"This story begins in the unforgettable spring of 1983. Ms. Pacman struck a blow for women's rights and a young Joe Piscopo taught us how to laugh." ~ Marge Simpson
All right...Culver's story actually begins in the summer of 1984, but I am never able to resist the gratuitous usage of a Simpson's quote.
As far as the reviews are concerned on this site, I have always intended to stay away from the national mega-chains (Chili's, Applebees, McDonald's, BK, Hardees, etc...). If one were to offer a regional item, maybe. Otherwise there is enough out there about those places already. Culver's, with its now 400+ locations, seems like the type of place that I should pass over, but I have motivations beyond size for this write up. I currently live in Sauk City, the official hometown of Culver's. I just couldn't pass that opportunity up. Anyone who has lived in the Wisconsin (118 locations alone), Illinois, or Minnesota area for any length of time is undoubtedly familiar with Culver's. The distinctive white buildings sporting the blue, metal roofs are hard to miss. So is the fact that they serve ButterBurgers and Custard. Although there is a widely varied menu that includes fried chicken, pot roast, shrimp, fried or broiled fish, salads, and a menagerie of sandwiches, ButterBurgers and custard are the only two specifically called out on the restaurants signage.
It has been widely speculated as to what makes a butter burger, and there is much disagreement between camps whether Culver's ButterBurger (they trademarked the name) even qualifies as one. Most people would assume that there is butter incorporated into the meat prior to being griddled, that the burger is cooked in butter, that the burger gets a large glop of butter on top after cooking, or possibly all three. All those guesses would be wrong. The butter, in this case, refers to the lightly buttered and toasted squishy, white bun that encompasses the smashed thin beef patties.
I always gravitate towards a Culver's Bacon Deluxe Basket when I visit. This time was no different. I stopped off at the Sauk City location on US Hwy 12. Although it is the very first Culver's location, there is little to call this out in terms of memorabilia. It looks the same as every other Culver's I have been in. I am obviously a burger guy, and I have an insatiable craving for bacon. It is a perfect match. The burger comes as a double double (two patties and 2 slices of American Cheese). The smashed thin burger is served medium-well and it develops a nicely browned, crunchy exterior. The basket runs about $7.00 and it comes standard with a medium sized fry and a medium soda. You can upgrade the side to fried cheese curds or onion rings for a little more, and you can replace the soda with a shake for an up charge as well.
It has been widely speculated as to what makes a butter burger, and there is much disagreement between camps whether Culver's ButterBurger (they trademarked the name) even qualifies as one. Most people would assume that there is butter incorporated into the meat prior to being griddled, that the burger is cooked in butter, that the burger gets a large glop of butter on top after cooking, or possibly all three. All those guesses would be wrong. The butter, in this case, refers to the lightly buttered and toasted squishy, white bun that encompasses the smashed thin beef patties.I always gravitate towards a Culver's Bacon Deluxe Basket when I visit. This time was no different. I stopped off at the Sauk City location on US Hwy 12. Although it is the very first Culver's location, there is little to call this out in terms of memorabilia. It looks the same as every other Culver's I have been in. I am obviously a burger guy, and I have an insatiable craving for bacon. It is a perfect match. The burger comes as a double double (two patties and 2 slices of American Cheese). The smashed thin burger is served medium-well and it develops a nicely browned, crunchy exterior. The basket runs about $7.00 and it comes standard with a medium sized fry and a medium soda. You can upgrade the side to fried cheese curds or onion rings for a little more, and you can replace the soda with a shake for an up charge as well.
The thin and well-seared patty, with the assistance of the bacon and American Cheese, comes off juicy and nicely seasoned. Using only fresh, never frozen ground beef, lends to an appealing crumbly texture with a pleasant mouthfeel. By making the bacon cheeseburger "Deluxe" it has pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo added. As always, I ordered mine tomato free. Instead of opting for the added expense of a shake, I went with Culver's own house brewed root beer. The crinkle-cut fries are flavorful and develop a nice exterior crispiness while maintaining the fluffy interior. Although I am certain they come from a bag in the freezer they are good, as compared to other fast food restaurants'. Overall they are a welcome addition to the meal.
A side order of cheese curds rounded out the overall experience. It is hard to go wrong with deep-fried cheese, or deep-fried anything for that matter. With that in mind, I am not the biggest fan of Culver's take on this Wisconsin staple. An order contains a mix of yellow and white cheddar curds completely encased in a crunchy breading. I won't go so far as to say they are awful; really, how could they be? I will just say they are underwhelming. I am certain that these are frozen prior to their fat bath in the fryers. The cheese seems to maintain a semi-hard state rather than achieving the melted gooiness that is the hallmark of a perfect cheese curd. The rest of my family absolutely loves the cheese curds, so an order will usually find its way onto our order. I really prefer the onion rings though. They are vastly better than the offerings from other fast food joints (I'm looking at you, Burger King!), and they even rival some from some of the major casual dining establishments.
The next time you are on a road trip and are thinking you need to pull off into a McDonald's or a BK to get quick road food, take a look around. If you see the signature blue roof and a sign calling out Culver's ButterBurgers give them a try.
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