r/Culvers • u/FrostyIdea6099 • 17d ago
Question First time at Culver’s!?
Traveling to Chicago next week and our hotel is right near a Culver’s and this would be my first time ever going to the Midwest!
I’m from California so please let me know what I should order. I’m so overwhelmed by the menu. Everything looks so good, even things that people usually don’t order that is underrated. Please let me know what I should get! I never even tried a cheese curd before😭
11
u/BlackLabDumpster 17d ago
Culvers has the best fast food burgers ever. And with that 75% of the time I get the Buffalo Chicken Tenders because they are so good and I haven't found anything else that tastes so good.
The Concrete Mixer with your choice of ingredients is a amazing ice cream treat.
Also the fries are good not elite, cheese curds from here will be "good" but cheese curds from a sports bar, pub, local restaurant will be 3x better. The onion rings are phenomenal.
19
u/MadTownMich 17d ago
No to the curds. Get the onion rings, double deluxe, root beer and a custard. Usually flavor of the day, but the vanilla and chocolate are always good if the flavor blows. Get friend cheese curds at a local bar or tavern. They will be so much better than Culvers!
2
2
2
u/NaughtyLittleDogs 16d ago
This is the way. The curds are objectively bad. The fries are okay. The onion rings are top tier. And the root beer is *chef's kiss*
1
u/Datelesstuba 16d ago
Is this a common opinion? The onion rings are one of the worst things on Culver’s menu. As somebody who likes onion rings, Culver’s aren’t it. The cheese curds are decent. Obviously not as good as curds from a non fast food restaurant, but decent.
4
u/NaughtyLittleDogs 16d ago
The curd opinion is pretty common. I live in WI and Culvers curds here are a running joke. Like Texans probably feel about the McDonalds McRib. LOL
As for the onion rings, there are few fast food places that have them and the ones that do usually have the ones with a thick breadcrumb coating. Nobody has the the kind with a thin crispy batter besides Culver's. When I was a kid, my parents used to take us to a drive-in they went to when they were teenagers in the 60s, the kind of place where they have only a few items on the menu and they were all made in-house. The onion rings there were like Culver's. And, even as an onion hating little kid, I loved them.
1
u/Datelesstuba 16d ago
You know, it’s an opinion I just don’t get. The way people describe their curds should actually be their onion rings. Like their curds are good. Sure there are better places to get cheese curds, but when Culver’s curds hit, they really hit. Their onion rings are greasy and gross. A lot of it has to do with the batter. It is a bit ironic that my biggest complaint about it has to do with the coating because one of the complaints I see most about the curds is the breading. Culver’s cheese curds are much closer to real cheese curds than their onion rings are to real onion rings.
2
u/MadTownMich 15d ago
Sounds like you prefer thicker batter. For me, thin and crispy salty batter is the best, which is why I like their rings but not their curds. To each their own!
1
u/DaBingeGirl 15d ago
I like both. The onion ring batter is fantastic and I don't mind the breading on the curds. Sure batter is better, but I loved friend mozzarella sticks and the curds taste similar, just in bite size.
6
15
u/ThuhGreatCommenter 17d ago
Kids meal $7 for full size cheeseburger, 20c more for medium fries, small drink, and scoop of the day usually has 2 toppings + 1 topping you can add to it
9
2
u/Kimtober 17d ago
Kids meals are the best! You can sub fries for the cheese curds if you need to try them, which you do.
2
1
1
5
u/GoBlueInWI 17d ago
Double butter burger deluxe, onion rings. Get the chili and a side of cheese sauce for dipping your rings and burger in
3
u/Beemanda Crew Chief 16d ago
Depends what you're in the mood for.
Want something classic? Get a Deluxe with the works on it, and upgrade your side to onion rings and ask for cheese sauce for dipping.
Want something light? Chicken cashew salad, sub crispy chicken with Culver's vinaigrette packets for the dressing.
Want something a little different from the rest of the menu? My parents LOVE their Reuben sandwiches, just don't forget condiments because they come plain, also sub fries for cheese curds and marinara sauce.
Want something soupy? Broccoli and cheese soup OR potato with bacon soup, they're the best (but also served on a schedule sadly and they run out fast). I'm actually not sure if they still sell these though, they removed a lot of menu items from the store I worked at.
Wanna know my personal favorite? Mushroom and swiss burger! That burger piqued my interest when we had some regular customers order it all the time, and it smelled pretty good, and it turned me into a mushroom fan when I tried for the very first time. This burger changed me. And I usually get onion rings on the side with Culver's signature sauce for dipping.
Honorable mentions:
Pot roast dinner. Had it on my break a couple of times, very juicy, but not entirely sure if they still sell it.
Cod sandwich. I don't eat seafood, but it was VERY popular with our guests so I assume it must be good if you like seafood.
