Fish Type: Bluegill Price: $19.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: RP Adler's has become a staple of the far west dining scene over the years and they were already filling up by 5:00 this Friday - by the time we finished around 6:00 the waitlist had grown and the entryway was standing room only. We were on a tight schedule between school and hockey practice so arriving early proved to be a smart move.
Adler’s has a few Friday options including cod, bluegill, and lake perch, as well as several sides to choose from. I was curious about the perch, but when the waiter said it was “one big piece” I quickly pivoted to my standard bluegill and tots…one big piece means legit yellow perch it is not. I also went tots instead of “crinkle cut fries” since crinkle cuts are typically your school cafeteria style fries and I wasn’t feeling it. Turns out Adler’s crinkles are much different and much better than that - possibly house-cut even. Live and learn.
Before the fish and tots a buttery pretzel rod and the house slaw showed up. The pretzel was a welcome change of pace, but the vinegar-based slaw simply didn’t do it for me (it tasted a little off if I’m being honest). No matter, before I could overthink it, the fish showed up looking all sorts of fantastic.
Five large bluegill fillets filled the plate with one even flopping over the edge. These sunfish were fried just right - firm enough to pick up yet a little limp when held. The meat was moist and tender with the subtle bluegill essence I just love. It paired perfectly with generous cup of hearty tartar. The tots were also plentiful and equally well-fried - super crunchy and satisfying.
R.P. Adler’s has clearly endeared themselves to the Middleton/Far West Madison community and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is clean and inviting (at least in the bar area where we sat) and the food consistently hits the mark (at least the Fish Frys that we eat). Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and think it’s a good spot whether you’re on the go or in it win it.www.rpadlers.com
8202 Watts Road
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 828-1250
