★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

Perfect neighborhood bar. Bigger than it looks from the outside. Very comfy and welcoming.

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★ 5

Fun dive! I love the food! Delicious chicken sandwich! The cheese curds are a must! Also, the he bartenders and cook are so fun.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Steak sandwich was the best I've had, service was great too!

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★ 5

The fish is amazing! We have a few faves but this was right up there with our usual. Their coleslaw is homemade and out of this world!

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★ 4

We went for Friday night, fish fry. Get there early because it gets busy right at 4:30. The walleye was phenomenal.

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★ 5

great food! Chico is awesome!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Classic Wisconsin bar is to be expected! Great bacon burger, sports on, and great beer on tap!

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★ 5

Consistently leaves you in a good mood after visiting.

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★ 5

Best dive bar in Madison. Jay is the best

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great food and atmosphere. Had one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever eaten.

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★ 5

Second visit here for food. Previous Friday fish fry was great. Today was bacon cheeseburgers-also excellent. Cook came over to ensure we were happy and bartender was also attentive. Bottom line: great people and great bar food at fair prices.

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fun place.

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★ 1

In the lot and door is locked. Disappointed. Don’t say you’re going to be open if you’re not.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fish was so excellent!! I was eating it in my sleep that night!! Lmao

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Just a great neighborhood bar and grill

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★ 5

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★ 5

Shrimp night, fantastic

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★ 4

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★ 5

Took out 2 cod fish fries. I watched them come out of the fryers and ran those crispy suckers home. Best fish fry in Madison, or Milwaukee, in my opinion.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Ole School family Pub with a great vibe and Amazing Friday fish fry. One of the best Ive had. Dont be in a hurry if going for fish. Enjoy a couple cocktails while it cooks. Its worth the wait. Diverse crowd, come early they run out. Cheers!

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★ 5

Best shrimp and fish around!!!

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great food but it's very busy and chaotic in for Friday night fish fries. They don't take table reservations but will have your food ready at the desired time and recommend getting there an hour or more before your scheduled time to find a seat on your own.

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★ 5

Favorite fish fry in town. Ordering may feel foreign on your first visit, but the bar is really helpful. Order after you find a table.

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★ 5

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★ 4

The fish fry is fantastic. It is very busy on Friday, so be prepared to wait, but it is worth it if you’re looking for a WI classic.

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★ 5

Food is always fresh and good.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fantastic Friday Fish Fry! We went at 7pm towards the end of the rush, which was smart of us.

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★ 5

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★ 4

Not what it use to be, but the food still rocks. I did not luke the bartender 100%. I asked to pay cash and he still requested a card and I am not good either that

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Madison gem I've never been to. I'll be back to try the food. I've heard the food is amazing.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love the villa tap. It was my neighborhood bar for a very long time. Great food!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Some of the best bar food in Madison! Perfect lunch spot. The waitress was working at breakneck speed and was super nice. Chico is a really friendly guy!

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★ 5

Really good cod and walleye on Friday night.

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★ 5

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★ 2

Disappointing food. Fried cod was overcooked and mushy. Breading was too salty.

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★ 5

My son tipped me off to this place. I’ve been to the Villa. Years ago. I’ve never eaten there UNTIL last Saturday, 10/5. That was possibly the best burger me and my boyfriend have ever eaten. So juicy and flavorful! Also, the mozz sticks were awesome and the honey mustard was right up there with Perkins! When I called the order in, it was loud. And I kept apologizing to the order taker because I couldn’t hear and he was sooooo nice. Any other place, I feel would have been annoyed. AWESOME!!! Also, Chico - my son thinks you’re a great guy and owner.

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★ 3

Fun place to go for the games!

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★ 5

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★ 5

It's always a good time when we go into the Tap. Food is always great, fresh, and hot. And you never go wrong with a Long Island.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best neighborhood bar there is!

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★ 5

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★ 5

I ordered a Coors Light and they brought me one . Highly recommend.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Every time I’ve been here every bartender or cook has been more than welcoming and polite. Their fish fry is amazing, the shrimp is my favorite and to die for!

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★ 4

Delicious fried perch on Friday fish fry.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Local spot, no frills, super nice service. I went for the Friday fish fry and had the walleye. It was really good! Crispy breading and fish was moist and tender. Surprisingly good Coleslaw. Also came with baked potato and a roll. Good value!

