Great food as always. It's a la carte which may drive some people nuts but no matter what you order you'll be happy with it. The chili cheese fries are always a must when we go and we normally try a new burger every time. It's the only burger place I've been to in Madison where I've never ordered a burger I disliked, so try something new!
Amazing burgers and fries. This spot is awesome. Really cool atmosphere with lots of pictures and trinkets to look at. Definitely a good spot to bring family or a large group. There’s something for everyone on the menu! Also about a block from the Kohl Center, and a block from State Street. Doesn’t get much better.
Burgers are excellent - high quality beef with great flavor. I liked it so much went back a second night and got the 'melting pot' - again! Really nice wait staff and casual environment. Only thing that keeps it from a '5' are the good but not great fries. Highly recommend it.
When I first saw the reviews, I was surprised at the number of 4 stars. After my first experience here, I am amongst them. I thought the burger was very good, over cooked slightly, fries were disappointing. Served in a basket that is too small for burger and fries to comfortably coexist. Very good tap list and service, atmosphere is a cool mix of classy and dinery.
Really good food. Had the cheese curds to start and they were fantastic. The breading wasn't too thick or thin, and the cheese has perfectly gooey. I had a burger with Munster, lettuce and tomato, and everything was fantastic. Burger meat was perfect, and the toppings blended well.
Burgers are great!
We loved the atmosphere and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The gambler burger is awesome but there is so many to choose from. Definitely give this place a try.
Terrific burgers right downtown. I know of no better burger in this part of town. Check out any burger with their English Garlic Sauce, and definitely try the cheese curds. Not too pricey either.
Had 'The Gambler'. It was amazing. Wife had the 'Green & Gold'. While not as amazing, it was still a really good burger. Both were prepared perfectly and the cheese curds we had beforehand did not disappoint. Service was timely and friendly. Hard to go wrong with any of the burgers here.
Every time I come here the food is great. Be prepared to wait, as it is a popular place. I have never gone and not had to wait at least 15 min for a table. However it is worth it everytime. In addition, a side does not come with your burger or sandwich, but the sides are large and could be split between two people. They have a good beer selection as well.
Very happy we stopped here. The veggie burger and bison burger were both very impressive! The blue cheese was spot so good. Open kitchen which is always a good sign that got the food out perfectly cooked quickly. Restaurant had an old time feel. Poutine was definitely a Wisconsin interpretation of the Canadian classic, however my husband still raved over it. Appetizer, 2 beers and 2 burgers for $40! Our waitress Annie was extremely efficent and managed her large section expertly! Can't wait till the next time we're in Madison (:
Can't give half stars, but I'll rate it on the higher end.
Burgers were good for both myself and my vegetarian friend. Waiter was very attentive which is a huge plus for me. Friendly pricing especially considering the location. Double that considering the fact that I didn't leave on a half empty stomach.
The only thing I would knock off a star for is the cheese curds. The batter and texture are great, but the taste is a little bland, and the ranch doesn't do much to help. Doesn't mean they're bad, as others mind find the taste appropriate.
All in all, this is a great place with decent prices. If you're ever in need of a good bite to eat, and you're in Madison. Make sure to give this place a visit.
Not the cheapest place for a burger (or the rosemary chicken, which is my favorite) and cheese curds, but not overpriced either - and *never* a bad food experience. Consistently high quality, so if you're visiting again you don't have to wonder if it'll be as good as you remember it - it will.
Dotty's can become pretty busy at times (see Google's popularity chart for an idea when those times are), so plan a bit ahead or plan to do some waiting at peak times.
I love Dotty's. The food is great and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting. I took off one star because service at the bar is hit or miss. If you're waiting for a table, it's difficult to get a drink. The bartenders look right past you. When eating at the bar, we've had orders messed up, even being charged for items that never arrived. They're understaffed in that area. Once you get a table though, the servers tend to be very friendly and efficient. And the beer is so wonderfully cold.
They could use a little work on their veggie burgers too (the flavor's great, but they fall apart), but it's not their claim to fame so I can overlook that.
This was the top recommendation I heard about when planning my first visit to Madison. It did not disappoint. The atmosphere is immediately cozy and interesting. The beer selection is great as it's from all the local breweries in and around town. All the burgers on the menu sound delicious and the one I got was easily the best burger I've ever had in Wisconsin. I easily could have just gone here for lunch every day. I will DEFINITELY be going to Madison again soon and DEFINITELY stopping at Dotty Dumpling's Dowry.
Definitely deserves the title it holds. The burgers were fantastic, and the service was amazing. They seemed to enjoy working here. Of course, being here at 2 on a Wednesday, there weren't many people here, but the service was quick, probably only waited 10 minutes. Definitely a place to eat at again. Will be back.