Review
One of the best part about P&D's being (all the way) out in Dane is that most city folk aren't willing to go that far for lunch. Luckily for us, it's just a about a 15 minute jaunt up County V so we avoid most of the riff raff. Plus, since it's so cheap, any money wasted on gas is more than made up for by the superb cod and cheap beer. The quality of any fried cod mostly falls on the batter (or breading in this case) and the this crispy coating takes the cake. There is plenty of seasoning in this stuff, and while it might get a little slick around the edges it stays far from saturated. The flavor is just dead on and while they could skimp with crappy cod, as near as I can tell they get nice fat loins. Sure, the lunch serving is only two pieces, but when you can pack on more for a buck a pop anything goes...it also works great if you have hungry kiddos along who might (or might not) be willing to eat a full piece any given Friday.
The doctor serves up some Villa Tap style fries, which are about as basic as you will find in this day and age. Still, they are marginally better than crinkles, but believe me when I tell you to skip them. The star of the show here are the hash browns with cheese and onion and by god these stars do shine. They are basically perfect in every way, from the crispy (not burned) edges, to the supple interiors, to the meltalicious cheese and slightly sauteed onion. If I had one word of advice regarding these superb spuds it wouldn't be for house, no no, it would be for everyone else: DO THEM LIKE THIS! YOU WILL WIN!
This crew also knows a thing or two about tartar and trot out a bold and creamy blend that serves as the perfect Ginger to the fish's Fred. It waltzes effortlessly with the cod, dipping and twirling its across the palate in a harmonious ballet that leaves you breathless and wanting more. It is so bold, and so glorious and then there is no bread...and I die a little inside.
The last man standing is a surprisingly diverse creamy slaw that strikes a pleasant balance most places can only hope to aspire to.
Part of what make this such a great Fish Fry (beyond the infinitely tasty fish) is the scant $7 price tag. I mean, a value meal at Micky D's costs that much and here in Dane you aren't getting some crap from a box that has sat under a heat lamp for god knows how long. You're getting a hand-prepped meal made just for you, in a real world tavern, from real world folks. What could be better than that? No seriously, that's not a rhetorical question, I really want to know 'cause for the life of me I can't think of anything. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and everything it stands for. If you want some great fish, get out to Dane.
You see, Peg & Doc's is all the way out in Dane (yes there is actually a town called Dane in Dane County), so the distance might look daunting to some. Dane is only about 15 minutes from my house on the North Side, but if you live downtown it might seem like too far to drive for for a small town tavern Fish Fry. Believe me when I say it's not. The list of the Friday lunch specials at P&D's is brief, they basically only have fried cod or a southwest baked version, but both versions come in at a scant $7, which is almost unheard of for any made-to-order meal in 2019...more or less a full fledged Fish Fry!
The two pieces of fried cod aren't the largest you will find, but at $7 they don't have to be. The duo is draped in a very light with a delightfully crunchy breading. It's not really thick, but sports a KFC-like extra crispy texture. What's more, it actually has a good amount of seasoning which paints an elaborate flavor mural on the cod canvas. This is just good stuff, and if I'd had my wits about me I'd have tacked on a third piece for another couple beans.
While the cod is exemplary, the hash browns with cheese and onion are quite literally some of the best that have ever graced these lips. They are exceptionally crisp on the edges, slick and smooth on the inside, and dusted with some sort of nondescript seasoning. They are expertly done and when pinged as to how such greatness as achieved the answer given by the cook was simply: "patience." Good enough for me.
Big squeeze bottles of thick tartar are there for the taking which means portioning is a non-issue. I gleefully slathered the sauce on each and every bite of the well-seasoned fish which likely resulted in me eating just as much tartar as actual meat. I'm a fiend when it comes to sauces like this and I have no problem admitting it.
Rounding things out was a 4 oz cup of creamy coleslaw that actually had a little life to it. Sure, it may have just been Sysco, but my taste buds tell me otherwise. There was no roll, and for $7 I didn't expect there to be. They're on the salad bar at dinner time so if you've gotta have the starch you might want to wait and swing in after 4pm.
