Timbers Tavern Bar & Grill

Sometimes you just don't have time to do it all, but I still managed to squeeze in a Fish Fry in last Friday (even if I'm just getting around to telling you about it now).

We rolled into Timbers in DeForest around 4:30 with our orders (metaphorically) in-hand - walleye for me and cod for the kid. The fish hit the table about five minutes later and we ripped right into it.

This walleye is beer battered, and while I typically prefer a light breading on my freshwater fish, it was still very good like this. The fillet was fat enough that the batter didn't overwhelm it, and some of the signature walleye flavor still shone through. It did necessitate a generous application of tartar, and thankfully, the thick and zippy mix was up to the task.

The waffle fries were abundant and offset the decadently batter fish with plenty of audible crunch. The cornbread was a welcome change of pace from the basic dinner roll and the slaw lent the cool and creamy contrast it's supposed to.

Between spring hockey tournaments and soccer games Friday had us running ragged but the quick stop at Timbers was just the bit of normalcy I needed by 5pm. The $19 walleye more than did the job, but I will say, the I liked the batter better when paired with the cod. Either way, both are recommendable and I wouldn't shy away for getting either again.

Late this morning I got word that a(nother) close friend of mine had passed. I was in shock. I had plans to meet a Wisconsin Distributors rep for fish and thought, "I can't do this right now." As I processed the news, I realized that, no, I have to do this...it's what Al would have wanted.

You see, every time I saw Alex recently, he would mention how he would run into one person or another in Chicago and their conversion would somehow steer towards Wisconsin Fish Frys. They would inevitably bring up MFF and he was proud to say he knew that guy. He always told me he never brought MFF up, but people just knew. I think he was doing it to make me feel good, and you know what, when he said it, it did.

When I strode into Timbers Tavern in DeForest I felt like this Fish Fry was more than just a lunch, it was for my friend, so I doubled down like he would have...Bloody Mary AND a Potosi Brewing Company Cave Ale. The no-nonsense waitress brought the mixer lickity-split and this bloody was one for the ages. It was big and bold with plenty of spice and two legit slices of bacon to go along with a bunch of other satisfying stuff in the salad. It set the stage perfectly for the fantastic Fish Fry on deck.

A cup of homemade chowder comes with the Fish Fry and boasts a fantastic consistency to pair with its rich flavor. The fish showed up shortly after and looked simply splendid. The three chunks of cod were fat and inviting, and while the beer batter looked substantial, it was actually very light and didn't overwhelm the flaky fish. It coupled well with the robust tartar and made for a great combo of flavors.

The waffle fries were more than plentiful and even outlasted the abundant fish with their satisfying crunch. The slaw also looked to be homemade and had just enough horseradish to keep things interesting.

Apparently, Timbers transitioned ownership last May and with it came the Fish Fry and a bunch of other new offerings. From all accounts things are going well, and if the Fish Fry is any indication I'd have to say I agree. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and definitely think our friend would have approved too. This one was for you, Alex. We're gonna miss you like crazy.