Review
Fitz's has been a favorite of ours since we first stepped foot in the door back in 2010. Over the course of several visits we have yet to be disappointed and have really come to appreciate their consistency. Of course, they have a full-blown All You Can Eat Fish Fry at dinner time, and while it's also available at lunch for $12.00, the $9.75 2-piece seemed more reasonable today.
It was a beautiful day and since we were early we grabbed an open picnic table on the patio by the water. A duo of waitresses were manning the area and one of them buzzed right over shortly after we sat down. Everything was quick as lightning; first a beer, then a salad plate piled high with homemade coleslaw, and then the fish, all within 7-8 minutes.
The slaw was rich and creamy, and clearly not from a big jar. It had a deviled egg-like flavor, and a yellowish hue so you now there was a healthy dose of mustard involved. It was hard to not plow it down since it was so good, but we restrained ourselves in order to save some to enjoy along with the fish.
The fish was straight-forward, but straight-up delicious. The 2-pieces of haddock were home to Fitz's airy beer battered that clung to the fish when necessary but peeled away effortlessly as if to say: "I like you, but don't need you to be great." The fish itself was pristine and flaky and while it seeped a tiny bit of grease it was nowhere near enough to saturate the bewitching batter.
Like the fish, the battered fries were also done right. They were thick, julienne cuts with delightfully crispy exteriors and pillow-y innards. They were a spud crunchers delight, and an ideal accompaniment to the juicy haddock.
While the fish was stupendous solo it was enhanced evermore by Fitz's tremendous tartar. The thick and creamy blend was a prototypical mix that every other tartar should strive to be like. It put the perfect finishing touch on the haddock, and masked any little bits of grease.
Historically, Fitz's provides a dinner roll with the AYCE, but none came with the 2-piece. Also, there was a salad bar upgrade available for $2, but we didn't opt for it today.
Fitz's is great year-round, but really takes on a whole new level of grandeur during the summer months. There is just something special about dining at the water's edge and as far as ambiance goes you simply can't beat it. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will likely be back a few more times before the leaves begin to fall. It's A+ all the way.
Fitz's Fish Fry is also All You Can Eat, which is almost impossible to find in the city in 2015. The fish of choice is haddock and at $12 it's incredibly cheap. Fitz's can get very busy on Friday nights, but if you know when to show up you can beat the rush...early bird special, anyone!?
On Friday the fish is always frying so it comes as quick as lightning. The haddock loins are pure and flaky making a splendid canvass for the light and bubbly beer batter. This is the kind of fish most people think of when they think of Fish Fry - smooth and tasty, consistent from piece to piece and round to round. Perhaps the best part of the whole deal is that is just keeps on coming and coming until you get sick of it (if such a thing is even possible).
Baked, fries, or Au Gratin are the potato choices and the battered French fries are always a good bet. They are extremely crunchy and as satisfying as can be, although unlike the fish aren't AYCE. On previous visits hash browns were also available so I'm sure had we asked we could have had them as well.
Fitz's tartar is not one to be trifled with as its thickness and zip are enough to make even the heartiest of haddock heal. The crusty roll served is a slight step up from a basic dinner roll while their slaw also outpaces the pack. Of course, Fitz's also has a true blue salad bar for those looking for the authentic supper club experience.
There's something about sitting lakeside and eating a Fish Fry that just feels right. It's an idyllic experience that everyone really needs to have for themselves to get the full effect. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and really wish more places in Madison could offer the total package like Fitz's does.
It was a day not unlike any other. Birds flew the skies, and snakes slithered 'cross ground. Twas a perfect eve for two young gentlemen of town to make their way out, for it had been aside a week since last the two partook in one another's company. They agreed in full that a fishly adventure was in order, be it nigh or remote. Upon meeting shortly after the eighteenth hour, they departed their domicile with extreme haste, bound for placid waters at lake's edge. Fitz's was their destination, and thy delicious fried fish their muse.
The pair arrives in Okee...
LFF: Hark! Fair Gabriel, what say thee regarding the scores of vehicles present?
SG: It appearith as though fine fish be fried 'hind these doors. Fitz's, thy location is bested only by thy divine aroma which finds our nostrils with great abundance.
LFF: Let us make haste! Time must not be wasted as I foresee a multitude of patrons stretching at great lengths to acquire the fried delights held within. To the hostess stand be gone!
SG: Good sir, I must avail myself of the lavatory, please make the necessary arrangements during my leave.
LFF: You dubious bunger... I shall comply, for what choice have I?
Upon receiving a table preparedness indication device, Lord Fish Fry approached the tipple counter. It teemed with flocks of Fish Fry followers. Lord Fish Fry did that which was necessary to make his presence known. In due course the resident mixologist approached, with due vigilance.
DG: What be your desire? She queried, with a quizzical eye.
LFF: Two of your most frigid Cows would find me most well this eve.
DG: Would they? Inquired the suds slopper. You had best to be showing me some documentation that ye be of the responsibility age for partaking in fine preparations such as these.
