Fish Type: Cod Price: $11.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this fish fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent French Fry Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
We headed to Poynette not really knowing exactly where the restaurant was but having an idea that it was just off 51 on the north end of town. We drove through what I assume was downtown Poynette and eventually came upon the Owl’s Nest with its bright red neon sign glowing like a beacon in the night. The parking lot was enough to verify that this beacon had brought us to a Fish Fry hotspot, it was packed. We got inside, got our name on the list, got a couple stools at the bar and a couple drinks in our hands; we were ready.
We only had to wait 15 minutes or so and our table was ready too. We headed into the dining area and put in our order almost immediately since we had time to look over our options during the wait. The Fish Fry special at the Owl’s Nest will run you $11 and is cod only but, you do get the option of beer batter or regular batter (obviously you can also get it baked but, c’mon). If you ever read MFF.com you know that I am not a huge fan of beer batter and when given the option almost always go regular. The Owl’s Nest is now the #1 exception to that rule.
I am just going to come right out and say it, this is the best beer battered cod I have ever had. The batter was light and flaky but still had the traditional golden coloring of beer batter. The batter was much more subtle than most beer batters and let the taste of thee cod come through underneath. It wasn’t thick and crispy either, just perfect. The plain fried was not far below either. It had a thin, flaky texture which really let the taste of the fish come through. After trying both styles back to back it was clear the beer batter had something extra. My god it was good.
The French fries were also excellent. They were fried just right and spiced up with Lawry’s season salt or something very similar. The tartar sauce was also just about perfect and the two of us had no problem draining the entire cup worth. Fish, Fries, Tarter…Game, set, match: Owl’s Nest.
The coleslaw served was very average however, but the fact that you get baked beans in addition to it made up for any shortcomings. The dark rye slice was also a nice traditional touch which I gobbled up lickety-split.
Overall, this is a phenomenal Fish Fry. I thought this was going to be much more of a bar atmosphere and when you walk in that is immediately what you are hit with. The dining room is much more Supper Club-y and certainly a family friendly place. The Fish Fry was simply outstanding and the service was just fine. I have no qualms about calling this one of the best Fish Fries in Madison; if you try it for yourself I think you will agree. Thanks for the great recommendation Brooke! We will call next time, and believe me, there will be a next time.
617 E North Street
Poynette, WI 53955
(608) 635-2298
