Fish Type: Walleye Price: $16.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Poor Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: The east side of Madison is littered with great Fish Frys. Of course, there are the old standbys like the Esquire and the Avenue but recently a new crop of establishments have marked their territory and are making a lasting impression on the city. Places like Dexters Pub, the Villa Tap, Stalzys Deli, and Alchemy have all found their niche, and in some cases usurped patronage from the venerable supper clubs. Its a vibrant scene to be sure, and a new player is adding yet another dimension to the diverse mix.
The new guy in this instance is the Tip Top Tavern on the corner of North and Commercial. While the Tip Top has been around forever it recently reopened with a new focus, and a new Fish Fry to match. The fish of choice is walleye and it comes in at $17.00 which is in the mid-range price-wise. The Tip Top is tiny, but turnover is high so if all the tables are full just get a stool at the bar and wait for a minute or two (or better yet, just eat up there).
Despite the small footprint the kitchen takes their time in preparing the fish which amounted to a good 20-25 minutes on both of our visits. Despite the wait the grub comes out as hot as can be and pretty as a picture. The walleye fillet is a large one and every bit of the quoted 8 ounces (if not more). Its chockfull of delectable, flaky meat and paired with a crumbly breading that has an extremely satisfying crunch and satisfactory amount of seasoning. Its a harmonious pairing and textural balance that needs to be eaten to be appreciated.
Lots of thick-cut, julienne potatoes join the party and are pretty basic, but a definite step up from skinny crinkles. A house-made tartar also does the dance with a noticeable pop that complements the walleye wonderfully.
The remaining member of the quartet is a vinegar-based coleslaw that really tickles the taste buds. Its a red cabbage variety which gives it a pinkish hue thats quite intriguing. Whats not so pretty is the lack of bread which leaves a bit of a sour taste in our mouths especially since kind of expect a lot for $17.00.
The east side is the side of town as far as Fish Fry is concerned and the Tip Top is just helping to bolster that reputation. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will line it up any time we want to sink out teeth into a nice hunk of walleye.
www.thetiptoptavern.com/
601 North Street
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 241-5515
