Fish Type: Cod Price: $8.50
Overall, I would not recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Good Potato Score: Fair Tartar Score: Fair Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |
Comment: We all know that bar on the corner of Highway 12 and County Road K as you head out of town. If you've lived in Madison for any length of time you've probably whizzed past it a million times and never given it a second thought. For all you whizzers, the places is called the Game Time Sports Bar and Grill and for most people it's one of those bars that is just there and seems like it always will be...for others (most notably tradesmen on their lunch hour) it's a local staple.
It had been a looooooong time since we'd sampled the Fish Fry at Game Time, and when a co-worker told us that they were under new ownership and/or management and suggested we give them another shot we were in total agreement. We stopped by on an available Friday for a quick lunch and found out just how busy things get down on the corner at noon. We rolled up about 11:30 and the ENTIRE bar was packed with bearded dudes in safety-green shirts. The few high-top tables scattered about the periphery were also mostly occupied but we happened to stumble upon the one low table in the corner. We took it as a sign, and a good sign if I'm being completely honest. We saddled up, caught the lone bartender's attention and ordered a cheap 2-piece cod and a Bloody Mary.
Since the whole show was being run by that one bartender and one cook, everything took a little bit longer than normal, but we weren't in a huge hurry, save for wanting to get to the store to buy a couple Christmas gifts. Despite the longer than anticipated wait everything was still hoter'n crap when it arrived so clearly there was no lack of focus, just not enough hands on deck. The fish was slightly better than that in our memory and featured a dark breading that sloughed off the surface in spots. The coating had a nice crunch and enough seasoning to make it noticeable. The fish itself seemed to be average quality and while we were pleased with the 2-piece for lunch, we'd definitely go for the 3-piece dinner time.
The Game Time slings the standard crinkle cut fries, so there's nothing much to report on them. They were well-fried, I guess? The tartar also seemed to be the Sysco standard stuff which was pretty pickle-y and controlled to cod if applied too liberally. It was s thick mix for sure, but the dill flavor was just a little overbearing for my tastes.
A cup of coleslaw was highlighted by a hint of horseradish that made the concoction a little something more than just creamy, while the basic white roll was squished (as packaged rolls so commonly are).
Game Time certainly has some things to hang their hat on, most notably their visibility on one of the busiest intersections in all of Dane County and their friendly service. As far as the Fish Fry goes, you can't really go wrong with the price, and while everything was pretty much up to snuff, I just can't see myself rushing back in. Overall, we can't quite recommend this Fish Fry, but think it's worth a stop if you happen to be cruising by.
6862 County Road K
Middleton, WI 53562
608-831-2401
