Thirsty Perch

4.4 ( 233 reviews )
Checking... See Hours
$10–20
195 Water St, Iola, WI 54945, United States
+1 715-445-2603
At Thirsty Perch, located in the heart of Iola, WI, the love for great food and community shines through. This cozy restaurant offers a diverse menu, featuring comfort food classics like succulent cheese curds and satisfying sandwiches, all enjoyed in a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment caters to everyone, providing wheelchair accessibility and quick service, making it perfect for both groups and solo diners. Renowned for its lively ambiance, especially during their popular Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib nights, Thirsty Perch encapsulates a perfect blend of delicious cuisine and vibrant local culture. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for friends and family.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves late-night food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts cheques
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Thirsty Perch

Monikers G
Apr 23,2025
The food was great and the only reason I didn't give service a 10 was it was so busy over the dinner hour that the waitresses had trouble giving great coverage. But that wasn't their fault! The food was great and we really appreciated the live band in the garage while it rained! Great show with Stone Cold Country!
Cora Degenhardt
Mar 29,2025
I haven't had perch this good since the last time my grandmother pan fried it in bacon grease in her cast iron skillet! And the potato pancakes were delicious.We sat at the bar before we ordered and while we waited. Bartenders were friendly, attentive, and extremely helpful.
Paul Steltenpohl (BP Legend)
Mar 26,2025
Friday fish fry is downright succulent! Saturday prime rib is tasty. The bands and the garage are an experience you'll not find in many small towns. Great establishment to support!
Joe Niemuth
Mar 25,2025
Great cocktail seved by Morgan . Good food. But them poor waitresses getting chewed out for the long wait on food. The place was busy and of course almost any where go now days with good food you will wait up to a hour to eat. Was there on 9 1 23 and was not impressed with a group of ladies the way they were treating the waitress. Get some real problems people.
Erica Manske
Mar 20,2025
We are from Milwaukee area and had the Thirsty Perch for the first time tonight and it was amazing!!The beer battered haddock was so insanely crispy, well seasoned, and the fish was so juicy and flaky. Best fish fry we have had in many years!The fries were so deliciously seasoned, crispy on the outside, and hot, fresh, and soft on the inside.The coleslaw was simple but delicious. Creamy, tangy, and lightly seasoned.Our waitress was super upbeat and took care of all of her customers so we'll!HIGHLY recommend. Already texted the family about it. Will for sure be back!
Zac
Feb 8,2025
If your looking for a good fish fry look no further. We have been traveling around trying different fish Fry's throughout the area and most say this has been the best so far. The beer battered haddock had a lite breading and the flavor was awesome. The portion size is also really good, I ordered the 3 piece and could not finish it all. Everyone complimented how good the food was. We arrived around 5:30pm and was lucky enough to slip right into a table. The bar area is not the biggest so either plan on going early or waiting in the bar area. Overall they did a great job and we will definitely be back.
Jacquie Klockow
Jan 24,2025
I had the best Prime Rib I have ever had! It was sooo tender and perfect with the horseradish I had with it. And the beer battered shrimp were the biggest I have ever eaten! Such a fantastic meal. Oh, and the fried onion rings as an appetizer were fantastic! Very crispy. Loved the whole meal!
Michelle Bodoh
Jan 6,2025
The waitress that waited on us Saturday, October 1st ROCKS. There were 14 of us with 6 separate bills and she handed everything with a smile and respect. Food was excellent, service was outstanding. The seasonal group from Iola Pines Campground THANK YOU for amazing time.

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