Best fish fry in Madison! You'll have to get there early unless you are willing to wait up to a few hours for a table, though the wait is worth it. read more

We came for the Friday Night Fish Fry. We split the Cod. I liked the fish but felt like the fries and tarter sauce could be better. Worth a try. read more

The unassuming Villa Tap may not look like much from the outside, but it serves up quality bar food at extremely reasonable prices. The servers are friendly to regulars and to newcomers alike. I enjoyed that the bar plays the blues as background music instead of oldies or top 40. The Villa is well known for its Friday night fish fry and the waits for a table can exceed an hour at times. The lunch version, two pieces of fried cod, slaw, fries and a roll, can be had for a mere $8.50 and no wait. read more

This definitely a nice gem on Madison 's north side. My friends invited me to the fish fry and it is easily one of the best I've had. The walleye was superb and the service was great. I will definitely be recommending this place and I will be back when I come back in town. read more

Instead of complaining about how busy it is ... which is common sense on a Friday night anywhere ...I went in a little earlier 4:45 seated right away and enjoyed a great fish fry Friday .. loved the coleslaw ! read more

Villa Tap - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

If you are looking for a no frills Friday night fish fry that will blow your mind, this is your place. I am giving this place 5 stars because it is wonderful for a very simple meal, with excellent service. We had a little trouble finding the door (the entrance is in the back facing away from Packers Ave.) but once we walked in and sat at one of their wobbly tables, we were instantly greeted by our friendly server. Though the bar was busy, we got our drinks immediately, along with a basket with two basic white bread rolls and coleslaw. All very standard issue. The fish was another story. Whoa. I got the Canadian perch and my boyfriend got the Canadian walleye. The large single piece of walleye was lightly breaded and fried perfectly. It was buttery, non-fishy, and totally delicious. The baked potato that came with it was pretty standard, but good. The perch was battered differently in a thicker, more crunchy coating. The little strips were just AMAZING. I got a pile of 7 or 8 strips that I honestly couldn't stop eating. The fries were done to perfection as well. My boyfriend and I are somewhat light eaters in general, but we cleared out all of that fried goodness in one sitting. On the way out the cooks from the back yelled good bye, the bartender wished us a good night, and someone standing by the door smiled and asked us to come back soon. I can't say enough about how friendly everyone here is. It looks like a burned out biker bar, but their simple menu is done right. I never thought I would like a place so much that doesn't have salad on their menu, but I anticipate we will be back many many more times. read more

Came in late on a Friday night. Were able to get the last order of cod they had, so went with one cod and one walleye. The cod was done really well, walleye was above average but not the best in Madison. The owner was behind the bar frying the fish. Was awesome getting to see him in action, hand breading every piece and frying it up to a perfect golden brown. If you love fish at a dive bar, this is your place. IF you are looking for more of an ambiance, go elsewhere. Good, solid food with no frills. read more

One liner: perch rocks If you are looking for an awesome perch fish fry, Villa is your place. One of the best I have eaten...light greasing and no grease. It is Canadian Lake perch if that matters to anyone. Small and cozy neighborhood bar! read more

Chico's Villa Tap is my favorite fish fry in Madison. They offer cod, walleye, perch, and JUMBO fried shrimp. The cod is my personal favorite with the shrimp a close second. Get your baked potato loaded. The Villa Tap is pretty small - I love going in on a Friday night just to see how a kitchen that small (it takes up a small portion of space behind the bar) puts out so much food consistently well. Always worth the wait. The staff is super; always smiling, joking, and happy to fill your glass! I also had a tasty Bloody Mary my last visit. read more

Absolutely love this place for their Friday fish fry. Have had their Walleye, Perch, Cod,and Blue Gill and all were wonderful. I like to take people with me so we can all order something different and share the fish. The place is small and busy. People are very nice and even though everyone might be in line for more than an hour, the wait is very tolerable. Ice cold beer and Bloody Mary's mixed with loud, happy conversation actually makes it fun. Bottom line - my husband has dialysis every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. We try at least once a month to get his Friday switched to Saturday, simply for this fish fry. read more

In my opinion this is the best fish fry in town. I hate to even give a good review because it's such a well kept secret but they deserve it. Chico IS the man!! read more

Tuesday Afternoon Burger Lunch Review. Always liked the Villa. Neighborhood place without a lot of "Jukebox Stopping" when you walk in (you know, where you walk in and the record on the jukebox screetches to a halt and everyone stares at you.) Came in this Tuesday. Barkeep very friendly (as usual) told me of the Gyro special and the soup, but sadly, the fryer was D.O.A. NO FRIES. Well, ,ok by me, burger's the name of my game. Got the Bacon Cheese with Cheddar and the Greenage (Lettuce tomato), make the onions fried. Burger came hot and sassy. Can't complain about the taste, good as always, but the bun is another matter. Tasty, but it just couldn't stand up to the grease from the meat and the onslaught of fried onions and the juice of tomato. I would recommend it, especially for the cost, but if you go with a burger at the villa tap, skip the greenage and get your onions raw. read more

