Dexter's Pub

I had been to Dexter’s once before and been mildly impressed. While the cod I had didn’t bowl me over the sheer variety of fish on the menu filled me with anticipation for another visit. This time I arrived right on the lunch hour, grabbed myself one of the open seats at the bar and took a glance at the board. Dexter’s lists a huge variety of fish options and has no problem pointing out that their freshwater fish is “lightly breaded” which I love to see. Since I came with perch or bluegill (both $9.25) on my mind I asked the bartender which was better as he grabbed me a drink. Six of one, half dozen of the other, was his response which made me smile a little as I settled on a plate of perch with waffle fries.

The food came 10-15 minutes after my order went in and was served on a somewhat fancy (I would say non-traditional) square plate. The seven perch filets were very hot and as lightly breaded as advertised. They tasted good although the batter could have used slightly more spice I think. The well blended tartar helped to make up for it though and made for a great taste combination. The fish itself was light, flaky and well fried. While it wasn’t perfect it was still superb and I had no trouble putting away all seven pieces.

On my last visit the highlight of the meal were the waffle fries. This time they were still good but not as great as I remembered. They seemed thinner and a little overcooked but, were still actually good and I certainly had no trouble eating every last one of them. I also ate the whole plain white roll that came along for the ride even if it was a little stale. The coleslaw on the other hand I couldn’t finish. It was clearly homemade but had way too much green pepper in it for my taste. Although I will say the semi-arid slaw did grow on me slightly be the time my fish was gone as I ate almost half of the cup.

After a second visit to Dexter’s I can easily recommend this Fish Fry. The lightly breaded lake perch was delicious and I assume the walleye and bluegill would follow suit. All the elements of this Fish Fry work as they should. The fish is the centerpiece, surrounded by the fries and tartar in supporting rolls. The bread and slaw are the extras and do their part without overshadowing the stars of the show. Dexter’s puts on a great production and we will be back for an encore presentation soon. All in all, after yet another great Fish Fry at a local spot I am left to wonder, how can anyone really think that Madison sucks? Child, please.

The guys from work were down for fish so I decided it was as good a time as any to take my own advice (truth be told, I really wanted to try the sunfish that I bypassed on my the last trip and basically dragged them there). Since it was lunch we had our pick of the litter table-wise and grabbed our favorite high-top in the bar. Dexter's swift bartender/waitress hybrid whipped by and took our orders lickety-split and the game was afoot.

As is the norm at Dexter's the fish was ready in about 10 minutes. My $10.29 plate of sunfish looked idyllic and was nice and hot. The waitender (or should I say bartress?), and kitchen were on their game as usual. I tore into the fish and it was nothing less than superb. The sunny little buggers were slightly larger than your average bluegill, but equally delicious. They boasted a light fishiness, which was a little sweet, and very tasty. The flavor melded effortlessly with Dexter's signature so-light-you-can-see-right-through-it breading. Yum. Just yum.

Dexter's homemade tartar is thick and creamy, and totally kicks the fish up a notch while Dexter's signature waffle fries are probably some of the best on this, or any other, planet.

Historically the slaw at Dexter's has been hit and miss, with far more K's than singles. This time around they made solid contact and the homemade blend was fresh and sweet. A plain old dinner roll did its part and drove the run that in.

Of course, I was pleased with everything on this visit to Dexter's and it seemed like everyone else was too. Overall, I highly recommend the sunfish at Dexter's and will continue to do so forever and ever (or at least until they stop offering it). Dexter's is simply great. Bring your friends, bring your family, and don't think twice about it, they'll love it too.

We'll start with the $16 bluegill during the tap takeover and we'll also start by saying we love Indeed's beers...if you like "craft" and have never tried theirs we'd highly recommend you do. As far as the fish goes, it was simply superb. Each of the 9-10 tiny fillets were light and smooth with an equally light and pleasant breading. Just enough of the fishy bluegill flavor comes through to let you know it's the genuine article without being overbearing. It's GOLD, Jerry!

Dexter's is no slouch when it come to sides and their waffles are the gold standard...I'm sensing a theme here. They are heavily-seasoned to a rich amber color and come in a portion that would make Zeus blush. The same goes for the gilded tartar which takes the cake when it comes to creaminess. Is thick and bold, and offsets the seasoning in the fish just right.

Some oh-so-traditional rye does the deed and the onion-laden slaw pays the piper. Separate they might turn some folks off, but together they rise to the top. When you couple everything with the quartet of high-octane IBC beers all went smoothly and I left feeling on top of my game.

Our Wednesday night rendezvous was more of the same, except this time it was lake perch that found its way to our table. Like the bluegill from a couple weeks prior the perch runs $16 and is essentially perchfect (see what I did there?). The six fillets are light and fresh tasting with the wispiest breading you could imagine...almost like gold dust. The fish itself was slightly sweet and not fishy in any way shape or form. It would make a prefect foray into freshwater fish for those fearful of fishy flavors who may be stuck in the cod rut.

Just as it does to the 'gill the tartar takes the perch to the top of the podium with its thick consistency and pungent flavor. This round we went for the brew fries since the little man was with and he has waffled on the waffle fry seasoning in the past and we wanted him to have a fall-back. The brews are fine but take the silver when the aurelian lattices are around.

The same Friday slaw comes on Wednesday and this one was packed in the cup like a fresh tub of Play-Doh and didn't want to relinquish it's hold. The rye also seemed like a holdover from the previous Friday as it was a little stale - certainly not the gold standard by any stretch.

It may come as a shock to some but Dexter's recently took the gold medal as the Best of Madison Fish Fry and I for one don't totally disagree. Sure, there are a lot of great contenders but for me this one has it all - fantastic freshwater fish, superb spuds, terrific tartar, special slaw, real rye, and an outstanding beer selection. That's the full meal deal and the full Friday Fish Fry experience (they also have a good whiskey selection and make a good brandy old fashioned sweet as far as I've heard). Overall, we highly recommend these Fish Frys and will come back periodically for their "Au"some fish.

One more note: we went back for the lake perch a couple weeks later and it was equally excellent.

Check it out here - The Definitive Guide to Fish Fry in South-Central Wisconsin

All kidding aside, most of the changes made at Dexter's are for the better. While they exterior looks the same as it always has the interior now feels clean and modern, and of course, they still have their "Best of Madison" Friday Fish Fry - although even that has evolved somewhat. I've always been a sucker for Dexter's bluegill, and truth be told that's why I came today. To my surprise not only was the 'gill absent from the specials but so was the lake perch! Standing in was what has come to be known as "Dexter's Wednesday Menu" which has crappie instead of the other freshwater-ers. I was astonished, but since I'd wanted to try the crappie (but never go out on Wednesdays) I seized the opportunity to do so.

Like its freshwater friends the crappie isn't cheap at $14, but the portion is handsome and the plate is filled out. Crappie looks a lot like lake perch although the fillets are slightly larger, thicker, and more oval-shaped. In addition, the meat tastes more fishy than perch and isn't as flaky. The "mushier" texture isn't bad, but it just doesn't quite live up to its counterparts which is probably one reason it's rarely seen as a Friday special. Of course, it's home to the same breading as the rest of Dex's fish (cod aside) which gives the limp fish something firm to hold on to. All things considered it's still very good, but a step below the lake perch, and a few more from the bluegill.

Thankfully, the sides are the same as always and the waffle fries were as amazing as ever. Sure, the portion seemed trimmed, but the seasoning was dead on and the time the spent in the fryer was just right. The tartar was also in the zone, although appeared to be chunkier than usual. The robust blend did the fish right with plenty of zip and no overbearing flavors.

Dexter's has also historically been one of the few places in town willing to serve rye with their fish and the big half slice stayed the course. It was stanky and fresh and well-suited to the homemade coleslaw. While the onion quotient has been dialed down this slaw is still as diverse as they come although not the best around. You can't win 'em all.

Holy crap(pie)! Dexter's is still great even with all the changes they've made. While it's not a dive anymore it still has a charm that sets it apart from chain restaurants or overly modern places that feel cold, and of course, their Fish Fry is still amazing. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry but do hope the perch and bluegill return at some point.

Like Clark Kent with a phone booth I changed from average Joe into Superfish in the blink of an eye. I leapt tall thresholds in a single bound on my way out the door and flew down 113 at light speed using my x-ray-like vision to weave in and out of traffic with ease. The force of the Fish Fry drew me in and the 10 minute drive was made in what seemed like mere seconds. In a flash, I was in the door, a plate of perch awaiting my arrival.

The $10 perch plate was generously appointed with 7-8 large fillets, an unconscionable amount of brew fries, corpulent cups of tartar and coleslaw, and a dinner roll. Like kryptonite, the perch brought our trio to its knees with its flavor and bounty. The fish was delish. Each and every piece was moist and flaky with a breading to die for. The bevy was too much for MiahMan and Cousin Nate, but heroically Superfish was there to save the day, taking out his adversaries with ease.

Dexter's brew fries are not one to be messed with and today they came in waves. The platoon of potatoes took the low ground, and provided a solid foundation for the perch to brace itself against. They were entrenched, but we mustered up all our courage (and hunger) and busted the crispy critters out of their salty bunker. The garlic/chile rendition MiahMan and Cousin Nate took on also came in large numbers. They were a force to be reckoned with as the slightly-spicy squad kept our heroes at bay until the end when Superfish intervened and thinned their herd.

Coming to our aide was Dexter's homemade tartar sauce which was a powerful mix with a mayo:relish proportion that was tough to tame. The zesty sauce perked up the perch and made its ultimate demise inevitable.

Testing our conviction was the standard tear-off style dinner roll, which neither helped nor hurt matters, and Dexter's latest peril-fraught endeavor into the realm of the slaw. Try as we might the strangely unappealing slaw took the wind out of our sails causing us to turn away in horror. Luckily, the cabbage-y catastrophe was a minor setback and the phenomenal force of the Fish Fry won the day.

As quickly as we arrived we were gone, vanishing into the wondrous Madison skyline -our bellies full, and our foes bested.

Somewhere lost would-be fish goers cry out, where, oh where do we find the best Fish Fry!? For these souls, there is Madison Fish Fry - a lover of The Fry, a seeker of fishly knowledge, a champion of the people, by the people and for the people. Madison Fish Fry gives them hope that, should they seek, they will find. He gives them a name, an answer to their most lingering questions, a place to fulfill their deepest fried desires. It is Dexter, Fish Fry superhero.

Dexter's has grown, morphed if you will, into the new age Wisconsin tavern with flair. They are slinging high quality suds and more fish than their tiny kitchen was ever meant to handle. This has resulted in long waits on your average Friday night, and even longer waits this Friday when Toppling Goliath Brewery was in attendance as part of the Great Taste of the Midwest festivities. It was more chaotic than normal in the small bar, but since our friends Sean and Sasha were moving west (and wanted go out with a bang) we stuck it out.

It was a good 75-90 minutes before our light-up coaster went off (Dexter's actually has those now), and we were shown to our table for four. Everything went pretty smoothly from that point on as the wait staff and kitchen were in high gear. The fish took about 15 minutes to arrive, but was nice and hot when it did. My walleye was on the small side (walleye-wise) but was still more than adequate. The sweet fish was flaky and moist, with a mild flavor that let the breading take charge. The breading was light and crispy and really completed the flavor profile thanks to Dexter's signature subtle seasoning. It was an excellent preparation and definitely write-up worthy.

Usually I opt for the waffle fries when I fish at Dexter's, but something in me wanted to branch out this Friday (perhaps it was the effects from four hoppy Toppling Goliath beers?). For whatever reason, the brew fries struck me as appropriate this week, and with their crunchy coating they were. The batter made them feel a little heartier than your average fries, and while the waffles are probably still a better option the brews were very satisfying.

A light, but thick, homemade tartar played bow to the fish's cello. It had just the right zip to offset the flavorful fish, and together they played a beautiful tune. It was a harmonious melody that tickled the tongue and prepared the palate for even further enjoyment.

Enjoyment in this case came in the form of a half-slice of rye and Dexter's homemade slaw. While the slaw isn't necessarily music to the ears its subtle vinegar base and onion-y overtones blend well with the rye, adding a note to the meal that would otherwise be absent.

A great beer selection and great food have become the name of the game at Dexter's, and everyone just seems to love it. They have become one of the toughest tickets in town on Friday nights, and if you go there will likely be decent wait, but at least there will be plenty to keep your taste buds jumping. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and still think it's one of the best Madison has to offer.

I had to grab a quick Fish Fry and get out of town for a wedding, and many thoughts passed through my mind. Wilson's? Rude's Lanes? The Villa Tap? Somewhere else? All sounded plausible, but didn't seem to fit the bill. I struggled with the options, some nudging me north, others pulling to the east, and still more wheedling me west. With the convolution it was nearly impossible to decide, so I just headed out, hoping fate would intervene. As I drove south along 113 the murky haze began to lift as an almost unnatural force willed me towards something. Eventually this something came into focus, it was Dexter's Pub, and I knew fate was smiling on me.

Yes, Dexter's was the epiphany I was looking for. It met all my criteria: open by 11, lots of great options beyond cod, and quick service to get me on my way. I landed on North Street at 5-to and waited for the doors to open. At 11 o'clock on-the-dot the entrance flung wide and I scampered inside. Of course, since I was first in, I was first fried and my bluegill was ready in no time flat.

The bluegill has been getting steady bumps in price and now rests at $10.29, which is still a fair value in our book. On this day my eight small fillets were slightly under-fried and a little on the limp side, but that didn't bother me since I like 'em like that way once in a while. They housed a wafer-thin, nearly-transparent breading which was well-seasoned and delicious. The fish paired perfectly with Dexter's homemade tartar which was rich, creamy, and zesty - exactly what you want.

Practically pushing the fish off the plate was a mound of waffles fries which were produced from a big brown freezer bag. They were cooked to a perfect crispness and heavily spiced once removed from the oil and shook clean. They were delicious, and the sheer numbers added some serious beef to the meal.