Proclamations are meant to be bold and when I claimed this was the "best deal in Fish Fry" I meant it. When a GOOD Fish Fry costs less than a Value Meal at Micky D's you know it's a true deal. Of course, they also have cheap 10 oz beers, and with a couple mugs and a tip I was out the door for $14...now that's what I call real value. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish fry and I all I can say is small town bars are where it's at!
The Friday lunch special and P&D's includes a $7.00 2-piece cod as well as a Cajun (baked) option. Unlike most taverns Peg & Doc's has a legitimate dining room and even more surprisingly, a salad bar. The fish fries quickly in Dane and is far better than you'd expect.
The cod is undoubtedly supplied by Sysco and predictably of average quality. It presumably comes as a big fillet that's been frozen for an unknown amount of time, which is then thawed, cut, breaded, and fried. While that might not seem like anything special (and it's not) the breading applied turns the run-of-the-mill fish into much, much more. It's crispy, well-seasoned, and simply delicious.
There are a couple potato options and like a fool I chose the crinkle cut fries instead of the hash browns. The fries are fine, but that's about it. The tartar comes in a big squeeze bottle, and thus is essentially AYCE. The thick and zesty brew makes the fish (and the fries) disappear even more quickly than it would have otherwise.
When coleslaw is the topic of the conversation slightly better than average is acceptable. The creamy concoction had some pop but took a backseat (like way back) to the cod.
Value is an important aspect when you're talking about lunch and this is one hell of a deal for seven skins. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry, and will come back any time we are after small town prices with big time taste.
P&D's is a little hole in the wall up in Dane but what it lacks in size it makes up for in value. During the lunchhour the tiny tavern has a 2-piece fried cod for seven bucks, and unlike a lot of places that reserve it for dinner, also offer a baked version.
I hit the lunch rush this Friday, but of course in Dane you tend to take the term "rush" with a grain of salt. There were about 10 patrons including myself in the bar, which you might think would put them behind the eight ball, but my food still came out in flash. It was hot as can be and looked scrumptious. The cod was flaky, but didn't appear to be top quality once I ripped into it. Still, it was coupled with a light, crunchy breading that masked any imperfections with a salty satisfaction. Sometimes a good breading can make all the difference in the world and this one definitely does.
The big squeeze bottle of thick tartar that lived on the bar has the consistency you desire and the zip you crave. It really worked well with the savory breading making the so-so meat but a distant memory. The hash browns with cheese and onion also put any concerns with quality in the rearview with a gooey deliciousness, and nice balance. Fries or baked potato were also available for those wanting to change things up a bit, but these hash browns are not to be missed. There's just something about a flat-top grill and shredded spuds.
Finishing of the Fry was some finely-chopped slaw with an excellent zest. I say finishing off because there was no bread to tackle that task. Tsk-tsk.
This is flat-out a hard Fish Fry to argue with. It's far from fancy, but the food is downright tasty, and for $7 there really isn't anything to complain about (even an absent starch). Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will come back any time we don't want feel like dicking (or Doc-ing) around.
The cod is always stellar, and while I've heard the Southwestern baked version is even better, I'll probably never be able to pull myself away for the idyllically seasoned, crispy batter of the deep fried delight...it's just too damn good. It pairs perfectly with their tremendously thick and truly tongue-tickling tartar. It's a combo you need to taste to fully appreciate for sure.
The hash browns with American and onion are also some of the best around and if American isn't your thing you just don't have to get it. I for one think it just tastes better on these consistently cooked-to-perfection browns. The slaw is also alluring and while it could be Sysco, I suspect it's not, and I don't really even care to ask since I'm going to enjoy it either way.
P&Ds just kicks out a great Fish Fry and while I've heard that people quibble over this or that, everyone seems to agree that the cod is always excellent - and the fish is really what a Fish Fry is all about after all. Overall, we continue to highly recommend this Fish Fry and think even the most frugal folks will find value out in Dane. And hey, if you've got that Madcity Cocktails book the hits just keep on coming!Great fish - $7. Yeah, seven dollars for a delicious, full-fledged 2-piece Fish Fry. And guess what, you can add additional pieces for a couple bucks a pop if two's not enough...and you know what? It's not. This stuff is great. Get more! The fish is just phenomenal. It starts with buttery, flaky cod that gets paired with a crispy, fried-chickenesque breading. This crunchy coating has just the right amount of seasoning to offset the pristine fish.
