Fish Type: Lake Perch Price: $17.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: Quite a few years ago I had a beast of a Fish Fry at the Old Rock out in Astico. Back then they just featured cod on Fridays, but it was frighteningly good fish. I’ve kept tabs on them since, and when I saw them pop up in the @potosibrewingco #CaveAleFishFish contest I knew I needed to pay them a visit even if Lent, and the contest, were already wrapped for 2026.
I set my sights on 60 and pulled in just before the clock struck noon. I had a bloody and a High Life about two seconds later and got an order in just as the high-vis lunch rush hit. To my surprise there was a new option on Old Rock lunch menu and when I saw the 4-piece perch I simply couldn’t say no despite knowing the cod is killer. You could say curiosity got the best of me…
Once in a while trying something new works out beautifully and as soon as the perch appeared I knew my decision was sage. The four fillets were laid gracefully at the forefront of the platter and clearly the genuine article - you won’t find any imposters in Astico. Each was home to a wispy batter that allowed the sweet perch flavor to star. While the subtle sweetness of the perch was noteworthy, the tartar took sweet to new places. This sauce was as tart and tangy as any I’ve tasted to the point where I actually had to dial back my apportionment a little. It was intense!
A properly portioned pile of battered fries were expertly crisped, and the creamy slaw came in the BIG cup so many people seem to be craving these days. By and large, both were excellent but paled in comparison to the perch - which is the way it should be. Rounding it all out was a fat half-slice of soft marble rye which is always nice to see, not to mention tasty as hell.
After this visit I have to say the Old Rock has earned a special place in my heart. Beyond the fish, it’s a flat-out great bar and a nice little drive into the country. There’s even a really cool old mill and waterfall just down the road I had to stop and check out quick…absolutely gorgeous spot. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and can hardly wait for a new day to hit up the Old Rock. Maybe next time for dinner when the menu practically explodes!theoldrockbar.com
W11070 WI-16
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-9910