Finalizing the foray was a regular roll, some room temperature butter and Dexter's latest rendition of homemade coleslaw. While the roll was what we expected it to be, the slaw was again hit-and-miss. This go-round was not as good as our previous sampling as the thin, vinegar-based blend, missed the mark. It had a very pungent cabbage flavor, and while it was vinegar-based, it lacked enough of the acidic liquid to crush the cabbage tang.

Try as we might, we are instinctively drawn to Dexter's and powerless to resist its charms. Their fish is simply superb, and you really can't go wrong with any of the options. We would love to change it up every now and again but the bluegill has us hooked. What's more, the generously portioned fries make the meal feel more substantial and the tremendous tartar, average roll, and pedestrian slaw all do what they need to do. Overall, this is still, and will always be, a highly recommendable Fish Fry and one that will keep us coming back time and again.

Dexter's used to fly under the radar, but all that has changed now. The place is swamped on Friday nights which is why I usually go for lunch when the crowd is much sparser and the service much quicker. I've had all the fish options many times (except for the new Sablefish which I'm a little leery of), so this time it was simply a matter of suiting my fancy, and today I fancied walleye.

The fish came before half of my PBR was even gone (PBR was the cheap beer on tap, I'm not one of those guys), and looked marvelous. The fillet was average-sized but plus-taste. The Canadian sourced cut was moist and flaky and enhanced to the utmost by Dexter's signature breading. The sticky coating clung to fish and finger alike with herculean force despite its brittle appearance. The seasoning blend in the breading enhanced every last bit of the meat making for a true taste sensation.

Dexter's has great side options and while I've availed myself of most of them I always come back to the waffle fries. The portion today was on the light side number-wise but on the heavy side size-wise. Each tater lattice seemed to be center-cut with plenty of potato-y goodness to offset the spicy coating applied post-fry. As I've said many times before, these waffles are the stick by which all others should be measured.

A hearty dose of Dexter's smooth and zippy tartar joined the fold, and bolstered the lineup significantly. While the walleye was just fine on its own, a dunk in the special sauce took it to the next level.

The coleslaw is homemade, and unlike any you'll find elsewhere. It's fresh, and peppy, but punctuated by an onion overtone that is too pungent for some. Thankfully, Dexter's pairs the slaw with a half-slice of rye that helps to take the edge off, at least when they're eaten in unison.

Look, you already know Dexter's is great. Do I really need to keep harping on it? No, probably not, but there is something to be said for a place that never misses a beat, never drops the ball, and consistently puts out plate after place of perfect fish. It's amazing, I love it, and I keep coming back for a reason. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry, and just hope Dexter's keep doing what Dexter's does.

The impetus for this visit to the North Street staple was a tap takeover from the Indeed Brewing Company in conjunction with the typical Friday features. I showed up early to get my hands on some of that sweet LSD (a Lavendar, Sunflower Honey, and Dates ale), and was a couple deep before old Gabe sauntered in and we transitioned from the bar to a bar-side table. In no time his cod was ordered and my bluegill beckoned and we shot the $hit. The fish arrived in pristine condition and looked every bit as good as I remember.

Bluegill can have some overtly fishy flavors, but this Canadian-born batch was as smooth and mild as they come. There was nothing wacky in the taste department and the texture was flaky and pure - no rubber band effect here. While Dex isn't giving their lightly-breaded beauties away ($15), that price is competitive and when you consider it is from a sustainable source (or at least they claim) it feels justified.

A spud-head through and through, I swoon over hand-cut fries but welcome all comers as long as they are all they can be - Dexter's waffles fries are. These starchy lattices are hefty as can be and the maximized amount of surface area allows for ample seasoning to be applied. They are simply wonderful in every sense of the word.

Like most of the food at Dexter's the tartar is the good stuff and always in the zone. The thick and creamy blend bathes the bluegill in benevolence, bequeathing bliss upon bloated bellies. Some radical rye follows in the Milwaukee-style Fish Fry tradition, while an onion-y slaw sets it off.

Dexter's definitely still has it and while I don't necessarily think it's "the best" I'd have a hard time arguing with anyone who does. This is a great one, no ifs ands or buts about it. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and you can bet your sweet bippy it won't be six months before we're back again.

We'll start with the $16 bluegill during the tap takeover and we'll also start by saying we love Indeed's beers...if you like "craft" and have never tried theirs we'd highly recommend you do. As far as the fish goes, it was simply superb. Each of the 9-10 tiny fillets were light and smooth with an equally light and pleasant breading. Just enough of the fishy bluegill flavor comes through to let you know it's the genuine article without being overbearing. It's GOLD, Jerry!

Dexter's is no slouch when it come to sides and their waffles are the gold standard...I'm sensing a theme here. They are heavily-seasoned to a rich amber color and come in a portion that would make Zeus blush. The same goes for the gilded tartar which takes the cake when it comes to creaminess. Is thick and bold, and offsets the seasoning in the fish just right.

Some oh-so-traditional rye does the deed and the onion-laden slaw pays the piper. Separate they might turn some folks off, but together they rise to the top. When you couple everything with the quartet of high-octane IBC beers all went smoothly and I left feeling on top of my game.

Our Wednesday night rendezvous was more of the same, except this time it was lake perch that found its way to our table. Like the bluegill from a couple weeks prior the perch runs $16 and is essentially perchfect (see what I did there?). The six fillets are light and fresh tasting with the wispiest breading you could imagine...almost like gold dust. The fish itself was slightly sweet and not fishy in any way shape or form. It would make a prefect foray into freshwater fish for those fearful of fishy flavors who may be stuck in the cod rut.

Just as it does to the 'gill the tartar takes the perch to the top of the podium with its thick consistency and pungent flavor. This round we went for the brew fries since the little man was with and he has waffled on the waffle fry seasoning in the past and we wanted him to have a fall-back. The brews are fine but take the silver when the aurelian lattices are around.

The same Friday slaw comes on Wednesday and this one was packed in the cup like a fresh tub of Play-Doh and didn't want to relinquish it's hold. The rye also seemed like a holdover from the previous Friday as it was a little stale - certainly not the gold standard by any stretch.

It may come as a shock to some but Dexter's recently took the gold medal as the Best of Madison Fish Fry and I for one don't totally disagree. Sure, there are a lot of great contenders but for me this one has it all - fantastic freshwater fish, superb spuds, terrific tartar, special slaw, real rye, and an outstanding beer selection. That's the full meal deal and the full Friday Fish Fry experience (they also have a good whiskey selection and make a good brandy old fashioned sweet as far as I've heard). Overall, we highly recommend these Fish Frys and will come back periodically for their "Au"some fish.

One more note: we went back for the lake perch a couple weeks later and it was equally excellent.

I showed up solo this time - a quick lunch on my mind. The bar was fairly crowded, but I easily found a stool and caught the bartender's eye (The Great Taste of the Midwest was in town and a bunch of sud suckers were bellied up for lunch). She came right over with some menus even though I didn't really need one (I had lake perch on my mind). Regardless, I perused the offerings while she grabbed me a drink and while doing so couldn't help but notice something strange. While Dexter's famous bluegill was nowhere to be found a surrogate Sunfish stood in its place. I was oh-so tempted by the alien arrival, but stuck to my guns and picked the perch - biting my lip the whole time.

As expected, my $10.29 plate came in 5-7 minutes and was scalding hot all around - there's no B.S. at Dexter's. I jumped right into the steam pit and nearly got burned. Each of the seven fillets was lightly breaded, totally grease-free, and simply delicious. They were on the smallish side, but remained tender and moist - just how perch should be. While almost perfect, a little more seasoning in the breading would help, but of course, we are nit-picking. This stuff is simply great.

If big portions are your thing Dexter's has you covered (in waffle fries). A veritable mountain of the perfectly-fried grids bonded beneath the fish forming the perfect perch for the perch. The spuds were spicy and crispy, what I'd call superb. Even though I polished off every last crumb I have to believe most souls wouldn't fare as well as yours truly. In fact, I have seen some of the best Fish Fryers fail to reach the summit.

Any great fish should be paired with a great tartar sauce, and Dexter's plays matchmaker perfectly. The homemade brew is sweet and zesty, blending with the perch to create a flavor sensation neither could achieve on its own.

The Fish Fry at Dexter's is the same whether you go for lunch of dinner, and as such you are given a dinner roll. While it is a pretty basic bun I'm not one to complain since there are plenty of places that have phased out the staple starch altogether. For some reason a reasonable slaw continues to elude Dexter's and while this rendition was decent, it didn't quite do it for me. While it masquerades as a thin, vinegar-based mix, there is none of that vinegar pop that grabs you by the back of the throat and lets you know what's what. At least it wasn't overloaded with onion this time (as has been Dexter's downfall in the past), but it just wasn't as good as everything else.

When all was said and done, I was in and out of the North Street nook within 20 minutes - like a thief in the night (although being a good Wisconsinite I did pay my tab in full and gave the lovely barkeep a nice tip to boot). Everything about this visit lived up to the lofty expectations I have placed on Dexter's (a side or two of slaw aside). Overall, I highly, highly, highly recommend the lake perch at Dexter's and will continue to do so until the give us reason not to and I seriously doubt that's gonna happen any time soon.

It was only a couple weeks ago that we decided to make a return visit to Dexter's Pub, and why not? The place has a crackerjack Fish Fry. The boys and I pulled into the lot at noon and my jaw nearly hit the floorboard of the car when I saw how empty it was. Sweet! I thought. We'll be in and out in no time flat. We rolled inside, grabbed a table, and made the eye-contact necessary to announce our arrival to the waitress. She swung by posthaste and took our orders - two orders of bluegill and one of cod (and one High Life for me as I felt the need to support our vets).

I didn't get halfway through my Champaign before our platters were prepared. She dropped the grub before us and we tore into it like a pack of wild dogs on a T-bone steak. The six large bluegill fillets were simply off the chart. They were lightly battered and extremely flaky all around. They tasted simply phenomenal and paired perfectly with the mayo-rich tartar. They were so good I almost ate them too fast and had to slow myself down in order to take in their full majesty. I also pulled a chunk of the cod off Gabe's plate (with his permission, of course) and it enjoyed its succulence. It was much better than I remember it being as it was extremely rich tasting and was matched by its equally creamy batter. Gabe likened this batter to a pastry, and coined it "The Krispy Kreme of Cod." That Gabe is one funny bugger.

Also piled on the platter were the waffle fries I chose over the regular fries (or Gabe's cottage cheese). The cross-cut potatoes were spot on as the exteriors were nice and spicy with a crispy coating, while the middles were perfectly soft and fluffy.

As I have come to expect, the homemade coleslaw at Dexter's was not great, but at least you can sense that it is freshly prepared. It is punctuated by a pretty raw taste, but really lacking in overall flavor. That being said, I did eat quite a bit more than usual as they seem to have eased up on the green pepper a little bit. Like the mildly improved slaw the dinner roll on the side has also taken a turn for the better. It was fresh and soft, and just flat-out good.

Overall, this Fish Fry is very, very recommendable, and we are sorry we couldn't get around to telling you about it sooner. If we could somehow pump out our Fish Fry reviews as fast as Dexter's pumps out their actual Fish Fry we would probably be better off, but unfortunately we just don't have the extra time this summer to sit down and write our reviews ASAP (MFF and soon-to-be wife are planning their own wedding from the ground up which consumes much of our free time). Rest assured that if we had not already been on Dexter's bandwagon we would have been chomping at the bit to tell you about the breathtaking bluegill, the wonderful waffle fries and the tremendous tartar. As it stands, you already knew all that stuff so it wasn't such a big deal. Dexter's has us hooked; with each and every meal we enjoy there they are just padding their score and moving further and further up our Fish Fry totem pole. Dexter's does Fish Fry right.

It was only a couple weeks ago that we decided to make a return visit to Dexter's Pub, and why not? The place has a crackerjack Fish Fry. The boys and I pulled into the lot at noon and my jaw nearly hit the floorboard of the car when I saw how empty it was. Sweet! I thought. We'll be in and out in no time flat. We rolled inside, grabbed a table, and made the eye-contact necessary to announce our arrival to the waitress. She swung by posthaste and took our orders - two orders of bluegill and one of cod (and one High Life for me as I felt the need to support our vets).

I didn't get halfway through my Champaign before our platters were prepared. She dropped the grub before us and we tore into it like a pack of wild dogs on a T-bone steak. The six large bluegill fillets were simply off the chart. They were lightly battered and extremely flaky all around. They tasted simply phenomenal and paired perfectly with the mayo-rich tartar. They were so good I almost ate them too fast and had to slow myself down in order to take in their full majesty. I also pulled a chunk of the cod off Gabe's plate (with his permission, of course) and it enjoyed its succulence. It was much better than I remember it being as it was extremely rich tasting and was matched by its equally creamy batter. Gabe likened this batter to a pastry, and coined it "The Krispy Kreme of Cod." That Gabe is one funny bugger.

Also piled on the platter were the waffle fries I chose over the regular fries (or Gabe's cottage cheese). The cross-cut potatoes were spot on as the exteriors were nice and spicy with a crispy coating, while the middles were perfectly soft and fluffy.

As I have come to expect, the homemade coleslaw at Dexter's was not great, but at least you can sense that it is freshly prepared. It is punctuated by a pretty raw taste, but really lacking in overall flavor. That being said, I did eat quite a bit more than usual as they seem to have eased up on the green pepper a little bit. Like the mildly improved slaw the dinner roll on the side has also taken a turn for the better. It was fresh and soft, and just flat-out good.

Overall, this Fish Fry is very, very recommendable, and we are sorry we couldn't get around to telling you about it sooner. If we could somehow pump out our Fish Fry reviews as fast as Dexter's pumps out their actual Fish Fry we would probably be better off, but unfortunately we just don't have the extra time this summer to sit down and write our reviews ASAP (MFF and soon-to-be wife are planning their own wedding from the ground up which consumes much of our free time). Rest assured that if we had not already been on Dexter's bandwagon we would have been chomping at the bit to tell you about the breathtaking bluegill, the wonderful waffle fries and the tremendous tartar. As it stands, you already knew all that stuff so it wasn't such a big deal. Dexter's has us hooked; with each and every meal we enjoy there they are just padding their score and moving further and further up our Fish Fry totem pole. Dexter's does Fish Fry right.