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★ 4

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★ 5

It's awesome!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Delicious and abundant portions of fish..Get there early for Blue gill! Strong drinks, not
watered down

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★ 5

I went in on my lunch and had a awesome burger and fries. I didn't have to wait long for my food. And let me tell you this burger was the special of the day and was absolutely delicious!!! The burger was roast beef, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese. Seasoned fries with ranch dip. And I drank it all down with a pepsi. I saw a pool table, some darts and some games. Could be a fun time in the evenings. Thanks for the awesome service!!!!

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★ 5

Good burger!!

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★ 5

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★ 4

Huge chunks of cod in the fish fry.

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★ 2

Won’t be back. Been there several times for Friday fish and food is just ok (tonight was way over cooked fish and cold soggy fries), be prepared to wait a looong time. Biggest complaint….bartender was just plain rude, can’t believe he can hold a job dealing directly with customers. Not worth it, plenty of other places to get fish fry where they don’t treat customers so disrespectfully.

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★ 5

Awesome dive bar, great food, great beer.

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★ 5

The best fish fry!

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★ 5

Those burgers??? AMAZING!

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★ 5

Excellent burger! Great bar

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★ 5

THE BEST fish fry I have ever had!
The fish is superb. Three of five of us had a more than ample serving of the walleye, baked potato & cole slaw & all agreed it was great. The Friday night atmosphere is CROWDED, busy & the cacophony such that conversation is impossible. The prices are reasonable. The bartender is aloof, difficult to flag down & challenged by a simple register transaction. The cook is non-stop busy with all of the orders. The server is very cordial under the high-pressure atmosphere, so kudos to her! Overall, pretty good experience & the fish - to die for!

FISH: *recommended! *

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★ 5

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★ 5

AMAZING Bacon cheeseburger!!!! Must try you won’t be disappointed! I’ll definitely be going back.

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★ 5

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★ 1

We are from out of town so we had no idea what we were getting in to. The reviews said their fish was great. We got there, got a table and then were told we had to order at the bar and that the menu that is accessed through a qr code is not the active menu. We had no idea where to order at the bar. Finally found the spot and then was asked our table number. I didn't know the table number but we were the last table in the back. She made me go look at the number and come back. I placed our order and paid. We sat back down. A little bit of time goes by and we are told we don't have the walleye. We ordered two walleye! We came for the walleye! We got our money back and left. The lack of table service, not telling us what we ordered was out and the overall feel was not for us. We just wanted fish fry and we didn't get fish fry tonight. Seriously disappointed we picked this place to try.

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★ 5

This spot is precisely what you expect, although the parking lot seems to hold more cars than the bar holds people. I'm not doing the math right, maybe. Very friendly bartenders with lots of beers on tap. I learned the pro tip later to order your fish fry in advance so it's ready when you show up. We were too late for walleye - next time, but the code had a lot of flavor and was crispy on the outside and tender inside - chef's kiss. The perch had more texture, but also delightful and more subtle flavor. We need a second helping

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★ 5

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★ 5

Good food, friendly staff

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★ 4

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★ 5

I think most people already realize this, but this is the best fish fry in Madison and one of the best places to belly up and grab a beer. The perch fish fry is simply one of the best in the state of Wisconsin and if you haven't tried it yet, you need to do that ASAP.

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★ 5

Best Friday Night Fish Fry in Madison! The perch is outstanding, breading is light and flavor for days, coleslaw is perfect mix of tangy and creamy and baked potato was hot and creamy!

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★ 5

Took a fish dinner carrot. It was excellent.

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★ 5

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★ 5

My first time there and I'll be back. Got the fish fry to go. Perch dinner with fries and Walleye dinner with a baked potato. Everything was cooked perfectly. Everything tasted delicious.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Friendly neighborhood watering hole. Quality fish fry. Gotta get there early to eat on Fridays!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

The Tap has great food! I had the ribeye sandwich which was amazing.

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great bar to hang out with friends and get a "shine" on.

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★ 5

What amazing experience! Luckily, I had done all of my research and found out that you had to reserve your fish, not your table, ahead of time. Other people there did not know this, and still seemed to get their food in a timely matter, so it doesn’t seem like that’s live or die. But what I did was I called a few days in advance (I think the earliest you can call for the Friday fish fry is Monday) and the kind gentleman at the restaurant walked me through the process, which is basically you reserve your fish, which is the meal you will eat and then you get a teatime. Once you arrive at that teatime, you let them know who you are and they will put your order in and then you find a table on your own. Then they magically find you give you your food and you have a delicious meal and a great time because the atmosphere on a Friday fish fry is spectacular.