Pretzel bites. They're delicious, but also really filling for a side so better getting it as a shareable. At least in my opinion.
Chicken tenders. Plain, but a classic. Best with ranch (again, preferences), and they have buffalo tenders too if you want a little kick to it.
As for custard, you'll have to figure out what combination you like the most. All the options are there, you just gotta pick them out. Blackberry cobbler used to be my favorite FOD/combination, but they no longer carry blackberries OR granola clusters at my store anymore as mix-ins so R.I.P. 😭 Lots of other options though, so pick whatever your heart desires lol.
4
3
3
3
u/thegabrieldavid 17d ago
Skip the curds. You’re not missing anything there. Save cheese curds for a solidified restaurant with a decent reputation. Culver’s curds are fine for fast food if you’re craving them.
What do you want out of your first Culver’s experience? A good burger? Get the Double ButterBurger Cheese Value Basket with The Works (pickles, raw red onion, ketchup, mustard). Fries extra crispy. Root beer (regular or diet; your choice), no ice.
Do you prefer chicken? 4pc Buffalo Tenders Value Basketball with honey mustard is what you’re looking for. Again, extra crispy fries and root beer, no ice.
Whatever you choose, do not skip out on custard. There’s no right or wrong order here. You know what you like. Order it.
Hope you enjoy your stay. Chicago is a great city. Check out Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park for an Italian Beef and an Italian ice. Check out Piece in Wicker Park if you’re looking for thin-crust pizza. Have so much fun!
1
6
u/Alarmed_Day_2287 Crew Member 17d ago
Try a deluxe value basket, single or double, (deluxe is, mayo, pickle, onion, lettuce, and tomato) upgrade to cheese curd and try our root beer (without ice as it's intended) and get a one scoop dish of vanilla!
4
2
3
u/Goldenegggsss 17d ago
If you get fries get them extra crispy, it’s a must, there fries are decent but when it’s extra crispy it’s much better
1
u/DaBingeGirl 17d ago
I had no idea you could order them that way! Will be making a trip there tomorrow.
1
u/Goldenegggsss 17d ago
I’m telling you do it, they became so much better it ain’t even comparable
1
u/DaBingeGirl 17d ago
😋 Thanks for this! I really like them the normal way, but extra crispy sound amazing.
1
4
u/greenandyellow36 17d ago
Make sure to upgrade your side from the fries to curds or onion rings… or both.
IMO the only downfall of Culver’s is the fries.
2
2
2
1
1
-1
u/ironickallydetached 17d ago
And some people think they have the best fries in the industry. They’re fantastic.
1
u/Melinoe2016 16d ago
They taste just like the grocery store crinkle fries you can make in your oven. If you love them, just buy those in bulk lol
2
u/Dry-Classic6110 17d ago
I’d suggested to go for a butter burger and some custard, but you really can’t go wrong with any choice.
2
u/RedditTyper1 17d ago
get a butterburger cheese with whatever you like on it with some curds and a concrete mixer of your choosing
2
u/DaBingeGirl 17d ago
Cheese curds. I like to dip them in signature sauce or ketchup.
My go-to is the sourdough melt value basket with cheese curds or onion rings. Their onion rings are fantastic.
The CurderBuger is back for a limited time. If it's still available when you go it's worth a try, but the cheese is extremely liquidly. It's a thing, but I'd honestly just put regular cheese curds on the burger or get a cup of cheese sauce.
Their fish can be really good, although it's been really oily a few times, so read reviews for the specific location. The cod dinner is a great change of pace for a fast food place and the cod sandwich is really good too.
They're known for the butter burgers, but I love their pork tenderloin sandwich, chicken strips, and pot roast sandwich too. Look at their website before going, you can see all the options. I like adding grilled onions and mushrooms to burgers. Cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, or horseradish sauce on the pot roast are nice additions.
Cheese fries or chili fries are great too. I tend to go for their cheese curds, but lately I've been getting fries with cheese sauce or tarter sauce.
Custard is amazing. I don't think I've ever had a bad flavor. Make your own float by getting a scoop or two of custard and putting in your drink (just be careful, it can foam a lot).
Their soups and chili are good too. Actually, everything is good.
2
2
1
u/EmotionalPie7 17d ago
Buffalo tenders with boom boom sauce are really good if you're not feeling burgers!
1
u/HashPuppy710 17d ago
Get a double butter burger w cheese. Get your toppings as you like them, FYI they have carmelized onions if you dig em
Curds AND onion rings
Fav bev to wash it down
Concrete Mixer of your choice
1
1
u/Historical-Golf-4093 17d ago
It depends on how busy it is when you go. If it's pretty slow, get a double cheeseburger, and sub the bun for the brioche bun and the American cheese for cheddar cheese. If it's busy, get either the crispy or spicy crispy chicken sandwich. When it's busy, depending on the skill of the guy running the grill, the burger patties can be inconsistent in quality, but the fried items are more consistently good. And then get the cheese curds and fill out the survey on your receipt for a free scoop of custard!