The fish fry is truly well done. I would definitely return. I plan to come back to try their cheeseburger and the other fried fish. This time around I got cod. The fries were good (thicker cut) but nothing special. Helpful tip: If you want a table, get here early. By the time I rolled in at 5pm, there was no parking left and already a long wait for tables. You can sign up for a table on the whiteboard but be prepared to wait. It's worth it for fish this good! read more

Villa Tap - Fish Fry Perfection did not disappoint! - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Tried their recently Sunday newspaper reviewed Cod fish fry carry out. Very near perfection. Very generous servings. Thick filets perfectly deep fried. Very good fries and roll. Tiny disagreements with the slaw seasoning (?horseradish) and the tartar sauce seasoning ( some spice I've had before) . We are eager to go back and try their Lake Perch fish fry. Reservation curbside pick up was great service. read more

The food was wonderful and the old Fashions are great. The woman bartender though she needs a little personality fix. She also doesn't know what olives are in an old fashioned. I had to ask her each time to add them. Come on give us a smile. And the other thing is she didn't even offer us a tab. But when we walked in she was closing a tab for someone that got called for dinner. Do you have to be special? read more

First and last visit to this establishment on 5/17/19. Place was packed with people before 5pm. No one visible to ask how to obtain a table. Finally flagged someone down who said to sign up on a board posted near bar. Waited a few minutes to be seated only to wait 30 minutes for server to show up for our order. Then waited another 30 minutes for food to arrive. Fish was mediocre at best. Heavily battered and overloaded with pepper. Sever never once returned to ask if all was well or to replenish drinks. All the raves of this place make me wonder where these people are eating. read more

So close to the airport, but remains off the grid. The Villa Tap neighborhood bar looks as it hasn't changed in forty years. The wooden bar is topped with a baseball cards that have a laminate over them. Want to drink? Stop over. They have friendly bartenders and great prices. The bartenders do a nice job on the bloodies and Old Fashioneds. Want to eat? Om nom. They have some type of food every night, but their Friday fish fry is worth going. The perch or walleye is what you should get. Even though it was busy when we were there, the servers were funny, had a good attitude, and our food came promptly. They know what the hell they are doing. read more

My favorite burger in Madison! You know it's special when the owner is always there and with a big smile on his face. Thanks Chico!

Finally had the Friday Fish Fry and am so glad I did! I had the shrimp which was HUGE and done perfectly. My partner had the cod and it was also done perfectly. Very light (homemade) batter, and the cod was moist and delish! Warm rolls, great creamy coleslaw, French fries and baked potato were all hot and good. Can't beat the friendly service that is shown to everyone that walks in! Chico does it right people, so go visit this place! Yum! read more

One of the best fish fry's in Madison. Great Wisconsin tavern that gives you the supper club feel. I love the atmosphere. The fish fry is fantastic. They have a variety of fish to choose from. I had the blue gill and was not disappointed! read more

This place rocks especially since the new owner Chico took over a couple of months ago. Small neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name! You've got to try Chico's new menu - awesome Fish Fry and Shrimp Dinnesr and the Cuban Sandwich's at lunch is to die for! Don't for get his homemade chips with a Zesty Chipotle Ranch Sauce which is good with just about anything! read more

Super divey and total Wisconsin. This fish fry is worth waiting for, I was told to get he walleye (delicious) but the blue hill is also amazing. The sides aren't much but it's a great typical Wisconsin fish fry read more

Chico's always on his game. No idea how you keep cheerful with us crazy drunks. Actually the place isn't crazy but a fun neighborhood bar with good food and non rip off drinks. I like that when you walk in you don't feel gawked at like some small bars tend to do. Staff is friendly too. read more

If you want to go for fish on a Friday night, I would suggest going on Tuesday, put your order in, then come back on Friday night around midnight. Bring snacks because you will have another hour wait...even though all the tables around you are empty. OR, grab some of the 50lbs of food spilled all over the floor for an appetizer. And then they come back and tell you they are put of everything you want to eat. You would think you would have that figured out after doing this every stinking Friday night. read more

5 stars every time. Fish, Shrimp, Burgers. All ridiculous. Chico seems like a great guy. Friendly staff. Amazing bar food. Amazing.

Went in for lunch fish fry since people always say it's not worth the wait for the dinner one. If you are expecting "beer battered" fish, which is how I believe they tout it, you will be sorely disappointed. If you are familiar with broasted chicken coating, that is how to describe their "batter." It was hard, crunchy and very thick with a little fish inside that was overcooked. On top of that, the staff made you feel very uncomfortable asking them for anything. They were much too busy washing dishes. I really don't know how this place gets good reviews. People must not know what a good fish fry tastes like. read more

This is a perfect "dive bar." Service was slow but, drinks are priced well and food was amazing - so, we didn't mind at all. I'd come if you have time to site and enjoy the people watching and atmosphere! read more

I stopped at the Villa Tap the other day for a cold one, and to watch a little bit of the Badger game. I haven't been to the Villa Tap in years. The place hasn't changed a bit. Great neighbor hood bar. The only down fall was--it was a little busy and took a little longer than I would have liked to get me beer. Other that that great time--tap beer $2.50. read more