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★ 4

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★ 4

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★ 5

Great Madison dive bar w a stellar Friday fish fry. Couple of notes: 1. call ahead to order and they’ll tell you when to show up. 2. The baked potato is the way to go. 3. The perch is better than you’d think.

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★ 4

This is a funky neighborhood bar with regular patrons and friendly staff. The pub food is delicious.

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great local watering hole.

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★ 5

Great place, wonderful food! Had the blue gill fish fry, and had a taste of the perch. I’m visiting my sister and from Oregon, this is a stop every time I visit!

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★ 5

The Cod was delicious!
The walleye was Amazing!
There Chicken tenders were finger lickin good!
The Atmosphere was pleasant & staff was beyond kinda!! Thanks for the great food & customer service 😊👍

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★ 4

Went for the first time with a friend. The set up is a bit wonky initially with trying to figure out where to sit or order. Apart from that, the food came out relatively quickly and it was tasty.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Went back to "The Tap" to relive 1979-1981 when I managed the Tap's ladies softball team. Had great bacon cheeseburger. I do miss the 25 cent taps and 10 cent pinball machines, but it is 2023 after all. For and friendly service was great.

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★ 3

They make a great burger and their Friday fish fry is pretty popular. They often run out of fish.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really great dive with an excellent burger!

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★ 5

Owner is very nice and attentive. Prices are good too. I had the shrimp basket which wasn't the greatest choice for me, not a good flavor. I heard Friday Fish Fry is a good choice and will try that next time.

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★ 5

Great staff.. if you want to be social or just be by yourself.. always a welcoming place. Staff is great. Shout out to Marcus and all the staff. Fair prices on drinks.. have not ate here but the specials looked good and tempting.. even the normal menu looked satisfying..

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★ 4

Always love visiting Villa Tap. Bartenders are always friendly. Drinks are always mixed well. Haven't had any food there yet.
Sometimes super hot when it's packed/busy.

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★ 5

The fish fry was absolutely delicious. Not over breaded. Crispy Just delicious

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★ 4

went for Friday Fish fry to try something new. I got the walleye it was good.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Nice place

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★ 1

Can't rate the food because I didn't get any. Service was non existent. Sat there for an hour before someone told us we needed to get in a que to place our order. The waitresses only deliver food, not take orders.
Want a drink...go to the bar. Want food...get in the que. Waited in the que. Placed order. Told they'd bring us our food. Cook comes out after another 45 minutes to tell us they had run out of fish. ( We were in the door at 430 btw)
Was so excited to try their fish but will absolutely never go back again. Rubbish

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great food. Great tap lists. Always helpful service. Fish fry is AWESOME!!!!!

Edit: This place is still amazing! Owner is always friendly and attentive. I just enjoyed one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had!

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★ 3

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★ 5

Everytime I fly out of Madison, 3/6 times per year, I always stop and eat at Chico's. I really want to make the trip down for the fish fry!

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★ 5

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★ 2

As much as I love this joint, stopped there just tonight on the way home and despite there being four bartenders I was completely invisible. My drink would be empty for 15 minutes. Nobody asked me if I wanted a food menu or wanted food. Last drink I asked to close out. I’m not closed out. I can’t get anyone to look me in the eyes it’s almost bizarre. Service: zero.

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★ 4

First visit with out of town friend. Great fish. First day for our waitress and she was very attentive. Had to give bartender a credit card before we could order. Very tight sitting in bar area. Would ask for table in adjoining room. Very noisy at lunch time

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great fish fry and friendly wait staff.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

Great food, drinks, and a super friendly crew. What more could you ask for?

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★ 4

Great Fish Fry , Good Beer on Tap !
Come Early , or You'll miss out .

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★ 5

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★ 5

We've been visiting a different place every Friday for their fish fry, and Villa Tap is #1 out of all we have tried. Best in Madison!

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★ 5

Great neighborhood bar

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best Fish Fry in town

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★ 5

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★ 4

Excellent food as always. Bartenders are friendly and drinks are good.

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★ 5

Great fish fry on Tues. for lunch and of course on Fridays starting at 2 pm. Great friendly service. Good tap selection.

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★ 5

Best bar burger in town .

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★ 5

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★ 5

Hands down BEST place in/near Madison! All of these ritzy places downtown don't compare.

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★ 5

I found this place while looking at reviews for the best Fish-Fry's in Madison and it did not disappoint.

