3.5 stars Fish fry review: Went here a couple of months with co-workers after meeting up at a local winery. Got here around 8pm, and the small tavern was still packed. We managed to wrangle some street parking and 1 bar stool for 8 of us (to order drinks). The old fashioned's were strong, but not necessarily the best I've had. 3.75/5 We finally got some high top tables (15-20 mins later) and some food. The fish had all the right look to it. We got perch and cod. Nicer crunch to the cod, but the perch had a nicer flavor. Unfortunately, both were dry and luke warm. Overall, A-OK fish fry - good taste. Could have used a little more seasoning to put it over the top for me. 3.5/5 Slaw - little too dry for me. 3/5 Overall, I will be back with a smaller group to see if it changes the temp and dry levels. I'm sure the large group wasn't so good for the small kitchen. read more

Oakcrest Tavern - Perch - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Charming? Is the word?? This place is tiny, and I don't know if it used to be an old bomb shelter or something because it's impossible to get any reception while you are in here. There is a wait staff but there's a guy that acts as the cook, server, bartender, and bus boy and sometimes that can make him cranky. But food is cheap and portions are hearty, the beer selection is decent. Just don't make the mistake of asking if their onion rings are breaded in house, that's how I found out that guy can be cranky. read more

I read somewhere that Oakcrest's perch is one of the best fish fries in the area. Maybe I just got a real dud of a meal because my fish was so. bland. I came at 9:30 near the end of food time, but that shouldn't affect taste, right? It looked fine and came with 5 pieces, plus 2 sides (I opted for double fries) for $14, which is a good price point. But the fish just had no flavor to it. I tried some salt and lemon juice but it wasn't doing the job. The tartar sauce was excellent and plentiful though... The fries had the same problem with total lack of flavor. It's probably a nice neighborhood place to hang out though. It's tucked away in the neighborhood and it seemed like at least a few people were regulars that knew the staff. Relatively small and cozy place. I would not return based on the food, but it might be a nice place to hang out for drinks. read more

Some of the best dive bar burgers in Madison (even after the closing of Knoche's Butcher Shop). Friendly staff. Great neighbor bar.

Consistently the BEST fish fry in Madison! Service is always good no matter how busy , and they get really really busy. Parking situation could be better but maybe after the construction it will be. Parking challenge will not keep us away though! read more

This place is tough for me to recommend. Not because it isn't good - it is really good. We were turned onto this place by someone who had lived in the area for a long time. We also told him that we didn't need anything fancy. This is a typical neighborhood bar - think Archie Bunker's Place - that I swear they knew we are not Madisonites the moment we walked in the door. Fortunately, Wisconsin people are very friendly. We were shown to our hightop table by Kasey (or it may be Kelsey, I've sleep since we left there). She gave us the "first timer" rundown and graciously offered to let us experience all of the appetizers: french fries, sweet potato fries, fried perch, fried cod, and of course - cheese curds. All four of us opted for burgers. When my burger came out without bacon (which I had asked for double-bacon), our server came back with literally a BOWL of bacon. Can I have some bacon with a side of bacon?!? Yes please!!! The burgers were to die for. The bacon was not from Sysco (or Walmart for that matter). We ended the meal - and evening - with an Old Fashioned. I should admit that I am not a dark liquor fan... or rather it is not a friend to me. But on our server's recommendation, we ordered three (someone had to drive) Old Fashioned with Korbel Brandy. First off: they are BIG drinks. Second, they go down like they have no alcohol in them. Wait 30 minutes and you will want to find a bed to take a long sleep in. If you have eaten the aforementioned food items, be prepared to wake up in the middle of the night needing water to help with the sodium intake. Also, put two aspirin on your bedstand so that you can take those and go back to sleep and dream of happy Wisconsin Badgers. read more

Oakcrest Tavern - Nothing but the finest - Chinet - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

3.5 stars. I've driven by this place so many times but have never stopped by. The place gets packed in the evenings. I tried the bacon cheeseburger and sweet potato fries here. The burger was huge and satisfying and you can never go wrong with sweet potato fries but I don't know if it stood out over other places. Not a bad place to go and I wouldn't mind grabbing food here if I was with friends, but I wouldn't necessarily seek it out for dinner alone. read more

