Fish Type: Lake Perch Price: $12.50
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: The Tour de Fish: Part III
Tavern life is a big part of Wisconsin culture with the local watering holes serving as the nucleus of many small towns Up North. These taverns offer cold beer, a friendly ear, and some of the best fried foods you are going to find. Of course, if youre in Wisconsin and food is frying youre going to find fish.
If you ask a Fish Fry purist (and believe me they are out there) what kind of fish they expect at a Fish Fry the answer will invariably be lake perch. This makes sense since at one time the perch were locally caught and abundant. However, long gone are these days and the perch of today is mostly trucked in from Canada and other foreign locales. Thats not to say you cant find local lake perch, but youre not going to find them in many restaurants this side of Door County. Thankfully, when done right, even frozen lake perch is amazing and nowhere is this better demonstrated than The Villa Tap on Madison east side.
The Villa Tap is a classic Wisconsin tavern set right in the middle of the states second largest city. Here the ceilings are low, the music is pumping, and the fish is flowing. For $12.50 you will get five large lake perch fillets coated in a thin, flavorful breading that will almost make you forget youre eating fish. The perch will be moist and succulent, clearly of the highest quality and definitely not what youd expect to find at a local tavern. It might actually be the tastiest fish we have ever had and that is saying something.
The fish will be bolstered by a smooth and creamy tartar which will add a little zip to the fish without making you think much about it. Your only potato choice will be between freezer fries and baked, but the fries will be about as good as you can expect. The portion will certainly satisfy, and the spuds will be well-fried so you cant complain too much. After all, youre here for the fish, the rest is just icing on the cake.
A cool and crisp coleslaw will keep your interest, but wont thrill. Nor will the plain old white roll, but like we say, this is a bar youre here for the fish, not the amenities.
While the Villa Tap isnt classy it oozes the classic Wisconsin atmosphere. It will be dark inside, the ceilings are low, the vibe is mellow but vibrant, and the fish is flowing. It is exactly what a Fish Fry should be - unpretentious, simple, and delicious. Whats more, if you happen to be coming or going to the airport on a Friday it is literally the closest Fish Fry available. Take a chance on the Villa Tap. We promise, this is one youll remember.
Inside Tip: Add a shrimp (or two)
The walleye at the Villa Tap is also superb, as are the Old Fashioneds which are muddled before your eyes. Whats more, Chico lets you add any number of his delicious fried shrimp to the meal at any point for $2.50 apiece.
*The Villa Tap is on Madisons east side. A fantastic west side alternative is Sweeneys Oakcrest Tavern.
Next: Breaded haddock at the Dorf Haus.
Previous: Beer battered cod at the Owls Nest.
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2302 Packers Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 244-9627
