Fish Type: Bluegill Price: $18.00
Overall, I would recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Poor Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Comment: I really enjoyed our experience at @muskellounge / @hanks_madison tonight. While some folks might think it’s a “hippie bar,” I’m a big fan of the vibe at the lounge and appreciate the quality of the drinks. Having Hank’s move in right next door is a welcome addition and I was really happy with the Fish Fry on our maiden voyage.
Old Henry slings fish on Wednesdays and Fridays and offers walleye (yum), bluegill (double yum), and pollock (hmmm). I went for the double yum, and added a side of curds for the little man.
Fish fries fast on the backside of the bar and we had a lovely looking basket in hand about 10 minutes after the tap. I basically expected this ‘gill to be a carbon copy of the @mintmarkmadison fish of yesteryear, but it was a bit of a departure. The MM bluegill always had a very salty and extra-crispy batter (which I loved), and this one was much more subdued. It had a plush texture with a mellow seasoning that let the flavor or the fish come through. It was soft yet flaky, and unlike any bluegill I’ve had before. I liked it and will get it again.
The waffle fries were pretty standard, the cup o’ tartar was delicious, but of all the side items the slaw stole the show. I don’t know what was in it exactly, but it was great. Some of the best slaw I’ve had since the pandemic, that’s for sure.
As for the curds, they were also excellent and improved dramatically by the horseradish sauce (which worked equally well with the waffles).
While the lounge might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I really enjoy what they bring to the table; and now that Hank’s is slinging great burgers and a legit Fish Fry I have all the more reason to love it. When you add in the fact we bumped into some old friends who live in the neighborhood it makes me want to go back even more. This is a great spot.hanks-101119.square.site/
4102 Monona Dr
Madison, WI 53716