We showed up at the East Side mainstay right around noon and grabbed one of the open high-top tables in the bar room. No sooner had we sat down than the waitress swung by with some menus and drink inquiries. Since we were here to sample their special fare we pushed the menus aside and simply told her that Fish Fry was our muse. She scooped the menus back up and queried us as to which of the delicious options we were most interested in. Jer's drug of choice was the bluegill, while I was looking for a different buzz, and went for the lake perch. The fish was ready soon after, and our trip began.

As always, Dexter's hooked us up right, no short sacks here. Both the bluegill and perch were lightly breaded and simply delicious. Like true Fish Fry junkies we hovered over our plates, not wanting anyone to see that which we were engrossed in. I quickly put down four of the eight perch fillets and felt the warming glow emanate from my gut and envelop my entire body. Ecstasy was attained. The fish itself was as addicting as the breading, and the flaky morsels were soon expended leaving us drunk on their memory. Junkie Jer also let me pinch a little out of his stash, and I must say, while my perch was excellent, his bluegill was truly a buzz to remember. If you go to Dexter's, go for the 'gill.

Any good alcoholic knows that a night of drinking beer must be accompanied by a few rounds of shots. In this same vein, any good Fish Fry must be accompanied by a killer tartar sauce. Dexter's tartar is the perfect gateway drug. This sauce has it all. It is thick, and creamy, with the perfect amount of zest. Enjoy the buzz, my friends; this tartar will take you where you need to go.

Very rarely do people brag about their addictions, and when it comes to bread and slaw, Dexter's isn't one to boast, but then again, they don't need to. The roll offered was a little blah this go-round, although certainly not bad in any way. The homemade slaw also isn't my bag, but a green pepper guru might think it's a high that can't be beat.

Overall, Dexter's is peddling a Fish Fry addicts dream. The lightly breaded, flaky fish, is truly a special thing, and always served lickety-split. The tantalizing tartar and fantastic fries only serve to further the obsession, and when coupled with the extremely quick turnaround, keep the addicts coming back for more. Dexter's is quietly turning Madison into a bunch of Fish Fry junkies with nothing on their fry-addicted minds except for expertly prepared freshwater fish. They are the real deal, or in this case the real dealer. Wanna get fried? Go to Dexter's.

We showed up at the East Side mainstay right around noon and grabbed one of the open high-top tables in the bar room. No sooner had we sat down than the waitress swung by with some menus and drink inquiries. Since we were here to sample their special fare we pushed the menus aside and simply told her that Fish Fry was our muse. She scooped the menus back up and queried us as to which of the delicious options we were most interested in. Jer's drug of choice was the bluegill, while I was looking for a different buzz, and went for the lake perch. The fish was ready soon after, and our trip began.

As always, Dexter's hooked us up right, no short sacks here. Both the bluegill and perch were lightly breaded and simply delicious. Like true Fish Fry junkies we hovered over our plates, not wanting anyone to see that which we were engrossed in. I quickly put down four of the eight perch fillets and felt the warming glow emanate from my gut and envelop my entire body. Ecstasy was attained. The fish itself was as addicting as the breading, and the flaky morsels were soon expended leaving us drunk on their memory. Junkie Jer also let me pinch a little out of his stash, and I must say, while my perch was excellent, his bluegill was truly a buzz to remember. If you go to Dexter's, go for the 'gill.

Any good alcoholic knows that a night of drinking beer must be accompanied by a few rounds of shots. In this same vein, any good Fish Fry must be accompanied by a killer tartar sauce. Dexter's tartar is the perfect gateway drug. This sauce has it all. It is thick, and creamy, with the perfect amount of zest. Enjoy the buzz, my friends; this tartar will take you where you need to go.

Very rarely do people brag about their addictions, and when it comes to bread and slaw, Dexter's isn't one to boast, but then again, they don't need to. The roll offered was a little blah this go-round, although certainly not bad in any way. The homemade slaw also isn't my bag, but a green pepper guru might think it's a high that can't be beat.

Overall, Dexter's is peddling a Fish Fry addicts dream. The lightly breaded, flaky fish, is truly a special thing, and always served lickety-split. The tantalizing tartar and fantastic fries only serve to further the obsession, and when coupled with the extremely quick turnaround, keep the addicts coming back for more. Dexter's is quietly turning Madison into a bunch of Fish Fry junkies with nothing on their fry-addicted minds except for expertly prepared freshwater fish. They are the real deal, or in this case the real dealer. Wanna get fried? Go to Dexter's.

LAKE
PERCH
LUNCH
DEXTER'S
PUB

It doesn't get much better than that. $21 in 2024 and still well worth it, IMO. Some of the best fish in the Madison area and certainly one of the most consistent Frys. The perch is real yellow perch, six to an order, lightly-breaded and well fried. Just how it should be.

If you looked up waffle fries in the dictionary these are what you should see - well-seasoned and crispy. The tartar is thick, creamy, and delicious. It takes the fish to another level. The rye is real and the slaw is always on the money. Great sides to support their pristine perch.

Now, I say I've eaten Fish Fry at Dexter's well over 50 times, but of those 50 something times at least 30 of them have been the superior sunfish. I simply love the stuff, and while it's always great, I think today's batch of bluegill might have been the single greatest batch ever (and I'm not even joking). This panfish was nothing short of incredible. Each and every one of the 10 tiny divers was tender and moist with the absolute lightest breading imaginable. It was so perfectly fried and so delicious that I swear I saw heaven in those tiny canoe shaped fillets even if just for a moment.

The waffle fries on the side (or under the pile of fish as it were) were also spot on and went blow-for-blow with the benevolent bluegills. The portion was princely and each crunchy morsel supplied a welcome textural change to the plush fish. Of course, these spuds are never short on seasoning which is something I personally can't get enough of. For those wanting to dial it back there are always brew fries available, and for those feeling even friskier the garlic-chili are also a people pleaser - think minced garlic and chili oil, and thank me later.

Dexter's house tartar has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and currently sits as some of the best you will find in our fair city. It's a surprisingly diverse blend, but has all the hallmarks of a thick and rich classic supper club sauce.

Like the tartar, Dexter's slaw has evolved over time, and while it's still not perfect it's far better than it used to be. This is a vinegar-based slaw that has a disproportionate amount of onion in it, to the point where that's about all you'll notice. While that could be a problem for some, the strong flavor relates to the real rye bread that come along making for a modern combo that hearkens back to the flavors of the traditional Milwaukee Fish Fry.

Dexter's has received numerous accolades for their Friday Fish Fry, including the coveted Best of Madison among others, and I for one am not going to complain. I think the is one of the best Fish Frys in town, and this visit only served to cement that opinion even further. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it somehow keeps getting better with age if that is even possible.

I rolled into Dexter's for a quick one since I was due in Door County by 4pm and still had some packing to do. As the doors swung open at 11, I confidently strode through, grabbed at spot at the refurbished bar, and had the first order of the day in. Of course, since I was the one to break the seal, everything was ready in the blink of an eye and served too hot to even handle (just as I'd anticipated).

As you know, we love the freshwater options at Dexter's but today we bucked tradition, instead choosing to be the modern man. Mr. Roboto's plate of cod looked like something out of a Fish Fry guide; it was piled high with plump pieces of fish, a big old heap of waffle fries, and all the rest of the usual suspects. The three chunks of fish were nothing if not massive. Each one constituted a whole handful, and although they were beefy, they were still light and flaky. This juxtaposition of size versus density was achieved mostly through Dexter's incredibly light beer batter which is every bit as tasty as it is delicate. When the celestial coating is paired with the pristine cod the true essence of the modern Fish Fry comes alive.

Complimenting the cod perfectly was a side of Dexter's house-made tartar. The whipped delight was thick and zesty, and bumped the cod up yet another notch.

A bevy of waffle fries canoodled with the cod, and while they aren't as traditional as say, potato pancakes, they are a modern Fish Fry lover's dream. This batch was plentiful and tasty, with a little spice, but nothing overpowering (as the garlic-chili fries often are).

Over time Friday Fish has evolved to include a dinner roll instead of the more traditional rye bread. While the bleached starch may be appealing to a wider audience, it is less customary and less healthy for you. Dexter's once prescribed to these white bread ways, but recently took it back to the old school. As of this writing Dexter's has turned back to the true essence of the Fish Fry, and is now featuring a half-slice of rye that actually pairs pretty well with their vinegar-based onion-y coleslaw.

It is truly exciting to see our local Fish Fry establishments representing the best that traditional Fish Fry has to offer while still embracing the modern masses. Overall, we highly recommend the cod at Dexter's as well as all their freshwater options. This is a case where you just can't lose regardless of if you take it traditional or have moved to the modern. Dexter's does it all.

Dexter's does everything about Fish Fry right and they have a great selection of beers for those who are really into that sort of thing. They also have, or at least had, $1 pints of Old Mil this Friday and I couldn't help but sit and have a couple with a nice big old plate of walleye. While the fish was on the pricey side at $15 the cheap beer kept the tab manageable and I left one happy camper.

Like all fish at Dexter's the walleye is wild-caught, and simply superb. The filet this time around was large and meaty, almost too big to be believed. It was home to Dexter's signature light breading that has just the right amount of flavor to let the pike shine through, and shine it did. There was so much flaky meat that many would shy away part way through and ask for a doggy bag, but I gleefully kept ripping and chomping until every last flake was devoured. Like Homer and his Yodel, it was so good I wish I was eating it right now.

Dexter's is all about choice (as evidenced by their huge tap beer and fish selections) so you know there are plenty of sides to choose from. We usually want the waffle fries and on occasion opt for the onion rings but today was all about the garlic-chili fries. The change of pace was welcome as the slick, zesty fries left a delightful chili-infused residue on the plate and in our heart. They were plentiful and scrumptious, and a welcome breather from the beloved waffles.

A thick and creamy tartar makes any Fish Fry better and Dexter's mix is flawlessly executed. While the walleye was great on its own the savory sauce really puts it into another dimension. A nice little bit of rye also comes along for the ride and pairs perfectly with Dexter's homemade, oniony slaw. While it's not the best slaw you'll find, and too oniony for some, it's always fresh and homemade and strikes a balance with the rye that I for one appreciate.

Dexter's used to be just another bar, but over time has become something much more. It's now one of Madison's best beer bars and best spots for a Fish Fry. And hey, if you're not into fancy taps of high-octane microbrews there's $1 taps of Old Mil or other "regular" beers. You just can't lose! Overall, we highly, highly, highly, recommend this Fish Fry and just can't get enough. That's that.

Sure, a few other places crossed my mind when I thought about where to celebrate such a momentous occasion. Maybe I should go to the place I've been to more than any other - Wilson's; or maybe I should go to the place with the single tastiest fish - the Villa Tap; or maybe I should go to one of the places that have it all - Crawfish Junction or Toby's? Any of those would have been fine choices, but I had to pick my current go-to - Bluegill and waffle fries at Dexter's. It's simply a can't-miss Fish Fry, and the last thing I wanted was #1000 to be a miss.

I always do Dexter's for lunch since dinner has basically evolved into a Friday night free-for-all. During lunch they are nowhere near as busy and the food always comes freshly fried. A plethora of small fillets arrived splayed over a hearty pile of waffle fries and might look slapdash to some, but those in-the-know know better. The fish is everything bluegill should be complete with a subtle fishiness and a well-seasoned, tissue-thin breading.

The waffle fries are just one of Dexter's many outstanding sides and continue to be as on point as ever. Their satisfying crunch is complemented by their superb seasoning making for some seriously superior spuds. The homemade tartar is as zesty as they come and easily picks up any slack the fish lets out.

A little rye goes a long way and this half slab is just enough. It pairs nicely with the Dexter's slaw which happened to be a little creamier, and lighter on the onion than that in the recent past.

While I can honestly say I never expected to eat 1000 Fish Frys in a little over 10 years I can also say that it's been a blast doing so. Whether it's freshwater fish or an oceanic variety I've grown to appreciate what makes each and every one of them unique and special. Overall, we highly recommend the bluegill at Dexter's and think it's one of the most special of all and easily worth of the big 1K.

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.

Ocean fish, lake fish, Dexter's can really make fish.

Ten dollar perch, a cup of clam chowder. A lunch fit for a king, that's a no-doubter.

Homemade soup before fish, the way it should be. A few large pieces of clam, still, more's nice to see.

Or just chop it finer, and disperse it throughout. Good soup regardless, but not what Fish Fry's all about.

Fish is the focus, and Dexter's knows that. Perch, bluegill, and walleye are all where it's at.

Seven perch fillets, not huge, but not small. Light, flaky, and moist, they did not appall.

A light breading, their highlight, let the fish in the door. Just slightly under-spiced, it still won the war.

Not a drop of grease to be seen, even once all was gone. Dexter's, dear Dexter's, over your fish we do fawn.

A load of waffle fries, took over the plate. Pushing the fish to the side, we simply couldn't wait.

In classic abundance, these fries stole the show. Already perfectly spicy, salt we did forgo.

Right on the money, tartar sauce perked the perch. Rich, creamy, and delicious, Dexter's did their research.

A satisfactory roll, was fresh from the pack. With little else necessary, we didn't look back.

An unending battle, is finally won. Dexter's homemade slaw, has improved a ton.

No longer full of green pepper, or overly creamy, the light vinegar slaw bordered on dreamy.

Service, so-so, but one can't complain. The fish was up quick, that fact remains.

A recommendable Fish Fry, and highly at that. Dexter's never disappoints, on that hang your hat.

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.

You should come on down to Dexter's, if you really do fish.

