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Fish Type: Walleye     Price: $16.00

Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.

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

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Comment: I’m not sure what the deal is, but for some reason not many people are going to Stalzy’s Deli for fish on Fridays. They really should be.

While a New York style delicatessen may not be the first place that jumps to mind when people think about Friday Fish Stalzy’s at least deserves some consideration. On Friday they offer up a whale of a Fish Fry and while it is on the high side price-wise (at $16) I would argue that it is actually well worth every bit of that cheddar. Allow me to explain.

First things first, Stalzy’s Fish Fry is one of the most traditional you will find, even though it’s not served at the most “traditional” of establishments. Before the fish comes they provide four slices of bread, and big old bowl of coleslaw, and a miniature relish tray… All for just one person!

The relish tray is a simple one, composed of a few carrots, celery, and some radishes, but when you consider that most places don’t even have the relish tray on their radar any more it is quite the little (unexpected) perk. The bread plate also exceeds expectations with two slices of pumpernickel rye partnering up with a couple slabs of soft white. What’s more, all the breads are made in-house which really lets you know how serious Stalzy’s is about quality. Finally, the slaw is a well-balanced rendition which, like everything else, is made with care in-house. Long strands of cabbage mingle with mayo and a few shreds of carrot producing a middling textured slaw that could use some jump but is well balanced and extremely appetizing.

If you can somehow make it through the plethora on this initial plate what appears before you next might be a tad overwhelming. Stalzy’s walleye is the main attraction, and it is a behemoth if there ever was one. The stated portion of ½ lb. actually seems to be on the light side as the two huge walleye fillets dwarf the plate and really grab your attention. The pieces are incredibly fat throughout and at least a good inch-and-a-half thick in the center. In addition, these fillets aren’t just big, but the fish is incredibly moist and flaky with little to no grease to speak of. Each of these monsters is coated in a light, crumbly breading that adds a subtle crispy texture and a great peppery flavor to the fish. It also clings incredibly well leaving no bite un-breaded (which is a feat in and of itself when the fish is this hearty).

Somewhere under the two walleye giants you will find a couple of Stalzy’s homemade potato pancakes (which seem to be growing over time). They are still thin (which you like to see) but are apparently spreading out, perhaps to keep in proportion with their fishy friends? Each of the cakes has crispy edges and soft centers, and taste okay on their own, but really shine when slathered with the supplied apple sauce and/or sour cream.

Last on Stalzy’s list is their homemade tartar sauce which tastes fine, but is really thin. Despite its consistency it actually pairs well with the fish since walleye is so substantial. Also, since the fish is so flavorful it really doesn’t need any help so it isn’t a problem that the sauce isn’t perfect.

Madison, I’m not sure what your aversion to Stalzy’s is, but take our word for it that this is a Fish Fry you have got to try. Everything is done with care and attention to detail which makes for an experience well worthy of 1600 measly cents. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and it currently tops our list of places that have great fish but without the great wait you expect on Friday night in Wisconsin.



stalzysdeli.com/
2701 Atwood Ave
Madison, WI 53704

(608) 249-7806