(3out of 4 fishes)
Good wayfinding with a sign out near the street and easy to find the entrance to the parish center where the fish fry was located. Plenty of space for line queueing and a simple, logical menu. You pay when you order, then given a number which they call when your food is ready. So you can grab a seat, then wait for your food. They will bring your food to you when your number is called. Styrofoam plates, but highly visible can recycling. They use bulk condiments distributed to little plastic cups, which could be recycled.
Food
Very good cod, one of the best of 2011. Hand breaded. The breading could have had a little more spiciness, but that was just my personal preference. Other main dishes were fried shrimp (popcorn size), baked cod, and fish sandwiches. Sides included french fries, cole slaw, mac and cheese, spaghetti, and onion rings. Sides were well done. The cole slaw was a big highlight, maybe the best cole slaw I've had at a fish fry. Homemade desserts.
Value
Good value with very large portions. Family of 5 was about $30. Cod or shrimp plate was $7 which included two sides. Fish also by the pound: $10.50 lb, $5.50 1/2 lb. Sides were $1 to $1.50. No kids meal, but grilled cheese was available for $1.25. Dessert and drinks were not included. Desserts were $1 for cakes, $1.50 for pies. $1 for soda, $1.50 for beer. Lemonade $1?, lemonade included free refills. Sides were huge - one side of fries would have been enough for two people. Even the dessert portions were large. We could have eaten for $20-$25, if we were regulars and better knew how to order. We didn't come close to eating everything.
Atmosphere
Bright, new, gymnasium with plenty of room for the kids to run around. Crowded at 5:30, but easy to get seating. A "quiet" buzz of conversation - the gym soaked up sound, so even though it was crowded, it was easy to talk with the people next to you. A good fish fry for a large group. Long tables would be ideal but a large group. Friendly volunteers. Kids were the table clearer. As mentioned, you get a number when you order, and when they call it, they will bring your food to your table.
Overall
3 out of 4. A good, solid fish fry. Very well run and efficient. The staff bringing your food to your table was a nice touch. You had time after you order to get your drinks, condiments, and find a seat without having to worry about carrying a plate at the same time. Frying fish is always taken seriously in a small town, and it shows. Very good cod. If you are looking to start a weekend trip to Southern Illinois or want a leisurely drive away from the City, check out Freeburg and the St. Joseph fish fry.
Reviewed 3/25/11
No comments:
Post a Comment