Constant improvement has turned Dexter's from a simple underground beer bar into a Fish Fry hotspot. Waits on Friday nights regularly exceed an hour, but since the same fish is served all day long those who know what's up simply show up at lunchtime instead. All of the fish on Dexter's menu are currently "wild caught in North American waters" which is a nice touch, especially for the environmentally conscious among us.

Dexter's always has cod, lake perch, bluegill, and walleye on special on Fridays as well as a few other things like a catfish po' boy. The bluegill goes for $12 and that is what we sampled this time around. The plate consists of seven pieces of the sunfish and all the usual sides. We begin with the fish, which is genuinely great. It features a light and flaky breading that is nothing short of marvelous. This well-seasoned coating covers the smooth and fresh tasting fish flawlessly making for near perfect munching.

While some things in life simply beg to be improved upon Dexter's waffle fries aren't one of them. They are just flawless as is - crunchy, spicy, and generously portioned. Dexter's tartar also has plenty of panache with a creamy consistency and fantastic zip that really adds something to the fish.

Fish Fry purists expect some rye on the side and Dexter's delivers with a tiny slice that does all it needs to do. The rye buddies up with some homemade slaw that serves as Dexter's latest triumph. In months and years past their slaw has been the target of much contention. It was known to have too much onion and not enough punch, but things have finally changed. The current creamy mix still has the onion undertone but it has been substantially muted. The creamy, zesty, fresh mix is now pure enjoyment and easily Dexter's best slaw yet.

Patience is a virtue and those who've stuck with Dexter's from their humble beginnings have been rewarded handsomely. They are currently offering some of the best fish in town and somehow manage to keep fine-tuning things for the better. Overall, we highly, highly, highly recommend this Fish Fry and will keep coming back until we have a good reason not to.

I've rekindled a relationship with Dexter's recently partially due to their fantastic beer selection, but mostly due to the spectacular fish options. This time I went for the walleye and a side of their garlic-chili fries, ya know, just to shake things up...

The walleye comes in at 18 beans, which isn't cheap, but is pretty much par for the course when you are talking about REAL walleye. The fillet also isn't the biggest you will find but it basically checks every other box. It's light, it's flaky, it's a good two inches on the fat side, and perfectly crispy on the thin side. It also has a nice light breading that lets the fish shine though and sticks to your fingers if you let it. It's just good stuff, plain and simple.

Dexter's waffle fries are my muse, but once in a while I like to cheat with the slick and sassy garlic-chili upgrade. These babies are as unique as fries get and ooze almost as much charisma as chili juice. They'll soak the whole plate (including the batter on your fish) if you're not careful, but if you proactively manage them by dredging each fry through the pool they can be controlled. It's control worth having too...

The homemade tartar at Dexter's is a celebration of flavors and really drives the fish home. There are lots of goodies hiding in there which add up to more than the sum of their parts. It's a banger, that's for sure.

The slaw comes pre-packed into a four oz Solo cup which allows the juice to settle and the top to dry out. Do your best to mix it without spilling because you want it wet, but you also don't want to lose a single morsel. It's good, and adds a refreshing lightness to what some might perceive as a heavy meal.

And last is the rye, because Dexter's. That's why.

I've never really had a bad Fish Fry at Dexter's, but it sounds like a lot of folks have and all I can say is that's a bummer, man. Maybe it's the fact that I stick to the freshwater fish, and most people get the cod (which in my experience isn't quite at the same level)? Regardless, Dexter's does it for me and I'll keep coming back until they don't. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry, and love just about everything Dex does.

Luckily for us, "settling" for the lake perch is the equivalent of choosing a ribeye over a fillet mignon. Both are great, and really depend on individual taste to decide which is "better." Since we were the first duo of the day, our $15 plate was ready in no time and looked pretty much perfect. The bunch o' perch were definitely the real deal yellow perch. They were small and crinkly and curled lengthwise in the fryer into little canoes of love. While there wasn't a ton of seasoning in the breading it had just the right texture and was a consistent as they come.

Usually I'd opt for the waffle fries, but I splurged by upgrading to the garlic-chili fries for an extra buck fifty. Unfortunately, the slick spuds came sans-sauce leaving them as just the standard brew fries. While not what I ordered, it's hard to complain about them as the crunchy shoestrings are perfectly crispy and offset the flaky fish just right.

Dexter's tartar has plenty of bang for the buck and really takes the fish to the next level. It's clearly made in-house and easily some of the best there is. It has no unnecessary additions (like capers), but still tastes diverse which is the mark of a great tartar.

D's P is one of the only places in town that serves real rye with their Fry, and while the slice today tasted a little stale, it was still better than what most places trot out and way better than nothing (which a lot of places try and get away with).

Slaw should never be the focus of any Fish Fry and Dexter's knows that. Their oniony mix plays a supporting role, and while not perfect, is alluring with its strange watery creaminess. The onion overtones really offsets the rye making for a traditional flavor combo that many don't fully appreciate.

While our love for Dexter's bluegill is currently unrequited, we hope it's only a temporary hiatus. Fortunately we have a friend in their lake perch and are glad that it's there to fall back on. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will happily hit this baby one more time.

Maybe we just lucked out, or maybe there's a new cook in town, but whatever the case the spice came back today. The bluegill and waffle fries were on point, and brought back everything we loved so much back in the day. Someone clearly found the salt shaker again as the breading brought back all the oomph that had been fading over the years. At least 10 fillets lorded over the plate and put all their subjects in order with a well-seasoned scepter. It was simply superb stuff and the flavor I'd been longing for.

The waffles fries also go their groove back with the pungent seasoning of olde. I can tell you unequivocally that something had changed because they were "too spicy" according MFF Jr. and he had been gobbling them up with no hesitation on previous visits. It was just fine with me as the bevy of starchy lattices kept me satisfied, and despite the fact there were almost as many crumbs floating around under the full grids they were no less appealing. YES!

Dexter's potent tartar really put the fish on ice with it's creamy classic flavor, while the half slab of marble rye made me really happy with its presence alone. A 4 oz cup of their homemade slaw also seemingly reverted to the days of yore with less of the onion-y overtones we've become accustomed to. This blast from the past suited me just fine although even the onion-laced version blends well with the rye.

I have no idea what happened on this trip to the North Street mainstay, but I'm certainly glad it did. It was an all-around unexpected surprise and exactly how I hope things go down from here on out! Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and pray the sass is here to stay.

Dexter's has ever Fish Fry fish you could ask for and today was a walleye Friday. The walleye goes for sixteen bucks and fifty cents more if you want a side of onion rings like I did. This round was pretty much everything I've come to expect from Dexter's. One big old piece of pristine walleye with a light, sticky breading ruled the roost. The fish was flaky as can be and tasty as all get out. It was simply a stellar piece of fish and easily some of the best walleye available this side of the Mississippi.

While the rings are an upcharge they are well worth it if you're in the mood like I was. The portion is hearty and the flavor distinctive - almost a smoky in a way.

Any Fish Fryer knows that delicious fishes are made ever more delectable by a transcendent tartar and Dexter's home brew is all that and then some. It has a thick consistency and plenty of pop which complements the flaky perfectly.

Real rye bread is the essence of the Fish Fry and Dexter's knows it as well as any. They have it, they serve it, I love it. Pungent slaw is rye's best friend and Dexter's onion-heavy mix is as chummy as they come. The two work together in harmony and add a major element that many other Fish Frys lack.

Dexter's knows what they are doing and it's really as simple as that. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it's still one of Madison's finest.

In all fairness, Dexter's held up their end of the bargain (and then some). Usually when I come to Dexter's on a Friday I try to remain open-minded since they do all the fish varieties so well. Today was a different story. Today I was on a mission. A mission called: Wild Caught Bering Sea Cod. And I was going to get that cod, come hell or high water, I was going to get it. Of course, hell showed up in the form of Dexter's new Wild Caught Great Lakes Perch, and the screws started to turn on me. I was torn six ways from Sunday, but stuck to my guns and tried to focus my attention on the opening seconds of the basketball game instead of the scrumptious sounding perch. As the bartender arrived an order for the cod finally passed my lips, and a wave of relief washed over me. I withstood the temptation.

The $9.90 3-piece cod came quickly, and appeared to be the first fish of the day to be fried. The three cube-ish cuts of cod were large, and fall-apart flaky. The pristine fish was paired with a flavorful beer batter that looked like it was going to be thick, but was actually incredibly light and a little creamy. It was absolutely superb all around, and has to be some of the best beer battered cod currently available in Madison.

When fish is this tasty it really doesn't need much assistance, but Dexter's includes a world-class tartar anyway. Their homemade sauce is thick and creamy, and has a nice zest that kicks the fish right in its fish butt.

I have been a champion of Dexter's waffle fries since I first laid taste bud on them, but today they were a disappointing (much like our beloved Badgers). They were a little less spicy than normal, and although the portion was ample they just didn't blow me away like they have been known to do.

Dexter's slaw was also not a game changer and although it's fresh and homemade, it's a little strong on the onion. It's a strange brew that's sorta creamy, and sorta zesty, but just not that great tasting. The plain old white roll was also just so-so, humbly serving its purpose in support of the fantastic fish without seeking much acclaim of its own.

The first round loss was certainly a stinger, but at least the Fish Fry I had at Dexter's eased the pain somewhat. While the Badgers turned out to be a faulty flock, the cod was practically perfect, and did everything it could to make this the flawless Friday I anticipated. Overall, I highly recommend this Fish Fry and envision a serious problem next time I come to Dexter's. Perch, bluegill, walleye, and now cod. A delicious dilemma indeed.

I knew in my bones that this was it. The writing was on the wall, and I could sense that it wouldn't be long before I was frying my own fish. I also knew Dexter's had lake perch on the menu, and realized I'd have a hell of a time getting lake perch on my own, so I did what any fish-obsessed individual would do - I paid my $18 and went to town.

Lake perch had been almost impossible to come by for almost two years before the pandemic thanks in no small part to over-fishing and exploding walleye populations in Lake Erie. When I saw Dexter's had them I was skeptical (many places had been passing pike-perch or zander off as real yellow perch), but figured they wouldn't try to pull a fast one (and I was right). Unfortunately, despite being the genuine article, the fillets were the tiniest I'd ever seen. The 10 or so diminutive divers were fried (overly) crispy and ate more like smelt than true decadent lake perch. While I was thankful to even have them this was far from ideal eating.

Everything else seemed to be up to the usual Dexter's standard - superbly seasoned waffle fries, a mild onion-flavored slaw, their tremendous tartar, and some real rye.

The lockdown went into effect mere days after I locked-down this fish and while COVID changed our world forver I can't say the same for this particular plate of perch. Yes, I was happy to have it, and it was the genuine article, but it was far from pristine. Overall, I would still recommend this Fish Fry, but here's to hoping the fillets are fatter in the post-pandemic America.

Jer and I arrived a little early, and as we expected, there was a wait. We put our name on the list, scored a couple stools at the bar and ordered a bucket of Rhinelander shorties. Apparently this beer choice wasn't hip enough for the ultra-cool bartender as we overheard him when he remarked to some other customers that it was, "mass produced bullsh*t" when they inquired as to what it was. He then went on to recommend a product from New Belgium (which is apparently anything but mass produced BS), and they gleefully gobbled up his suggestion. Whatever, fella... we were here for the fish not the approval of some flat cap wearing bartender.

As we waited for the rest of the people in our group to show up we sucked down our BS beers and our name was called a couple times, but since everyone wasn't around we just had Nick (the owner) move us down the list. We watched as order after order of fish was fried - most of which was beer battered cod. A lot of walleye, and some perch made it through the oil too, but nowhere near the amount of cod which says something about its popularity. Eventually, the rest of our group showed up, the list was exhausted, and we got our table in the dining room - which was still pretty much full at a quarter-to-eight.

The waitress came around in due time and took our orders which we had ample time to deliberate over at the bar. Since the bluegill doesn't swim these waters during the winter I picked the perch, while Garrett chose the cod, and Jer - feeling frisky - went for the grilled lemon-pepper walleye. I have to say I was shocked by Jer's choice, but eager to see what they had in store for him.

Dexter's runs a smooth ship and we had our fish within 15 minutes of ordering even though the kitchen was still buzzing. As per usual the perch was delicious. The plate featured six average-sized fillets that some would describe as "limp" looking. The flaky little fillets featured Dexter's signature pale and flaky breading which houses just enough spice to keep things interesting without overpowering the delicate fish.

Jer's pan-fried lemon-pepper walleye looked superb as well, but reportedly featured quite a few bones to go along with its velvety texture and succulent spices. While I didn't try it, it wasn't for lack of want, but more the fact that he devoured every last bit with no problem.

A huge portion of Dexter's brew fries covered the remainder of open real estate on my plate and were superb. While this amount of fries would be overwhelming for most, their crispy deliciousness kept me coming back for more until each and every one of the sublime spuds were gone. Mmm mmm mmm.

Dexter's tartar hit the fat part of the bullseye, as the thick and creamy sauce gave the perch the boost it needed. The standard dinner roll also hit the target, as did Dexter's latest take on coleslaw. This slaw shot had an overarching onion flavor, but was good, clean, and fresh - certainly a gallant effort if nothing else.

What can we say? Dexter's dominated dinner just like they lord over lunch. The perch was exactly what we have come to expect, the fries were phenomenal, and everything else fell in line. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Whether it's lunch or dinner, Dexter's just gets the job done. That is plain to see.

It was a later-than-average Friday for us as we were meeting some friends and I figured by 8pm we'd be able to slide right in at the Friday night hot spot. Apparently part of our crew arrived much earlier than that even, but despite being on the list two hours prior we still had a little wait - no big deal. Once we were seated everything flowed like wine.

Our waiter was on top of things and the perch arrived in pristine condition about 15 minutes after our order went in. At first glance I could tell this was the real deal yellow perch (not that I ever expected it wouldn't be). I was famished (despite also having fish for lunch) and tore into it with reckless abandon. As per usual, this perch was top-notch. It was dense and meaty with the subtle sweetness you expect from real perch. Each fillet was lovingly kissed by an oh-so-light breading with just enough seasoning to let you know it's there while still bowing to the true star - the fish itself. It paired elegantly with the thick and creamy tartar making for an idyllic combo many aspire to but few achieve.

