Coleman's Crystal Lake

Our waitress was amazing!!! The cod fish fry was ok...a bit chewy. The beer batter was well done, but the oil might have been old? The fries were also average. There are only 6 tables, the rest is bar.

A welcoming local bar with a straightforward vibe. It's quite simple, but the prices are incredibly reasonable.

The server wasn't very friendly, but the food was excellent.

I visited for the first time in a while and ran into two very old friends from the food scene—Hey Game and Mark!

For those who might not know, bluegill is a freshwater panfish, also known as sunnies, bream, or simply perch in Texas. They can grow up to 12.4 pounds, though I've never encountered one over a pound. They're flavorful without being too fishy and are perfect for frying, typically with a light breading rather than batter, like the style here. Regardless, it was delicious! I paired it with fries and coleslaw, along with Chicago's favorite beer in a tallboy. The server and bartender were friendly and attentive, and I enjoyed watching the regulars come in and settle into their bar stools on a Friday afternoon. They offer an all-you-can-eat cod option, as well as ocean perch and fried shrimp. I would love to see them add lake perch and catfish to the menu, but either way, I’ll definitely be back. They also have daily specials and serve breakfast on weekends.