Great hash browns - Yeah, P&D's had French fries, but you'd be remiss to skip these shreds. Get them with cheese and onion and your taste buds will be whisked away on a euphoric journey to a slippery, supple state of grace. The slight sheen of grease will let you know where you've been upon your return. It's a flavor meld of the highest order and pairs oh so elegantly with the sumptuous cod.
Great tartar - Tons of the thick and creamy goo comes with the fish and is as ideal as they come. It's pungent, it has the perfect mayo:relish ratio, and it comes in an infinite amount (for all intents and purposes).
Yeah, no bread is a letdown, but if you're one to pay up for the salad bar you can find some there. Thankfully, the slaw is great - thick and creamy, and not Sysco as near as I can tell.
If you want frills, and you want to be pampered, Peg & Doc's probably isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you just want a good, old fashioned, fairly-priced Fish Fry, take the trip to Dane. You won't be disappointed. They welcome all comers - dads, toddlers, and everyone in between. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will keep coming back whether you do or not.
I tried to hit up the relatively new Branch & Daughter for fish only to learn they only do fish during Lent (live and learn). I cut my losses by picking up a couple ribeyes for the weekend, and called the Keg to see what was what. Despite being part of the @potosibrewingco Fish Fry contest I was told they "don't have a Fish Fry," so I cut bait yet again and headed for Dane (the village, not the county).
The MadCity Cocktails book led me to the Ranch where i quickly realized it was much more "bar" than "bar & grill." After a little Deal or no Deal, a Spotted Cow, and a shot of Tully I jumped ship yet again and headed for the old standby - P&D's.
Peg was slammed this Friday and the lone bartender appreciated me holding off on a bloody and ordering a beer instead. She also didn't blink an eye when I petitioned for a 3-piece in lieu of the standard 2-piece - a real pro. My fish came in due time and looked simply amazing.
The cod is a high quality cut, flaky as can be, and home a light breading with ideal seasoning. The hash browns with cheese and onion are griddled to perfection, and the tartar-for-the-taking is pretty much perfect. A side of delicious "we mix it" slaw finished things off and while it might not be truly homemade it is truly excellent. Hell yes.
When Friday lunch rolls around, you better be ready to roll with the punches since oftentimes Friday lunch is a far cry from Friday dinner. Luckily, there are stalwarts like Peg & Doc's that cater to fools like me. Overall, we can't recommend this Fish Fry highly enough. Please never change - and that includes the two dudes smelling barnyard-fresh right next to me. Viva a vida!Jer had the day off and since I am easily persuaded I decided to take him to one of my lesser-known Fish Fry enclaves. By 12:40 the hustle and bustle of the city was in our rearview and the quaint village of Dane the windshield. We parked on the diagonal in front of Peg & Doc's, and were inside the small town bar in the blink of an eye.
At lunch time the Dane dive features a 2-piece cod Fish Fry for $6.50, as well as a couple other options that we have yet to (and likely never will) try. We ordered a round of the fish, some Rhinelander Shorties and a couple shots of homemade Apple Pie Liquor. The pie quickly warmed our bellies and the steaming hot fish arrived about 15 minutes later.
As I have come to expect the cod was great. The fish was moist and flaky and paired with a light and delicious breading. While a small amount of grease developed it really only served to keep the fish moist and didn't ruin the breading one bit. The fish had the essence of our beloved Wilson's but since it was moister the flavors were enhanced. Simply superb stuff.
Equally stunning were the hash browns with cheese and onion. The homemade shreds were perfectly fried and sported the mandatory slice of good ol' American on top. Likewise, the tartar was to spec featuring a thick creamy base and the relish zest we know and love.
We didn't expect any bread with the fish so we weren't surprised when none showed up. Turns out, had we been bold enough to ask they would have given us a dinner roll, which was apparently phased out due to unpopularity. On the other hand, the coleslaw was in effect, and clearly a favorite with the crowd in Dane. It was nice and creamy, basically just what it is supposed to be.
Eventually we would make our way back to Madison, but not before a couple more shorties in Dane, a pint at Mojo's, and a couple LandjΓ€gers from the butcher shop in Waunakee. To think, it all started with a tasty little lunch at Peg & Doc's. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry, and thank our lack of will power for another fantastic Friday.