Apparently the waffle fries I've held so dear for so long are no longer being made (which is soul crushing). I instead opted for the garlic chili and, while they are superb, still left me longing for the lovely lattices of yesteryear. The rye seemed extra hearty, and the slaw extra oniony tonight. Both easily did the deed and were a step above the norm.

While that might not be 100% true, the Canadian Bluegill at Dexter's is pretty remarkable and will make you feel like it's all around you. The $13.00 plate comes packed with nine or so of the small fillets and they're nothing short of pure munching pleasure. The mild fish is kissed by a light breading with just the right amount of seasoning to make you stand up and say, Oh Canada! It's a dish of bliss especially when accompanied by a big old handful of Dexter's signature waffle fries.

If spud cruncher is your name, then these waffles are your game. They are crispy yet supple with a spicy coating that makes you wonder what everyone else is doing wrong. They are perfect as far as waffle fries go, and will have you grinning from ear to ear and bite to bite. I promise.

The perfection extends to Dexter's homemade tartar which is big and bold, and complements any of their fish (especially the bluegill) perfectly. It's a classic blend but has a little something extra to go along with a thickness quotient that has increased dramatically over the years. This stuff is like glue, but way tastier (unless you're a 5 year old, then that's up for debate).

Like so few places in town Dexter's pairs their fish with a slice of real rye bread, and while it may miss the modernist palate, the Fish Fry purist in me can't get enough. It's got all that stank, and pairs oh so well with Dexter's equally pungent homemade, onion-loaded slaw. It's what Fish Fry is all about. Well, besides the fish...

While Canada might be where bluegill originates it's home is clearly at Dexter's. This is some of the finest fish Madison has to offer and will keep you coming back for more...and more...and more. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it's pretty gosh darn great, eh.

Dexter's is basically a can't-miss Fry and has enough option to keep everyone happy, including cod, freshwater fish, and baked options. On our most recent visit the bluegill had returned, but it was absent again this Friday so we just defaulted to its freshwater brethren the lake perch. The LP runs $15, which is about average in 2017 and comes in the average portion of six.

Since we had a reasonably large group it took a reasonably long time to get our grub, but that didn't mean it sat around. The Great Lakes Lake Perch were obviously the real deal as Dexter's prides themselves on disclosing their suppliers. The sextet of swimmers was slightly over-fried leaving them crispy rather than supple with a breading that was missing most of its signature seasoning. Still, it was better than most of what's out there, but not quite a top 25er in our book.

We've stumped for Dexter's waffles fries for years and this batch hit the mark flavor-wise, but fell short in numbers. There were probably only ten full-sized lattices on the plate with tons of nubbins beneath them. It as a disappointing display to be sure.

Dexter's tartar is as homemade as they come and also as tasty. It has a big, bold zip and clings to the fish like a wood tick on a German Shepard. They also provide plenty of real rye, which pairs perfectly with onion-y coleslaw. These two are the Fred and Ginger and the Fish Fry...they dance like angels and make each other way better than they would be on their own.

while some of the polish has certainly worn of Dexter's apple, this Fish Fry still speaks for itself. It has everything you expect and a few things you don't, and most importantly it's all balanced. Overall, we still highly recommend this Fish Fry, although will concede it's probably not a top 25 contender in 2017.

When Gabe suggested I meet him and some of his coworkers for lunch at Dexter's I was a little hesitant since I had just been there a couple weeks back and was looking forward to trying somewhere new. After a quick internal discussion I realized that I had never tried the walleye and Dexter's so even if the place wasn't new, the style of fish style would be. He called to let me know they were on their way shortly after 12:00 and when I arrived around 12:30 they already had a table and some drinks.

The waitress came over as soon as she saw that I had joined the group and took our orders; we had two perch eaters, one cod, one catfish po' boy and my walleye. She zipped to the kitchen area with the orders, dropped them, and zipped back with a couple bottles of Spotted Cow. I sat back, sipped my delicious brewski, and watched some X-Games while BSing with the SoFo crew for a little bit. Less then ten minutes later the fish was ready.

Often times walleye is served as one massive piece, which is fine, but makes it impossible to eat with your hands which I prefer. Dexter's breaks their fillets into two smaller pieces which makes them much more conducive to handling. My two pieces were served fresh from the fryer and were steaming hot. They enjoyed a light breading and were well fried even though some parts were very meaty while others were thinner and crispier. By and large the walleye tasted great and was a good deal at $10.75.

My last trip to Dexter's I thought I had missed out since I didn't try the "brew fries." I seemed to recall there were three options: regular, brew and waffle but it turns out that the brew fries are the regular fries, so I did try them after all. I opted for them again this time and they were equally tasty but the enormous stack was lukewarm when served, and cold by the end.

The tartar at Dexter's is right on the money each and every time, and the generous portion actually stood up to the hearty chunks of walleye. Only at the end was I able to fully polish it off with a few remaining fries. The creamy tartar is clearly homemade as is their coleslaw. It is very unique and unusually heavy on the green pepper. Although this round seemed to be less peppery and a little zestier than it has been, it was a noticeable improvement over my previous visits. To complete the circle, Dexter's threw in a standard looking roll which was soft and fresh, exactly what I expect to round out my meal.

I think it is safe to say that Dexter's has freshwater fish on lockdown. The bluegill, lake perch and walleye are all fantastic. I have had all of them now and highly recommend you try each and every one. As far as which is best, it is like choosing between children. They are all good options for what they are. If you are a perch fan, you will like this perch. If bluegill suits your fancy, then you will enjoy their bluegill. Now that I have had the walleye I can also say if you love the big guys, Dexter's has you covered. Heck, Dexter's even has pretty good beer battered cod, but in my opinion it can't hold a candle to its freshwater brethren.

Overall, I recommend you try Dexter's. The fish is great and the service has always been fast and friendly. That being said I have never attempted to eat dinner there and imagine it could be quite a different animal since Dexter's is, in actuality, a bar first and an eatery second. As it stands I have found Dexter's to be a great spot for a lunch time Fish Fry and will be back time and again until I have reason not to. Dexter's, welcome home.

Both of these trips basically yielded the exact same results (save for the potato option) so I'll just roll the reviews into one (save for the potato part). The perch at the Pub comes six to an order and are 100% the genuine article yellow perch. Each lovely little panfish is dusted with a light flour breading that has just enough seasoning to let you know it's there while still allowing the inherent perch flavor shine through. This is the good stuff and among the best perch you're likely to find this side of Minoqua.

We almost exclusively go for the waffle fries when we visit North Street since they are the best around, but the garlic chili fries we opted for on the 12th may have just stolen the thunder. These babies get a subtle heat from the chili oil, which pairs surprisingly well with the pungent garlic aromas. Of times, they drown the shoestring cuts in the oil (which necessitates a fork and/or slick fingers), but this round had just enough to keep the fries crisp. It was a prefect balance and one that has me leaning G-C from here on out.

Just as the menu has stabilized Dexter's has found the sweet spot with their tartar. For a while it was a hit and miss mix, but they're crushing it every time now. Thick, creamy, zesty, sweet...this stuff has it all and then some. They are also one of the only places in town willing to roll with the rye bread, and although it was a little stale on both recent visits (likely holdovers from the previous Friday), it's still better (and more traditional) than a dinner roll. The slaw still has onion overtones, but those notes strike the rye just right.

Consistency is king when it comes to Fish Fry, and Dexter's has hit their stride. They are out-distancing much of the competition making it easy to see why they are in the running (and winning) Best of Madison competitions year after year. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think its some of the finest perch on the planet, period.

Truth be told, things actually went a little smoother on the solo visit - the fish was hotter, it came much quicker, and the portion was larger all around. It was a little disconcerting on the follow up Fry but not totally unexpected when you consider groups are generally served all at once and coordinating that much fish can be difficult. On the first trip we went for the bluegill with a side of onion rings, while on the second we changed thing up with lake perch and waffle fries.

The bluegill is buck cheaper than the lake perch, which works well for us since the bluegill is actually a bit tastier in our opinion. While both fish feature the same light breading, the seasoning works a little better with the fishier sunfish than the inoffensive perch. Regardless of which you prefer, both fish are smooth and flaky, with the light breeding you love, and the subtle fish flavor you crave. You really can't go wrong no matter which you choose.

Dexter's really does a number on the fish, but not at the expense of the sides. The onion rings we got with the bluegill were thick-cut and very tasty, but hard to keep in one piece (as onion rings so often are). They featured a crispy batter that had a rich, almost smoky, flavor. While we liked the rings enough, we still prefer Dexter's waffle fries which are spicy and delicious, although were lacking in abundance when we ate with our friends.

Besides the fish and the sides everything else was pretty much exactly the same between the two visits. The tartar was tremendous, featuring a thick and creamy mayo base with a great zip; the thick, soft half-slice of rye was radical (longtime Madisonians will get that reference); and the slaw was homemade and diverse. While some would say the ample onion overpowers the slaw, we think it pairs perfectly well with the pungent rye making a new flavor sensation that neither provides on its own.

We've heard some rumors recently that Dexter's is slipping, and perhaps they are getting overwhelmed by the crowds on Friday nights. While we wouldn't go that far, it was pretty evident that there were some discrepancies between our solo visit and the trip we made with Nick, Rick, Travis, Norb, and Adam. Everything was a bit slower with the group and the portions suffered when served in bulk, but even those detractors aren't enough to make this anything less than a stellar Fish Fry. Overall, we highly recommend both the bluegill and lake perch at Dexter's and won't hesitate to come back for either... especially at lunch time.

I usually try to hit Dexter's during the down times - lunch, the Friday after Thanksgiving, snow days, and so on, but with Gabe in town and Dexter's sporting a fancy new fried cod I knew our luck would be pressed this Friday. We had a big party (which seems to be the case whenever we go to Dexter's now) and were subject to an hour-long wait. Luckily, we were in good company and in good spirits which made the bar more than bearable. Pull tabs were pulled, merriment was exchanged, and anticipation was built. It was the Friday night waiting game at its finest and we played it perfectly.

Eventually we got our big table, and the apologetic waitress came over immediately to refresh our drinks. Choosing a fish at Dexter's is like choosing between children, and no matter how bad I wanted to try the cod I couldn't bring myself to do it - the three freshwater options were simply too tempting. I eventually settled on the $10.30 lake perch since it had been a while since I last perched at Dexter's. The seven fillets that arrived were average sized, but ultra-flavorful. The perch was smooth and mild, and breaded with a slightly crispy coating that was a little spicy, but a lot delicious.

I knew there'd be cod eaters around the table and when that's the case it's usually possible to pull a one-for-one. This time I convinced Zach to take the trade, and we were both equally happy he did. The "Wild Caught Bearing Sea Cod" was simply out of this world. It was light and luxurious with a delicate texture. The Krispy Krème coating of the not-too-distant past has been replaced by a light and decadent encasement, which flaked apart effortlessly and revealed a most superb treasure. The fish was light, flaky, and moist; it was almost perfect, and everything you'd want in cod. While I do need a bigger sample size to really say for sure, what I tried was something special, and you can bet the next trip to Dexter's I'm forcing myself to cast that line.

As per usual, the waffle fries were amazing, and the garlic-chili were good, but didn't blow my socks off. The tartar was also good, although it seemed to be a little sweeter than normal. It was still fairly thick, and while I think it pairs well with the fish, I did overhear others say it wasn't their cup of tea. I guess some folks are even pickier than MFF!

Dexter's new and improved slaw got the same lukewarm reaction as the tartar which I found a little strange. Some people really liked the crisp and fresh blend, while a couple others though it had a little too much onion and wasn't creamy enough. I just appreciated that it was a step in the right direction, and we'll leave it at that. The dinner roll was standard, but as fresh and soft as you'd like it to be.

By the time all was said and done we were at Dexter's for nearly three hours, but I'll be damned if I heard one single person complain about it. Perhaps it was the lively company, or the outstanding beer selection, but whatever it was, by the time we got our food the wait in the bar was a distant memory. Overall, I can't recommend Dexter's highly enough, especially now that they have the new cod on the menu. Somehow Dexter's just keeps getting better, which I didn't think was even possible.

I usually try to hit Dexter's during the down times - lunch, the Friday after Thanksgiving, snow days, and so on, but with Gabe in town and Dexter's sporting a fancy new fried cod I knew our luck would be pressed this Friday. We had a big party (which seems to be the case whenever we go to Dexter's now) and were subject to an hour-long wait. Luckily, we were in good company and in good spirits which made the bar more than bearable. Pull tabs were pulled, merriment was exchanged, and anticipation was built. It was the Friday night waiting game at its finest and we played it perfectly.

Eventually we got our big table, and the apologetic waitress came over immediately to refresh our drinks. Choosing a fish at Dexter's is like choosing between children, and no matter how bad I wanted to try the cod I couldn't bring myself to do it - the three freshwater options were simply too tempting. I eventually settled on the $10.30 lake perch since it had been a while since I last perched at Dexter's. The seven fillets that arrived were average sized, but ultra-flavorful. The perch was smooth and mild, and breaded with a slightly crispy coating that was a little spicy, but a lot delicious.

I knew there'd be cod eaters around the table and when that's the case it's usually possible to pull a one-for-one. This time I convinced Zach to take the trade, and we were both equally happy he did. The "Wild Caught Bearing Sea Cod" was simply out of this world. It was light and luxurious with a delicate texture. The Krispy Krème coating of the not-too-distant past has been replaced by a light and decadent encasement, which flaked apart effortlessly and revealed a most superb treasure. The fish was light, flaky, and moist; it was almost perfect, and everything you'd want in cod. While I do need a bigger sample size to really say for sure, what I tried was something special, and you can bet the next trip to Dexter's I'm forcing myself to cast that line.

