The Chubby Trout: A Worthwhile Culinary Adventure

Upon entering The Chubby Trout, you’re greeted with warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere that feels like a welcome escape. The ambiance is cozy yet refined, offering an experience that balances casual dining with an upscale touch.

Dining solo, I took a seat at the bar, where I was promptly attended to by the delightful Meagan. Her attentiveness, charm, and knowledge of the menu elevated the evening. At her suggestion, I indulged in one of their house microbrews—Sandbar, a beautifully crafted blonde ale. While I don’t typically partake in beer, this one was an exception worth making. Its crisp, refreshing notes were so enticing that I found myself enjoying not just one, but two pints—an indulgence I didn’t regret.

For my first course, I was drawn to their Crab Pepper Bisque, a signature offering. While the $15 price tag initially caused some hesitation, the rich, creamy blend of crab, sweet peppers, and a gentle kick of spice—topped with succulent claw crab meat—completely justified the cost. Though the portion size leaned modest, the flavor profile was anything but. Each spoonful was a testament to the chef’s skill, delivering a truly indulgent experience.

Next, I ventured into their sushi offerings, guided once again by Meagan’s expertise. I opted for the Trio Roll, a rice-less masterpiece featuring salmon, red and white tuna, avocado, crab meat, and tobiko, all elegantly wrapped in fresh cucumber. The dish was perfectly balanced—light, fresh, and satisfying. Skipping the rice was a wise choice, allowing me to focus on the exquisite quality of the fish while keeping my carb count in check.

By this point, Meagan had convinced me to indulge in a third pint of the irresistible Sandbar, and I must admit—her persuasive charm made it impossible to decline. Blame her for what follows.

For my main course, I faced a delightful dilemma: the Chubby Trout—a dish featuring steelhead rainbow trout—or the Almond Walleye. Walleye is a rarity on menus across my travels, and the pairing with a citrus beurre blanc was too intriguing to pass up. Served alongside coleslaw and sweet potato fries, the walleye was tender and well-prepared. However, it lacked the boldness I was hoping for; a more generous drizzle of that citrus beurre blanc would have elevated the dish to greatness. While enjoyable, it fell just shy of extraordinary.

Final Thoughts: The Chubby Trout offers a solid dining experience with a few standout moments. The service, led by Meagan’s attentive and friendly demeanor, was exceptional, and the microbrews were a highlight worth returning for. While the walleye didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations set by the rest of the meal, the overall experience was enjoyable and deserving of praise.

I happily award The Chubby Trout four out of five stars. It’s a charming spot worth visiting, and with a few adjustments to certain dishes, it could easily rise to culinary greatness.