Fish Type: Cod Price: $9.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: I have been to Wilsons well over 100 times for Fish Fry. Almost every one of these occasions was during lunch, and in fact I think it may have been every single one now that I think about it. Every one before now that is
I decided to give Wilsons a go for diner this Friday night, and I must say it was a totally different animal than what Ive found during the noon hour. Ive been to Wilsons on Badger game days, and it was busy. Ive been to Wilsons on Packer game days, and it was really busy. Ive even been to Wilsons on Brewer game days, and it was still pretty damn busy. But none of those days compared to how busy Wilsons was this Friday. It was nothing less than berserk.
Apparently there was a Guys on Ice show at the Barrymore going on, and half of the audience-to-be stopped into the beloved sports bar for burgers beforehand. Every single seat was taken and there was a line for drinks at the bar which forced yours truly to the periphery. Eventually a couple got up from their stools and I quickly swooped in and grabbed one of the open seats. Luckily, Mack had seen me waiting my turn and put in my order well in advance me actually finding a seat, so my food was already in the queue once I sat down.
I watched order after order of fish pass in front of me, and it took a good 30 minutes before my own 5-piece would be fried. At this point it was getting close to show time and the crowd was thinning out which meant my fish was served mere seconds after it was cooked. It was scalding hot and ready for my eager hands. I wasted no time.
As per usual, the cod was on the money. The 5-piece was incredibly hearty and featured three regular pieces and two that were larger than average. The regulars chunks were good, but a couple had ends were a little chewy and difficult to pull apart, however, the two meatier chunks more than made up for it. This duo was moist and flaky, with a much more buttery flavor. All five shared the same light breading, which is perfectly spiced, and really makes the cod something special.
Historically Wilsons fries havent been anything to write home about, and this batch wasnt any different. They were just fine, and adequately fried, but nothing unique. Luckily, Wilsons tartar is noteworthy and justifies all the praise we have heaped upon it. It is smooth and creamy, with a remarkable zip that pushes the cod skyward and perks up the pedestrian potatoes. And the best part? When you upgrade to the 5-piece you get two full cups instead of the regular one. God bless you, Mr. Wilson. God bless you.
The supporting actors in Wilsons fishy production play their roll adequately, but are far from skilled thespians. The coleslaw usually butchers its part, but was less chalky and more alluring than usual while the dinner roll is to this Fish Fry as Colin Farrell is to Hollywood -- solid, but far from Oscar worthy.
After 100+ visits to Wilsons there isnt much they could do to change our minds about their Fish Fry. It is just incredibly solid, and flourishes on the strength of their savory cod and tremendous tartar sauce. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry, and will come back anytime, whether its for lunch or dinner, and we wont give a damn how long we have to wait to get it. Wilsons is our place, and always will be.
www.wilsonssportsbarandgrill.com/
2144 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 241-2226