LFF: Ah, tis no problem m' lady, we oft deal with such unreasonable inquiries. Please verify these credentials to your liking, and politely provide my ale without further ado.
After an unnecessary amount of deliberation the identification was returned and twin libations provided. Lord Fish Fry and Sir Gabriel imbibed, and nattered over the intricacies of life, love, art and high culture. Their table had been promised within one revolution of the dial. After one-third revolution, it was time for round two, and Lord Fish Fry revisited the tipple. This time he was greeted not by the craggy barkeep, but rather her assistant.
LB: Another Cow be ye fancy?
LFF: Please, damsel of the brew, make it twain Cow, and I will forever be grateful.
This go round, the ales were provided posthaste as was the next serving another one-third of the way 'round the dial. As the clock finally passed one full revolution the pair began to grow wary. Their fears were soon put to rest as their indication device was aglow with flashing lights moments after. They departed the horseshoe they had come to call home, destination - the refectory.
Randomo: Hello my young friends. I hope this day finds you well, please be seated, they servant shall arrive promptly.
LFF: ...as shall some new friends, the proximity of our neighboring table ensures it will be so!
SG: How droll...
As the two sat, they continued their spirited dialogue, and together gained a better understating of the world around them. They noted the intricacies and the beautiful subtleties of life and Fish Fry. They also took note of the collection of characters parading about the room. Among them, an unwieldy looking soul, who it turns out, was the server for which they waited.
Marlmot: Ahoy lads! I see ye found the bar, how does another round be finding ye?
LFF: It finds us well, as does your courtesy. Please also to be adding a duo of Fish Frys to that order before you depart. We are most famished and have been cruelly tortured whilst standing in the bar, forced to witness golden morsels pass us by betwixt kitchen and dining hall. Please, no longer make us suffer thy wrath. Make thy order swift.
She sped away only to return in a most timely fashion with Holsteins in hand. Also delivered was appetizing coleslaw that was highlighted with a horseradish flair atop its creamy foundation, and dinner rolls which were adequate, but little more. Sir Gabriel and Lord Fish Fry supped these items, but tried to resist the temptation to fully indulge, All You Can Eat Fish their raison d'รชtre, arrived shortly after. Only upon gazing upon thine fish did the pair finally realize Fitz's majesty.
LFF: Friend, this haddock has a light and flaky batter the likes of which is nary rivaled!
SG: Only by the actual fish may it be vested! These loins are tender, flaky, and light as we have seen.
LFF: The combination is truly transcendent, and look, grease is but an afterthought.
SG: And what say you? Can this possibly be the AYCE thou hast claimed? For a mere 1100 pence no less?
LFF: 'Tis dear friend, 'tis. Whatsmore, these beer inspired French fried potatoes are also unending. They are a tantalizing tuber, as hot as the fish, and no less delicious. We will be asking for more whence we reengage our server. We shall also inquire as to the availability of additional tartar.
SG: Indeed. I have very much enjoyed this tartar as it seems to be perfectly proportioned.
LFF: I agree, good sir. It is supremely thick, but is blended splendidly. Me thinks the relish has stolen the show.
SG: Indeed.
LFF: Indeed...
As the two gentlemen from town made their way through their divine dishes the servant Marlmot lumbered throughout the room. She appeared before them with promises of more haddock fish, and French fried potatoes. Moments later, an additional three pieces of fish, a rejuvenated basket of fries, and more of the splendid sauce surfaced before the two.
LFF: By order of the Queen! I proclaim this fish simply too hot to be eaten. Yet another cruel joke you play, Fitz's! Fish so delicious, but so hot one can not eat it. So clever...
SG: Why not tell them to hold it back for a while then, to sit and cool, you would love that!
LFF: Touchรฉ, old bean. You speak the truth. I shant complain about the prompt service we hath received, and the well kempt room in which we have dined. With such high turnover, our hosts have done a splendid job keeping up shop.
SG: I must agree with you there. Top notch fare and a lively, accommodating atmosphere have made this a night for the ages.
The two finished their bounty after making it to the end of round II. What a fantastic meal they had enjoyed. The All You Can Eat haddock, French fries, and tartar sauce had all been wonderful as was the homemade coleslaw. A plain roll was mundane, but a little room temperature butter perked it right up. Orderly services combined with little benefits are what separate places like Fitz's from the horde. Some places are simply good enough to be recommendable, others are something special... As they arrived at the hostess station once more, this time to pay their charge, the two were met by a burly character.
Grompier: How did the evening find you gentlemen?
LFF: Full...
SG: Thine food merits any wait afforded it!
LFF: Well chappie, I guess, when it's time to pay the butcher, the victuals outweighed the impediments.
SG: Without a doubt. A mere one hour wait is forgettable when confronted with Fish Fry of this magnitude.
LFF: Ah yes. We experienced a similar fate at Anchor's Away, just across the way. That was nigh on to 2 years ago now.
