Fish Type: Lake Perch Price: $13.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: The Old Fashioned has become a bit of a punchline on the Madison dining scene. While many people love its modern take on the traditional Wisconsin supper club other lambast it for being generic, uninspired, or just the place you take relatives from out of town who want the downtown experience but are too scared to try something new. I have never been one of the true malcontents but did think the quality of their Fish Fry fell off to some extent once they became the it place. While I hated to do it I couldnt recommend their Friday special for a while, but Im happy to say theyve come roaring back.
On Friday the OF has cod, lake perch, and walleye all day, although if you show up for lunch it wont appear anywhere on the menu, but trust me, its available. The cod comes in at $10, the perch at $13, the walleye at $14, or a combo of all three at $15 for the indecisive folks. While there will likely be a wait for a table (~30 minutes even at lunch) the bar is diverse enough to keep you happy and the bustling street is always great for people watching. Drink it in.
The perch is the real deal yellow perch and well-prepared. It rules over the massive plate with its light and crumbly, panko-style breading and mellow flavor. As it should be, the meat is light and flaky; these butterflies practically float on air. While the crispy breading could use a pick me up it is totally grease-free which leaves the belly feeling lively even after all six fillets are gone.
Tons of matchstick fries come along for the ride and are nothing new, but as they say - if it aint broke dont fix it. The thick-ish tartar is also in good repair with plenty zip, zap, and all of that.
The Old Fash is one of the only places in town that serves rye with their Fish Fry and its a whole slice at that. The stanky slice is a welcome addition to any meal, and really adds a pop that this Fish Fry would be lacking otherwise. The fresh-looking homemade slaw has a pleasant taste, and while it wont knock your socks off, it will at least give em a little tug.
Since day one the Old Fashioned has been doing what they can to satisfy the masses and judging by the numbers Id say theyve done just fine. MFF aint no food snob and Im glad to say this one is back in our good graces. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and think it is once again one of the best downtown has to offer.
www.theoldfashioned.com
23 N. Pinckney Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 310-4545
