Immaculate Conception - 117 East Madison, Columbia, IL 62263

Wayfinding / Greening


Nice, large signs near the road.  Although finding the entrance wasn't clearly marked.  Ordering was simple - and maybe the wave of the future for fish fries - IPad ordering.  Order table had an IPAD, and when your order was taken, it was inputted into the IPad and via wireless printer the order came up in the kitchen.  At some point, this will make things more effecient, but not for us.  When we got to the kitchen to receive our order, there was a lot of paper slip shuffling and asking "Which number were you?" But kudos for trying new technology! (And if your choices are only cod, shrimp, fries, and cole slaw - do you really need order slips?) Not much in the way of greening - styrofoam plates and no visible recycling (although no soda or beer), so no cans to recycling anyway.  Bulk ketchup though cut down on individual package waste.

Food


Good Cod overall.  Nugget style Cod, and some of the pieces varied, with a few being a little overdone.   But overall, very good fish, with nice breading.  Highlight was the cole slaw.  Maybe some of the best we've had.  An addictive cole slaw with the perfect balance of sweet and sour.  The only other side was fries, which were crispy and well done.  Other entree choice was fried shrimp.  No desserts (no beer or soda either).  

Value


Fair value.  Although it was higher than expected.   $38 for our family.  Cod plate dinner was $9.50, shrimp plate $9.50,  Cod sandwich $6.50.  Plates include cole slaw and fries,and lemonade and coffee.  Ala carte sides were $1.50.  Not really a kids menu, which raises the overall family price.  No beer, soda, or desserts.

Atmosphere


Friendly staff and volunteers.  Not a big cafeteria, and it was comfortably spaced, even at 5:30pm.  Water pitchers and napkins at all the tables were a nice touch.  Real chairs.  Highlight of atmosphere is that you can also eat in the adjacent gym and let your kids run around and play.  Some of the kids were playing broomball and jumping rope.  A chance to burn off your fried food! Play 60!

Overall
2.5 our of 4.  If you like the choices of fried cod, fries, and cole slaw - a good choice!  If you are looking for more variety, you should look elsewhere.  Overall, an enjoyable fish fry.  Good solid Cod, and great cole slaw.  Disappointed though that there wasn't a kids menu.  The fish fry is located in the great downtown district of Columbia, IL, and if you get there early, take the time to explore and walk the charming main street and shops of the downtown area.  Also, kudos for the potential future of fish fry ordering - IPad and wireless printers!

Reviewed:  3/1/2013


The Cafeteria at Immaculate Conception

The Future is Here!  IPad Fish Fry Ordering!

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Year End Reviews

Sometimes it is hard to compare fish fries from year to year. Comparing that Cod from 2014 to 2008 can be a little tough. With that in mind, below is a yearly re-cap for each of the following years. We got a little busy in 2015, then 2017-2019 went by in a blur, so we are missing a few years, so sorry!

2020 Year End Recap
2016 Year End Recap
2014 Year End Recap

Fan Poll Winners - Best Fish Fry

Every year Friday Night Fish hosts a fan poll to crown a yearly fan favorite Fish Fry. It's a two step process with Round 1 selecting five finalists, and Round 2 voting from the final five to crown the yearly fan champion. So get ready every year for the annual poll and get your supporters voting for your favorite fish fry! We had some voting "irregularities" in 2014, so we discontinued the poll (for now).

For a recap of past winners see Past Fan Poll Winners.

Past "Fan Poll-Favorite Fish Fry" Winners:
2014: First place tie: Christ, Prince of Peace, Ballwin; Saint Mary Magdalen, Brentwood; St. Ferdinand, Florissant
2013: Saint Mary Magdalen, Brentwood
2012: St. Rose Philippine Duschesne, Florissant
2011: St. Pius, St. Louis
2010: St. Gerard Majella, Kirkwood