Donny’s restaurant is well known in these parts. Located in rural Watertown (Pipersville), the Friday night dinner hour is full of regular customers that make Donny’s their Friday spot. With all of those return visits, they must be doing something right. I can attest they are. My recent Friday fish fry was excellent, and I look forward to coming back for more.
Atmosphere
Donny’s ambiance is a classic supper club vibe, with a full bar separated from the dining area. We skipped sitting at the bar, and went directly to the dining room. It’s very comfortable with wood paneling, wood tables, and country/farm themed decor. It gives you warm Wisconsin fuzzy feelings.
Food
We were met with a cocktail menu first, and my husband couldn’t resist trying the brandy slush – a true Wisconsin moment. I had a sip, and WOW. It’s brandy slush, topped with your choice of sweet or sour soda. I don’t know if it’s always available, but I highly recommend making a trip soon so you can add this to your order. Worth it!
We were there for a fish fry, so we didn’t spend much time browsing the menu. If fish isn’t your thing, they also offer prime rib, shrimp, and chicken on Fridays. The fish fry dinners come in two- or four-piece options and include crispy fries plus one trip through the salad bar for the side dishes. While our dinners were being prepared, we headed to the salad bar for coleslaw, potato salad, and hot baked beans. I love a salad bar, so I thought this was a great way to handle the sides. They were delicious.
It didn’t take long for the fish to arrive, and it was cooked to perfection. Crispy, light, flaky. No room for improvement. Same for the fries. They did not sit under a heat lamp. The dinner also included marbled rye bread if you have the room. Speaking of having room, we couldn’t manage dessert, but I highly recommend the schaum torte, a beloved Wisconsin treat.
Service
Service was amazing. Fast, friendly, knowledgeable, just the right amount of attention. Donny’s clearly cares about customer service, and it shows.
We visited on a Friday, which features a special menu. Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday diners have different choices, including pasta, fish, duck, ribs, steak, and more. Can’t decide? Plan two visits to experience both menus.
About the Author: Robin Kaufmann
