Fish Type: Cod Price: $6.75
Overall, I would not recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Fair Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |
Comment: I went to the Locker Room a few weeks ago and was surprised to learn that it was one of a trio of establishments owned by the same people. I was curious if all three places had the exact same Fish Fry since the Fish Fry at The Locker Room was good, but not great. Not everyone is up for a Fish Fry at a bar but I was rolling solo so I decided this was as good of a time as any to give Murphy’s Tavern a whirl.
I arrived at Murphy’s around 12:30 and noticed there were quite a few cars in the lot which made me think the Fish Fry would be decent. There were 3-4 groups of people seated at various tables and another 5-6 seated at the bar, many of whom were enjoying the special. I grabbed a stool then ordered a Spotted Cow and the fried Cod for $6.75. In addition to the Cod there was also Tilapia available but I was not about to risk that.
The fish was ready about 5 minutes after my order went in and was brought right up by the speedy bartender/waitress. The Cod was actually good although not very consistent, as was the case at the Locker Room. I got two pieces of Cod, one of which was tiny while the other was massive. Luckily for me the massive chunk was well cooked and tasty while the tiny piece was overcooked and chewy. The batter was light and flaky as was the fish. If I had had two of the big pieces they would certainly have scored higher however.
The French fries were crinkle cut style and very good. There were also an absolute ton of them which is nice. I definitely did not run out. The tartar sauce was also on the money and plentiful. A standard roll was served which was perfectly acceptable as was the coleslaw, which may have been homemade but still didn’t taste that great.
Murphy’s Tavern is a bar-bar, no doubt about it. It has the aura (and the aroma) of a classic tavern. If you have been to the Locker Room you have been to Murphy’s and vice versa. They are those kind of places, not the place to take a date, but a fine spot to grab some Fish Fry. I assume the third establishment in the trio (Beck’s) was formed in the same mold and I will need to stop down there to try their Fish Fry sometime. Overall, this was a good lunch time Fish Fry. The food was fine, the service was quick and the bar was there. It certainly isn’t anything fancy and it would be nice if the fish was more consistent but everything was about average.
www.becksbarz.com/murphysmenu.htm
3737 E. Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 249-7837
