There’s something sacred about a good fish fry in Upstate New York. It’s not just a meal—it’s a Friday tradition, a comfort food craving, and for many locals, a way of life. And when you're in the Utica area, one name gets reeled in again and again when folks talk about their favorite spot: Packy's Pub.
Tucked away in Washington Mills, Packy’s isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s your classic neighborhood pub—where the beer is cold, the crowd is friendly, and the food hits all the right notes. But come Friday, it’s their fish fry that steals the show.
🐟 So What Makes Packy’s Fish Fry the Best?
Let’s break it down:
1. The Fish
Fresh, flaky, and always cooked to golden perfection. Packy’s serves up a generous portion of haddock that manages to be crispy on the outside without ever drying out the inside. That light, airy batter? Absolute magic.
2. The Portions
No one's leaving Packy’s hungry. The fish is big enough to hang off both sides of the plate, and the sides don’t skimp either. You’ll likely be asking for a to-go box—no shame in that game.
3. The Sides
Coleslaw? Crisp and tangy. Fries? Hot and just the right amount of salty. Tartar sauce? Creamy with a little zip. It’s all the little things done right that make the experience whole.
4. The Vibe
Packy’s is the kind of place where the bartender might know your name, and there’s always a neighbor in the next booth talking about the Comets, the weather, or the riggies they made last weekend. It’s local. It’s laid-back. It’s real.
🍺 Bonus Points: Pair It with a Pint of Utica Club
Nothing says classic like washing down your fish fry with an ice-cold Utica Club. It’s a nod to our roots and the perfect complement to a plate full of crispy comfort. Old-school, no-frills, and proudly brewed right in town.
So next time Friday rolls around and that fish fry craving kicks in, head to Packy’s. Just follow the smell of fried heaven and the line of locals who already know the secret.
Because in Utica, when you know, you know. And Packy’s? Yeah—they’re the real deal.