Madison Fish Fry

Madison Fish Fry This isn’t a business, just a guy eating fish. http://www.madisonfishfry.com
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All you need to know about Fish Fry in Madison, WI.

I’ve heard it said time and again, that this if the best Fish Fry in Chicago. Looks like the people were right about thi...
05/30/2026

I’ve heard it said time and again, that this if the best Fish Fry in Chicago. Looks like the people were right about this one.

Stopping on the way was a smart move. Great bar. Awesome fish. The Shopiere Tap
05/29/2026

Stopping on the way was a smart move. Great bar. Awesome fish.
The Shopiere Tap

05/29/2026

Grabbing fish on the way to Illinois this time. Not risking anything this week!
🐟🍟🍺

Whenever I’m in Chicagoland on a Friday I have to temper my expectations, that’s just the way it is. The Fish Frys tend ...
05/28/2026

Whenever I’m in Chicagoland on a Friday I have to temper my expectations, that’s just the way it is. The Fish Frys tend to be few and far between, and those that do dot the map are usually a far cry from the true Wisconsin classic.

We moseyed into the Village Tavern & Grill after a 6pm hockey game in Romeoville and it was around 8:15 by the time we saw the AYCE Fish Fry in front of us. At first sight I could tell the beer battered cod had been sitting for a bit, which often happens at the AYCE - they fry a bunch and if the orders aren’t there to fill immediately, under the heat lamp it sits. The fish wasn’t super hot and the batter on the four chubby chunks was a little gelatinous underneath and leathery on top. Regardless, I was hungry, plowed them down and requested a couple more which came fresh from the fryer and had a much more satisfying crunch and flake to them.

The fries were your basic Sysco Julienne-cuts and the tartar looked homemade but was on the thin-side. The slaw was also likely the standard food service variety which is acceptable but not entirely memorable. The highlight of the meal might well have been the hush puppies which were delightfully gritty and seem to be a common surrogate for bread south of the border. Chalk that one up as a win.

All in all, this was a decent Fish Fry in Bears’ country and had the first round of fish come as freshly fried as the second it might have even led to a third. As it stands, two-and-out was the extent of the drive.

Our second visit to in New Glarus was filled with firsts. Our first time trying , the first time we’ve been at a Fish F...
05/27/2026

Our second visit to in New Glarus was filled with firsts. Our first time trying , the first time we’ve been at a Fish Fry where they ran out of coleslaw AND tartar, and the first time we’ve seen a baby squirrel in a bar. Needless to say, it was a memorable one.

For starters, the bar wasn’t all that busy at 6:15 but filled up quickly thereafter. It took a sec for the bartender/waitress to find her way to the back room at which time she informed us the cook was “kind of new” and they were out of some things. NBD, we rolled with those punches and grabbed our first ever Nip o’ the Whip to kick things off. I quickly put in an order for their walleye cheeks, which she immediately informed me they were out of, and pivoted to the bluegill with fries, which was available.

As expected with a new cook, the food took a little longer than normal but a couple Old Mils helped pass the time. When it did show up the plate looked light and and the cook explained they were out of tartar (and didn’t have ingredients to make more) as well as slaw (so he subbed cucumber salad)…a little odd, but alright. We were off.

First things first, the bluegill was very good. The five fillets were light and flaky and well-fried. While they would have benefited from a little tartar they were good enough to eat without it and that is saying something. The fries were basic freezer fries, but also done right. Rounding things out was the cucumber salad which tasted like fridge pickles in a light sour cream. It was actually surprisingly good if you’re a fan of that vinegar tang (which I am).

As we were finishing up a youngish dude made his way to the back to use the bathroom. While he was waiting he casually asked if we “would like to see his baby squirrel?” which, as you might assume, is kind of a strange thing to hear from a guy on his way to the can. He assured us he was serious and lo and behold, he did have a baby squirrel on him. He let our son hold it and regaled us with its origin story and tales of its rearing. Hilarious.

Our first visit to SR was phenomenal and when you account for all the firsts in this one it’s sure to stick with us. We’ll be back…

05/27/2026

Anyone up for a Wednesday road trip?

If your passion is fashion: Milan. If gambling gets you going: Vegas. If you only have eyes for Elvis: Graceland. If you...
05/26/2026

If your passion is fashion: Milan. If gambling gets you going: Vegas. If you only have eyes for Elvis: Graceland. If you’re me: the Villa Tap…

The Villa is my Mecca, an undisputed Fish Fry prophet in a sea of beer and cheese. I rolled in, ordered my perch and sat ready to soak in the sin.

The perch came as promised: Ohio-sized but fried to per(ch)fection. These fillets are larger than the ones Chico usually brings in here, but don’t be fooled, these freshwater finsters hold all the hallmarks of the real deal. They are silky and sweet with a soft texture and subtle pull. The superbly-seasoned breading clings to every crevice but breaks easily, giving way at just the right time. It’s art in its purest form.

Not all pilgrimages end in a divine vision, and the freezer fries are pious without being pretentious. Chico’s tartar is a tastebud tickler, the slaw is just sassy enough, and the crusty little bun brings a little more body to the plate. All in all, they help fill things out, but the perch is definitely the crown jewel in this collection.

I’ve always been a huge proponent of the Villa, but only recently realized how important a place it truly is. It’s my ride or die. The place I take people I really want to impress. The best of the best. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and enthusiastically at that.

Lake Perch at the . 10/10. 🇺🇸
05/23/2026

Lake Perch at the . 10/10.
🇺🇸

05/23/2026

If you’re not out for fish what are you even doing with your life?

Awesome start to Memorial Day weekend at the Gray Drake Saloon in Portage!
05/22/2026

Awesome start to Memorial Day weekend at the Gray Drake Saloon in Portage!

Address

Madison, WI

Website

https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4884742,-91.1105242,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1s1oN4eHEix

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