I've been here 3 times and each time was as good as the last.

It doesn't look much from the outside. but it's easy to find and easy to park which is great. When you go inside you get a feel that is a classic bar that could be straight out of a movie. Great friendly and lively atmosphere with loads of local sports memorabilia. The staff are great and despite being busy always seem to welcome people in. the fish fry run's from 2 and I'd recommend going early as it fills up fast and by all accounts sell's out every week.

The fish fry itself is different to (and better) than anything ive had before, the batter is super light and closer to a very fine crumb. The fish is always cooked perfectly. Light, crispy, juicy and not oily or heavy at all. The portion sizes are great. The only problem I had is choosing what to have. Our family got one of each and shared, I wish there was a platter to try it all! I really liked the bluegill and the lake perch as they are smaller fillets, but each to their own!

Toilets are older but clean and roomy. You get a discount for using cash rather than card so that is worth doing.

Sat at the bar the other customers have also always been warm and welcoming. There is a good range of beers as well.

I'll make an effort to go back regularly, this really is a hidden gem.

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★ 5

Prices on food and drinks are very reasonable

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★ 4

The walleye and bluegill dinners were the best my wife and I have found in Wisconsin so far. We will be going back for sure

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★ 5

Chico and Johnny always a pleasure

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★ 5

The only fish fry in Madison I fw, period.

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★ 5

The best fish fry in all of Wisconsin!

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★ 5

Chico and his crew are true examples of an old school Neighborhood Bar, although I live in Fitchburg and work in Verona=, ANT CHANCE I get anywhere close to Eastside for a business meeting or to meet a friend for lunch, my first question will be "Do you know where the Villa is?" Burgers are so good, I have yet to try anything else ...Keep up the good work and see you soon!!! Jackson

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★ 5

I went with a friend of mine to have drinks and learn to play Pool. I had an amazing time and the food (bacon cheeseburger) was awesome!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great food, drink and service. What more do you want? A northeast Madison iconic place.

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★ 5

One of our favorite local places. Locally sourced ingredients, good drinks, and good tap beer selection.

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★ 5

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★ 4

Attended as a guest. Appears to have a fair amount of regular patrons.

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★ 5

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★ 2

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★ 5

Back there again today, awesome fish fry, Walleye and Lake Perch are the best.
Chico is the best when it comes to the fish kitchen.
Bartenders and wait staff are the the best.

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★ 5

Shrimp was lightly breaded and large. Very good. The rest of my party had the cod with a side of shrimp. Go early.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Friday fish fry was excellent as always

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great fish fry! Staff is friendly and really on the ball! They keep things moving and seem to have fun doing it! Shout out to Chico the Culinary Expert with a huge smile!

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★ 5

Place is good.

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★ 5

Love this bar. The Friday fish fry is the best I've had in Madison. I had the walleye. The breading was light and seasoned perfectly for the fish. Fries were spot on too. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was perfect; quintessential Wisconsin. Do yourself a favor and stop in!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Villa is a great bar. They had a great New Year's eve spread and Chico the owner came around and talked with the patrons. It is always a great stop at the Villa.

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★ 5

Tasty bluegill Friday fish fry. Cod and walleye were also available.

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★ 5

I don't drink but it's still a fun place and the tarbender was in a good mood and friendly and no fights that night for me so I'm happy with it and I'll come back to pick up more women when I'm done with these.

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★ 5

This is the best place for fish fry! I hear the walleye, cod and perch are fantastic, but I can't stop ordering the amazing blue gill! I'm a fan!!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

What I had been hearing is true, one of the best fish fries in town. Staff was helpful and friendly on a packed Friday night. Their timing/reservation system works well to avoid any long wait times. Breading on the fish was some of the best I’ve ever had, more crispy crunchy breading. I’ll be back soon, too good not to.

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★ 5

Drove all the way across Madison to have the Friday 🐟 fry and it did not disappoint! Easily top 5 in the city. Everything was great. Right down to the roll. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend! 👌 👌

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★ 5

Chico is the reason to stop in. The food and beverage selection is great too!!

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★ 5

This place is awesome

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★ 5

Always a Northside best bet.

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★ 5

Excellent fish fry

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great fish fry !!

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★ 4

Great place. My dad's favorite in Madison when he visited. Get some and take er easy. Be gentle and find your spot. Neighborhood treasure for sure. Eat something!

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★ 5

Excellent fish! Hands down best fish fry in Madison.

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★ 3

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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