Best fish fry in Madison, hands down. Highly recommend the cod. The tartar sauce is the best I've ever had. And the soft pretzel with the beer cheese sauce is a must. Fantastic service and great Madison neighborhood bar atmosphere. Family friendly too. read more

Dexters is hands down one of our favorite places on the east side for food and beer. Their sandwiches always impress -- the Windy City, the Cuban, the Reuben, the burgers and their daily specials never disappoint. Our favorite items are the garlic chili fries and old world pretzels with beer cheese dip. They have a huge and ever rotating selection of craft beers, and there is always something new and delicious to try. And a big bonus: they are SUPER kid friendly. Whether you're meeting an old friend for drinks or bringing the whole family for dinner, this place is a winner. read more

Hard time rating Dexter's today. I ordered the soup and sandwich lunch combo. Grilled cheese and chili. Grilled cheese was great but the chili was over powered by the taste of cumin. It was still okay, but it almost was hard to taste the tomato in the chilli. Our service was prompt, and prices were fair which is why overall I give them a four star. I would say it's a nice place in Madison for bar food, that is nicer than a dive, and also much easier to park than many Madison restaurants. I would eat here again, but it did not make my Madison favorites list. read more

Banned from the restaurant because we wanted extra ingredients on a sandwich! 0 stars! I used to call in pick-up orders for my fiance at Dexter's Pub. He liked a steak sandwich with extra ingredients. We ordered about 10-15 times in a 4-month span, and the lady who works there was so friendly every time. One day, the manager named Nick refused to add any extra ingredients to the sandwich I ordered. He said I have to order the sandwich as such because it's too complex of an order, and he will only make them as they are on the menu. I ordered the same thing another day, and the same lady made the order, no issues! Ordered another day, and it was Nick this time. He said he's not going to make the sandwich. Essentially, refused to serve me any food! There was one time I picked up a call in order 4 hours late because my fiance had an emergency and couldn't pick it up anymore. I called them to say I'm coming, and they don't need to remake the food. She said, "the food is still here waiting," meaning they didn't remake it. Picked up the food, everything was fine. On another day, I made a phone order. After I said what I wanted to order, Nick said, "Are you the one who orders it with all that stuff on it?" I said, "I won't be ordering it like that." He said, "You ordered this before and didn't pick up your food. We're not making this for you. You won't be welcomed here again. See ya." I couldn't hear him that good, so I said, "What did you say?" By then he had already hung up the phone. I called back and said, "Excuse me, I couldn't hear you, did you say I didn't pay for my food?" He said, "Yes, we waited and you didn't come, so we lost out on money because of it." I said, "I did pay for the sandwich, actually. I came and picked it up." He said, "No you didn't," and hung up again. I called back and said, "I picked up the sandwich 4 hours after making the order and paid for it. You guys did not make a new sandwich either." He said, "No, I was here and you didn't pay for it," then hung up again! Right after that, my fiance's friend called to make an order. He said he will get the steak sandwich, and the same man who talked to me minutes before told him, "We aren't serving at this time." It was at open hours! Mind you, my fiance and his friend are both Ethiopian and probably sound very similar on the phone. I'm assuming he thought it was my fiance (he knows my fiance's voice because he comes in to pick up the food sometimes). Good luck to any Ethiopian man who makes an order there! I've read other bad reviews about Dexter's Pub. Common issues were the bartenders were working while drunk, waitress's were rude and didn't come to the table to check on customers, food was cold, overcooked, not cooked enough, or tasted off; a dead mouse was found on the back porch where the back entrance is, and most importantly, the workers were rude! Check it out for yourself. read more

I have had many a food item at Dexter's and have always been very happy. Their fish fry is one of the best - and their hamburgers, just plain old GOOD! The staff has always been very friendly, even when really busy and the bartenders know how to make an Old Fashioned Press! It's one of my happy places. read more

Used to work here back in the 90's when it was Stevens Bar and Grill. A few things have changed decor wise but the food is always consistent and really good! Great East Side joint. Burgers are legit! Chili all year long (xoxox) Amazing beer selection and staff is always friendly. They are also approved for a remodel soon so very happy and excited for the owners and staff! read more

