Fish Type: Bluegill Price: $20.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: Bluegill at the Big 10 Pub on the final Friday of Lent 2025. Not bad. Not bad at all.
The Big 10 didn’t advance to the final round of the Potosi Fish Fry contest, but it’s not because they didn’t deserve it. They were, and still are, one of the best Fish Frys in Madison. They offer all the usual suspects on Fridays: cod, walleye, perch, and bluegill, and I have a hard time not going for the sunfish when I see it on the menu.
As you can see, this bluegill is the real deal. The fillets are snappy, a little fishy, and totally satisfying. They pair just perfectly with the thick and rich tartar. The half-dollar-sized potato pancakes are a departure from the traditional cakes the Big 10 used to offer, but still tasted good. They were complimented by the homemade apple sauce but just didn’t strike the same chord as the traditional latkes of yesteryear.
The slice of rye was still as good as ever and the slaw, while different from l what I remember, was delicious. All in all, great sides.
Times change, Fish Frys evolve, and the Big 10 seemingly isn’t immune it. I’ve always loved the Big 10’s fish, and this version, while unique, was still a joy to eat. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and think the Big 10 is still one of, if not the best on campus.big10pub.com/
1330 Regent Street
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 251-6375
