Fish Type: Catfish Price: $14.00
Overall, I would barely recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Good Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Poor Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: When you talk about southern style Fish Fry one fish dominates the conversation - catfish. Catfish is pretty rare in Madison with only a handful of places featuring it on their Friday menus. It stands to reason that the places that have it do so for a reason, whether it's cost, demand, or cuisine. This Friday we decided to pay Double S BBQ on Monroe Street a visit so in this case you could say it was cuisine.
Double S has cod and cat on their Friday menu, but since this is BBQ joint I had to go for the bottom feeder. Both fish come in either 2-piece or 3-piece portions and I of course went for the big $14 3-piece. In classic BBQ fashion the fish arrived piled high on a paper plate. The massive load of frydom put the Chinet to the test and really offered that hint of southern charm. The catfish fillets were large and steaming hot, just like they should be. While catfish is mushy by nature these loins still had some flakiness. They were incredibly tender and offset nicely by a crunchy cornmeal breading. While some more Cajun seasoning would really have perked things up the overall fish/breading combination was commendable.
Following in the fish's wake was what might well be the largest portion of French fries we've ever seen. It was easily four times more than came on the dinner plate we would have later that evening and at least twice as much as most other places put out. The spuds were abundant to say the least and lavishly salted to say the most. While there was really nothing unique about them per se, Double S definitely deserves an extra point or two for the sheer quantity.
Maintaining the theme of abundance was a grandiose squeeze bottle of tartar. This bold sauce hit the mark and improved the fish dramatically. In addition, some salsa verde came along for the ride and while I've never seen salsa served with a Fish Fry (it's supposedly wonderful on the fish) I used most of it although I still think the tartar was better.
Whereas the fish, fries, and tartar were bountiful the bread was reserved for other meals...a pickle sat in its stead. A nice slaw somehow squeezed onto the plate too and had plenty of pop to go along with its creamy texture.
While most diners shy away from catfish I often opt for it if given the choice (unless I'm at Toby's, then there are just too many other amazing options). It's pretty unique in these parts, and a nice change of pace from time to time. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and think it's a great option if you're looking for something different of just looking to tackle a HUGE appetite. Thems a lot of tasty kittens at Dub S.
doublesbbq.com
1835 Monroe Street
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 886-8292