We went here based on the Eater Chicago putting it #1 in top 10 places to eat in Madison. Cool little bar feel. Good brandy old fashioned. We all got cheeseburgers - all thought below average. I sure hope it was not "the best burger in town" like the Eater said. Clam chowder and fish fry (shared) were okay. Service friendly-ish. Food came out fast. Server disappeared - could have had a few more drinks. and not having cheese curds on a Friday night a big miss. Sadly, was disappointed, for my first dinner in Madison. read more

We had the cod and perch fish fry dinners to go. The fish was bland (cod better than perch), breading was nice and thin, fish was cooked well (not over cooked), tartar sauce was delicious. However, we were horrified to see that the styrofoam underneath some of the fish pieces was melted away. The perch box in particular was really bad, with holes through the entire thickness of the styrofoam container. They should either use a different material or line them with foil. We will not be going back as long as this is happening, no thank you to cancer. read more

Oakcrest Tavern - Holes in styrofoam container from hot fish fry... - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stopped by this place looking for a burger, and couldn't find many places open. From the outside I was a little nervous, as there was only one car in the lot. It's a small dive bar, with one guy working the bar, waiting tables, and cooking the food. Definitely found a diamond in the rough! The burger was excellent, onion rings and fried good also. Super reasonable prices, food was cooked perfectly, and the service was great! read more

Visitor in town. Very much the definition of a locals bar. Very friendly people coming and going and they all seemed to know each other. I had the cod dinner and my colleague had the burger which he described as 'really good'. Decently priced as well. A bit off the beaten path but would return. It's a small establishment- maybe 15 tables and it's cozy but wait staff was awesome. read more

Oakcrest Tavern - Cod dinner with coleslaw and fries. - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is a place I have come to pretty consistently over the years. In my opinion, the best burger in Madison. They get their beef fresh from Knoche's across the street, and it shows. You won't get any fancy millenial burgers with truffle oil and 84 other fancy toppings here. Just a darn good quality burger. If you want to get fancy, they have bacon. That is all you need when quality is king. Last week we stopped in for a fish fry. If you do this, either plan on eating very early or very late. If you show up between 6-8pm, you will wait. But for the fried perch, the wait is definitely worth it. They hand bread every piece in batter before throwing them in the fryer, and it is a fun sight to watch as you drink a perfectly poured Brandy Old Fashioned. Overall, this is the best version of a classic tavern. Great, simple food done well. You have a customer for life, Oak Crest. read more

This little dive is packed on Friday nights. Be prepared to hang out at the bar for a bit but the fish fry is worth the wait. Perch. Go with the perch. read more

This is it. It had it all. Reasonably priced well made drinks, Lake perch fish fry, friendly locals, kitchy/dive enough to be fun, and a great staff. Get over here you! read more

PROS: Solid fish fry, cozy tavern atmosphere CONS: Small space, limited parking We've only had fish fry here, so I can only comment on that. I liked that the breading wasn't as thick and didn't feel as heavy as the fish fry from some other places. I felt comfortably satisfied, rather than greasy after the meal. read more

Love the Oakcrest. Such an old-timey vibe. The paneling on the walls is what gets me. It feels like places we used to go to when I was a young tot. There aren't many places left like that. We almost always go there for fish fry. Yep, it's insanely crowded. Yep, the parking is horrible. Yep, you are going to wait unless you get there at 5pm. It's a small place that developed a large, loyal clientele and outgrew their space. They don't have much room to knock down walls and expand. So they have 2 choices, people. Stay where they are and maintain their almost-patented atmosphere, or move into a new place and become just like everyone else. I'm glad they haven't done that. I'll deal with the crowds. The fish fry is pretty darn good. Get the perch. Cod is almost always disappointing anyway. Their perch is fresh, crispy, and not overcooked. In the spirit of great atmosphere, they hand bread all their fish right at the bar. You can watch them frying it up right there. You see, they have no space, so they have to make do with what they have. That applies not only to the diners, but to the staff as well! At the busy times, the waitresses will weave in and out of the crowds with an impossibly large number of plates stacked up on each arm. It's a miracle they don't spill everything. It's that kind of place. People go there in droves. Count me among the faithful. But if you don't like that sort of thing, it's best to go somewhere else. read more

