317 N Frances StThis isn’t really a student hangout spot, even though it’s across the street from campus buildings. It should be though, because these bar burgs are delicious, thanks in part to the killer homemade sauces. You can’t go wrong with the Heart Throb Burger, with pepper jack, bacon, and creamy Heart Throb Sauce made with cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño.

Finding the perfect burger is akin to discovering treasure, and at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, the search ends with a satisfying bite into Madison’s best burger. This iconic restaurant has won the hearts and appetites of locals and visitors alike, securing its spot as the go-to destination for burger aficionados in the city. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry offers an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual meal with friends, a family outing, or even a solo adventure when the craving for a good burger strikes.

Frances Street in the heart of downtown, Dotty’s serves some of the best burgers in Madison. Lovingly known as the “world hamburger headquarters,” their award-winning 6-ounce patties are made fresh daily from Wisconsin-raised lean ground chuck and are paired with freshly baked seeded buns. With a menu sporting at least 16 specialty burgers, a new featured weekly burger, and house-made dressings and specialty sauces, we dare you to read their burger list from top to bottom without your mouth watering!

The late Jeff Stanley, founder of Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, made the quick but fateful decision to use Pabst Blue Ribbon as the basis for the beer batter that bolsters his buffalo chicken sandwich. The batter is what gives this ’wich the perfect fluffy/crunchy texture to balance the medium heat of the buffalo sauce. Dotty’s obviously leads with its burgers, but employees swear by the buffalo chicken.

Despite what the name suggests, there are no dumplings at this famous restaurant, but there are unforgettable fries. Dotty’s offers six takes on their “sizzling fries,” along with a handful of specialty sauces to mix and match. The “hot fries” stand out as a perfect medley of hot sauce and blue cheese over a pile of french fries, fried in trans fat-free canola oil.

Back in the day, Dotty Dumpling's Dowry was one of the more colorful things about Madison, mainly due to its owner, founder and "Hamburger King" Jeff Stanley. Its Fairchild Street spot was its most famous, but Stanley had to leave it in 2001 to make way for the Overture Center. The restaurant is now operated by Stanley's daughter near the Kohl Center.

Before you get too excited, this restaurant doesn’t actually offer dumplings—just named after a Sherlock Holmes character called Dotty Dumpling . Still, it offers enough fried deliciousness to make you forget all about dumplings. Their onion rings, fried mushrooms, cheese curds and loaded fries make them a favorite amongst drunk college students.

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is a place with a funny name and a funny decor, that includes large-scale model airplanes hanging from the ceiling. It also has some of the best hamburgers we’ve ever tried. Juicy, flavorful, messy, and full of incredibly delicious burgerness, Dotty’s has some unique offerings that satisfied us completely.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (789 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703-1970- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated ice cream shops in Madison by diners

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is the best restaurant in Madison WI for hamburgers. It was started in 1974 and is well-known for its juicy and delectable selection of hamburgers. With a cozy ambiance, a vibrant bar, and a great selection of tap beers, this is a great place for a casual hangout with your friends.

Get ready for a burger pilgrimage to Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, a true Madison legend!. This iconic spot, housed in a quirky historic building near campus, has been serving up incredible burgers for generations. The vibe is pure, unadulterated college town charm, with a delightfully cluttered and cozy feel.

Cuisine Type: American Restaurant Location: 317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703 Website: Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is known for its delicious burgers and extensive beer selection. The restaurant’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors.

Opened by Jeff Stanley in 1969, Dotty Dumpling's Dowry was originally a jewelry store in Des Moines, Iowa. It didn’t take long for Mr. Stanley to realize it would be much more successful as a burger joint. He set his sights on Madison, Wisconsin, in 1974, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The award-winning spicy hot chili at Dotty’s is where it’s at. Don’t let the name scare you away — it’s a tolerable, subtle heat that builds with each bite of jalapeno and banana pepper. The combo of beef tips, pork tenderloin and smoked bacon adds a depth of flavor beyond your standard bowl.

Established in 1969, Dotty Dumpling's Dowry has been serving award-winning burgers for decades. And when you order one of said burgers, you had better order a side of cheese curds to go with it. These breaded, deep-fried, white cheddar curds served with ranch and honey mustard are a must.

If you’re in the mood for a juicy and satisfying burger, look no further than Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry. This casual and laid-back restaurant has been serving up some of the best burgers in Madison since 1972. With over 30 different burger options, there’s something for everyone at Dotty’s.

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is the place to go for burgers (not dumplings!) in Madison. This downtown staple has a huge selection of burgers and casual bites and a kids' menu where everything is under $5. We donut know why you'd ever skip a visit to Greenbush Bakery.

Dotty’s is the home of award-winning hamburgers, a Friday Fish-Fry, and over 24 Wisconsin Craft Beers on tap. For over 40 years, this restaurant has been a staple to Madison. Surrounded by classic decor and old movies, this restaurant was one of my favorites!

Dotty’s White Cheddar curds are ever popular and make a great side to their famous burgers!. Served with a delicious house-made ranch and honey mustard sauce–both pair well. Wash it down with a beer and your weekend is on.

The golden lettering of Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry gleams against brick and glass, like a treasure chest waiting to be discovered in downtown Madison. Photo Credit: Ryan Kuchenmeister

Mint Mark gets good reviews or its homemade biscuits, local cheese selections and a popular weekend brunch. It is a small bar and restaurant offering cocktails and small plates.