Ate here tonight, and had a sampling of different beers. Great beer selection, and the food was fantastic!!! Totally surprised us. We had a variety of different sandwiches, and the pretzel appetizer, and it was all absolutely delicious. The service was also great, and the waitress always showed up exactly when we needed her. If I could rate this place 6 stars I would!!! read more

We've been here a couple of times. Yeah, it's not the fanciest place in town but we've had several items on the menu and they have all been terrific. It can get crowded at dinner time on weekends so beware. Nice little place inside, great food, highly recommend. read more

My husband, my mom, and I braved Dexter's on a Friday night for fish. Oh man, I am so glad we did! We went into it expecting a wait, and we did end up waiting about an hour and a half. At first, we had to stand in the bar area, but we got drinks relatively quickly and were able to snag a table after about a half hour of standing. Their beer selection is amazing. I tried 3 different new-to-me beers and there were still a bunch more I wanted to taste. Hooray for options! We ordered soon after sitting down and didn't have to wait long for our appetizer (spinach dip with veggies & pita). The dip was good and their pita (fried) was as awesome as you would assume fried pita would be. Our meals were great too! Between the three of us we had cod, perch (or bluegill? woops, can't remember), and a shrimp po-boy. I would order any of our three choices again. In summary: the fish fry is worth the wait & the Friday night crowd. read more

I have been to Dexter's quite a few times now, usually for their specialty tappings or to watch a football game. Atmosphere - I would classify Dexter's as hole-in-the-wall hipster-esque classic Wisconsin bar. It will appeal to people who just want to go to a local pub and crack open a Hamm's. It will also appeal to people who want an unassuming space to quaff some delicious craft beer. It isn't fancy, but it is roomy. My one complaint is that it is always chilly. I usually keep my coat on or I freeze. Food - The food at Dexter's is pretty good. It is slightly amped up pub food. It is most certainly better than your standard pub fare. They have some yummy options for spicy, heart-clogging sandwiches that my husband loves. I like the Fajita salad and pulled pork sandwich. Beer - Fantastic. This is real the reason to go to Dexters. They have rotating taps of featured beer. They are attentive to trends in craft brewing and will often have something that is new and difficult to find. Their bartenders are usually knowledgeable about the beer, and they know how to pour a hefeweizen correctly. It is not the best deal you will find in town, but they will also have pours other places don't get. Service - Also pretty good. I have no complaints about the staff here. They are attentive without being annoying. They also know what they are talking about which is refreshing. As a plus, in the warmer months, they have an outdoor space you can play volleyball. Or you can join their volleyball league. read more

I'm fairly new to the world of craft beers, but I'm a big fan of the beer list here. Always something new and interesting to try. I haven't had a proper dinner here yet, just appetizers. They have been just "ok". The menu sounds promising, though. I like the open style of the kitchen area, always curious to see what folks are up to in there. The wait staff was very attentive, if slightly impersonal, as well. I found it odd that a waitress was allowed to work wearing flip flops, though. (I notice details.) It was a nice cozy place to wind up the end of my work week last night. To be continued... read more

I love Dexter's. It's a short walk away, so I go there a lot. I've been there dozens of times. Their daily specials are usually what I check out, and they come with a cup of soup. And that soup is usually amazing. Their chili is always fantastic. Their fish fry is also very good. They have a beef brisket sandwich called the BBLT that is always really good. They have plenty of beer on tap, and plenty of televisions for your viewing pleasure. The staff is always friendly and willing to recommend something. read more

I had an excellent IPA the first time here so I came back. But the waitress tonight is absolutely terrible. Not professional at all. Probably won't come back. Any place with a bad service is a cheap place! read more