A neighborhood bar- old school and nothing fancy. Went for Wednesday fish fry. We ordered perch and received 5 large pieces and a large amount of French fries, cold slaw and a piece of rye bread. They didn't skimp on tartar sauce served on the side. The French fries were really good, not greasy. Perch piping hot and delicious, the cole slaw was creamy. The waiter was a man of few words, but did a good job. We would return. read more

Great fish fry! The wait goes by rather quickly (especially when you have a beverage in your hand) and the place is usually hoppin'! The small space and limited parking is a bit of a bummer, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in it's delicious food! read more

I went here for Friday Fish Fry last Friday and it was simply delicious. The place was packed during a blizzard - that says something! The service was very friendly and fast. Their ranch was so good! You watch them hand batter the fish and make it right in front of you. Yum! I had the cod, my boyfriend had the perch and both were absolutely delicious. My only critique: have the fries be a bit crispier! read more

Neighborhood bar & grill. Period. Busy on Friday & Saturday nights - get there early for your pick of tables. Food is VERY good - no matter what you order. Burgers are made with the freshest ground chuck, sourced from Knocke's Butcher Shop - directly across the street (they supply meat to most of the best restaurants in Madison, too). Great Old Fashionds, impressive local beer menu - and everything in between. You will not be disappointed. read more

5 stars for $5 burgers (that taste great). I have no clue how the overall rating isn't 5 stars here! Good beer selection, good burgers, GREAT prices and service read more

Oakcrest has been a long favorite of mine, but recently the service has gotten worse so I'm dropping a star off. Lack of attention, missed drink orders... Food's the same. Steaks and fish fry are my go to. Avoid Friday night fish fry if you don't like ridiculous crowds. read more

We love local tavern type spots (think Village Green in Middleton) and finally made it to Oakcrest after months of talking about it! We went on a Saturday night at 7:00 pm and only had about a ten minute wait! Walking in the door sort of feels like you're walking into a living room...great bar, open space, mix of high and low tables all lined with wood paneling, TVs, and beer signs! We had an energetic and attentive server, Crystal, that always made sure we weren't without a drink! We had a cheese burger and a ribeye sandwich. Both were awesome...burger comes from across the street at Knoches and was a no frills perfectly booked burger on a perfectly soft and crusted bun with tomato and onion (drooling as I type this)! The ribeye sandwich was also great and simple served on the same type of bun, we added grilled onions. We also had a side order of the clam strips (which I almost never see in our area) and they were equally great...a nice change of pace from fries! Beer selection was great and priced fairly...the old fashioned tasted like a mix (don't know if it was or not) so we will most likely stick to beer next time! read more

Stopped in this afternoon with my husband for a cheeseburger & fries. Absolutely hit the spot with the best burger we've had in a very long time. This will be our new favorite for a fast & delicious bar burger. read more

The Oakcrest has been around for a long time and I know a lot of people like it, but it just doesn't do it for me. I work right down the street, so I met up with some people for lunch recently and boy did I regret it. I should note that this was not my choice to begin with, but I was willing to give it a try. It is true that there isn't a lot of seating, but it wasn't extremely busy when we got there and our service was fast. We were in and out in a little over a half-hour. I agree that the staff didn't seem particularly friendly or happy, but they weren't rude either. I had a chicken sandwich with bacon and no side, while my four companions had burgers with fries or cheese curds. Everything was typical greasy bar-fare. I tried the curds but not the fries. The flavor was good, but it was so greasy and salty that my mouth was burning by the time I was done and my gut was already churning as we walked out to our cars. I was miserable for the rest of the afternoon. One member of our party felt the same, but I believe everyone else enjoyed what they had. In all fairness, I know my experience is a fairly individual one. I eat very healthy food and I hardly use salt when I cook or add it when I'm out. If you typically eat like this, you'll probably love it. I probably would have loved it before I shifted my diet away from this kind of food. However, I do enjoy burgers and fries at places like the Great Dane and the Grumpy Troll, where they aren't grease-laden and loaded with salt. If you have a diet more like mine I wouldn't suggest eating here. I don't plan on going back, but I still give two stars because my experience my not reflect yours. read more

