One of the essential parts of traveling to different regions of the country is really grasping the flavor of the area you are visiting.

Should you travel to Minnesota any time soon, you need to try walleye to truly experience the state. Walleye is the undisputed king of fish in the North Star State and is consumed regularly by Minnesota’s avid anglers.

Each year, the governor of the state traditionally heads “up north” to one of the state’s prime fishing lakes to try to catch a walleye. His successes —or failures— in the boat are always the subject of local news reports.

Four years ago, a local television station discovered that some restaurants in the Twin Cities were marketing their food as walleye, but it was actually zander, a similar fish that is brought in from eastern Europe. Minnesotans were aghast at the news and the restaurants quickly moved to change their ways.

At the Minnesota State Fair each August, walleye is sold in dozens of different forms, including on a stick.

So, now that you realize the significance of walleye in Minnesota, it’s time to try it. You could sit out on a lake and try your luck using a Daredevil or leach on the end of your line then cook it yourself. Or, you could simply head to one of the state’s more popular Walleye joints and have it served directly to you.

Here’s a few places in Minnesota known for their Walleye prowess.

Tavern on Grand

Just steps from the State Capitol, Tavern on Grand in St. Paul is considered one of the top Walleye joints in the state. If you’re not up for the full “Walleye Basket” meal, you can start off with the “Walleye Cakes” as an appetizer.

Lord Fletcher's

If you’re on the west end of the Twin Cities (that’s the Minneapolis side, for outsiders), your best bet for walleye is at prestigious Lord Fletcher's on Lake Minnetonka. Pricier than the Tavern on Grand, you can still get a good deal on Walleye at Lord Fletchers if you arrive for the ‘Early Catch’ special. It’s $17.95 if you arrive on time, the special ends promptly at 5:59 p.m.

Pickwick

Not everyone passes through the Twin Cities when traveling through Minnesota, many head north for the Duluth area. If you’re closer to Lake Superior than Lake Minnetonka, you’ll want to try walleye at Pickwick restaurant on E. Superior Street. It offers walleye in many different forms from the walleye sandwich to the surf and turf.