From first impressions, Judy's doesn't seem like a 5 star establishment. It's an institution in…read moreWoodland that is showing its age inside and out. The parking lot on a mild Friday evening was also nearly empty, which is why, after the experience I had, I'm hoping this 5 star review catches someone's eye to drum up a little more business for this humble eatery.
Judy's has been around since before I was born. When I was a kid I remember visiting a few times with my dad to get burgers and shakes (I seem to recall waiting for food on an old car seat? Maybe other people remember that). About 12 years ago, I worked in the office building just behind it, and would visit for lunch at least once a week--I remember the BLT being very good.
This place has always been a dive, as far back as my memory goes. So don't expect a clinically clean interior. Everything is showing its age, including the massive menu covering the gamut: teriyaki, cheesesteaks, gyros, and of course the greasy spoon mainstays of burgers and hot dogs.
After I got a new job, I didn't have much occasion to visit Judy's. They also don't exactly serve up the kind food you want to be eating every day. But I happened to find myself on the west side of town and was craving fish and chips, and could only think of one place to visit.
I ordered online through their website, which was very easy, and they offer lots of options for customization. I really appreciated they had a 1-piece fish and chips, because, as I suspected, the portions are really large. I arrived about 5 min before my estimated pick-up time, and after a short wait the woman running the whole show came out and my food was already ready. She was so sweet, that on impulse I decided to get a shake as well. I wonder if the business changed management since I used to frequent a lot, because I don't remember this woman at all, but she was very kind.
I discovered just how kind once I got home: not only did I have a generous portion of crispy fish and chips, but a bonus fried zucchini and what I think was a sweet potato plank. They really didn't have to do that, but I so appreciated it. Word to the wise: they leave you to salt your food, so if you are taking to go and don't have access to a salt shaker, perhaps borrow one from a vacant table to shake in your bag before you leave.
As previously mentioned, the fish--which had something like a beer batter or tempura batter--was crunchy and delicious. The filet itself wasn't super thick, but the fish has a mild taste and was cooked perfectly. The fried veggies were also super good, and I LOVED their tartar sauce: so herbaceous. The fries are exactly the kind I like in this application: English style thick-cut chips. Predictably, the milkshake was also delicious (peanut butter and chocolate, so how could it not be?)
So Judy's isn't much to look at from the outside, but it has real heart. Even though it isn't my style of food and is a bit out of the way for me, I want to continue supporting this business. They deserve it, and you deserve some delicious fish and chips.
