Fish Type: Cod Price: $13.00
Overall, I would recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Poor Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: The Madison Blind is ultra-new and so trendy that it almost hurts. In actuality, I was kind of surprised that they even have a Friday Fish Fry since its kind of an old fogy thing, but here we are, at the Blind. Lets start with the (very) good.
The 7th floor bar is as cool as they come subway tile, plaid bathroom (not kidding), amazing views, you name it, The Blinds got it. We showed up early (early enough for the sunset special in fact if you need to know what this is just show up a few minutes before sunset some day), and had no problem procuring a spot in the surprisingly spacious dining room. We kicked it, and had a couple plates of the $13 3-piece cod in due time.
The first thing you will notice is that the pieces of fish here are absolutely massive. Youre easily looking at a good 4-5 oz. each which adds up to damn near a pound of fish. Each is moist and flaky, and surprisingly grease-free. I say surprisingly due to the moderately-thick beer batter that enrobes it. This sheath doesnt get soggy and has a remarkable flavor. While I love a hearty portion this was so much fish it is almost too much to handle dont let the pictures on Facebook fool you.
Duck fat fries are all the rage these days and The Blind is hip to the scene. These babies are superb as the thick, skin-on cuts are fried just right. Duck fat gives the spuds a truly unique flavor that really keeps you coming back for more (and believe me, I did).
Their tartar is also excellent with a subtle sweetness and perfect consistency. One cup was far from enough for the bevy of fish so look to add a second if youre planning to pound the pound.
The Blind doesnt bring the bread and theres also no slaw so this is really more of a fish-n-chips affair than the traditional Wisconsin fish fry. Still, it is recommendable due to the quality of what you do get. Theres no doubt Id come back in a heartbeat if that was the end of it, but unfortunately thats not the case.
While the atmosphere was great, the drinks were tasty, and the food was excellent, everyone (and I mean everyone) in our party of four got sick to varying degrees afterwards. While I obviously cant say that is was the food that did it, mine personally didnt make it through digestion and Ill leave it at that. It was a rough way to end what was such a pleasurable experience to say the least. Overall, we still recommend this Fish Fry and feel compelled to come back, if for no other reason that we want to reassure ourselves how great the food really is and our sickness was just a strange coincidence.
graduatemadison.com
601 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 257-4391
