Fish Type: Cod Price: $16.00
Overall, I would recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Fair Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Comment: I'll just come right out and say it - I like Octopi. I like their beers (mostly the Untitled Art collaborations), I like their location (it's close to home AND near a hockey rink), and I like their food (the Fish Fry part anyway, I haven't tried much else). So it stands to reason I was excited to hear that their expansion included more open hours, and a full blown kitchen. I literally showed up the the very first Friday once it was complete to check it all out.
The Octopi Fry served from their funky food truck was a lake perch affair and to their credit was the real deal yellow perch. The only true detractor to it was the portion size - only 3 fillets, which is really skimpy when you're talking real perch. With the transition to an indoor kitchen came a transition in type of fish with the new choice being cod. It's still a 3-piece but the pieces are much larger and more filling.
The price point remains at $16 but the cornmeal-dredged fillets basically justify it. While they don't expose the cod's origins, it's pretty clear that this is a high quality cut. The fall-apart flaky breading compliments the equally flaky fish resulting in a mouth-watering experience. It's light, there's no grease to be found, and mine was gobbled up in a flash.
The cod comes perched atop "smashed potatoes" which is essentially just a crushed baked potato. I asked about substituting fries and was told it would be the same up-charge as if you subbed them for the kettle chips that come with the sandwiches - $3. Needless to say I stuck with the plain smashed then just snacked some of junior's side of fries. The HAND CUT FRIES were pretty good, and it would be super if they'd just make it a this-or-that option with the Fish Fry. *Wink wink*
Small Solos of tartar and slaw took a backseat to the fish and didn't really do much to hold my interest. The slice of marble rye on the other hand was a serious boon and warmed my heart with subtle stanky goodness.
I'm sure there are people out there who will see the $16 price tag and think Octopi has out-kicked their coverage with this one, but to those detractors I say - you get what you pay for. This is good fish and while I'd like some more side options I'll take it for what it is. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and think there are subtle changes that would make it great, but when the place itself is this good, and they beers are this great I'll take it as it comes.
www.octopibrewing.com/
1131 Uniek Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 620-4705
