Fish Type: Ocean Perch
Overall, I would highly recommend this fish fry.
Fish Score: Excellent
French Fry Score: Excellent
Tartar Score: Excellent
Bread Score: Excellent
Miscellaneous Score: Excellent
Comment: I had a few ideas in mind for fish this particular Friday, but since it was Gabe’s birthday I decided to leave it in his hands. I suggested some places that were on the ‘Fish Finder’ (my running list of establishments that need to be part of mff.com) but Gabe went over my head. He wanted nothing but the best on his special day, so we headed to the Esquire Club.
This may be the only time we have been to the Esquire and the place was not packed. We were able to get five seats in a row at the bar which is pretty amazing and we only had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. Once we got seated the service was slightly slow but you have to expect that when you have a large group.
Our waitress was a friendly older lady who claimed to have been working at the Esquire for almost 30 years. You could tell this was the case because when it came time to order she immediately assumed we were all going with the AYCE Ocean Perch. While she was close, there were a few people in our party who wanted to branch out. We had one person order the fried Cod, two that ordered Lake Perch, and four that went for the AYCE.
The Ocean Perch, as always, was plentiful and delicious. Served so hot it is almost unbelievable. I think at least one person burned their mouth. The French fries were also spot on, crinkle cut and hot as can be. The tartar was plentiful as was the rye bread and coleslaw. There was also a whole tub of lemons at the table but I’m not sure I saw anyone actually grab one. I managed to sneak a piece of the cod as well; it was good but not as good as the Ocean Perch. It has a much softer, flaky texture which is more suited to a fork, while the OP comes in smaller pieces which are crisped up a little and should only be eaten with one’s hands. Although there was some Lake Perch floating around the table I was unable to procure a piece but I’m not sure I could have even eaten one.
Overall I think Gabe had a great birthday dinner and everyone was sure to comment on how good their respective Fish Fry was. Apparently when you get the AYCE your only potato option is either a baked potato or French fries. Well, my friend Jer just had to have some hash browns with cheese and onions. Although they were two dollars extra he was sure to mention that it was well worth it and he would have been willing to pay up to $5 for hash browns that good.
The Esquire Club is one Fish Fry that you must try. It is everything a Fish Fry should be, without leaving a massive hole in your wallet.
www.esquireclubmadison.com
1025 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 249-0193
