Culver’s changing the game or bringing back the hits?
What were old school fast food joints like? You know the ones that so many of us have only seen that grainy footage of? The ones where a burger, fry, and a shake will set you back a mere quarter? I have always wondered what that was like for the people living back then. People that were used to a more formal/civilized way of life being thrust into the bowels of capitalism. Im sure the actual items on the menu were better as well, which is disappointing to see so many titans of the industry cut corners now. A chain that is dedicating themselves to a few of the ways old school fast food was done has emerged in the past few years, capturing numerous hearts all over this nation. Culver's has become the bright shining beacon of blue to many that for years would not leave the side of that ridiculous clown or king. I went to see three things at this place, the service, the options, and if the food was actually any good. While this test was not my first time at a Culver's, it was my first time trying their food. Times before I had a concrete mixer where ingredients are swirled into custard. They are good but I was not there this time for that, I wanted to see if the golden arches were really still the standard.
The order (With Menu Descriptions):
A single Culver's Deluxe butter burger- We start with fresh, never frozen beef. Layer on real Wisconsin cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, sweet red onion and our signature mayo. Then cap with a lightly buttered, toasted bun. It's our ButterBurger® at its best.
French Fries- Crinkle Cut Fries
Our signature Crinkle Cut Fries are hot and crispy and served golden brown only after you order. Grown entirely from potatoes originating in the Pacific Northwest, our Crinkle Cut Fries are a perfect pair to any meal.
Onion Rings-
Our thick-cut onion rings are made from whole white onions, battered with a subtle blend of spices, letting the onion’s natural sweetness shine through. Fried golden after you order and salted the second they leave the fryer—a most welcome addition to any value basket.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds- Our cheese curds are a dairyland delicacy. Made using the freshest, un-aged yellow and white Wisconsin cheddar cheese, deep-fried golden brown for a warm buttery crunch. Provided exclusively to Culver’s by La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin.
Walking through the door and seeing a line of maybe five orders before me was a new experience or at least it seemed like it. There are a few fast food places that are still getting this much foot traffic today, most seem to be drive thru. When I got up to the counter I placed my order, was given a number on a placard, and waited until my food came out. The experience lasted maybe ten to fifteen minutes.
The food felt fresh and tasted like it, at least as much as it can at a joint like this.
The burger was simple, nothing crazy about it and had good flavor to it. There was a slight crisp to the meat from the searing on the flattop grill. Fresh veggies were atop the burger and a nice touch of mayo was added. This was a solid burger, defiantly better than the big three chains but overall it was not an overwhelming burger, which is not a bad thing.
The french fries could have used more salt and needed a better crisp/crunch. Crinkle cut is really not my favorite and these did not change that. The fries were ok but not great, but closer to good, closer but not at the level of good. They were alright.
The onion rings from Culver's had a good crunch, there was not too much flavor in the batter. They were a standard onion ring if there is such a thing.
Cheese Curds are something unique that Culver's does, but its fried cheese so it has to be good right? There were different types of cheese that when stuffing ones mouth might not be apparent right away but is very nice once noticed. There was some seasoning on the breading which was like that in Italian breadcrumbs, making a very nice product and adding a good flavor profile.
Overall I would recommend Culver's to people passing by, not sure if a trip should be made out of going. The burger and sides were better than the big three chains and they are trying to do their own version of fast food. The service was friendly, the food was solid and is consistent from what I have read.
Service: Friendly for any environment
Options: Plenty of options for many different occasions, as long as those occasions fall within fast food
Is the food actually any good?: Slightly above the big three chain, but still above
Single ButterBurger- 7.3/10
Onion Rings- 6.3/10
French Fries- 6.1/10
Cheese Curds- 8.2/10