so good I really don't try the other things! They do dinner on Thursday and Saturday which is okay but fish is what it's known for. Service and staff are great too! Expect a wait but always worth it! read more

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, this had to be one of the most unusual, and below average, dining experiences I've ever had. We arrived around 5:30 for the Friday fish fry, knowing it'd be busy. We walked in, told the hostess two, and we were asked if we wanted pancakes or fries, not knowing we were actually placing our dinner order with the hostess. Slightly confused, I said pancakes and my husband said fries. We were told it would be about an hour wait so we ordered drinks from the bar and were told we could wait outside with our drinks, we just couldn't go in the road. After about fifteen minutes of waiting outside, a local cop drove by and told us we couldn't be on the sidewalk so we were all forced to squeeze into the small patio area. After waiting for almost exactly an hour, we were called to our table. Now I can get past the outdated décor, but what we arrived to at our table was a bit bizarre. The food was already waiting at the table for us and it was at that point we finally saw a menu, seems like the timing is a bit off. The menu included baked fish and shrimp, it would have been nice to have known that upfront when we were apparently placing our order. Fine, we got fried fish and that was okay, we'll move on. When we both bit into the fish, it was underwhelming, to say the least. The may serve a homemade recipe, but they certainly didn't seem any better than what I could have purchased frozen from the local grocery store. The potato pancakes were also just okay. My husband and I like to try a new place every week, sorry to say that this place was a definite bust for us. read more

I heard that the potato pancakes were awesome and the fish fry was good too so had to try it. Got there early and after a brief stay at the bar, the food was ready. For some reason, you wait at the bar and not at your table for your food. Hmmmm. But that's okay, just a little different. The bartender was very pleasant. The fish was okay....nothing great, but yet good. The potato pancakes were very good, but don't see what all the hype was about. Everything else was good. Over all, a decent meal but I thought the price was a bit steep for what you get. Would I go again? Yeah, but only if it was convenient. Would not make a special trip of any distance for it. Give it a try, but don't go with inflated hopes of something really special. read more