FRIDAY FISH FRY IN HEATED TENT - LENT IN THE TENT
By Kegel's Inn
Lent in the Tent Fridays at Kegel’s Inn Friday Fish Fry in a heated beer garden, Hawaiian shirts encouraged, and a giant Bavarian pretzel for the table. That’s Lent in the Tent Fridays at Kegel’s Inn. During the winter and early spring months, the Beer Garden at Kegel’s Inn transforms into a warm, lively gathering place under a heated tent. Long communal Oktoberfest tables, glowing string lights, and the familiar sounds of live music on a busy Friday night create the feeling of a classic Milwaukee fish fry, just with a lot extra room to celebrate. Guests can reserve tables in the tent and enjoy Kegel’s famous Friday Fish Fry, served alongside cold German beers, Kegel Brau liters, and plenty of good vibes. The atmosphere blends the comfort of a neighborhood beer hall with the energy of a summer beer garden, where friends meet up, families gather, and strangers quickly become tablemates. To keep the mood light during the colder months, Hawaiian shirts are encouraged all season long. Wear one any day of the week and enjoy $1 off drinks plus a free Jäger shot. Fridays add a little extra fun to the tradition. Bring four or more guests wearing Hawaiian shirts and your table earns a FREE Large Bavarian Pretzel to share. Whether you're coming for the fish fry, the atmosphere, or just to shake off a little cabin fever, Lent in the Tent Fridays keep Milwaukee’s favorite tradition alive all winter long. Friday Tent Special 4+ guests wearing Hawaiian shirts = FREE Large Pretzel for the table Everyday Tent Special Wear a Hawaiian shirt and enjoy: $1 off drinks + FREE Jäger shot Friday Fish Fry Reservations Available in the Tent Gather your crew, grab a seat at the long tables, and make Friday night a little warmer at Kegel’s Inn. 🥨🍺
Available Times
FAQS Is the tent actually warm? Yes! Our Lent in the Tent beer garden is fully enclosed and heated, keeping the space comfortable even during colder Milwaukee weather. Most guests end up shedding their coats once they settle in. Should we dress for the weather? We recommend seasonal layers for arriving, but the tent itself stays warm and lively once you're inside. Can I request indoor seating instead of the tent? You'll want to make a reservation for inside the DINING ROOM instead. This is a reservation for the heated tent - and while it offers the same welcoming atmosphere and full service, you will likely not be able to switch upon your arrival. Is the same menu available in the tent? Yes. Guests in the tent enjoy the same food and drink menu as inside the restaurant. We even have a Bar Truck with special beer offerings you should try! Remember, Fridays and Saturdays have different Menus! Why is the German dinner menu limited on Fridays? Fridays are all about Milwaukee’s classic Fish Fry options, our signature loaded brats, and German appetizers. Because of that, our German Specialties and Supper club entrées like Duck, Schnitzel, Pork Shank, Sauerbraten, and Goulash are not served on Fridays Is the tent family-friendly? Absolutely. The tent is designed as a community-style beer garden, welcoming families, friends, and neighbors of all ages. Is there live music in the tent? YES! Live music in the Tent Every Friday & Saturday Nights 6-9 PM. Check our events calendar for upcoming performances. Are large groups welcome? Definitely. The tent features long communal beer garden tables - Reservations are possible for up to 16. For larger parties, we recommend filling out our Large Party Request Form so we can plan ahead. What happens if the weather is really bad? The tent operates through most winter conditions. In the rare case severe weather affects service, we’ll contact guests with reservations and make accommodations as needed. The Fun Questions Do people really wear Hawaiian shirts in winter? They do. And once the tent fills up with them, it feels like Milwaukee took a short vacation. Hawaiian shirts also unlock our Endless Summer specials, so they’re more than just festive! Will strangers talk to us at the communal tables? Probably. That’s part of the beer garden tradition. Long tables mean neighbors quickly become tablemates. By the second round of beers, most people are sharing pretzels and stories. Is the pretzel really that big? Yes. Our Large Bavarian pretzel is the 24oz, the size of a steering wheel, perfect for sharing with friends—or guarding fiercely if you arrive hungry. Is Lent in the Tent more like a restaurant or a beer garden? A little bit of both. You’ll get full table service and dinner reservations, but the energy is closer to a lively beer garden gathering than a quiet dining room. Why do people love the tent so much? Because it turns winter into a reason to gather. Warm lights, long tables, cold steins, and a room full of people who decided not to hibernate.