As per usual, the waffle fries were amazing, and the garlic-chili were good, but didn't blow my socks off. The tartar was also good, although it seemed to be a little sweeter than normal. It was still fairly thick, and while I think it pairs well with the fish, I did overhear others say it wasn't their cup of tea. I guess some folks are even pickier than MFF!

Dexter's new and improved slaw got the same lukewarm reaction as the tartar which I found a little strange. Some people really liked the crisp and fresh blend, while a couple others though it had a little too much onion and wasn't creamy enough. I just appreciated that it was a step in the right direction, and we'll leave it at that. The dinner roll was standard, but as fresh and soft as you'd like it to be.

By the time all was said and done we were at Dexter's for nearly three hours, but I'll be damned if I heard one single person complain about it. Perhaps it was the lively company, or the outstanding beer selection, but whatever it was, by the time we got our food the wait in the bar was a distant memory. Overall, I can't recommend Dexter's highly enough, especially now that they have the new cod on the menu. Somehow Dexter's just keeps getting better, which I didn't think was even possible.

Have one of the best beer selections in town, including the fabled Rhinelander shorties? Dexter's does that.

Fill in for a seasonably absent bluegill with a wonderful walleye fillet that is thick, meaty, perfectly seasoned, and never goes out of style? Dexter's does that too.

Give you more delicious well-seasoned waffle fries than you can, or at least should, eat? Dexter's is generous like that.

Pair their fish with a near perfect tartar sauce that's stick-to-the-ribs thick? Dexter's knows the sauce.

Round out the meal with a roll and some homemade slaw? Dexter's keeps it real.

Provide great service, from friendly waitresses? Dexter's hires wisely.

I guess you could say that Dexter's does it all. Overall, we highly recommend their walleye and rest assured, once the bluegill comes back so will we. Dexter's just does Fish Fry right. Go there now, you can thank us later.

Of course, no restaurant is immune to an off-day or even an off-plate for that matter, but for me Fish Fry is all about consistency and Dexter's hits the mark much more often that they miss it. Sure, I've had one or two there that haven't been amazing, but even those have been better than many places best efforts. This Friday I had the bluegill (again), and not only was it better than most (again), but it was one of the best (and prettiest) plates I've seen...and I've seen my share.

The bluegill goes for $15 and the 8 Lake Erie sourced fillets were succulent. They gracefully rolled across a landscape of waffle fries with their light, and I do mean LIGHT, breading. The practically translucent crust allowed the fragile fish to shine bright and it took center stage with its alluring essence and flaky, yet firm meat. It was a total winner and one I can't imagine anyone would disapprove of (although I'm sure there's some objector out there who would find some sort of issue). Stellar stuff.

Waffle fries are a dime a dozen, but Dexter's versions are worth at least twice that. These are easily the best waffles I've had anywhere and apparently my 3 year old concurs (he ate about half of my stack). The lattices are coated in a zesty seasoning that makes them ultra-crispy which plays politely with the plush potato parts.

Dexter's homemade tartar isn't the thickest on the block, but really packs a wallop. It's a very diverse mix, but so well blended you can't really pick it apart. The slaw is normally much easier to dissect, but it was missing its usual onion overtone this week. Thankfully, it still kept its allure and paired well with the scaled-back half slice of rye.

If I had to wager a guess, I'd say the people who decry Dexter's Fish Fry do so because they came in when they were swamped, had a lengthy wait, then got fish that was fried in overused oil resulting in a greasy rendition without much flavor. I can empathize with that, and it's part of the reason why I normally skip the dinner rush and come for lunch instead. This week we were pretty much the first duo of the day at 11am and everything was fresh and fast as lighting. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think it's about as consistent as they come. Your mileage may vary...

Both of these trips basically yielded the exact same results (save for the potato option) so I'll just roll the reviews into one (save for the potato part). The perch at the Pub comes six to an order and are 100% the genuine article yellow perch. Each lovely little panfish is dusted with a light flour breading that has just enough seasoning to let you know it's there while still allowing the inherent perch flavor shine through. This is the good stuff and among the best perch you're likely to find this side of Minoqua.

We almost exclusively go for the waffle fries when we visit North Street since they are the best around, but the garlic chili fries we opted for on the 12th may have just stolen the thunder. These babies get a subtle heat from the chili oil, which pairs surprisingly well with the pungent garlic aromas. Of times, they drown the shoestring cuts in the oil (which necessitates a fork and/or slick fingers), but this round had just enough to keep the fries crisp. It was a prefect balance and one that has me leaning G-C from here on out.

Just as the menu has stabilized Dexter's has found the sweet spot with their tartar. For a while it was a hit and miss mix, but they're crushing it every time now. Thick, creamy, zesty, sweet...this stuff has it all and then some. They are also one of the only places in town willing to roll with the rye bread, and although it was a little stale on both recent visits (likely holdovers from the previous Friday), it's still better (and more traditional) than a dinner roll. The slaw still has onion overtones, but those notes strike the rye just right.

Consistency is king when it comes to Fish Fry, and Dexter's has hit their stride. They are out-distancing much of the competition making it easy to see why they are in the running (and winning) Best of Madison competitions year after year. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think its some of the finest perch on the planet, period.

Dex does their Fish Fry all day long and this $21 perch pile was princely. Seven, yes seven, fillets are the centerpiece of this plate and these were big boys. LOTS of fish. Each fillet is lightly breaded which lets the gentle flake of the fish shine through. So well done. It's complimented perfectly by the thick and creamy tartar's flavor that enhances the sweetness of each and every bite.

Dexters also remains the standard in waffle fries, has a scrumptious slaw recipe, and keeps it real with a dense little half-slice of rye. By and large, these sides are perfect and do their job without stealing attention from the true star of the show. Brilliant.

Truth be told, things actually went a little smoother on the solo visit - the fish was hotter, it came much quicker, and the portion was larger all around. It was a little disconcerting on the follow up Fry but not totally unexpected when you consider groups are generally served all at once and coordinating that much fish can be difficult. On the first trip we went for the bluegill with a side of onion rings, while on the second we changed thing up with lake perch and waffle fries.

The bluegill is buck cheaper than the lake perch, which works well for us since the bluegill is actually a bit tastier in our opinion. While both fish feature the same light breading, the seasoning works a little better with the fishier sunfish than the inoffensive perch. Regardless of which you prefer, both fish are smooth and flaky, with the light breeding you love, and the subtle fish flavor you crave. You really can't go wrong no matter which you choose.

Dexter's really does a number on the fish, but not at the expense of the sides. The onion rings we got with the bluegill were thick-cut and very tasty, but hard to keep in one piece (as onion rings so often are). They featured a crispy batter that had a rich, almost smoky, flavor. While we liked the rings enough, we still prefer Dexter's waffle fries which are spicy and delicious, although were lacking in abundance when we ate with our friends.

Besides the fish and the sides everything else was pretty much exactly the same between the two visits. The tartar was tremendous, featuring a thick and creamy mayo base with a great zip; the thick, soft half-slice of rye was radical (longtime Madisonians will get that reference); and the slaw was homemade and diverse. While some would say the ample onion overpowers the slaw, we think it pairs perfectly well with the pungent rye making a new flavor sensation that neither provides on its own.

We've heard some rumors recently that Dexter's is slipping, and perhaps they are getting overwhelmed by the crowds on Friday nights. While we wouldn't go that far, it was pretty evident that there were some discrepancies between our solo visit and the trip we made with Nick, Rick, Travis, Norb, and Adam. Everything was a bit slower with the group and the portions suffered when served in bulk, but even those detractors aren't enough to make this anything less than a stellar Fish Fry. Overall, we highly recommend both the bluegill and lake perch at Dexter's and won't hesitate to come back for either... especially at lunch time.

There are many reasons to be excited for this marriage: most notably are the breathtaking bluegill, the lovable lake perch, the wonderful walleye, and the creamy cod that Dexter's has invested their time and energy in mastering. Today we make special note of the bluegill which has graced our palate lo these many occasions, and been breathtaking each and every time.

For a mere $9.25, Dexter's has given us the opportunity to partake in their incredibly lightly breaded bluegill and enjoy its succulence; we are blessed that the pair has allowed us to share in this beautiful relationship. Although the fish could have been fried slightly longer today, it was still very good, and is truly a defining taste on the Madison Fish Fry scene. While on occasion a slight bit of grease will accumulate, the deliciousness of the flaky breading and tender fish always pulls through these tough times.

Strong traits abound in the love Dexter's exudes for Fish Fry; it is evidenced everywhere, especially in the fantastic French fry varieties. We see Dexter's dedication for filling bellies by the generous allotment of spicy waffle fries they provide. Their perfect blend of crispiness and spiciness display Dexter's devotion, and speak highly of their desire to move their relationship with Fish Fry forward.

It is also clear that Dexter's takes the needs of their fish seriously, and assists it in all ways possible. The tartar provided shows its dedication by blending a solid mayo base with a generous proportion of relish. While a wimpier fish may not be able to handle such strong support, Dexter's bluegill enjoys the potent sauce, which in the end detracts nothing, and makes both stronger in the process.

Dexter's, we know you take Fish Fry seriously as you have generously done what is necessary to complete the true Fish Fry experience. You have graced us with the full complement, including bread, which some people consider an afterthought in this day and age. We all appreciate you dedication to the tradition and the institution of the Fry and look upon your generosity with fondness, even if your offering of a plain white dinner roll is nothing out of the ordinary.

All relationships have their ups and downs, and we applaud Dexter's strong efforts in transforming their once strange slaw to a concoction bordering on acceptance. While even this new mayo laden brew has not yet touched transcendence, we can see the time and care invested, and will take your word that sour cream-ish slaw was simply mixed improperly today. On our subsequent visits we expect you will have fully worked out the kinks, and we plan to enjoy you efforts with this fine finishing touch.

Overall, we approve this union as all the Madison area benefits from it magnificence. Dexter's has embraced the Fry, and all the components that come along with it: the eight enchanting bluegill fillets, the plentiful portion of waffle fries, the tactful use of tartar, the courageous attempt at coleslaw, and the inclusion of some sort of bread. All that remains is to make it official...

Dexter's, do you take Fish Fry,
To have, but not overfry,
For better or worse attempts at coleslaw,
For richer cod we have never seen,
In sickness, but hopefully not food poisoning,
To love, and cherish the tradition,
As long as you have the ability to fry?

You do? Yeah, we already knew you did.

We hereby pronounce Dexter's as one of Madison's finest Fish Frys. You may now kiss the bride... or just make me some more of that bluegill.

I arrived at Dexter's and sat at the bar as I often do when unaccompanied. Usually when you sit right at the bar the bartenders and wait staff can't help but keep an eye on you which results in good service and hot fish. True to form, the bartender was there in a flash and took my drink order while passing me a Friday menu. I quickly decided on the $9.25 lake perch with a side of regular fries over the equally enticing (and priced) bluegill or the walleye for $10.25.

I had a clear view of the kitchen and could see the whole process in action. It only took the cook about 10 minutes before he had my order ready and waiting for the spunky waitress to pick up. It was still nice and hot even though she cashed out a couple other patrons before running over to get it for me. The seven perch fillets were covered with a light breading as advertised. The breading itself did not have a ton of flavor but since it was so light it really allowed the taste of the perch to come through, which I really like. Don't get me wrong, this batter is well above average but a little pick me up could make it otherworldly. The fish itself was very good and remained light and flaky throughout the entire meal (not that it was around for long mind you)

I was going to try the brew fries because I have had good luck with them at other places, but for some reason I totally spaced on when I ordered. Thankfully the regular fries were excellent and arrived in huge numbers. They were perfectly fried and had a nice coating of somethingerother that gave them a kick. Likewise, the tartar was damn near perfect and served in the classic supper club tin cup. It was plentiful and even seven fillets and a massive amount of fries were not enough to kill it.

When I get quality fish, fries and tartar I count my blessings and chalk it up as a win. At this point it really doesn't matter that much to me how great the coleslaw or bread is, just that they are there. Dexter's subscribes to a similar philosophy and allots you an average white roll and some slaw which is insanely heavy on the green pepper. I tend to like a creamier and/or zestier slaw, and while this stuff clearly homemade it is not really my cup of tea.

I am more than pleased I decided to take my one man show to Dexter's. Especially when you are solo, but even when you are not, they serve up a mean plate of fish in no time flat. When all was said and done I was in and out in just over 30 minutes. As for the food, the perch, fries and tartar were all great while the bread and slaw did their part. The service was great and as far as bars go the atmosphere isn't all that bad. Overall, I have no qualms about highly recommending this Fish Fry and will be back soon consume some more of our fresh water friends.

Reese and I rolled into the near-East establishment just before noon, and snatched one of the open high-top tables in the bar area. The waitress buzzed right over, dropped some menus, and scampered away to grab us some drinks while giving Reese a chance to peruse his options. I was already locked into the $10 bluegill so the only decision for me was between brew fries, waffle fries, or pub chips, of which I branched out and tried the homemade chips. When she came 'round again, fish orders were placed, drinks were sipped, and merriment exchanged.

The food arrived posthaste, and I pounced on my platter like a jungle cat. Several of the bluegill met their makers instantly as I sunk my claws deep into them, devouring their flaky torsos in the blink of an eye. The rest of the school met a similar fate, as the airy fish was simply impossible to resist. The light breading was home to the perfect blend of spices, and complimented the flaky fish flawlessly. Also flattering the fish was Dexter's outstanding tartar sauce which was thick and zesty, and paired perfectly with the bluegill. At the end of the day the tiny cup was just enough thanks to the fact that the fish was so good the sauce could be used sparingly.

Rounding out the plate was a nice, soft white roll, and Dexter's latest take coleslaw. The roll was what we have come to expect, but ever-changing slaw was a bit of a surprise. This has to be the best slaw we've had at Dexter's to date - although it still wasn't perfect. The previous versions included vast amount of green pepper, but this latest incarnation seems to have supplanted onion for the verde veggie, making for an extremely potent mixture. While this rendition was a dramatically different there is still some room for improvement.

