Review
We had actually planned to go to Morel’s but when we got there noticed that they were no longer open (here is an idea, get rid of your website or at least post a huge CLOSED sign on the home page). We did a quick 180 and headed back towards Pheasant Branch and the Stamm House. On Friday nights the Stamm House has a well known (and loved) Fish Fry so I knew we would be in good hands. We arrived about 7:30 and got the last open table in the dining room. Our bleach blond waitress was at the table soon after and immediately asked if we were both getting fish. Since both of us were not we requested some drinks and she scurried off to get them. She was back shortly after and took our orders.
Of course I went with the AYCE Ocean Perch and it was ready in about 15 minutes. Since I was the only AYCE I got my own plate of fish, fries and huge bowl of tartar. The OP was great as it always is. The fish was fried just right and a perfect match with the spot on tartar. This first serving could have been a little hotter but it was still fine. I assume it waited for a few minutes while our other entrée was prepared. I plowed the first three pieces down with the handful of crinkle cut fries and requested my second. The second order was scalding hot and equally delicious. After 6 pieces of fish and two plates of fries I was one happy camper.
Before the main course we were treated to a soup/salad/slaw option. I went for the seafood chowder which was very good and a nice precursor to the “fishy” tasting fish that came after. The little basket of warm rolls (pumpernickel, onion and plain) paired well with the chowder.
I think we got a little lucky on this trip. We were seated immediately, although the next group behind us had a 20 minute wait. A huge party with 24 people showed up, but just as we were leaving. We were in and out in less than 1 hour, if we had been 10-20 minutes later we would have been in for a long wait and potentially slow service.
Whether we lucked out or not this was still an awesome Fish Fry. The AYCE OP is clearly phenomenal and the fact that it is All You Can Eat garners some extra love. The fries and tartar are perfect compliments to the fish and the starters are excellent. Overall this is clearly one of the best Fish Fries in Madison and one you can hit up any Friday without worry. As far as the greatest movies of all time go, anything in the top 25 is really a can’t miss. The same goes for Fish Fry; if I highly recommend it there is a chance that it could be the best. When you get to the top it is usually about personal preference and some may say the Stamm House is the best, you won’t get a lot of argument from me.
We made the reservation and told everyone to be there at 7pm. We arrived a little early with the Bachelor and got a couple drinks at the bar. The bartender knew something was up and joined right in as we poked and prodded Bitz from every angle (his weekend was just beginning). By 7:15 or so everyone had trickled in and we were led our massive table upstairs. Our waitress quickly noticed that this was no ordinary group of 17 but was relieved to hear that everyone was getting the Fish Fry which would make her life a lot easier. She grabbed some more drinks for those in need and brought out slaw and bread (no chowder option for a group this size it seems). The slaw was just fine, but unpopular overall and the bread loafs were good but not quite as warm as they usually are.
Within 15 minutes the first round of fish, tartar and fries hit the table only to disappear onto individual plates within seconds. I made sure to grab two generous sized filets and a handful of fries. The tartar was also drained instantly and a refill requested. The fish was fantastically hot and tasted damn near perfect when combined with the tarter and a swig of Spotted Cow. I put the first two pieces down, along with slightly above average crinkle cut fries and waited for round two.
Our waitress knew this crew was here to eat so she just kept the fish coming at a plateful every 4-5 minutes for a good 20 minutes or so. I eventually wound up on my 6-7th piece and reached satiety but not before truly having All I Could Eat. Every piece was fresh from the fryer and hot as can be. The Ocean Perch flavor is fantastic when mixed with their homemade batter. There were a couple minutes where we did have to wait on a tartar or French fry refill but even they were short lived and everyone wound up getting plenty of hot, delicious Fish Fry.
Normally eating with a group this size can be difficult but the Stamm House handled it with ease. Our waitress did a great job and controlled the crowd with her only weapons, fish and booze. As soon as the perch was gone there was more on the way, aside from a couple minor delays everyone had what they wanted all the time. Drinks came quickly and fish flowed freely. Overall I would have to say that the Stamm House met and exceeded my expectations this trip. All members of the bachelor party were happy and had a good base with which to work with for the remainder of the evening. If you are looking for a consistently great Fish Fry, the Stamm House never seems to disappoint.