Cozy pub with great tap line options. I am impressed by their dedication to adding new taps and special event tap takeovers for bringing new brews into the area. Dexter's is also extremely fastidious in maintaining the cleanliness and temperature of their tap lines. During my last visit I had a fresh soft pretzel from Batch Bakery served with choice of 2 dips. The spicy ground mustard is really quite good (and indeed spicy!) and there's a beer cheese dip to fufill your nacho cheese-ish desires. The red pepper hummus is super good with fried pita chips (but they are good for you because they are pitas, right?) The cod for fish fry is now sourced from Bering Bounty, a local fisherman who operates a boat in Alaskan waters. Nice crisp breading and served with cole slaw with the right balance of a touch of mayo and caraway seeds. Drink your beer with confidence here! read more

Visiting from Portland, came in here twice. Awesome selection and they have pitchers for everything. And cheese curds. Allie was super personable and shared so many awesome things about Madison. And knew a ton about local beer. Five stars easy. read more

This has easily become my go-to Friday fish fry. I like it so much, I've been hesitant to even write this review. Nonetheless, Dexter's does it right. Fresh, Bering sea cod enveloped in a crispy, salty batter keeps me dreaming of Fridays. The clam chowder is phenomenal and so are the rest of their soups...obviously lovingly tended to and cooked from homemade stocks. I could further pontificate, but no need...the execution in the kitchen is stellar. Now, the beer list is exquisite in my opinion. I love Madison, but many bars get so caught up on local-centric taps lists. Consequently, more often than not, you walk in to see the taps jammed with Ale Ayslum, Lake Louie and Capital. Not bad...but I'll be damned to say I could choke down another Hopalicious. Dexters, on the other hand, opens their taps up to pretty much anything. From Toppling Goliath (which I love, but you can't really get outside of Iowa and Wisco) to Belgian Flander's Reds, they kill it with their beer selection. Also, I really respect that they let you know on the beer list what's on deck...this has kept me coming back many-a-times. So why not the 5-stars? Well, we've run into some seriously long waits, both for a table and then for the fish. If they could streamline a little more in the kitchen, I'd gladly give it that extra star. In the mean time, we NEVER come here on Fridays after 6pm....forget it. If you don't mind dining with the Greyhairs....you'll do just fine. read more

Great pub food and WI brew beer list which changed frequently. It's in a neighborhood and has limited parking, but has a great local bar atmosphere. Went with 3 coworkers and we all loved our sandwiches and burgers. Our server was very attentive and helpful. Will definitely be back! read more

Decided to stop in on a recent Friday to try the fish fry based on reviews. Worried that would be waiting for a table, we went in hopeful. Got a booth right away for four and it was very busy. I had been in here pre-Sandlot days and wasn't impressed but this "make-over" is proving positive. Key points: - waitress was great, offered tastes of beer to help my decision - perch and cod, both good and plenty of it - pub fries were great, not overcooked like so may places - echoing other compliments on the beer selection, nice - fine for the kids too, at least earlier around dinner time (5-7) I'd come back to try non-fish fry some night. read more

A Pub serving Lagunitas' beer on the tap gets an automatic 4 stars in my book keeping. I can't rave enough about how delicious the pint of Gnarleywine was. The food is solid, as many people have already Yelped. My lake perch was delicious - in my opinion, better than Avenue Bar's. I was full when I finished the 1/4 of their huge serving portion. Good mix of crowd. Kids, 20-somethings, old and all. I shall be back there to sample more beer and heckle at Olympic games on a TV screen. read more

THE place to be in the neighborhood. Amazing beer selection and solid menu of pizza, burgers, veg options and fish-fry. Congrats to Nick on a new expansion that has been approved by the city. Come for the beer, food and staff hospitality stay for the amazing chalk artwork by Amy Zaremba https://www.zaremba-art.com/chalk-art read more

I came through this dive while pub-crawling amongst friends. As we lined up at the bar to order beers and grub -- the bartender's muttering under her breath "oh shit." should have tipped us off to the piss poor service that awaited us. Apparently they're not accustomed to seeing a group of ~12 people waltz in this dump. Go fig'. Mind you, we were very accommodating, and considerate of the surprise rush we created. However, when they served our table separately and completely forgot my food, I was forced to demand a refund. They're lucky I wasn't a complete a**hole and demanded the portion of the tip that I already paid toward my food order. Sure, if you're looking for a very lonely dive all to yourself and a /few/ friends, this might be your place. But for us, it was a complete and utter disaster. Oh, did I mention the incessant flies throughout the establishment? Yeah, not cool. read more

