Review
There are lots of alluring options here, and after enjoying the bluegill on our last visit I felt compelled to branch out with the cod. The 3-piece runs a cool $13.50 and the 'lo will let you tack on additional pieces for $3 a pop. I was feeling hungry (and figured if nothing else I'd take piece home) so I ponied up for a 4-piece. In true Italian antipasto style the slaw, a basket of bread, and a mini relish tray show up before the entree and definitely start things off right. The slaw was a bit basic, the basket of warmish bread was a step above the norm, and the mini relish tray was fresh and inviting - carrots, celery, and radishes for the win!
As you might expect the 4-piece was a bountiful beast. While the standard 3-piece would be more than enough for most patrons the fourth was more than welcome in my famished belly...as you could probably guess it didn't make it to a to-go box as planned. This cod was extremely tasty, with a flaky Wilson's-esque breading. It had plenty of seasoning and literally not a drop of grease to speak of. The plate was left bone dry, yet the fish was moist. It was incredibly commendable and invariably satisfying.
I can't be certain, but I'm pretty sure there is no French fry option at A-Mc but with the cheesy hash brown casserole they don't need one. This lovely loaf comes with with a crunchy topping that's nothing short of superb, and an onion-y essence that lets you know it was there without taking over the show. It's the default option with the fish and I can definitely see why.
Rounding out this Fry was a thick and rich tartar which, like the fish, was basically a Wilson's clone. It canoodled with the cod and was essentially a match made in heaven.
Being that Angelo's is Italian cuisine is a Madison area staple you might expect them to phone their Fish Fry in, but that's definitely not the case. Every bit of it is done right from the perfectly fried fish to the unexpected relish tray. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry think that it's definitely amore!
It seemed like 90% of the tables were two-tops and despite the fact we got on the list we saw several parties of two come and go before we finally made our way to our spot at the outdoor patio. It was well over an hour wait, which if you're on 3 year old time, is an eternity. We were already frazzled by the time the cordial, yet absentminded waitress came around, but relieved to see the bountiful options on the Friday menu - from cod, to walleye, and mahi mahi to bluegill there was something for everyone. I went for the 'gill and got to sample the cod as well as the mahi mahi.
8 or so fillets in varying sizes were scattered across the plate and looked pretty unimpressive. Despite the underwhelming presentation they were actually quite enticing, with a nice light breading and slightly fishy flavor. Each had a good snap and while it clearly sat for a few minutes after exiting the oil it was still adequately hot. The cod had the same breading and was hotter than hell and boy does that ever make a difference. The loins were nice and flaky and had a pleasant flavor thanks in part to the fact it was freshly fried.
A-Mc has a few sides to choose from but if you don't specify otherwise cheesy hash brown casserole is the default. It's a nice puffy pile of spuds although I'd say only marginally better than the skin-on freezer fry alternative.
A no nonsense tartar was thick and zesty with no dilly downfalls. Thankfully, we don't see much of that dilly madness these days which is a blessing. A basket of French bread slices (or maybe they were Italian? that would make more sense) were abundant and seemed reasonably fresh. A soupy slaw didn't draw our attention, but didn't make us sick either.
We loved Jolly Bob's and were sad to see it go, but apparently the cooks from old JB's are manning the grills and fryers at Angelo's now and it shows. The food is certainly commendable and you can see the Jamaican influence in the mahi mahi and some of the other dishes. Thankfully, these guys can do the traditional Wisconsin Fish Fry too which explains why McFarland is apparently cuckoo these Cocoa Puffs. Overall, we still recommend this Fish Fry despite the excruciating wait to get it, and maybe we'll try it again some time if we can get there by 4:00 or don't have two toddlers in tow.