This Wisconsin Supper Club Keeps Friday Fish Fry Exactly the Way Regulars Remember

Some Friday traditions don’t fade—they crisp to perfection. At Toby’s Supper Club on Madison’s south side, the fish fry arrives hot, golden, and exactly as regulars remember. Step through the door and it’s part time machine, part neighborhood handshake: brandy Old Fashioned, relish tray, and the gentle hum of conversations that never hurry. If you crave a taste of Wisconsin that still honors the ritual, this is where your weekend starts.

The Ritual Begins at the Bar

At Toby’s Supper Club, the evening starts the way it always has: at the bar. You check in with the bartender, settle into a stool, and order a brandy Old Fashioned—sweet, naturally. A waitress glides by with menus while the chatter of regulars sets a comforting rhythm. Cheese curds land on cocktail napkins. It’s not rushed; it’s ritual. The wait simply becomes foreplay for dinner, a warm-up of clinks and nods. By the time your name’s called, you’re already home.

Friday Fish Fry, No Compromises

Friday at Toby’s means fish fry—the kind that defines Wisconsin. Plates arrive stacked with perch or walleye, perfectly crisp, steaming and seasoned. Sides matter: rye bread, creamy slaw, and those famously crunchy hash browns. Regulars swear the batter hasn’t changed in decades, and that’s the point. The portions are generous, the flavors honest. You taste lake country and memory in every bite. It’s straightforward comfort, cooked hot and served without fuss, exactly as returning diners expect.

Relish Tray and Starters, the Old-School Way

Before the mains, Toby’s delivers a welcome with roots: a modest relish tray—pickles, crisp veggies, crackers, and rolls. You might add cheese curds or a cup of clam chowder, both beloved by regulars. It’s the kind of prelude that invites conversation without stealing the show. Familiar, unfussy, and quietly generous, these touches feel like hospitality rather than trend. They set the table for what follows: simple, satisfying supper fare that respects tradition and appetite in equal measure.

Hash Browns Worth the Hype

At Toby’s, the hash browns are a co-star, not a side. Shredded, griddled, and edged with lacy crispness, they deliver buttery crunch and soft centers. Regulars will tell you: pair them with fish or steak, and you’ll understand the loyalty. Add onions for extra savor if you like. They’re unpretentious and perfect, the kind of potato that feels like a promise kept. Many diners plan entire orders around them—and leave plotting their next plate.

Steaks, Chicken, and Shrimp for the Non-Fish Crowd

While Friday fish shines, Toby’s menu keeps carnivores smiling all week. The filet arrives properly seared, often crowned with a tumble of sautéed mushrooms. Pan-fried chicken delivers nostalgic comfort, crispy-skinned and juicy. And the fried shrimp? Loyalists rave—some visit for shrimp alone. Portions are hearty, prices fair, and the cooking straightforward. It’s retro American fare done with care, ideal for mixed groups where everyone orders a favorite and leaves satisfied.

How to Dine Like a Regular

Here’s the insider play: arrive early, check in with the bartender, and grab a drink while you wait. A server will take your dinner order at the bar, then seat you when the kitchen’s ready—efficient and relaxed. Reservations are limited; patience pays off. Embrace the flow, enjoy the vibe, and consider weekdays for shorter waits. The system is part of the charm, keeping the experience personal and pleasantly old-school.

Atmosphere: Time-Capsule Comfort

Toby’s feels like a preserved moment in Madison dining—wood paneling, low light, and a crowd that skews multigenerational. It’s bustling yet welcoming, a place where locals bring out-of-towners to explain Wisconsin. Staff move with practiced ease, sharing jokes and remembering orders. The soundtrack is conversation and clinking ice. You’re not here for spectacle; you’re here because it feels like belonging. And that sense of place lingers long after dessert.

Plan Your Visit

Find Toby’s Supper Club at 3717 S Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI, just off the Beltline. Hours run Monday–Thursday 3–9 PM, Friday and Saturday 3–10 PM; closed Sundays. Expect $20–30 entrées and a lively Friday scene. Call +1 608-222-6913 for details, and check tobyssupperclub.com for updates. Aim for early evenings, and bring cash or card. Most of all, come hungry—and ready to keep a Wisconsin Friday the way it’s always been.