Fish Type: Cod Price: $16.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: After the obvious “So, what’s the best Fish Fry?” the question I get the most often is “So, what separates a good Fish Fry from a great one?” This is an excellent question and is actually pretty tough to answer. In my experience it basically comes down to a couple things: 1) consistency, and 2) little things that set it apart without trying to reinvent the wheel. The @hootervilleinn nails both.
First and foremost, HI is as consistent as they come with our only so-so visit coming soon after they changed ownership…every other time it’s been superb, and today was no exception. The lunch special in Bluemounds ranges from 1-3 pieces and you know I went full bore. Even though it was nearly noon, my 3-pieces was one of the first through the fryer and was prepped in four minutes flat - barely time to sample my spectacularly spicy Bloody Mary.
The fish of choice at the Inn is cod and it’s wonderfully flaky. While the fish itself is high quality what stands out is the beer batter they use. This coating has a decadent texture without being overbearing. It’s creamy yet thin, and clings to the fish without that gelatinous sublayer some thicker batters get. It also remains totally grease-free which is a hallmark of a great batter.
While I typically just go for fries I’ve heard numerous times over the years the baby reds are to die for so I finally pulled that trigger. The spuds were well-cooked, well-seasoned, and soaked with plenty of butter. I’m pretty sure I tasted sage in there and probably a bunch of other stuff too. The tartar is in a big squeeze bottle there for the taking, and take I did. It totally kicks the fish up a notch.
I opted for cottage cheese instead of slaw since the slaw is just standard, but of course, the CC was too. The dinner roll was also as basic as they come, but as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Consistency…
When you talk about good vs. great places like The Hooter rise above with their consistency and subtle enhancements that take their fish over the top. In this case it’s the secret-recipe beer batter that makes their fish shine. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it’s simply one of the best around.www.hootervilleinnwi.com
10992 Division Street
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
(608) 437-5444
