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Fish Type: Cod     Price: $10.00

Overall, I would recommend this Fish Fry.

Fish Score: Good
Potato Score: Good
Tartar Score: Excellent
Bread Score: Good
Miscellaneous Score: Good

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Comment: Have you ever tried to convince a vegetarian to eat at a barbecue place? It isn’t easy, believe me. Somehow I managed to persuade my fiancée that, if nothing else, Fat Jack’s would have a good salad bar. I had no idea if it was true or not, but based on popular opinion (computer geeks) I somehow convinced myself, and her, that it was so. We took the short cruise down a torn-up Monona Drive and went to get fat with Jack.

I’m sure we looked like quite a pair to our friendly waitress, who was slightly taken aback when not one, but two patrons ordered dinner sans-barbecue. What can I say? We are who we are. I was here for their $10 Friday Fish Fry special which comes complete with: ranch fries, garlic bread, tartar, and homemade slaw. She brought my hot plate of grub about 10 minutes or so after I ordered, well before m’ lady finished her salad.

As per usual I dove right in and grabbed one of my four beer battered beauties. This fish was good, but not without a couple flaws. By and large the thick cuts were tender and flaky, but there were a couple darkish chunks that didn’t get trimmed off. These parts were a little less savory, but were minimal at least. The batter was pretty good, as it was nice and crisp, but not too thick. The taste reminded me of the cod at the Middleton Sport Bowl which is nothing to shake a stick at.

The ranch fries that accompanied were also good, probably on par with the fish. They were thick cut and tasty, but like the fish had a couple ugly ducklings in the flock. I drenched them and the fish in the homemade looking tartar which was served in what appeared to be a small bucket (there was a ton of it). This sauce was super thick and creamy; comprised primarily of mayo with just a small hint of relish. As a man who loves his tartar I usually clean it out, so you know there is plenty to go around if I can’t finish it, and I couldn’t. Fat Jack’s represented the Big 3 admirably.

Rounding out this Fish Fry was a nice big slice of garlic bread, slathered in butter and some homemade coleslaw. The bread was a welcome addition, but the slaw, while homemade, didn’t really suite my palate with its tangy taste. It was nice that both of them were there at least.

I have heard nothing but good things about the actual barbecue at Fat Jack’s and after stopping by for the fish I feel like I really need to get back there and try it. If they can do fish this well I have to imagine the BBQ is even better. Overall, this is a good Fish Fry that I feel confident recommending. The fish was tasty enough, especially when teamed with the fries and tartar. The turnaround was quick as we were in and out in around 30 minutes total. While it may not be a bastion for vegetarians at least the salad bar at Fat Jack’s was fresh which made my dining companion happy enough. I think we will be back to get fat with Jack again soon enough, although next time I might have to break down and try the ‘Que.



www.menupix.com/menudirectory/menu.php?id=730204
6207 Monona Drive
Madison, WI 53716

(608) 221-4220