D.P. Dough, at 244 W. Gilman Street, has recently fallen victim to harsh critics with surprisingly high standards for cheap, easy food.
D.P. Dough offers over 52 different calzones, though most of them differ by only a single ingredient. There are only a half dozen or so true variations.
The menu divides these options into The Classics, Chicken Zones, Steak Zones, Veggie Zones, Breakfast Zones and Beef Zones (made with authentic hamburg,"" which presumably bears some relation to good old American hamburger). Baked chicken tenders, baked Buffalo wings, Cheese Stix and salads are also available for $4 to $12, depending on quantity. With so many options, there are bound to be some flops or one or two of those weird ingredient combinations no one likes, save a few lone Madisonians. Diners would be wise to err on the side of caution and stick to the classics, or at least read the menu descriptions carefully.
For example, the Cordon Bleu doesn't contain the expected Swiss cheese, but instead comes with breaded chicken, ham, American cheese and mozzarella cheese. Actually, D.P. Dough uses only breaded chicken inside their calzones, which is a little odd in and of itself.
Wisconsinites may love their deep-fried cheese curds and weekly beer-battered fish fries, but breaded chicken inside a doughy calzone seems excessive.
Topping lovers will be happy to learn, however, that they do not need to pay extra for additional topping choices. All calzones are $6.50 (including tax) and are stuffed with cheeses and toppings, very generously portioned. They reheat well in the microwave, too.
Most of the calzones are accompanied by a side of pizza sauce, which isn't great but is par with Prego and definitely better than the red acid University Housing serves in the dorms. D.P. Dough's calzones are a good budget buy and more filling than a similarly priced meal from Noodles & Co. or Cosà -.
Patrons also have the option of constructing their own calzone. Since the restaurant uses only fat-free dough, one could probably order a calzone with artichokes, broccoli, eggplant, spinach, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes and convince his or her body it is genuine health food, unless you are still following the Atkins diet.
The restaurant itself is clean, brightly lit and spacious and includes two large TVs. There are also stools along a counter by the window so patrons can people-watch all the passersby making their way down Gilman Street or into the Chocolate Shoppe. When I was there, there was only a short wait of five or so minutes for food, even though the calzones are made to order. The restaurant also offers free delivery, though the only accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, and a $0.50 processing fee applies.
D.P. Dough's filling calzones are a good substitute for low-end, cheaply priced pizza. Stick with the classic pizza toppings and you won't be disappointed.