As I polished off my remaining morsels, Reese offered a bite of his bountiful walleye fillet, which I simply couldn't refuse. The wonderful walleye was every bit as good as the bluegill and home to the same spicy breading. Reese also sprung for the homemade Hungarian mushroom soup which came before the fish, and he claimed to be excellent. Apparently all of Dexter's soups are homemade, so make sure to check them out if you are a soup eater.

Overall, this was another fantastic visit to an icon on the Madison Fish Fry scene. Both styles of fish were above reproach and blended effortlessly with Dexter's signature tartar sauce. The pub chips were also great, and fit right in with the rest of the fantastic potato options. After sampling all the varieties we have come to the conclusion that you really can't go wrong with the spuds at Dexter's so just get whichever one happens to sound best to you. The banquet is capped off with a standard dinner roll, and Dexter's continually improving slaw, making for a truly idyllic Fish Fry experience. If you live in the Madison area, and are a fan of Fish Fry you simply have to make the trek to Dexter's. We promise, you won't be disappointed.

Reese and I rolled into the near-East establishment just before noon, and snatched one of the open high-top tables in the bar area. The waitress buzzed right over, dropped some menus, and scampered away to grab us some drinks while giving Reese a chance to peruse his options. I was already locked into the $10 bluegill so the only decision for me was between brew fries, waffle fries, or pub chips, of which I branched out and tried the homemade chips. When she came 'round again, fish orders were placed, drinks were sipped, and merriment exchanged.

The food arrived posthaste, and I pounced on my platter like a jungle cat. Several of the bluegill met their makers instantly as I sunk my claws deep into them, devouring their flaky torsos in the blink of an eye. The rest of the school met a similar fate, as the airy fish was simply impossible to resist. The light breading was home to the perfect blend of spices, and complimented the flaky fish flawlessly. Also flattering the fish was Dexter's outstanding tartar sauce which was thick and zesty, and paired perfectly with the bluegill. At the end of the day the tiny cup was just enough thanks to the fact that the fish was so good the sauce could be used sparingly.

Rounding out the plate was a nice, soft white roll, and Dexter's latest take coleslaw. The roll was what we have come to expect, but ever-changing slaw was a bit of a surprise. This has to be the best slaw we've had at Dexter's to date - although it still wasn't perfect. The previous versions included vast amount of green pepper, but this latest incarnation seems to have supplanted onion for the verde veggie, making for an extremely potent mixture. While this rendition was a dramatically different there is still some room for improvement.

As I polished off my remaining morsels, Reese offered a bite of his bountiful walleye fillet, which I simply couldn't refuse. The wonderful walleye was every bit as good as the bluegill and home to the same spicy breading. Reese also sprung for the homemade Hungarian mushroom soup which came before the fish, and he claimed to be excellent. Apparently all of Dexter's soups are homemade, so make sure to check them out if you are a soup eater.

Overall, this was another fantastic visit to an icon on the Madison Fish Fry scene. Both styles of fish were above reproach and blended effortlessly with Dexter's signature tartar sauce. The pub chips were also great, and fit right in with the rest of the fantastic potato options. After sampling all the varieties we have come to the conclusion that you really can't go wrong with the spuds at Dexter's so just get whichever one happens to sound best to you. The banquet is capped off with a standard dinner roll, and Dexter's continually improving slaw, making for a truly idyllic Fish Fry experience. If you live in the Madison area, and are a fan of Fish Fry you simply have to make the trek to Dexter's. We promise, you won't be disappointed.

If you can find an AYCE Smelt Fry like the one at the North Bristol Sportsmen's Club make sure you go to it. Smelt are small and if the fish is good you are going to want to eat a good 20 to 30 or so of them, so having them portioned out ahead of time can really cramp ones style. Dexter's has established itself as one of the preeminent Fish Fry joints in Madison and recently kicked off a Wednesday Night Fish Fry in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure on their Friday feed. We paid them a visit last week and had our choice of cod or walleye, but this week they changed things up a little bit, and I would say it's definitely for the better. This week they still had the cod, but also added crappie (a little odd, but intriguing), and wait for it... wait for it... SMELT!!! Needless to say I was wasn't about to miss an opportunity to get my smelt on.

While it's not an AYCE smelt feed, Dex gives you around 12 fish for your 10 bucks. It's a good deal all things considered, and of course, it comes out steaming hot (Dexter's would never server cold fish, they're good like that). Unlike other smelt you might find, Dexter's puts in some serious prep work to get the little buggers ready. Not only are the heads and tails chopped and the guts cleaned out, but they actually go the extra mile to fillet each and every one of them. From there they coat them in their signature light breading and fry them to golden-brown perfection. The fishy taste of the smelt is well complemented by Dexter's spicy breading, and while the filleting causes them to be almost totally flat, it also causes them to be totally delicious. For a first soirée into smelt, I'd say Dexter's knocked it out of the park. Hopefully they stick with it.

Even though there are a ton of side options I find it almost impossible to shy away from the waffle fries, and this round reiterated why. The pile of spicy spuds was huge, and delicious as all get out. They are literally the world's perfect waffles and you simply can't do better. End of story.

Some places use tartar to cover up the flavor of their fish, but Dexter's diverse blend enhances the taste of the freshwater finsters rather than replacing it. Every iota of the thick mix was sopped up by the smelt and left me grinning from ear to ear.

Even on Wednesday you'll find a half-slice of rye with Dexter's fish and while this piece was on the dry side, it was still the rye you like, and paired with a big cup of Dexter's homemade slaw. It's a dynamic duo if ever there was one.

Smelt can be a tough hill to climb, but, as expected, Dexter's planted their flag at the summit without much difficulty. While I'd like to see a few more of the tiny fish on the plate, the $10 price tag is fair when you consider all you get. Overall, we highly recommend the smelt at Dexter's and really hope they keep it around. It's a nice change of pace from the usual Friday suspects, and gives Wednesday something special to hang its hat on. If it sticks around I'll definitely be back for it, you should give it a shot too.

It seems like eons since we last had bluegill at Dexter's, but through some twist of divine fate it was back today. Like Christ rising from the dead it had inexplicably returned to bathe us in its glory and subtle fishy flavors. $14 seemed like a measly pittance when we contemplated all the satisfaction it would bring so we gladly obliged and even upgraded to a side of garlic-chili fries.

Some of the polish appears to have worn off Dexter's proverbial apple, and the lunch crowd was sparse to say the least. For us that meant our food was ready in the blink of an eye and served steam rising from their tender little loins. Four fish made up the allotment resulting in eight superbly seasoned, lightly breaded beauties. The sodium quotient seemed to be bumped up a notch, which was excellent since we've become accustomed to it being less-so recently. The salty breading offset the bluegill essence perfectly and was further enhanced by the slightly snappy texture - a little snap, a little pull, but nothing rubbery. This is the good stuff.

The garlic-chili fries came on their own plate which was a huge plus since it kept the pungent oil from saturating the delicate crust of the fish. The plentiful juice bathed the crispy spuds in spicy goodness necessitated a fork feeding, which we usually frown upon, but in this case we'll make an exception. The subtle heat and a pungent garlic blast was well worth it.

Dexter's has some of the biggest and boldest tartar sauce in the business and the bluegill is better for it. This sassy number really offsets the well-seasoned fillets perfectly and highlights the subtle fishy flavors without burying them all together.

Rye seems to be making a comeback on Friday diner plates, but Dexter's isn't a follower, they set the pace. They've been on the rye train since day one, and designed an onion-y coleslaw to go along with it. It's a match made in Fish Fry heaven and pays homage to the real deal Milwaukee-style Fish Fry of yesteryear.

We thought Dexter's bluegill had gone the way of the proverbial dodo, but apparently it just went into hiding for a while. Unfortunately, without keeping an eye on the Daily Specials section of their site there's no way to know when it's around, but I guess if we want it bad enough we'll just have to do what we have to do. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will keep an eye out for it, even if it is only a mid-week kind of thing.

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.

Walleye is a premium fish, and the lord of the lake has steadily risen in price over the years; Dexter's fillet currently sits at a hearty $18. Still, 18 beans isn't out of line with what you find most anywhere else, and since Dexter's sustainably sources their walleye, paying a little more is little price to pay. As per usual we came for lunch (the dinner rush is a bit much with a 4 year old) and as per usual the plate looked impeccable. The walleye fillet was actually on the small side, but not a baby by any means (it was likely in the 8-10 oz range instead of the 12-14 that you often see). The meat was as flaky as can be and cradled ever so gently by a light breading that clung perfectly but lacked some of the seasoning we've come to know and love. Uncharacteristically, it also leaked a little grease which left a kiddie pool on the plate. The errant oil wasn't enough to make the breading slough off the surface, but was enough to make my fingers sticky (and not necessarily the intriguing Fruit Roll-up stickiness of old).

The side of record on North Street are the waffle fries and these grids never fail to impress. While the portion was scaled back to some extent they were all large cuts which meant there were no nubbins floating around. These spuds are well-seasoned, expertly fried, and pack a satisfying crunch. Dexter's homemade tartar also keeps 'em happy with a thick consistency and pungent flavor. It's a good one and has been for almost as long as I can remember.

A heap of slaw took was formed to the cup it came in not unlike the tin can cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving. It was a a dry mix and lacked the onion blast we've become accustomed to (and somewhat enjoy). It was kind of uninspiring but bolstered to some extent by the half slice crusty rye that needed to be ripped apart like a wild dog on a hunk of meat.

Going into any Friday with a predetermined mindset can be dangerous, but luckily for me I knew Dexter's had my back. Sure, there is other walleye in the area but theirs in consistently good and they hit the mark yet again. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and will swim back the next time we want to land a big one and crunch some of those oh-so-delicious waffle fries.

With demand comes higher prices and the cost of the Great Lakes Lake Perch keeps on a-climbin'. It now sits at a hefty 16 bones but not one of those dollar goes towards actual marrow. These petite perch are perfectly filleted leaving only delightfully delicate and flaky meat. While I didn't count the actual number of fillets there were a lot of them since each was pretty small. Regardless of their stature, they were stellar - smooth and mild, devoid of any fishy flavors, and paired with expertly executed breading. Thin yet crisp, flavorful yet not overly pungent, this stuff delivers the goods. It adds oh-so-much to the fish without overshadowing it whatsoever, which is the mark of true frying mastery.

Even though it was the New Year I felt inclined to stick with an old standby in Dexter's wonderful waffle fries. These lattices are in a league of their own and are truly the Silver Slugger of spuds. Their crispy coating crushes the competition and drive the Fry home every time. Of course, there are more than enough of them to go around with each hulking slab being a more than meets the eye. After polishing off the original portion I almost ordered an additional side of them as we sat and had a couple more beers, and I'm not even kidding about that. Them shits is tasty.

Dexter's tartar is also a no-doubt slam dunk and while the perch is easily good enough to be eaten solo it becomes a little something more when slathered with the special sauce. Great things happen when relish and pimiento meet the other elements in the diverse blend, making for some of the best sauce in this, or any other city.

Rye rye, baby, rye rye...Dex has a ticket to rye and he don't care (if you like it or not). The big, soft half slab suits me just fine and makes one Dexter's one of the few places in the city mainlining a stranglehold on the most traditional of Fish Fry starches. When you pile that sucker high with a bit of Dexter's now-signature, onion-laced, homemade slaw, subtle homage is paid to the days of a big old slice of rye with a whole slice of raw onion laid on top. While that was before my time I have an appreciation for this attempt at honoring history while evolving to meet the demands of the modern Fish-going public.

To say we started 2016 off right would be an understatement as we may well have started it off in the absolute best way possible. We got reacquainted with our old friend Dexter and introduced another friend to all he has to offer. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and place it squarely amongst the best in Madison. Dexter's does it all, it's a simple as that.

This trip was no different and despite the fact that I adore the bluegill, love the lake perch, and swoon over the walleye I forced myself to order the Bering Sea Cod because I hadn't had it for so long. The cod is the cheapest of school coming in at $11 and since I was the first order of the day the oil was smoldering hot and fried it fast.

As expected, the cod was good, although surprisingly greasy. It was actually a bit of a grease bomb and although the ooze seeped all the way through the batter it didn't destroy it. The fish itself was flaky and pure and while the batter was a tad thick, it had a great flavor which enhanced the flaky meat. It was bolstered even further by the homemade tartar sauce which is a nearly perfect mix. After their encounter the sheen of the remnant oil danced on the skin of the sultry sauce, not unlike a recent photo of a certain Kardashian sister. It dazzled the eyes and the taste buds causing an almost preternatural instinct to scoop it up by fish, by finger, or by whatever means available. It was alluring, it was intoxicating, it was the essence of the Fish Fry.

Staying with the sauce, it comes in a 2 oz. cup which is more than adequate for the freshwater fish, but comes up short on the three beefy pieces of cod. When fish is a little greasy it begs for tartar and by piece three its wishes went unfulfilled making the last few bites slightly less desirable.

Dexter's sides are a force to be reckoned with and the garlic-chili fries brought the goods today. The shoestring cuts make an ideal foundation for the blend of throaty garlic and peppy chili oil resulting in a great flavor combo that lasts and lasts. It is a massive portion of spuds, and I do mean MASSIVE.

A thick half-slice of real rye really beefs things up as well, and while Dexter's has had a ticket to rye for years now this rendition was a solid step up from the thin slab of yesterday.

The same old oniony and pungent slaw finished things off and while its so-so solo it pairs perfectly with the stanky rye.

Dexter's is just one of those places that has it all figured out. They make great fish, have stellar sides, and fill things out in all the right ways without cutting corners to do so. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and have no qualms about calling it one of the best in town.

Read more about Dexter's in our article on Eater.com! - The Definitive Guide to Fish Fry in South-Central Wisconsin

Of course, my cod came quickly, and why wouldn't it? It was a Wednesday after all, and unlike Friday night the place wasn't jam packed with people free to come and go as they pleased. The kitchen was also manned by one dude instead of three or four like you find on Friday.