I love a place where the owner participates actively in their business. Chico is frequently working and you can tell takes a lot of pride in his work. The food is all great ranging from the cuban pulled pork to the burgers to the chicken fingers and assortment of fry like things. It's bar food but the meat comes from Jenny St. Market so its good quality! The weekend meat raffles are fun. The mixed drinks are great. The bar tenders make it a point to get to know their customers. They also participate in the bar league which offer 'safe rides' if you should happen to enjoy yourself too much to ensure you safely get home. read more

The perch was delicious, but we went at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night and with the wait we didn't eat until 9:30 p.m. The wait was just too long and the service did not make up for it. If we did go back it would have to be at 5:30 p.m. read more

8/17/13 It's close to the airport, Mallard's baseball, and Ale Asylum. We took in some of the preseason Packer game, had a few brews, and what I'm told is the best burger in town. read more

Great atmosphere, cool bar with reasonable beers. The Friday fish fry is spectacular. Went there on a Tuesday, looking for a prime rib sandwich. Out of prime rib. Ordered a bacon cheeseburger medium. Came back well well done. Sent it back, second one came back well done. Choked it down. Will go back for the fish fry, no other night. read more

I love the Madison dining scene, but sometimes I'm in the mood for somewhere that's more Wisconsin and less Madison. Villa Tap is definitely one of those places. The wait list (neon poster board and a marker - write down your name when you arrive) was surprisingly efficient. My group of 5 enjoyed a couple drinks at the crowded bar until our table was ready (about a 30-40 min wait at 5:30ish). The no-nonsense server was quick and funny and we waited an adequate length of time for our food to arrive. We split the buffalo tots and they were really good - apparently they make their own sauce. The breading on my walleye was a little heavier than I usually like, but after my pre-dinner g&ts that extra oomph was just what I needed. I also tried my husband's perch and that was a bit lighter - think I'll try that next time. All in all, it's a fun place for a fish fry and I heard their burgers are fab too. read more

Looks sketch from the outside, but true fish fry happiness awaits! I have been going to this place for about one year. The first time we went later around 9 pm or so and a lot of the fish was gone. I had an amazing hamburger instead, meat from Jenifer St Market. Besides the first time, I have always gotten the fish. The perch is amazing and be sure to get the loaded baked potato. The craft beer selection is impressive. Chico-the owner is usually cooking, it's a small kitchen, so be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. My fiance usually gets the walleye and loves it. It's now my go to place for fish! read more

If you are looking for great bar food this is the spot on the NE side of town. Most people rave about the Friday fish and burgers, but to be honest I've not had a bad meal here. Drinks are reasonable, and he has a good beer selection. It's not much for ambiance, but that's not what the place is. read more

My husband and I love this little gem of a neighborhood bar. We are constantly on the hunt for best "bar burger" (so we have a lame hobby...whatever, it's fun!) and we agree that Villa Tap is one of the best bar burgers in town. Jenny St ground chuck, fresh veggies on the burgs, good bun, also they have good apps (love the cheddar broccoli bites)...all good so far. Good Bloody Mary's too. We haven't tried the fish fry yet, but it's on the to-do list. We actually went there for Valentine's Day - wanted to avoid the crowds, in the mood for a good cheeseburger, etc - had a great time. The burgers were top-notch, jukebox is great (they have a weird abundance of live Dead, which is great). The regular customers are nice and friendly also - it's not an intimidating "townie-bar" (hello, Tip Top!) but the regulars are SO nice and fun to talk to. Owner Chico is really nice, and we love that he's going out of his way to buy local ingredients and beer. He's got House of Brews on tap even! Unusual fact - the inside of the bathroom stalls are painted with chalkboard paint and have chalk available to write messages. We really don't have complaints at this point. We're excited to try their brunch soon! read more

The fish fry is outstanding, probably the best Bluegill I've ever had! Fast, friendly service. The burgers are great too! A great addition to Madison's North side! read more

I've had deep fried shrimp in a lot of places, but the Villa's is the best I've had anywhere in southern Wisconsin. They're big, the batter is just the right thickness, and the flavor is so good you won't bother with the provided shrimp sauce. The cod is very good too, and I've heard good things about the walleye, but the shrimp is my go-to for good Friday night eating. Get there early though as the wait after six or so can be VERY long. read more

My girlfriend and I went there on Friday night, Aug. 9 after seeing the favorable review in the Isthmus. We got there at 6:00...it was busy but not packed. We got a table right away and almost immediately place our order (walleye for her, perch for me). 40 minutes later we were still waiting and finally asked for it to-go. Even that request took a second reminder. So we finally got out of their at 7:00, unfed and not happy. There's a reason, I guess, why you have to wait for a table at the Esquire. Once you get seated you get fed really promptly. A bad experience at Villa Tap. read more

Just had lunch there and paid $9.00 for a fish sandwich and FF. I could have had the Fish dinner with coleslaw for $8 but I was not that hungry. The peice of fish covered half the bun. I guess I have to pay more to eat less. Not impressed and will not go back. Service was great, just very expensive for what I got. read more