Fish Type: Lake Perch Price: $18.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Fair Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Comment:
There are a lot of givens in Door County. It’s a given that the sunsets over the Bay will be spectacular. It’s a given that if you take a shot at the bar, it should be a shot of bitters. It’s a given that there will be a lot of Illinois plates. And most importantly, it’s a given that lake perch will be served on Friday nights.
<p>The Bayside Tavern in Fish Creek knows the drill, and proudly displays their $18 “Perch Fry” sign in the window (I should have snapped a pic). This is truly a superb rendition of the Wisconsin classic and well worth the lofty price tag. Three big butterflies with a light beer batter arrive on a pillow of fries and look amazing. The batter is superbly seasoned, but still light and flaky. The expertly executed exterior lets the fish shine through which is a hallmark of the best of the best. This perch was so flaky, so delectable, that it could easily be eaten with or without tartar which is a feat few fish can claim. </p>
<p>The aforementioned pillow of fries are shoestring-style and although pretty plain and slightly under-fried, made a nice resting place for the big six. The tartar was much better and as thick and creamy as they come. It had a ton of zip and really put the fish into the upper echelon. </p>
<p>Bolstering what was already an impressive Fish Fry was a slab of dark rye. It was stanky and fresh and made everything all the more traditional. </p>
<P>Finishing off this Fry was some finely-chopped slaw and a cup of baked beans. The cabbage creation was of the creamy persuasion, and had a little horseradish to perk it up. While it looked a little snotty it was far better than eating your buggers…unless you’re a four year old, in which case it might be a toss-up. The beans were BBQ infused and made this a Fish Fry that just keeps on giving. They were a big bonus that took everything from great to exceptional. </p>
<p>Door County is one of our favorite places to get away and the Bayside may have just become our go-to Friday night spot. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it’s the best we’ve had on the peninsula to date and not too far from the best we’ve had anywhere.</p>
baysidetavern.com
4160 Main Street
Fish Creek, WI 54212
(920) 868-3441