The 2-piece lunch special goes for a mere $9.00 and since I know the cod is so good I added an extra piece for a couple bucks more. The fish fried in a flash and looked incredible when it met the bar top. I grabbed a huge squeeze of tartar and wasted no time getting down to business.
As expected, this cod was on point - light and flaky with a devilishly crispy, well-seasoned, fried chicken-like breading. I crushed all three pieces without batting an eyelash and could have eaten three more. No lie. The aforementioned tartar is thick and bold and pairs perfectly with the fish. Some of the best tartar around for sure.
Not many places offer hash browns with their fish and if they do it rarely happens at lunch. P&Ds knows better and their superb shreds are seemingly the side of choice (I saw a bunch around the bar). Their cook is a master of the flattop and kicks out perfectly slick yet crispy spuds each and every time. A side of creamy coleslaw rounds out the plate and is inviting without being overbearing. The is no bread served with the lunch plate.
An hour round trip for a 30 minute meal might seem crazy to some, but for me it makes perfect sense when the Fish Fry is this delicious and the deal this smokin'. Of course, that deal is even sweeter when you add a BOGO from the MadCity Cocktails book! Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think there's simply no better way you can spend nine beans. This doctor is definitely in.The lunch special at P&D's is as good of a deal as you will ever find. For a mere seven beans you get a full-fledged Fish Fry, with all the trimmings (except for bread). It's your choice whether you want it fried or baked (regular or southwest style), and while I've been tempted to point my compass south a few times I've always stuck to the fried version - I mean this is Madison Fish FRY after all... Madison Fish Bake would just sound weird. And of course, I always make mine a 3-piece for a buck or so up-charge. It's so worth it.
This cod is simply irresistible (eat your heart out Robert Palmer) and eat I did. For $7 you might think they'd skimp on size, but these are nice big loins of cod, and what's more, they apparently don't compromise on quality either as the meat is pure white and flaky as all get-out. They coat each in a light breading that has a fantastic flavor and a light crumbly texture. It's simply superb stuff and executed to perfection each and every time we're there.
There are a few sides to choose from, but when I belly up to the bar I like to watch the hash browns get fried on the flat-top right before my eyes. I load mine with onion and American cheese, the slice of which is applied after the flip and exposes the warm crispy skin allowing the cheese to ooze into the voids. It's poetry in motion to watch and ambrosia on taste bud when eaten.
A big bottle of bold and tangy tartar accompanies the plate and had me coming back for more time and again. It's a thick mix and while each squirt was prolly a couple tablespoons each, I likely averaged a squirt per piece. It's just too good not to use.
A tart and slightly soupy slaw kept things interesting, but as I say, there wasn't any bread to be found. While it's not the end of the world in this case (I think there are some rolls on the salad bar at dinner time), the lack of bread can be the straw that breaks the camels back. Luckily, this dromedary is dutiful despite the absent starch and kept humping right along.
If Peg & Doc's turned into a BW3's style sports bar I wouldn't mind as long a they kept the Fish Fry just as it is, but I know that wouldn't be the case. If they went for the glitz and glamor they would certainly have to compromise on quality to cover on overhead and the fish would undoubtedly suffer. I like Peg & Doc's just the way it is; a small town bar with a big time Fish Fry. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think they can ball with just about anyone.
Most places don't offer baked cod at lunch (it's a lot more work than fried), but in addition to the wonderful fried cod, Peg and Doc's gives the oven option. For $6.50 the 2-piece fried is a steal. A young fry cook has figured it all out, creating cod which is light and flaky, with a delicious, flaky breading to match. It is almost unthinkable how fast one can eat two pieces of fish when they are this delicate, and taste this good. Grease simply doesn't stand a chance, as the fish is gone too fast for it to even try to take hold.
While the frying is done behind closed doors (in truth there is no door, but the kitchen is around a corner sort ofﾅ) the burgers and hash browns are done on the flattop grill in the bar. Those who sit at the bar are treated to a grilling display, and privy to a little insider info. The fries come from 'round back and look like basic bagged crinkles, but are thick and possibly homemade. Peg & Doc's doesn't skimp either, and the potato portions easily outlast a 2-piece fish (it would likely even beat a 3). Fry fans will like these, but more adventurous spudsters will find the hash browns with cheese & onion a bit more rewarding.
