Fish Type: Bluegill Price: $17.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Good Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Fair Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Comment: Theres something special about eating a Fish Fry by a lake. Its hard to pinpoint what that is exactly, but theres definitely a mystique to it. Throw in the fact the Lakeside Bar & Grill on Lake Wisconsin has a huge sand pile to keep the kids occupied and its a sure fire way to start the 4th of July weekend off with a BANG!
In addition to its lake-side location, the Lakeside Bar & Grill has a whole bunch of great fish options come Friday. From the $17 bluegill to the $16 lake perch, and $11 AYCE cod to haddock (which was not available this Friday), they really run the gamut. A full-blown salad bar also comes with all the fish, and while not huge, has all the staples along with a few perks.
MFF likes to keep his salad pretty simple some mixed greens with a little spinach mixed in, and the traditional Wisconsin toppings of bacon bits, croutons, cheese, and maybe a cuke or two if Im feeling frisky. All that gets piled next to scoops of creamy coleslaw, potato salad, and cheese spread, and flanked by cellophane-wrapped breadsticks. Lastly a cup of the Lakesides seafood chowder comes along to ensure all is in order. The chowder (while not clam) really tastes of the sea and Im pretty sure I caught a glimpse of some lobster and/or crab in there. Ooh la la Lakeside. Ooh la la.
Were early diners in this day and age, and as such our fish always fries fast tonights bluegill was no exception. Several hulking fillets loomed large on the plate and easily accounted for the 8-10 oz. that was quoted on the menu. These fillets were easily the largest Ive ever seen and while they had all the hallmarks of the gill (skin, musk, texture), I couldnt help but wonder if some other pan fish were sitting in as a surrogate. Of course, I cant be sure of that, and while these were huge, they were nonetheless delicious and Id gladly get them again.
My last hash brown experience at waters edge was less than impressive and while this rendition rebounded somewhat, it was still not up to the high expectations Ive placed on the Lakeside. The spuds were ultra-crispy on the fringes and loaded up with lightly sautéed onion and gooey cheddar, but it didnt really come together. The meld was missing and while I like potatoes, cheddar, and onions on their own, I like them a lot more when they act in unison.
The tartar was cohesive however, and really put its mark on the meal. It was thick and creamy, with a unique pop that took the perfectly seasoned fish into the stratosphere. Its some of the best on the block, and rivals the best anywhere.
Looking back there must have been a roll on the salad bar, but for the life of me I dont remember seeing it. Regardless, it wasnt really necessary as there was more than enough of everything else to go around, but one should have been on my plate at some point.
Come by land, or come by sea, but whatever you do make sure you come to the Lakeside. The fish is out of this world and atmosphere cant be beat. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think this is one of the few places that has it all. Sun, sand, and great fish; thats what I call a good Friday.
lakesidebarwi.com
W10960 Corning St
Poynette, WI 53955
608-635-2959
