Fish Type: Cod Price: $11.00
Overall, I would barely recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Good Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: Sometime back around aught-six we heard a place called Willie & Teddies in Lodi was offering up a fine Fish Fry - one we just had to try. For one reason or another we were never able to make it up that way before they unexpectedly closed up shop, but it wasnt long before a new place called the Spring Creek Tavern took over the Main Street space, and again, seemed to be thriving. We had a couple great Fish Frys at the SCT in their heyday, so we were surprised when they too suddenly closed their doors.
Eventually we learned that the recipes used to make the delicious Creek-side fish were passed on to KDs Bar & Grill just up the road, and we wasted no time verifying that claim. The rumors were true and the cod at KDs was admirable, just as it had been at the SCT. We thought for sure that the fish had finally found a home, but wouldnt you know it, Willies is up to his old tricks again, this time with a Wet Spot all his own.
I bellied up to Wet Spot one Friday and luckily caught the bartenders eye in no time. I got a Cow, the scoop on the Friday Fish (2-piece cod $9.00, 3 piece $10.00, 4-piece $11.00, no more perch or bluegill), and had an order in just like that. The food came quickly and was piping hot, just as you'd like it to be. The plate was fully loaded with all the Fish Fry staples and even had a bonus side of baked beans.
Since I had some idea what to expect size-wise, and I was pretty hungry, I went full-bore with the 4-piece. It wound up being a plentiful portion, as each piece clocked in somewhere between three and four ounces, making for pert-near a pound of fish. They housed a light batter that lacked grease, but also lacked flavor. It was a bland bunch to say the least, and while the fish itself was light and flaky, it tasted a little watery. While I had no problem eating all four pieces there was nothing that really made me crave them except for the desire to satisfy my huge hunger.
Aiding the conventional cod was Willie's tartar sauce which you'll find just hanging out in a big squeeze bottle on top of the bar. The extra-creamy blend was really zesty, and while I'd prefer a refrigerated rendition, the room-temp tartar improved the fish dramatically. In fact, I probably wouldnt have been able to eat all four pieces if not for the snappy sauce.
The pile of fries on the side appeared to be the standard Sysco fare, and were a little tough and crispy. They were overshadowed by a full slice of marble-rye which was soft and sour, and paired very nicely with a zesty coleslaw. The baked beans were also a nice addition, and although they were pretty basic it didn't make them any less desirable.
While I'm not sure if KD's still has Willie's original recipes or not, I think there is a chance they might. The cod we had at the Wet Spot wasnt quite right, but perhaps Willie is just out of season when it comes to seasoning? I might see if he is worth his salt again one of these days. Overall, we still recommend the Fish Fry at the Wet Spot, but cant help but remember fonder times by the creek.
www.facebook.com/WilliesRestaurantBar
118 South Main St.
Lodi, WI 53555
(608) 592-0332
