Fish Type: Bluegill Price: $12.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent French Fry Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Comment: Madison Fish Fry likes to spread the wealth. Sure, we have a solid core of favorites in the area, but more often than not, we like to branch out in an effort to find newer and better Fish Frys. With so many reputable restaurants around this isn’t always an easy task and can be made even more difficult by friends who have allegiances of their own. Case and point: Toby’s.
We had just dined on the delectability that is Toby’s cod a couple weeks back, but when Grahm’s big day rolled around we were powerless to deny him his birthday wish. His wish of course was fish, with the classic supper club being the spot that drew his fancy. The core of our crew convened at 5:30, secured a bar-side locale, and got loosened up with a few beers and some key lime pie martinis (the bartender’s specialty, we were told). By 6:00 our full party of 11 was in attendance and our orders finally sailed kitchenward.
We passed the next hour and a half BSing with the Yahn collective and enjoying the plethora of drinks which passed between Toby’s speedy bartenders and our hoard. Eventually the wheels were fully greased and we hit dining room full-bore. Awaiting us were two massive relish trays, two bountiful baskets of bread, and our “appetizers,” which were spread around the table in such a way that it required one to choose their spot with the utmost care. I chose wisely, landing directly on my plate of Toby’s homemade coleslaw. The fresh and zesty slaw was a welcome sight and put some much needed sustenance in my stomach. The soft, fresh roll was also very good and along with the slaw set the stage perfectly for the big boppers which were to come.
Maybe Toby’s went out of their way this Friday, or maybe it was just coincidence, but whatever it was they had a surprise in store for Grahm. The special birthday treat turned out to be Toby’s blessed bluegill which is normally not on the Friday menu. With lake perch unavailable the foster fish took over our table as literally every fish eater ordered it. Nine people’s plates overflowed with 10 to 11 of the lightly breaded, luscious fillets. The sassy sunfish was light and flaky, combining with the breading to produce an idyllic sensation. The flavors were well balanced and exactly what bluegill is meant to taste like.
Enhancing the already outstanding fish was Toby’s rich, homemade tartar sauce. The mayo laden mix was extra thick, and its velvety texture complimented delicate bluegill superbly.
After our last trip there was no way we were going to pass on the hash browns with cheese and onion, and even though they cost a buck extra they were well worth it yet again. Since multiple people ordered them, the two massive potato-domes came family-style, each impregnated with ample onion and slathered with three slices of American cheese. The perfectly cooked taters were simply divine and helped take the meal over the top.
At some point during our dinner the waitress got word that we were celebrating a birthday. Perhaps it was the rendition of Happy Birthday that spontaneously erupted mid-meal (or maybe it was Grahm’s mom whispering it in her ear)? Regardless of what it was, just as we were finishing our fish a small birthday cake appeared for old Grahmer. A second round of the traditional tune was sung and we all got to try a small piece of the fresh-from-the-freezer cake. It was a nice surprise, and was totally comp’d by our hosts - that is the kind of excellent service you can expect from a family-run place like Toby’s.
Toby’s is a classic supper club that has evolved to become one of Madison’s most reputable Fish Fry institutions. Overall, we highly recommend the bluegill as well as each and every fish they serve. From cod to catfish, perch to pike, they do them all well, and support them with fantastic sides - a true hallmark of the best Fish Frys. Sure, Toby’s can be a tough sell for the faint of heart since you are pretty much guaranteed to have a long wait, but you are also guaranteed to have one hell of a good time, and when all is said and done, that is really what Fish Fry is all about. I’m pretty sure the birthday boy would agree that a Fish Fry at Toby’s with friends and family is the best present you could ever hope to get.
Same time next year, bud? We’re already looking forward to it.
www.tobyssupperclub.com/Tobys_Supper_Club/Home.html
3717 S Dutch Mill Road
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 222-6913
