Fish Type: Cod Price: $9.50
Overall, I would recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: I used to go to Wilsons a lot because I worked over on Atwood and it was right there. Now I work out near American Family and Pooleys is right there. I think Ill be going there a lot.
There are a lot of similarities between the two sports bars, but the one that matters most to me is their fish. Lets compare on contrast the two.
Both places serve cod on Fridays. Wilsons cod is flaky, lightly breaded, well-seasoned, and holds together extremely well. Pooleys cod is equally flaky, and perhaps even more seasoned, but has a much crumblier breading that falls apart (usually in the tartar). Slight advantage to Wilsons.
Both places serve French fries standard with their Fish Fry. Wilsons fries are Sysco-style, Julienne-cut, and have never blown me away. Pooleys fries are equally Sysco-y, but of the crinkle-cut variety and served in a much heartier portion than Wilsons. Advantage to Pooleys.
Obviously, both places serve tartar with their fish. Wilsons tartar is the nectar of the gods. Its thick and creamy, with the perfect pop. Pooleys tartar also has some pop, but is much thinner. Its also homemade and has much more dill and real chunks of pickle in it. While its good enough, the advantage goes to Wilsons.
Both places give you bread with your fish (which all places should do, but many dont). Wilsons roll is the standard soft, squishy, dinner roll that is usually fresh and welcoming. Pooleys always has some sort of pumpernickel-rye bread (either roll or an actual slice) that is more traditional and really adds something to a Fish Fry that is lacking otherwise. Advantage to Pooleys on this one, although it is close.
Both places serve coleslaw with their fish, and there is a clear winner here. Wilsons slaw has always been underwhelming, with very little zest, and a strange chalky flavor. Pooleys slaw is made in house, is always fresh, and has a good balance of flavors. While its not as creamy as Wilsons slaw it is still better. Advantage: Pooleys.
While Pooleys takes three of the five categories, Wilsons takes the two that matter the most: the fish and the tartar, and gets our nod as the better Fish Fry. Thats not to say Pooleys is far behind as both are borderline highly recommendable Fish Frys. Overall, we recommend Pooleys and like I said, I think Ill be going there a lot in the near future.
www.pooleysmadison.com
5441 High Crossing Boulevard
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 242-1888
