Fish Type: Walleye Price: $13.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: The Tour de Fish: Part V
When it comes time to eat fish on Friday most people lean towards the cod since it is inoffensive, and when fried right can be inexplicably delectable. However, the truly dedicated fish lover likes to delve deeper, and when youre talking about the dwellers of the deep, youre talking about the king of the lake - the almighty walleye.
In Wisconsin youll find walleye just about everywhere (even during the week), but very few shining examples exist a lot of places just do it because it is expected and they can charge a pretty penny for it. The Beachhouse in McFarland is one of, if not the crown jewel of all walleye-friendly establishments in the area and they even cut you a deal when Friday rolls around.
Take note, on Fridays The Beachhouse gets busy, but not quite Tobys-busy. It will likely take between 30 minutes to an hour to get a table, but that time is easily passed with a couple Spotted Cows or Old Fashioneds. Eventually you will get a spot and a chance to order the $13.00 walleye special.
Before the fish youll get some white bread slices, complete with some yummy honey butter. Your side of choice will also come before the fish, and while you cant go wrong with the coleslaw, the homemade clam chowda is not to be missed.
Eventually the walleye will come and the massive fillet will literally be hanging off the ends of the plate. The amazingly tender fish will be cloaked in a light and spicy breading that is simply delicious and pairs perfectly with the unique flavor of the fish. The same breading will also come on all the other fish served at The Beachhouse, namely smelt, cod, bluegill, and lake perch; all of which are excellent.
The Beachhouse is gracious and gives you a few potato choices of which, none are spectacular, but all are acceptable. The hash browns are good, but make sure to add cheese and onion or they can get a bit dry. The fries are always a safe bet too. A thick and creamy tartar sauce with a nice zest will blend well with the spicy breading on the walleye and make for a flavor experience that neither element could achieve on its own.
Like Tobys, and some of the other places before it, The Beachhouse is not exactly a ritzy joint, so go in knowing that. Youre going to see wood paneling, and 80s-style décor, but the best Fish Frys rarely come from fancy restaurants. It is places like The BH that specialize in the simple, and take a down-n-dirty meal to a whole new level.
Inside Tip: Beyond Walleye
The walleye is the best around, but the cod, bluegill, and lake perch are all excellent as well, and guess what? They are available all week long
theyll just cost you a little more Saturday through Thursday. Also, the homemade clam chowder is thick, creamy, and delicious, an excellent rendition of the classic!
*The Beachouse is technically in McFarland, but is about as close to Madisons south east side as you can get. If you MUST stay closer to downtown and still want walleye try The Villa Tap on the east side, The Laurel Tavern on the west side or the Silver Eagle Bar & Grill in Monona. They are all great in their own right.
Next:Haddock at the Fitzs on the Lake.
Previous: Breaded haddock at the Dorf Haus.
www.thebeachhouserestaurantandbar.com
4506 Larson's Beach Road
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-7248