The cod was good, but like the Wednesday menu itself, has been scaled back somewhat. The pieces used to be a good four to five ounces each, and I'd say this time around they were maybe three. Each was enrobed by a really dark beer batter, that was fried to the max, but not burned or anything like that. The fish underneath was super flaky, and paired nicely with the ultra-flavorful batter. While the batter looked daunting, it was surprisingly light, and very good, but not quite Owl's Nest or Hooterville good.

The side of record at Dexter's is the waffle fries and this batch was massive. While the portion would be too much for some lightweights I crunched every last one of them without issue. They were pure spuduly perfection, and that's all I'm going to say.

The tartar was also great and has come a long way in a short amount of time. This sauce easily stands up to the flavorful fish although the cup is a little too small for all three pieces. I was scraping bottom about halfway through the second piece.

Even on Wednesday Dexter's brings their A-game as evidenced by the half-slice of rye bread. While you may not like rye, it's what is expected by a Fish Fry purist and I had no problem mowing it down. It was all good, and all gone...you should really do yourself a favor and learn to like it.

Like the tartar, Dex's slaw has come a long way over the years. What was once an abomination has become a strong suit and was the first thing I finished. The current mix is onion-y and juicy, and really complements the rye well.

If you're sick of fighting the crowds on Friday nights, and I know many of you are, hit up Dexter's on a Wednesday. As long as you're okay without bluegill or lake perch there is still a lot to like, especially if you are into the "Wild Caught" stuff. Overall, we highly recommend Dexter's, but of course you already knew that.

Dexter's biggest draw used to be their bluegill (for me anyway), but for whatever reason it seems to have been phased out for good. Walleye, lake perch, and cod are all that remain as far as real Fish Fry fish are concerned and today we went walleye. We were a little on the short side of twelve but even at that time they were not busy at all. Maybe some of the mystique has worn off or maybe the prices have just gotten too rich for some people's blood, but whatever the case may be we were one of the few. The fish was still good so I know quality isn't the issue.

In classic Dexter's fashion the big walleye fillet takes precedence with the signature sticky breading that makes it shine. While there wasn't as much seasoning as there once was it still has the perfect texture. The fish itself was superbly flaky and looked like it was straight out of a textbook, if such a thing existed.

We've long loved Dexter's waffle fries and this crew were they usual suspects although, like the breading on the fish, they seemed to be missing a bit of seasoning. Still, they were crunchy and munchy, and erased from the plate by my gigantic Friday appetite.

A signature sauce is one of the defining characteristics of the best Fish Frys and Dexter's blend is different from any you will find. It's a tad sweeter and has a few more elements that set it apart. Pimiento anyone? The sauce is definitely good on its own, but really sparkles when slathered on the flaky fish.

A half slice of rye puts me in the right mood, and mixes well with the onion-y overtones in the house made slaw. It's a big flavor combo which is something most places don't seem to think too much about in 2016.

It's always good to see old friends, and especially good when those friends make amazing fish. While we miss some things about Dexter's (specifically the bluegill) there is still so much here to love that we'd be fools to stay away. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and think you just can't go wrong. Is it the best of the best? Maybe not, but it's not too far from it, and is enough to keep us coming back time and time again. This is a total package Fish Fry, and not many are.

I used to share an office with Nick and we pretty much ate fish every Friday, racking up pert near 100 Frys at Wilson's alone. Those were the good ol' days, but as all good things must do, they came to an end. Eventually we moved on and found other fish, which is what brings us to Dexter's. Dexter's has basically usurped Wilson's spot as our go-to Fish Fry mostly because of the variety of fish offered and their impeccable quality control. In short, Dexter's does it all, and when Nick asked me to pick a place for a big crew I offered it up. Good call, MFF. Good call.

Stunningly, I pulled into the parking lot at exactly the same time as Nick and his car-load of coworkers. We hustled inside and pulled together a couple of tables in the dining room since it was wide open and another full car-load was on its way. Upon seeing we had taken up shop the bartress (see our last review) buzzed right over. The rest of the crew arrived shortly after and within moments we all had drinks in front of us and orders of fish on the way. Dexter's was on their game as per usual.

Bluegill is back on the menu at Dexter's which basically left me no choice. I've had a hunger for it for some time now and when the line was cast, I eagerly took the bait. Dexter's has never been one to skimp on the fish and the bluegill fillets were GIGANTIC. They were easily some of biggest (and tastiest) I've seen (or eaten for that matter). The beefy bluegill were expertly fried, and dusted with Dexter's signature light breading. It was classic Dexter's and I could go on forever talking about it, but I'll just stop here. It is great stuff, period.

Like the fish, the waffles fries were in abundance and perfectly fried. While the regular fries are fine and the garlic-chili fries pack a punch, the waffles are something special which makes branching out a regrettable decision. Of course, a bunch of party-goers did branch out and I didn't hear a single complaint among them, so there's that... Dexter's doesn't disappoint.

The Fish Fry mastery continued into DP's homemade tartar sauce. It is an excellent mixture, although with so much fish I actually ran out of the thick and zesty blend which was a bit of a bummer. The standard roll was nothing to write home about, but hey, we all get socks for our birthday every now and again, and while they may not be the flashiest gift, they get the job done. The basic bun got the job done too, which is enough for me.

While Nick was the one celebrating birthday we all got a present from Dexter's in the form of some much improved coleslaw. It was a good blend, and while there was noticeable onion, it wasn't quite as pungent as the pepper blast from the past. It was dramatically better and a candle that just about everyone at the table had no problem blowing out.

If the folks at Dexter's weren't aware of who MFF is before now they most certainly are on to us after this trip. There was a lot of Fish Fry related banter and some genuine inquiries into the popularity of Fish Frys which I was obliged to answer (being the "expert"). It's no big deal, and I'll just consider it as a little birthday present to our friend Nick to go along with the awesome Fish Fry he enjoyed. Overall, we highly recommend the Fish Fry at Dexter's, and will continue to do so. It also sounds like they gained a few new fans, and why not? Nick's birthday lunch turned into a party for us all. Thanks birthday boy!

At this point any review of Dexter's is just going to be more of the same so I'll try to keep this brief. This is arguably the best Fish Fry in Madison, and there's no secret about that fact anymore. People love this place, and they love the fish.

Bluegill and sunfish are basically one in the same so it really didn't make any difference to me which one it happened to be. As per usual I came for lunch, and as per usual the fish was ready lickety-split. There were seven of the freshwater finsters on the plate and each one was a delicate little work of art. They had the freshwater fish essence, which pairs perfectly with Dexter's signature paper-thin breading. They were light and flaky all around, and all seven fillets found the bottom of my belly in about seven minutes.

Dexter's has a few French fry options, but for my money the waffles are where it's at. The portion this time around was gargantuan, which was a bonus since they were fried perfectly and I wanted a lot of them. Of course, they were from a brown freezer bag, but they were well-seasoned on the outside, and fluffy on the inside so who really cares where they originated?

Over the years Dexter's tartar has morphed from simply serviceable into somewhat sensational. The current incarnation perfectly complements the fish with its creamy texture, and zesty flavor. The slaw has followed a similar trajectory, although it took a little longer to get to where it's at. The homemade mix has totally turned the corner, and balances a subtle onion flavor with a light vinegar base. While it's not the creamiest you're going to find, it pairs perfectly with the half slice of rye Dexter's has recently added to their Friday lineup.

This is arguably the best all-around Fish Fry in Madison, and few places can even come close what Dexter's is doing. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry, and whether it's bluegill, or sunfish, it's enough to keep me coming back time and time again.

I got word that our trip out of town would be delayed until 1pm or so, and I knew that gave me just the amount of time I needed to grab a quick Fish Fry. I had been worried earlier in the day that such an opportunity may not present itself, but when met with it I quickly leapt to my feet and was out the door. I hit the gas and sped towards Dexter's Pub arriving at the east side establishment within a matter of minutes.

I hurled myself in the door and to the nearest barstool. The waitress/bartender arrived shortly thereafter, grabbed me a beer and asked if I would like to see a menu. For me there was no need for a menu since the plethora of Fish Fry options was clearly listed on the chalkboards above the coolers. The options include: beer battered cod, bluegill, walleye and lake perch amongst others. I have tried the cod and the lake perch in the past and since I really want to try them all at some point it helped narrow my choice to walleye or bluegill. I chose the bluegill with regular fries for $9.25 and took a moment to settle down; the moment would not last long.

As quickly as I came to Dexter's the Fish Fry came to me. It was ready in about seven minutes and was served scalding hot. The nine bluegill fillets were lightly battered and simply delicious. They were a perfect golden color and firm but not crisp in any way. I could easily pick them up and dip them in the fantastic tartar sauce without them falling all over themselves or breaking apart. Between the fish and the tartar near perfection was achieved.

Each of my pervious visits I chose waffle fries as my side and was very pleased, but this time I decided to go with the regular option which were far from ordinary. They seemed to have some special seasoning which was very good and made them brilliant golden-red color. They were perfectly fried and like the fish were improved by the tasty tartar. I devoured my plateful within a matter of minutes rarely stopping for a drink of the Cow.

As quickly as the food had come it was gone. All that remained was a tiny chunk of my somewhat stale roll and a half cup of the green pepper laden coleslaw. The waitress came quickly thereafter and dropped of my bill which she collected pretty much on the spot leaving me to breeze out the door. In total I was in Dexter's no longer than 25 minutes and gone no longer than 40 minutes total.

Thanks in part to the quick turnaround at Dexter's we were easily out of the house by 1pm and made our appointment in Eau Claire with plenty of time to spare. I have to say it is pretty sweet that they can kick out such an awesome Fish Fry so quickly. The food was delicious and the service was incredibly fast and friendly. Sure, the bar atmosphere may leave something to be desired but if you love Fish Fry you come to expect it. If you are a Fish Fry fanatic Dexter's is one that shouldn't be overlooked.

We'll start with the $16 bluegill during the tap takeover and we'll also start by saying we love Indeed's beers...if you like "craft" and have never tried theirs we'd highly recommend you do. As far as the fish goes, it was simply superb. Each of the 9-10 tiny fillets were light and smooth with an equally light and pleasant breading. Just enough of the fishy bluegill flavor comes through to let you know it's the genuine article without being overbearing. It's GOLD, Jerry!

Dexter's is no slouch when it come to sides and their waffles are the gold standard...I'm sensing a theme here. They are heavily-seasoned to a rich amber color and come in a portion that would make Zeus blush. The same goes for the gilded tartar which takes the cake when it comes to creaminess. Is thick and bold, and offsets the seasoning in the fish just right.

Some oh-so-traditional rye does the deed and the onion-laden slaw pays the piper. Separate they might turn some folks off, but together they rise to the top. When you couple everything with the quartet of high-octane IBC beers all went smoothly and I left feeling on top of my game.

Our Wednesday night rendezvous was more of the same, except this time it was lake perch that found its way to our table. Like the bluegill from a couple weeks prior the perch runs $16 and is essentially perchfect (see what I did there?). The six fillets are light and fresh tasting with the wispiest breading you could imagine...almost like gold dust. The fish itself was slightly sweet and not fishy in any way shape or form. It would make a prefect foray into freshwater fish for those fearful of fishy flavors who may be stuck in the cod rut.

Just as it does to the 'gill the tartar takes the perch to the top of the podium with its thick consistency and pungent flavor. This round we went for the brew fries since the little man was with and he has waffled on the waffle fry seasoning in the past and we wanted him to have a fall-back. The brews are fine but take the silver when the aurelian lattices are around.

The same Friday slaw comes on Wednesday and this one was packed in the cup like a fresh tub of Play-Doh and didn't want to relinquish it's hold. The rye also seemed like a holdover from the previous Friday as it was a little stale - certainly not the gold standard by any stretch.

It may come as a shock to some but Dexter's recently took the gold medal as the Best of Madison Fish Fry and I for one don't totally disagree. Sure, there are a lot of great contenders but for me this one has it all - fantastic freshwater fish, superb spuds, terrific tartar, special slaw, real rye, and an outstanding beer selection. That's the full meal deal and the full Friday Fish Fry experience (they also have a good whiskey selection and make a good brandy old fashioned sweet as far as I've heard). Overall, we highly recommend these Fish Frys and will come back periodically for their "Au"some fish.

One more note: we went back for the lake perch a couple weeks later and it was equally excellent.

The Friday Fish Fry at Dexter’s was actually better than I thought it would be when we first walked in. There are three fish choices: Beer Battered Cod, Bluegill and Walleye (prepared two different ways). There is also a catfish po’ boy which looked pretty tasty, but doesn’t really count as a fish fry in my book. It was a hard choice but I broke down and went with the standard Cod. The fish was served piping hot and tasted good, but not outstanding. It was somewhat flaky but didn’t have a very firm texture which made it feel slightly ‘smushy’. The beer batter itself was actually pretty good, some of the better I can remember, but I am not a huge fan of beer batter so I don’t usually opt for it. Next time I would definitely try one of the other options but the cod is good enough that I would get it again as well at some point.

Perhaps the highlight of he meal were the spicy waffle fries which were delicious, and generously portioned. There was a regular option but I was very pleased with my choice. The tartar sauce was great, but I would certainly have liked a larger cup for the three good sized pieces of fish. The coleslaw was very coleslaw-y and the bread was there but kind of crusty.

There is no doubt Dexter’s is the neighborhood bar, but that is no reason they can’t serve up a classic fish fry. I’m not sure that Dexter’s would be my first choice if I was recommending places to go, but for only $6.50 you can’t ask for much more. The fish was good, and the other options sounded great as well. The atmosphere may leave a little to be desired but they did have some TV’s which allowed us to watch the tournament while enjoying some good fish. The service wasn’t great, but hey, it’s a bar. Dexter’s also had a very full menu of daily items that looked very good, and I am actually looking forward to going back some day when it’s not Friday to give some of their sandwiches a try. Dexter’s definitely gives you ‘bang for your buck’ and serves up a quality Friday Fish Fry.