Oakcrest Tavern had been recommended to me a ton so we decided to try it out on a Saturday night. It was crowded, which we were warned about, but it felt cozy and supper-clubby which I liked. We were able to grab a seat at the bar despite the busyness. We we're able to order drinks right away and the old-fashioned was good and made the proper Wisconsin way. We got a table soon after we sat down, it was a little confusing though. I think it is seat your self but wasn't really directed by anyone, also didn't see any signage. We had heard good things about their burgers, fish fry and prime rib. Since it was Saturday I tried the prime rib and my husband got a burger. The prime rib was pretty good especially for the price but nothing special from other supper clubs in the area. My husband's burger looked really good and he enjoyed it. Overall pretty good food but I am looking forward to coming back for their fish fry to see if that stands out a little more. read more

It has been years since I have been in here. Much of Madison raves about Oakcrest Tavern. I was driving by, it was lunch, there was a snowstorm, work is slow, what the heck - I'll go to a tavern for lunch and have a burger. Not impressed. Not one person acknowledged me upon entry, or leaving. The waitress took her sweet time getting to my table. The "expediter" brought my burger but not the fries. That is o.k., but when I asked he sounded a bit annoyed and answered "they're coming". The guy cooking has absolutely no enjoyment for his job. It was a sad display, and since the kitchen cooking happens where you can see him, turn it on man, make it look like you want to be there. What I mean, I wait on people. I have a service industry job and have to acknowledge and greet customers. I also have to sell them stuff. My stuff is not in such high demand that I can ignore my customer. I judge, as do my customers, on how they feel when they come in a place. I don't care if it's old, dated decor. It doesn't do much to my impression to know their meat is ground daily and from the butcher across the street. Your place brought no enjoyment to that burger or anything else of my lunch respite. I'll stick with the Village Green in Middleton. At least I get a greeting from the brothers who own it, and I'm not even a regular patron. read more

When you first walk into this place, you know they're going to make some damn good fish. I went here this past Friday night and LOVED the food. The fish and french fries were cooked when you ordered them - not just sitting under a heat lamp. The place was packed and they took our name and we had a beer while we waited. There isn't a lot of room to stand around the bar, but we managed. The service was fantastic - seriously, the sweetest waitresses ever. read more

Great Food! Respectable prices. Very busy at times, difficult to get a table at peak times. Friendly environment, with clean bathrooms (that have foaming soap!) Highly Recommended! read more

Oakcrest is the classic neghborhood pub on Old Middleton. When you walk in, you'll notice how small it really is on the inside (looks big from the outside). Great place to grab a burger or fish or some interesting specials. Pretty decent menu with the standard pub choices, higher-than average quality for bar food. read more

Awesome old fashioned drinks, good beer on tap and a great fish fry. This is our third time back and we will be back again. The wait/bar staff takes turns waiting on you and they keep it relaxed and easy through the whole drink and food ordering process. Good place to come on a Friday night to kick back and have a drink with your fish. read more

Solid Burger & fries, meh wings. very very small place though so good luck getting a seat. read more

Grade: B+ Best steak dinner in Madison. Low prices. Keep this one a secret. read more

Four star bar food with a football game, what could be better. Had a great burger and fries with a beer. No complaints on anything including the service. Give it a try if in the area. read more

Classic neighborhood wisconsin bar in all the right ways. Great food, friendly service. Friday night fish fry is excellent (although be prepared to wait for seating). Burgers are always a safe choice, and the cheese curds pass the authentic Wisconsin sniff test. Good mix of beers on tap. Kid friendly. read more

Seriously, it's Friday, go to Oakcrest Tavern for fish. Now. I had lake perch that was the best I've ever had, my friend had the baked cod that was bursting with flavor, not just butter! Friendly service, no reservations so the wait is common, but have a beer and enjoy!! read more

