Fish Type: Cod Price: $13.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Poor Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: There are few things in this world that I like more than a neighborhood bar, unless it's a neighborhood bar with a great Fish Fry. There is just something magical about a tiny tavern where you're welcomed with warm smiles, a cold beer, and steaming hot fish. That's why we keep coming back to the Tip Top time and again.
Since we were there for an early lunch I decided to "go light" with the $13 cod instead of the beefier walleye. They weren't exactly what I'd call busy this Friday, so the fish fried quickly. This fish was flaky and moist, and most importantly, it had plenty of flavor thanks in no small part to a decadent beer batter. This dark coating is smoky and alluring, and although it looks like it may have been fried too long, it is far from burned. It really is a masterpiece and some of the best beer batter the city has to offer.
While the fish is prepared in-house from start to finish the fries appear to just be finished there. Don't get me wrong, the special spuds are aces but don't look to be cut on the premises. Regardless, they were well-fried and ample (which is a big plus in our book).
The Tip Top provides a unique tartar with their fish, and although it isn't thick, it has an enticing flavor that renders the consistency moot. It's robust flavor pairs exceptionally well with the beer batter and really takes things up a notch.
While there is no bread to speak of, the freshest, purple-ist slaw you'll ever see sits in admirably. While some might find it too basic, I appreciate the zing of the vinegar and the pretty cabbage. It's a real lip puckerer, and like so many elements in this Fish Fry, relatively unique.
While I like the Tip Top as a bar, it's really their superb Fish Fry that made me fall in love with them. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think you can't go wrong with either the cod or the walleye. They are both the tops.
www.thetiptoptavern.com/
601 North Street
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 241-5515
