Jades Bar & Restaurant

Overall: 8.84 (out of 10)
Fry: 9.35 (out of 10)
Sides: 2.28 (out of 3)
Value: 1.27 (avg is 1.36)
Family: 6.81 (out of 10)

Jades Bar & Restaurant is located on Broadway St in Depew.  The fry is skinless haddock and is available beer battered, breaded, and baked.  Jades also offers a Cajun baked, lemon garlic baked, Italian baked, Mediterranean baked, and a yellow pike fish fry along with plenty of other seafood options.  The fry is served with coleslaw, macaroni salad, American or German potato salad, french fries and rye bread for $15.50.  Cajun fries with blue cheese or sweet potato fries with a cinnamon honey butter can be substituted for a small upcharge.  They also offer a small fish fry. The fry is served for lunch and dinner every day they are open, and reservations are not typically taken.

Per their website, Jades is a "hidden gem, with its good old fashioned Buffalo BAR fare and Restaurant charm, will bring you right back Home. This 45 year old family tradition is locally owned and operated, priding themselves on their reputation, known as The Very BEST Fresh FISH FRY in all Western New York!".  Like most bar/restaurants the bar is located near the door and a small dining room is located in the back.  Their menu is extensive and chock-ful of burgers and sandwiches, along with a few specialty entrees served certain nights of the week.

Fish:  A beautiful piece of fried haddock.  The batter was crisp, flavorful, and showed no signs of being fried in oil.  The thick fish filet was fresh, flaky, and properly cooked.  My only knock, both the batter and the fish could of been elevated with just a pinch of salt. 

Tartar:  Great.  A perfectly balanced, classic mayo/relish tartar sauce served in a large squeeze bottle.  Besides not having to ask for extra tartar, its a great sign when places serve their tartar in a large squeeze bottle, as large bottles don't lend themselves well to sitting around for long.

Slaw:  Very good.  A wonderfully creamy and tangy example of a freshly prepared coleslaw topped with a sprinkle of paprika.  Served in a large portion cup, the slaw was prevented from running into and creating a soggy fry.

Sides:  The fries....omg....the fries.  Fresh cut, skin on, perfectly fried and seasoned strips of potato.  A few dashes of malt vinegar and a quick squeeze of ketchup and these could easily be a meal.  (This was also the first time I've ever been given a choice of vinegars for my fries, as I was offered both malt and white by the waitress....loved this).  Both the macaroni and American potato salad were solid choices as both again were topped with a quick dash of paprika.  I'm fairly certain the mac salad was made with miracle whip as I noticed a distinct tang, I enjoy this.  The potatoes were a bit al dente for my tastes, but certainly not hard.  The German potato salad was my least favorite of the sides.  It lacked that vinegary bite and its flavor was overpowered with a heavy handed celery seed.

Overall:  Jades serves a top notch beer battered fish fry.  Its been on my list a while, but with them not usually taking reservations on Fridays, it has been difficult for me to get to.  The fact that they serve a fry everyday helped.  I wouldn't hesitate going back and would love to try their Polish platter, served on Thursdays and Saturdays.