Review
Since Gabe is shy and would never go by himself I told him I would meet him there, and with any luck, maybe our friend Jer would make it a threesome. I arrived shortly after 1pm and found Gabe waiting comfortably at the bar. After snagging a beer quick, we moved to an open table right next to an older lady and gentleman who were enjoying a little Fish Fry of their own. Jer trickled in about five minutes later and as soon as he did the waitress came over and took our orders. We all went for the Icelandic Cod Fish Fry for $7, with Jer adding “the last cup” of clam chowder for a couple extra bucks.
As we sat back and waited for our fish we chatted about the intricacies of life and took notice of the décor. While the Shamrock certainly isn’t overly in your face with the homo-erotic imagery there are certainly a few (not so) subtle additions that let you know where you are at. As Jer sipped his chowder, which appeared to be fresh from the Campbell’s can, we did our best to look past the festive phallic imagery. A few minutes later our fish was served nice and hot.
As I suspected the cod was not freshly battered (the Fish Fry is not a Friday special). It came straight from a big bag in pre-battered, frozen fillet form. The strange thing is that even though it wasn’t “homemade” it still actually tasted pretty good. The batter almost looked like the same stuff that comes on a Chicken McNugget and tasted about as good. True, the cod wasn’t flaky and the batter was very thick but the overall taste sensation was good. In fact, I don’t think you can probably get better tasting pre-battered fillet, which is saying something.
Moments after we put in our orders the waitress let us know that they were out of “their” French fries, but she could just borrow some crinkle cuts from the Paradise next door. These crinkle cut fries were not really great, but it didn’t really sound like the “standard” fries they served otherwise were much better. Gabe was being brave this day and branched out, trying the pub chips for $1.00 extra. While they were slightly better they were not a huge improvement even with the side of Sriracha Ranch.
For some reason I had a feeling that the tartar was going to be spot on, and it was. It was heavy on the mayo, and a little sweet; it complimented the fish well. Gabe normally isn’t a huge tartar guy, but I could tell he really enjoyed this thick and creamy sauce as he ate much more of it than he normally does. He was in the zone. While The Shamrock may not be a “traditional” bar they do try to keep their Fish Fry genuine by serving up a slice of marble rye on the side. The slaw was also fairly classic with a semi-sweet flavor, and creamy sauce.
Over the years I have come to expect the best in Fish Fry to be served by old school supper clubs and dive taverns. The Shamrock does not exactly fall in to either of these categories and likewise its Fish Fry is not exactly legendary. For $7 it is a good value and I do give them a lot of credit. The service was fantastic and I expected the place to be a lot “dirtier” than it is. Overall, this Fish Fry is still not quite recommendable, but it is very close. While I may not be willing to fully endorse The Shamrock, Gabe had no problem giving the place his seal of approval. He really enjoyed what they had to offer and I can’t say I totally blame him. When you get a taste for something you just go with it regardless of whether it is “traditional” or not. Gabe seems much happier now that he has tried The Shamrock’s Fish Fry and that fact is out in the open.
A reputable source recently informed us that the Shamrock had pulled a total one eighty with their Fish Fry; jumping ship on the frozen pre-battered junk, and reportedly landing in the more pleasant waters of hand battering. As droves of protestors flocked to the Capital to rally against the Budget Repair Bill, we braved the chaos in pursuit if a plate of fish. We waited for the noon hour to pass (figuring it would improve our odds), and skipped down West Main to see how credible our source really was. I arrived at 1pm, and found my companion, Jer, cozied up with a Spotted Cow, and waiting for me among one of the largest lunch crowds in Shamrock history.
Since I don't frequent the 'Rock I'm not sure if it was actually a record setting Friday crowd or not, but based on my knowledge of the place, I have to assume it was up there. They were swamped with alternative and non-alternative folks alike, but luckily for me, Jer arrived before the masses and treated us to one of the finest tables in the house. It took at least 15 minutes for me to get my hands on a beer, and another 45 before we had food, but spirits were so high in the bar it didn't really even matter. There was a strange kind of camaraderie this Friday, and no, not that kind camaraderie either. Although, Jer was getting a few not-so-subtle glances from an interested onlooker at the bar...
Even though it took almost an hour for our food to arrive, it was freshly fried, and nice and hot when it did. At first glance it was clear that "deepthroat" had not led us astray. The cod was hand battered, as advertised, and downright delicious despite the fact that the batter was kind of dark (a sure sign that the oil in the fryer doesn't get changed very often). Regardless, the batter was still very light, and had a good flavor which complimented the flaky fish quite well.
On our previous visit they had inexplicably run out of fries, but it appears that they are doing a better job of featuring their Fish Fry at this point and are making a concerted effort to keep their own potato products in stock. The "usual" fries we received this go-round were of the thick cut Julienne variety, and while some were undercooked, they were very good overall. The extra thick tartar was also right on the money, and while it could well have been the Sysco-standard, it did what it needed to do. The small cupful was nice and creamy with just the right hint of relish, and actually sufficed for the three pieces of fish.
Now, I know on our last visit some sort of bread came with the fish, but for whatever reason it was nowhere to be seen today. Perhaps they just forgot due to the rush, or maybe they phased it out to cut costs while raising the quality of the fish? Regardless, it wasn't there and we were not the least bit pleased with that. Somewhat making up for the absent starch was a generous amount of homemade coleslaw, but while the cabbagy-y concoction eased the pain, it couldn't dull it entirely.
Considering how busy the Shamrock was the two members of the wait staff did a marvelous job; they were running around, taking orders, slinging drinks, and doing it all without the slightest hint of resentment. It was sort of remarkable, because with the influx of out-of-towners they easily could have been overwhelmed and thrown their hands up, but they didn't. They stuck it out and served every one of those customers as best they could.
It is a beautiful thing when bears, twinks, queens and Fish Fry geeks can all frolic side by side in peace and harmony. While you might think a place like the Shamrock wouldn't have a clue when it comes to satisfying the Fish Fry contingent of that group, you'd be wrong. They have stepped their game up, and are now pimping fresh fish, funky fries and a tangy tartar which are all very good. They are so good in fact, that even without some sort of bread this is still a recommendable Fish Fry. The Shamrock has always billed itself as a place for all people, and now I can safely say that includes those whose love their fish, fried.