Fish Type: Cod Price: $9.50
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: You could call it a double dip, or you could call it taking a second lap; I think Ill just call it another tasty Fish Fry, and leave it at that.
I didnt want to deal with any sort of rigmarole this Friday, and since my last visit to Pooleys went swimmingly, I decided to just hop on that ship again. On my first trip Pool-side I wasnt sure what to expect so I sunk into the 2-piece cod instead of indulging in the full-fledged 3 banger. This time I jumped in feet first and took the $9.50 3-piece plunge with no reservations since I knew how exactly how deep the water was going to be.
The sports memorabilia warehouse that serves as Pooleys was quiet during the Friday lunch hour, and just like last time my food arrived in the blink of an eye. The cod and fries were steaming hot and looked just right situated next to the big cups of coleslaw and tartar sauce in the classic wax-paper lined red plastic basket. The fish was so hot that I actually had to wait a moment before I could handle it comfortably, but once I did, it was just how I remembered it. It features a crumbly and heavily-seasoned breading that gives the cod with a real jolt. The fish itself was flaky, albeit slightly greasy. However, the errant oil didnt saturate the breading resulting in tasty fish that made quite a splash.
A mammoth portion of French fries filled the bottom of the basket, and formed a luxurious bed for the cod to loaf around on. Like the fish, the fat, crinkle-cut fries were seriously spicy and practically drowning in seasoning (in this case what appeared to be Old Bay).
A heaping dish of tartar constituted the deep end of the basket and gave the cod a noticeable leg-up. The homemade sauce was creamy, and relatively thick, but had a ranch undertone that I just couldnt shake. Its mayo-mate, the tartar, was fresh and colorful, but like the fries had an Old Bay blast that threatened to drag it under. Thankfully the fresh cabbage component, and creamy goodness of the mayo were enough to keep things afloat.
Drifting along the baskets surface was a fresh pumpernickel-rye roll. The dark brown bun was a little firm on its flat bottom, but remained buoyant. It paired nicely with the slaw and took a little of the Old Bay edge off.
Its always risky to dive into unfamiliar waters, and when I came to Pooleys for fish a couple weeks ago I played it safe for that reason. After a second visit I can say with certainty that things are all clear at the east side establishment. Overall, I highly recommend the Fish Fry at Pooleys, and will no doubt be back to swim in these waters again soon.
www.pooleysmadison.com
5441 High Crossing Boulevard
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 242-1888
