Restaurants | Rankings | Reviews | How We Rank | Links


Fish Type: Walleye     Price: $14.00

Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.

Fish Score: Excellent
Potato Score: Excellent
Tartar Score: Excellent
Bread Score: Good
Miscellaneous Score: Good

Share |

Comment: It would be nice if there were more places like Dexter’s. It would be nice if more places had a huge beer selection, but still had your old favorite around. It would be nice if more places made you feel like your business was appreciated, rather than expected. And it would be really nice if more places had an amazing Fish Fry, but also enticing choices for those not in the mood for fish. It would be nice if there were more places like Dexter's, but in reality there just aren't.

We had day-after-Thanksgiving guests in town, and they happened to be freshwater fish fans. Since I know Dexter’s knocks that ball out of the park I decided to fall back on the old mainstay (again). We arrived a little early, had a drink the bar, and eventually found our way to the dining room. As I predicted, it wasn’t terribly busy since it was the day after Thanksgiving and we were able to get a table at our leisure (rest assured, this is normally not the case on Friday nights). While I wanted to try the “Wild Caught Bering Sea Cod” I just couldn’t bring myself to do it, especially after noticing the equally untamed sounding “Wild Caught Walleye.” It was a fishly dilemma to be sure, but one of the most delicious variety.

The walleye came in no time and looked just fabulous. The single flaky fillet was large and in charge, and lorded over the frydom with a subtle intimidation. The meat on the monster was moist and tender, and paired perfectly with Dexter’s seasoned breading. The coating clung to the fish with magnificent force, and stuck to the fingers like cotton candy. The saccharine goodness was sweet and spicy, and necessitated some serious digit-licking just like one needs after gorging on a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos.

If you get the lake perch at Dexter’s sometimes they’ll drape them over the top of your fries creating a delicious, edible rainbow (if you get the walleye, forget about it - it’s too damn big to be draping anywhere). Regardless of whether they’re used as a prop or just come on the plate, the spuds will be plentiful and delicious. The waffle versions are simply amazing, and the garlic-chili rendition isn’t all that far behind. It is pure potato perfection at Dexter’s, and you can’t really go wrong with any of the options.

The roll was just a roll, and Dexter’s knows this - as long as it’s there it’s something. Dexter’s new slaw on the other hand, was something different all together. It looks like, and I may be saying this prematurely, but it looks like, Dexter’s has finally figured out the coleslaw conundrum. This rendition was easily the best we’ve had at Dexter’s, and was creamy and fresh without any of the overpowering flavors we’re accustomed to. Finally, Dexter’s. Finally.

If the fourth Thursday of every November is Thanksgiving, then every fourth Friday of November should be something too - a celebration of returning to normalcy, returning home, and returning to the Fish Fry. This year we celebrated at Dexter’s and as per usual, it was a festive one. Everyone was thrilled with their food (including the vegetarian in the group), and had no problem commenting on that fact. Overall, we highly recommend the walleye at Dexter’s, and don’t be surprised if it shows up in our Top 25. It is just that good.



www.dexterspubmadison.com/
301 North Street
Madison, WI 53704

(608) 244-3535