Fish Type: Cod Price: $9.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: It was really only a matter of time. Eventually it was bound to happen, and we knew it. After all these Fish Frys our luck finally ran out and we had to wait for a table at Dexters. Even so, it was another awesome experience.
I usually try to hit Dexters during the down times lunch, the Friday after Thanksgiving, snow days, and so on, but with Gabe in town and Dexters sporting a fancy new fried cod I knew our luck would be pressed this Friday. We had a big party (which seems to be the case whenever we go to Dexters now) and were subject to an hour-long wait. Luckily, we were in good company and in good spirits which made the bar more than bearable. Pull tabs were pulled, merriment was exchanged, and anticipation was built. It was the Friday night waiting game at its finest and we played it perfectly.
Eventually we got our big table, and the apologetic waitress came over immediately to refresh our drinks. Choosing a fish at Dexters is like choosing between children, and no matter how bad I wanted to try the cod I couldnt bring myself to do it the three freshwater options were simply too tempting. I eventually settled on the $10.30 lake perch since it had been a while since I last perched at Dexters. The seven fillets that arrived were average sized, but ultra-flavorful. The perch was smooth and mild, and breaded with a slightly crispy coating that was a little spicy, but a lot delicious.
I knew thered be cod eaters around the table and when thats the case its usually possible to pull a one-for-one. This time I convinced Zach to take the trade, and we were both equally happy he did. The Wild Caught Bearing Sea Cod was simply out of this world. It was light and luxurious with a delicate texture. The Krispy Krème coating of the not-too-distant past has been replaced by a light and decadent encasement, which flaked apart effortlessly and revealed a most superb treasure. The fish was light, flaky, and moist; it was almost perfect, and everything youd want in cod. While I do need a bigger sample size to really say for sure, what I tried was something special, and you can bet the next trip to Dexters Im forcing myself to cast that line.
As per usual, the waffle fries were amazing, and the garlic-chili were good, but didnt blow my socks off. The tartar was also good, although it seemed to be a little sweeter than normal. It was still fairly thick, and while I think it pairs well with the fish, I did overhear others say it wasnt their cup of tea. I guess some folks are even pickier than MFF!
Dexters new and improved slaw got the same lukewarm reaction as the tartar which I found a little strange. Some people really liked the crisp and fresh blend, while a couple others though it had a little too much onion and wasnt creamy enough. I just appreciated that it was a step in the right direction, and well leave it at that. The dinner roll was standard, but as fresh and soft as youd like it to be.
By the time all was said and done we were at Dexters for nearly three hours, but Ill be damned if I heard one single person complain about it. Perhaps it was the lively company, or the outstanding beer selection, but whatever it was, by the time we got our food the wait in the bar was a distant memory. Overall, I cant recommend Dexters highly enough, especially now that they have the new cod on the menu. Somehow Dexters just keeps getting better, which I didnt think was even possible.
www.dexterspubmadison.com/
301 North Street
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 244-3535
