Dotty's has the best burger I've had in Madison. Like bacon? Like cheese? Like good beef? Look no further.
Make sure to check if there is a sporting event in the Kohl Center (time will be limited to 1 hour at a table if so) before you come. They are pretty strict about it and will remind you about your time limit. I don't like that kind of stress when eating, and I know others feel the same, so be warned.
I ordered the Melting Pot (their most popular burger), and I was not disappointed. There was a plethora of cheese, a substantial amount of beef (cooked medium), and delicious sauce (English Garlic). The size of the burger was actually quite perfect. I ordered an appetizer of fried cheese curds with my buddies, and a side order of fries, and I couldn't finish my fries. The price of fries is also not unreasonable (1.99).
Most of the specialty burgers have bacon, so if you're not feeling it, I would recommend building your own burger. There's a starting price of 5.99, and there are many options to customize it to your own liking. You honestly don't need much if you are a beef patty purist. Their beef is great and cooked to perfection.
Get the burger cooked medium (or it becomes pretty runny, as my friends found out). I would also recommend asking for a special sauce if you order the cheese curds instead of the typical ranch. Their curds are on par with The Old Fashioned's, and the sauce definitely gives them a leg up.
Though the Dowry gets a little crowded, and parking is difficult to find if there is an event at the Kohl Center, I would recommend making your way out; writing about the burgers here is making me crave them again.