American Eats: Wisconsin. Dotty Dumpling's Dowry

Wisconsin is known for cheese. It is a little less known for deep frying things at tailgates. What if I told you that we could combine these two things into one of the least healthy meals known to man?

In 2010 I pulled into Madison on my first stop of my first drive across the country. Through the magic of the internet I had heard of a restaurant in downtown called Dotty Dumpling's Dowry. The self-proclaimed “world hamburger headquarters” is the perfect place for a college town, insofar as the food is affordable, the beer is cold, and the decor is offbeat.

My lunch that day? A deep-fried cheseburger with a side of deep-fried cheese curds. I’m amazed that my body was still functional after eating that combination of food but it was an absolutely incredible meal. Even if it made driving the rest of the day challenging with all that heavy food weighing me down…

That deep-fried cheeseburger isn’t even offered on the menu there anymore. It is a relic from previous times. But those cheese curds are, and the burger itself was plenty flavorful without the deep-frying aspect.

If you ever visit Wisconsin to see the Badgers place, Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is a must stop,

Dotty Dumpling's Dowry
317 N Frances St
Madison, WI 53703