SG: Long waits?
LFF: Long waits... great Fish Fry.
SG: It is difficult to separate the two?
LFF: Downright impossible... but is it ever worth it.
SG: Agreed good sir.
Grompier: Agreed.
I didn't stop by until 6:30 or so, but luckily for me the $12 "Lunch" was still available. Since I had some time to kill I had a couple bottles of Spotted Cow first, and wound up putting my order in around 7:15 or so. The food arrived before the bottom of the hour, and I instantly went into fish-mode. The whole plate was steaming hot, but my focus fell squarely on the six small bluegill fillets.
Fitz's is known for their beer batter and it works exceptionally well on the pristine haddock they serve on Fridays. The same batter is also used on the bluegill, and while it's not bad, it's not ideal. The flavorful coating has a beautiful golden color and it very light, but masks the fine taste of the bluegill a bit too much. Some of the subtle flavors did sneak through, but by and large the batter ruled the roost and the delicious fishes were subjugated.
Likewise, the battered French fries also ruled, although in a slightly different way. Truth be told, I would rather have had Fitz's signature hash browns with cheese and onion which are not available with the Shore Lunch apparently. The fries were plentiful, and perfectly fried, sporting a crispy batter coated shell and smooth starchy insides.
A Solo full of Fitz's tartar sat on the side, but came to the fish's aid as needed. The thick, creamy mixture was right on the money with a tangy zip that added a pop the bluegill.
When you call it a Shore Lunch I guess that means you can do whatever you want with it and Fitz's changes things up a bit from their Friday Fish Fry. There is no bread served with the special, and baked beans are substituted for coleslaw. Not having bread is certainly a letdown, but swapping baked beans for coleslaw is basically a push, if not a slight upgrade. The beans tasted like Bush's but are apparently made in-house (which is a huge compliment in our book - Bush's makes some tasty-ass beans). I ate every single bite of them but really would have liked some bread to scoop them onto and sop them up with.
While the Monday Shore Lunch special at Fitz's is no Friday Fish Fry, it is very good, and a welcome chance to try some of their fish without having to fight the crowds. The bluegill was tasty, as were the fries, and the tartar sauce. The homemade beans filled in for the coleslaw admirably, and while I'd like a piece of bread with any kind of fried fish, it's not a deal-breaker in this instance. Overall, I still recommend this "Fish Fry" even if it doesn't quite fit into the classical definition of one. Fish Fry? Shore Lunch? When you're at Fitz's it doesn't really matter.
Cod and haddock are two peas in a pod. Both fish boast pristine flaky meat, and when fried correctly are essentially grease free. However, many (if not most) places feel that haddock is a step up from its commonplace cousin and some have moved away from the routine cod and into haddock-heavy waters.
Fitz's on the Lake in the tiny village of Okee (on the south shore of Lake Wisconsin) is one such example, and a shining one at that. The lakeside establishment features an $8.75 two-piece option for lunch as well as their $11 All You Can Eat for lunch or dinner. There are no other fish options on Friday, but with haddock this good, you don't really need any.
The best fish comes scalding hot, and that is exactly what Fitz's delivers. The first round will host a couple three pieces of golden fried goodies, but make sure to re-up right away because those will be gone in a heartbeat and you don't want to have a big wait in between helpings. The haddock will be smooth as silk and stark white. It features Fitz's light batter which looks like it would fall right off the fish but in actuality clings to it quite vigorously. The AYCE fish pairs nicely with Fitz's near-perfect tartar sauce which is thick and creamy, with a real bite that stands up to the flavorful batter.
As with many Fish Frys, hash browns are an option, but if you want to enhance them with cheese and onion there will be a slight upcharge. At Fitz's that nominal sum is worth every penny. The resulting spuds are laced with tons of onion, a nice slice of cheese and when mixed become little slices of heaven.
A bit of coleslaw and a plain old dinner roll round out this Fish Fry, and do so without much acclaim. The slaw will be loaded with onion, and have a nice bite, but be nothing to write home about, while the plain old roll serves more to cleanse the palate than anything else.
Fitz's is really everything a Fish Fry is meant to be - lots of delicious fish for a fair price. That is just the way things are done in Okee; in fact Fitz's neighbor is the equally great Anchor Away supper club. Anchors Away also offers a fantastic Friday fish feast comprised of the same AYCE haddock, but with even more fish options AND a full salad bar. Regardless of which place you choose you really can't go wrong in Okee - just be prepared to enjoy a couple beverages lakeside while you wait for your table because they are both gonna be busy.
Inside Tip: Float on in...
Fitz's has a dock located on Lake Wisconsin for boat-going patrons. Pull in, tie up, and head inside for dinner. Fitz's even has an outdoor patio where you can dine dock-side and watch the calming waters of the lake as they lap against your skiff. Belly up!
*Fitz's is in Okee which is roughly 50 minutes north of downtown. If you MUST stay closer to Madison and still want Haddock try Fitzgerald's in Middleton.
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