I’ve been fortunate to have spent part of each of the past three summers in Skaneateles, NY; a small village on Lake Skaneateles, in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Central New York.  It’s Americana in the best possible way; right down to the Victorian Charles Dickens Christmas celebration, every winter.

For years, I’d walk past this building, that inevitably had a line formed in front of it – and I’d ask of my host “What’s this?” And invariably the response would be “Oh!  You haven’t been to Doug’s Fish Fry?  It’s great!”

Well, this year, I was on a mission. 

Thursday, upon arrival, although we ate at a different restaurant, I did so under the condition that we could stop for a Fresh Peach Sundae, at Doug’s Ice Cream, on our way home.  We did, and even though I changed my mind, and ordered a Malted Mocha Chocolate Custard Milkshake, I felt I’d succeeded in the first part of my mission.  But I needed more, because one fantastic milkshake does not an informed decision make.

So, on Sunday, when my pals were out puttering around on Skaneateles Lake, I texted a lifetime local and inquired as to what I should order.  This time, the SMS reply was immediate: “Fish sandwiches are fab.  Cole Slaw.  Lobster Roll.” 

So, I exit Hollow Leg Hall.  I waddle on down to Doug’s Fish Fry.  I go in.  I wait in line.  I order a Fish Sandwich.  I sit down.  I hear them call my name.  I go get the sandwich.  I swing by the condiment bar.  I sit down in my booth.  I eat one heckuva great Fish Sandwich.  I take a bazillion photos of the restaurant.  I waddle back to Hollow Leg Hall.  Mission successful!

Now, while I’d been basking in the ambiance of Doug’s I asked the ladies on the line, about Fried Clams (one of my favorite dishes), and was informed “Only on Tuesdays!”  So, I made a note on my iPhone 6, “Fried Clam Day at Doug’s Fish Fry” – knowing I wasn’t leaving for the airport until 4:30pm on Tuesday.

So, when Tuesday afternoon came, and I was packed, and ready to go – with a couple hours, to go - I exit Hollow Leg Hall.  I waddle on down to Doug’s Fish Fry.  I go in.  I wait in line.  I order a Fried Clams Dinner.  I sit down.  I hear them call my name.  I go get my tray.  I swing by the condiment bar.  I sit down in my booth.  I eat some delicious Fried Clams (light, crispy, and not at all rubbery!!!!).  I take a bazillion more photos of the restaurant.  I exit by way of Doug’s Ice Cream where I order a Fresh Peach Sundae.  It’s everything for which I could’ve possible hoped, and more!  I waddle back to Hollow Leg Hall.  Another successful mission!

So, here’s the skinny…  If you’re in the CNY Region, and get a hankering for an enormous Fish Sandwich, a sensational Fresh Peach Sundae, some great French Fries, or some Fried Clams that will be so good that you’ll abandon your utensils half-way through – than stopping for lunch at Doug’s Fish Fry is exactly what’s on the menu.  I only wonder why it took you, so long!

Doug’s Fish Fry
Skaneateles, NY
Click HERE for info

Get into it!