Fish Type: Cod Price: $7.25
Overall, I would barely recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Good Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: Once in a while you find a place and you're like: "Why on God's green Earth does this place not have a Fish Fry!?" It seems like a natural fit, and a can't-miss opportunity for them, yet for some reason they just don't want to (or don't think they can) do it. The old Farm Tavern was one of those places...
I say was because the NEW Farm Sports Pub is doing fish, and not just at dinner time. They've jumped in feet first with an all day affair that runs a scant $7.25 over the noon-hour. The lunch Fry at the Farm consists of a 2-piece cod or ocean perch (I emphasize the OCEAN part) with all the standard sides. Before the fried goodies, a warm roll will tumble your way, fresh from an over-sized, bar-side crock pot.
I was a little worried the fish on the Farm would be pre-battered freezer fillets, but those fears were quickly laid to rest when I saw the made-to-order masterpieces (okay masterpieces may be a stretch, but I wanted some alliteration there...so sue me). The two small pieces were maybe a few ounce each, and featured a light breading that had to be done on site. THe coating had a bit of seasoning which lent it some flavor, but not much. In addition there was a little grease seepage to deal with, and while I could have eaten a bunch more I felt the portion was adequate for lunch and the price.
The most basic of basic crinkle-cut fries sit aside the fish and glistened under the afternoon sun that shone through the big windows on the side of the barn. The tartar was of the skunky variety and actually hindered the fish to some extent. While I'm not sure who the supplier is, I have my inklings as you see this stuff far to often anymore it seems.
The slaw likely came from the same supplier as the sauce as it was the creamy, finely-chopped variety. While it's not bad per se, it's also not all that great.
The Farm always seemed like it should be a Fish Fry joint and I'm happy to report that it finally is. While this isn't the greatest Fish Fry in the world, and they still have a few little kinks they could work out, it is what a lunch Fish Fry should be - quick, to the point, and cheap. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and will keep it on our radar as a no-nonsense option or a good place to go if we feel like hanging out with a pint or two.
www.facebook.com/pages/Farm-Tavern/100860779958206
1701 Moorland Rd
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 221-1646