Oakcrest Tavern - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I enjoyed a burger and fries on Sunday afternoon, prepared exactly the way I requested. The Knoche's ground beef makes any burger better. And with hot, crispy fries, this is perfection. I had not visited the Oakcrest for 9 months, a victim the evening crowds and hour plus waits for the fish fry. I like the lightly battered fish filets. But, as Yogi Berra so wisely puts it, "Nobody goes there anymore 'cause it's too crowded." Although I've never ordered the filet mignon dinner, it must be pretty great to merit the $30 charge in this corner bar atmosphere and served on a paper plate. (But, it's REAL NICE paper!) read more

Sweeney's Oakcrest Tavern is a nice little place. A 1920's- 1940's exterior design gives way to wood paneling and a multitude of flat screens indoors. To the right, a bar with a 90-degree bend and made of the same wood as the paneling dominates to area. To the left, a modest dining room sits. The room is crowded with tables and seating is close to your neighbor. Coat hooks abound. Tables are in the center and high tops ring around the walls. It's certainly cozy, and in my opinion has a bit of that northwoods supper club feel, albeit in a downscale sort of way. I went on a Saturday with one partner and we were seated after entry at the last available table. Looking around at the dinners on other tables, I was impressed by the quality of the food as well as the portions. I saw the grilled walleye pike at one table and it looked as if they gave them a whole fish. Another table had a top sirloin that was about 2.5 inches thick and cooked perfectly medium rare along with a truly colossal portion of prime rib, also perfectly medium rare. Good signs! After ordering, the salad course came first. Typical iceberg with a few shreds of red cabbage and 3 large, fresh carrot sticks. The ranch dressing was homemade and fresh. The vinaigrette a true vinaigrette of oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs and also homemade but note that the other dressings available are not from scratch. After salad came our main course. I had the prime rib, medium-rare; my friend went with well done. There is only one cut, and it's a king cut at least. The thick, red meat came swimming in its own juices and had a mild, almost delicate flavor. Hers was well done, but she said it was still juicy and tender. She declared it the best she had ever had. For sides, I went with a baked potato and she with sweet potato fries, which was a slight upcharge. My potato was mediocre, but the few fries I stole were excellent. They were crispy outside and downright creamy in the center with a mild flavor. They may have been coated in something to enhance crispiness, but were good. Service was thorough and very attentive. The crowd seemed to be very 'neighborhood' when we were there and many young children were present. They were all well-behaved even though their parents were at another table. I'm a fan. This place was low-key, fairly priced and well-served by an attentive staff. Dinner looked great and tasted great. While it's not a date night kind of place, if you're looking for a modest place to have a good Wisconsin-style supper with your family you'd be pressed to find a better place. I'll be back to try the fish fry. read more

Cozy little Tavern Bar. We went for the Fish Fry after reading it "is the best ever!". While it is good, it isn't the best in Madison. Since moving to Madison in May I have been on the look out for the best FF in town. So far Jordan's Big 10 Pub has this place beat. If you are looking for beers, some chow and a place to hang, this is a good, solid choice. It is kind of small but they seem to take care of the crowd. Update: I've been back a few times now and I stand by my review. It is just ok. If you are off work, after 9 and looking for a beer and a burger, and this is on your way home, then stop in. I had the bacon cheeseburger last night. The flavor that came out of the burger was from the mustard and ketchup. I even salted it. The fish my better 1/2 had was over cooked and dry. Out waitress was useless....I said hello to her as we walked in, then 10 mins later the bartender asked if we wanted to order food. I told him we were waiting for a table and said "is your name on the list". I get it, it is busy, it is hot and there is a lot going on. But if you are in the service industry put on a happy face. There are a lot of bars in this town and a lot of burgers and fish fry's. I'll probably be back, but it will be months from now. No chance this becomes our local spot. read more

Good food, reasonable drinks, lots of flat screens (albeit small), nice staff, typically crowded with regulars, Fish Fry on Wednesday and Friday, don't have daily "bar specials" and the table tops are kinda always sticky so deal. Overall, a good place to grab a beer and burger. read more