Fish Type: Haddock Price: $13.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: Anchors Away must take reservations on Friday nights because when we showed up without one the hostess just kind of giggled. Apparently, most folks were well aware of this fact which left us in an extreme minority, and with a lengthy wait at the bar.
After a solid sixty minutes our light-up coaster finally went off and we had a spot in the dining room (one of the last three of the night, mind you). Since it was starting to clear-out our waitress was over in an instant to get our orders. I went for the $13.00 haddock special and for some reason chose to have the lightly breaded over the beer battered. I added a hash browns with cheese and onion as my side and proceeded to the salad bar (included with all Friday night dinners).
Even though it was late, Anchors Away isnt the kind of place that cuts corners and the salad bar was freshly stocked (we actually saw the salad maiden refill the greens neigh-on to 9:00) not too shabby. We returned to the table to find a side of fritters which is a new addition since our last trip. They were definitely a poormans rendition of the Dorf Haus and the crusty critters werent real fresh. It would seem as though AA has come down with a case of fritter envy. Conversely, the all-Anchors salad bar was off the charts. It featured almost all the good stuff with plenty of options to choose from cheese spread and creamy coleslaw included.
The haddock arrived in a flash and was too hot to handle. While they dont feature their AYCE anymore, the three grandiose pieces were more than enough. The breading was crispy and firm, and not exactly what Id call light. It had a cornmeal crunch that work well with the thick-cut fish though so all was not lost. While it was very good, it could have used a hint more spice and if I had to do it over again Id likely go for the beer battered.
Holding serve with the hearty haddock was a triumphantly thick tartar. The manly mix was creamy, and zesty what Id call Supper Club perfect. The side of hash browns with cheese and onion was also superb, topped with generous slices of white onion, and melty American cheese. The shreds we expertly crisped and danced playfully on my palate.
Our waitress was a true pro, and brought everything shipshape, but what was really impressive was the young busboy. He cleared plates in a flash, bustled to-and-fro, easily earning every cent of his paycheck and never once giving any attitude. Well done young man, and well done Anchors Away.
When all was said and done, our delay at the bar was a mere afterthought. Yes, next time well phone ahead (I suggest you do the same), but even an hour-long wait was well worth it for an excellent meal like this one. Overall, we highly recommend the Fish Fry at Anchors Away, and would love to come back and try some of their other options if they werent so gosh darn expensive (the walleye, lake perch, and bluegill on the everyday menu range in price from $18-$20).
W11579 County Road V
Lodi, WI 53555
(608) 592-4796