Homemade tartar is the icing of the proverbial cake, and Peg & Doc's is the master baker. Their sauce is a saccharine nectar featuring a thick and creamy mayo base, with just enough relish to take the focus off the tangy mayo. It pairs perfectly with the savory cod adding a fine finishing touch.
Good slaw can be hard to come by. Some is too watery, other are too limp. The balance of zest to creaminess is a fickle mistress, and most places go too far one way or the other. Peg & Doc's finds the juicy middle with their incredibly creamy, homemade offering which is set-off with pungent flavors far beyond that of mere cabbage.
The Fish Fry at Peg & Doc'sis highly recommendable, and easily one of the best deals around. It's no wonder that nearly every stool is full on Friday. The good folks of Dane demand value, and Peg & Doc's delivers.
An aptly named Dane Street was surprisingly busy, but I lucked into an open parking spot, and made my way over to Peg & Doc's without delay. As I expected, much of the congestion outside could be attributed to the bevy of patrons inside the small town tavern. The bar was totally full, save for the lone spot I was able to secure on the far side. The small dining room was also open for lunch, but since I was rolling solo I just grabbed the stool, and wedged my way in.
The bartender was plenty busy, but swung right by and grabbed me a 10 oz. Cow. Those 10 ouncers go down pretty quick, so when she came back about five minutes later for my food order I was sure to snag another one. For lunch Peg & Doc's features a $6.50 2-piece cod, and mine arrived about five minutes after my order for it went in.
There were quite a few orders of fish around the bar so I had an inkling as to what it was going to look like, but when I finally got a close-up its beauty really came into focus. From outward appearances the cod was lightly breaded and had some spice to it. While looks can be deceiving, this fish was true to form it somehow tasted even better than it looked. It was incredibly light and flaky, and went down so smoothly it was almost like it wasn't even there. The breading was exceptionally flavorful and paired elegantly with feathery fish. It was simply amazing and literally some of the best cod I've had - no joke.
Partnering perfectly with the cod was a homemade tartar which was thick, creamy and zesty - everything a tartar should be. While the fish had so much flavor of its own that it barely needed the sublime sauce, although it did enhance those bites it touched.
Following suit were the hash browns with cheese and onion which were almost as amazing as the fish, but not quite. The house-shredded spuds were heavy on the onion, fried to perfection. After their crisping they were covered with a slice of American cheese which was lovingly folded in once adequately melted. They were expertly done, and balanced the wispiness of the fish with a little greasy fortitude.
Finishing off the lunch plate was a thick and creamy coleslaw, which was also assumed to be homemade. While the slaw was perfectly acceptable it did have a bit of an odd twinge that wasn't enough to make it unappealing, but enough to make me think twice about finishing all of it.
The one detractor to the meal (if there was one) was the absence of bread, but since it is lunch that is to be expected. When we come back it will be for P & D's full-blown Friday Fish dinner which gets a bump in price to $11, but also includes soup, salad bar, and rolls.
Some hunters seek deer, others seek treasure. At MFF we seek great fish, and this week we got ourselves that 12-pointer; a trophy buck that we feel like could easily become a mainstay in a local Fish Fry rotation. The fish was simply superb and supported by expert sides - no wonder the place was packed. Overall, we highly recommend the Fish Fry at Peg & Doc's based on this experience, and simply cannot wait to come back for the full meal deal.
The 2-piece cod isn't some cookie cutter crap either. This is quality, flaky cod, with a superbly crunchy and flavorful breading. I destroyed this pair and could easily have eaten two or three more no problem. It's made evermore heavenly by the thick and zippy tartar that sits on the table/bar in a big squeeze bottle - there for the taking.
The hash browns with the requisite cheese and onion are flattop grilled to perfection, and the slaw is all it needs to be. There was no roll to be found but for nine beans do you really expect there to be?
I have to say this is pretty incredible. $13.50 for spicy bloody and 2-piece fish is unrivaled in 2023 and when you throw in the fact I got a Spotted Cow for free thanks to the @madcitycocktails book it's almost unbelievable. Overall, highly recommend, no ifs ands or buts. Drive to Dane. Thank me later.