I have to disagree with these other reviews. My husband and I frequent Dexters often and really love the place. We haven't ever had a bad experience with the service and love the food (our faves are the waffle fries, pub chips and the burgers). The atmosphere isn't all that, but nonetheless it's a great little neighborhood pub with friendly bartenders, good food and great drink specials! read more

I have been here many times over the years. I always walk away full from amazing food, a little tipsy from great mixed drinks and a huge beer selection and wondering when I will get to come back. The bar staff is very friendly and attentive and I love their new TV screens showing their on tap beers. The fish fry as mentioned is awesome and their chili fries though a tad on the oily side have incredible flavor. They have great bloody Mary's but if you ask for spicy be prepared for good spice. The music is great, they have outdoor seating and volleyball areas and plenty of room at tables indoors as well. I look forward to getting together with friends again soon at Dexter's because it is always such an amazing time. read more

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The real-time beer list above the bar is the first I have seen in town, and it sure is impressive! Being able to see the keg level helped me make a decision - the flashing red for the taps that are nearly empty gave me a sense of urgency to try those particular brews. Dexter's always has a unique beer list, and I appreciate the careful vetting by management on this. The food never disappoints - the garlic chili fries are the BEST. The fish fry is also worth the wait on a Friday night. read more

This place has the best, hands down absolute best fish fry. Get it baked or batter fried, they're both mouthwatering just thinking about them is making me long for Friday nights. Baked potatoes are always perfect. Salad or soup before fish comes is always great and fresh. Lots of fun brews and brewery take overs. Burgers are also the Bomb! Chili is just spicy enough to warm you and flavorful tomato base is the best with cheese and a bit of sour cream. Never disappointed here, ever. Staff all very knowledgable of the brews which are two pages of choices. Tasters are always offered if you're not sure you'll like them. Usually a wait anywhere from 10-45 minutes, longer in summer time, but certainly worth the wait. Enjoy a drink at the bar area and unwind a bit before you're seated. read more

Fantastic Wisconsin bar food, especially Friday night Fish Fry (I usually order the lemon-pepper grilled walleye and my husband likes the traditional fried cod), soft pretzels with cheese sauce, burgers and homemade soups. I like Dexter's for lunch as well and think that the homemade soup and fresh side salad is one of the best deals for lunch in Madison. Stellar rotation of tap beers that are well curated. There is frequently something new and delicious to try. Their beer selection spans many different beer styles, breweries, and regions of the country. I appreciate that they don't try to do it by having a million on tap all the time. The staff can always speak to the beer that I inquire about and are happy to provide a sample before you order a full glass. In general, the service is always friendly. Don't forget to ask for a cupcake! read more

From the reviews I am guessing we hit a bad night which was a Friday night for fish. Once seated we waited over an hour for our meal which for fried fish was too long, no excuse was ever given but was told many times our meal is up next. Once we had our meal delivered was warm, not hot and told our waitress and was was told it just came up and walked away. So not a good first experience. The good, seemed like a nice neighborhood spot and friendly patrons all enjoying a Friday night, a little off the main drag which was good, so if you are looking for a hidden local spot give them a try, we will try again and hoping we just hit a bad night. read more

Checked out Dexter's for a Friday fish fry and it was surprisingly awesome. Great atmosphere for a neighborhood bar. Unexpectedly diverse beer selection that's constantly rotating (had a great Lagunita's Hairy Eyeball). Fish was some of the best I've had in Madison. Ordered both the cod & walleye and both were delicious--thinly battered and fried perfectly without excess grease. Waffle & brew fries were delicious too. Amazingly, after over a thousand calories of deep fried food, I still didn't feel nasty. Thanks for helping me kinda stay catholic. Special mention to their outstanding service. After someone stole our place in line, they apologized profusely and hit us up with a free spinach & artichoke dip appetizer. Very sweet. read more

YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT COME TO THIS PLACE!! If you do, you may find yourself eating great food, spending way too much on the diverse beer selection and being thoroughly entertained by the amazing staff. You will have a good time if you come here. You don't want that! You would have to come back, after all! read more

Still my favorite craft brew and a bite stop! Craft brew selection sometimes a bit on the eclectic side but always interesting. You have to see the very Cool "live" beer list! Anything on the menu is good and not your standard pub grub - real food. Try thin crust pizza with bacon sometime - great with some beers! Good TVs and interesting music always in background. read more

Dexter's Pub - "Live" craft beer menu - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The service was amazing. The staff was so friendly. We had a large group that showed up without notice as a baseball game was rained out and the staff didn't blink an eye. They were helpful, kind and very accommodating. You never know the reaction you'll get when you show up with 20+kids to a place. read more

I got into town around noon on a Wednesday and stopped here for a bite to eat and a good beer. After chatting with the bar tender for a bit I settled for something local and had a great plate of wings. My wife, who was attending a conference, made it down and had a great salad too. Great service and friendly staff! Would happily go back next time we're in town. read more

Dexter's is a great local bar with an outstanding selection of beers and really good food. I've tried most things on the menu and the only thing I can not recommend is the Bluegill ( have tried it twice, both time limp and oily). Everything else has been spot on. I've read several negative reviews on here and from what I can tell the majority are from people visiting from out of state. Dexters is a local bar and is frequented by locals...if you are expecting 5 star service this is not the place for you. But, if you want great food, a big selection of brews and friendly people to share a bar with Dexters can't be beat. read more

If you'd like to feel unwelcome, or be served by rude people this place is where it's at. Also, expect the staff to be just as drunk if not more drunk than the patrons. Don't waste your time or money. read more

Dexter's Pub is a great neighborhood bar. Good beer selection, which always rotates. Great service, friendly staff. I have always gone on Wednesday night for trivia (8pm) and its usually full but you can always get a seat if you arrive around 7:30pm. Last time, I had the portabella mushroom sandwich. It was good, but sort of lacked portabella (the piece was pretty small and meek). The waffle fries were good. Also tried the hummus one time, which was awesome! Overall, Dexter's is a cool spot that I will continue to frequent! read more

This was the best piece of battered cod I have had in a good while. The breading was not too salty and not too thick. The grilled walleye that my girlfriend had melted in your mouth and didn't even require any additional butter sauce. Typically I would get a wine to pair with my fish but this week is Craft Week so I had a IPA called Alive instead, which I felt paired well given the flavor of the brew. This is my new favorite place on the east side of Madison!! read more

We come here for fish fry quite often. It can be a long wait but the often over estimate the time. They may tell you 2 hrs but its never that long. In fact I think they probably lose business by telling people there is a super long wait. I get they want to be careful and they're pretty busy so maybe they don't mind. It can take a while for food to come out, they have a pretty small kitchen. We usually wait at the bar and grab a drink. They make a good old fashioned and have a impressive beer selection with a neat TV with all their choices. It shows what on tap with a description of the beer and what beer is gonna be on next. All the fish is good, I really like the perch. Last time I got a baked white fish, cod maybe, I can't remember. The flavor was good but there were a lot of small bones, a few is fine but there were a lot. I'll stick to the fried fish I think next time. Overall, great place for fish fry and a nice bar. read more

One of my husband's and my favorite bars. We love the pretzels. Packer Sunday's are the best. Beer list is amazing. Pizza and sandwiches are tasty AF. All around a great place. Highly recommend. read more

Dexter's is a nice neighborhood bar with good beer selection, and GREAT drink specials. Always something to drink for cheap. I only discovered this when looking for a place to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs (Go Hawks!). The food is pretty mediocre. The pizza is good - they seem to make it fresh. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here had I not lived in the neighborhood at the time. The pub quiz seems to be a good pull on Tuesdays, outdoor volleyball too, and the crowd seems fun in general. read more

I enjoy Dexters for several reasons. It is close to my house, service has always been really good and prices are reasonable. I love the burgers, the chili fries, the waffle fries, the specials and, well, everything. Great soups, too! Check it out' read more