Kegel's Inn

What: Kegel’s Inn Fish Fry

When: Friday, January 31, 2013

Cost: $11 - $13

Go ahead and get it out of your system.  Yes, the restaurant is called Kegel’s.  There’s an apostrophe.  This restaurant can call itself anything it wants because their food is absurdly delicious.  

Kegel’s Inn is a German beer hall, touting themselves as the most authentic German beer hall in Milwaukee. I wouldn’t doubt it.  The beer hall and restaurant was opened in 1924 and I don’t believe it’s changed a bit since then.  The ambiance is second to none.  Thick, dark wooden tables.  Murals of drunken peasants lining the walls.  We had a late reservation (well, late for us old folks) at 8:00.  There was a line of people waiting to be seated.  Luckily, my husband had made a reservation.  When he called to make the reservation, Jim Kegel, the owner kindly took the reservation, as well as the follow up calls to change our reservation. Twice.  When we walked in, we were immediately guided to our table.  

Kegel's: A place for friends.

John G, Jess, John W and Kathleen joined us for this amazing meal.  For fish, we had the options of the basic fish fry, which was haddock, perch or walleye.  Jess, Kathleen and I tried the perch, Adam had the haddock, and the Johns had the walleye.  While I didn’t get to try the walleye, the perch and the haddock were outstanding.  Contrary to many of the fish fries we’ve been to, the fish was “lightly breaded”.  The breading was tasty, yet gave you the opportunity to really taste the fresh fish.  There were a number of potato options to accompany the fish fry and most of us went with the handmade potato pancakes, which came with the obligatory apple sauce.  Those who ordered the fries were slightly jealous of those of us who ordered the potato pancakes.  Kegel’s was absolutely a delight and received two thumbs up from everyone at our table.  This may be in the top running for best fish fry.  Look at me.  Obviously the food was good if I haven’t even mentioned the beer yet!  Kegel’s Inn has a wonderful assortment of German style beers.  Jess and I had the Spaten Lager, which was served in a super classy beer glass and went refreshingly well with the fish.  John G had a mug of a German lager, natch.  If you’re looking for a satisfying fish fry in Milwaukee, this is it!  Kegel’s: Racy name, delicious food.