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Fish Type: Lake Perch     Price: $14.00

Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.

Fish Score: Excellent
Potato Score: Good
Tartar Score: Excellent
Bread Score: Excellent
Miscellaneous Score: Good

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There are almost an unlimited number of options when it comes to Friday Fish Fry and many places do just enough to get by (which in this world means cod and fries). Then there are the places that go above and beyond (multiple fish options, many sides to choose from, maybe even a salad bar). A lot of people expect the above-and-beyonders to be supper clubs, but once in a while a tavern sneaks into the mix. KD’s in Lodi is one of those sneakers.

KD’s is a diamond in the rough (unless you live in Lodi, in which case you clearly know all about it) and features cod, and lake perch on Friday nights. The lake perch is available in two sizes – a 5-piece for $12 and an 8-piece perch for $14. Being the sucker I am, I went for the great eight and was more than pleased with that decision.

This perch is nothing less than superb. It’s 100% the real deal yellow perch and boasts a light breading that is reminiscent of the Villa Tap’s. This crunchy coating has just the right amount of seasoning which offsets the flaky fish in just the right way. The surface is also porous enough that any oil drains right out, leaving the fish moist without the slightest hint of grease. It basically checks every box resulting in some of the best fish (not just perch) we’ve had anywhere. No wonder the locals love it so.

As an above-and-beyonder there are a few different sides to choose from at KD’s (including baked potatoes) and on our recent visits we opted for the chive fries (or whatever they were). They were essentially just souped up versions of their normal freezer fries, but the additions made them really interesting and added an allure that regular fries don’t have.

Like most people I prefer it if my tartar is chilled, but depending on the circumstances room temperature sauces can still suffice. KD’s mammoth squeeze bottle epitomizes just such a circumstance. This thick and creamy blend would probably be totally appetizing even if it was served after baking in the sun all day and since it’s essentially bottomless you can revisit that well as often as you need to, and when you have eight generous fillets to engulf that’s easy to do. You won’t hear any complains whatsoever out of me.

Great fish is one thing, souped up fries are another, and tremendous tartar is almost too much, but KD’s doesn’t stop there. A nice big slab of marble rye comes on the side with soft butter packets making for easy spreading. What’s more, the slaw is full of creamy goodness and partnered with an equally enticing cup of baked beans. I mean, does the fun ever stop?

Some places try to take their Fish Fry above and beyond by making it unique – crazy coleslaw, or beefy beer batter, but far too often those tactics fail. What really makes places stand out are amazing fish and well done sides, all for a fair price, and KD’s has it all figured out. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it’s the total package. Go get some.



kdsbarandgrill.com/
N1434 Fair Street
Lodi, WI 53555

(608) 592-4696