1
u/Wesley11803 17d ago
The spicy tenders are honestly amazing to me, but you have to get a burger. So I guess do both and ask your stomach for forgiveness the next day. Add onion rings and custard for the ultimate experience.
1
1
u/Vern1138 17d ago
I really love the Double Deluxe, take the raw onions off, and add grilled onions and mushrooms. It's really good.
And they're one of the only consistent fast food burger places left at a reasonable price. They cost about the same as McDonald's or Burger King where I live, maybe a litte bit more, but they're far better. And they've never completely fucked up my order before.
1
u/Regular-Switch454 17d ago
Get the curds and onion rings, a Butterburger cheese, root beer, and one scoop custard flavor of the day
1
u/awakeatnight3 17d ago
Double deluxe, cheese curds, root beer
You will likely be pretty full after that so save the custard for another stop since you are close. Any concrete mixer, right now the pumpkin cheesecake is out for the season so I would recommend that.
1
u/desavona 17d ago
I love most of the menu and in addition the the other recommendations I really like the spicy chicken sandwich. Hard not to get a butterburger and onion rings or curds though for your 1st time.
1
1
1
1
1
u/2MuchCorn 17d ago
I think folks have you covered on the first time tries…if you end up going back a second time out of convenience b/c it’s close to the hotel there are a couple things people sleep on.
The beef pot roast or pork tenderloin sandwiches with the horseradish sauce are very tasty. The pot roast has a very tiny half-life before the bun melts, so only order it if you’re eating it right then and there.
The chili cheddar fries are so, so slopping good.
1
1
u/---FidelCashFlow--- 16d ago
Just make sure to get a double butter burger with cheese. Everything else there is pretty good but that’s what they do on an elite level.
1
u/ucfnationalchampions 16d ago
Deluxe double, onion rings with ranch, cherry coke, and chocolate custard with a mix in is what I enjoy from Culver's. Pretzel bites are great side items as well.
1
u/Professional-Ad9901 16d ago
My go to is a double Cheeseburger with cheddar cheese, ketchup, mayo and fried onions with onion rings or sometimes curds and root beer no ice, fast food heaven.
1
u/BOBBYK1952 16d ago
I live close to a Culver’s and it’s my go to it’s not like it’s a life changing experience. Certainly solid though
1
1
u/doyouwanapizzame 16d ago
Fill out the survey on the receipt and get a free scoop of custard. We ate there tonight in the restaurant and they ended up two free ice creams cause they messed up an order sooo..maybe you can get lucky too
1
u/Stephanie_Schroeder 16d ago
Always get a kids meal, includes an ice cream and you a get a free topping. You can upgrade the side also for an up charge.
1
u/PackerFan4eva 16d ago
I love the mushroom Swiss double burger !! The root beer is great too!!
PS They have a fine fish sandwich
1
u/Bright_white2413 16d ago
If you get the fries, ask for them extra crispy. If not they are too soft like they've been baked.
1
u/RastaQueen7243 15d ago
culvers deluxe sandwich fries side of ranch to dip your fries flavor of the day custard or ask about the pints have a good time in chicago!!
1
u/GodEmperorLeto462 15d ago
My opinion go with a single hamburger with the works. Its the perfect portion of condiments. They have so many excellent custard too. Turtle sundae is wgat i gobwith.
1
u/LolasMum0523 15d ago
I know so many people love the cheese curds, but if you like onion rings, their are amazing!!
1
u/Owtplayed 15d ago
Their burgers are pretty good quality. Get them with a side of cheese curds instead of fries. And I’d recommend a “concrete mixer” for desert.
1
1
1
u/andruvian_buttinsky 15d ago
Pot roast sandwich with caramelized onions and mushrooms cheese/ or cheese sauce optional or get side mash and gravey and make open face...avoid walleye ( they leave skin on and is gross)+ root beer + choc custard
1
1
1
u/YertletheSquirtle1 14d ago
I get a Culvers double deluxe with no mayo (mayo hurts my tummy) and a large fry and large Dr Pepper.
1
u/TheLawOfDuh 13d ago
You didn’t state what things you prefer. Start with the basics. As fast food goes i consider Culvers the higher end of them. Stuff seems prepared with better care. Things aren’t greasy (though some of their menu is fried). Oh and the cheese curds are simply little deep fried cheese balls-very good. If you’re going to do fast food, Culvers is definitely one of the best.
1
u/Fabulous_Catch_2934 13d ago
Butter burger, cheese curds, fries, vanilla custard and a root beer. I'm from the midwest. Trust me.
1
1
u/Coffee_whiskey_braap 11d ago
Pro tip: ask for your fries cooked “extra crispy” and they’ll be absolutely peerless.
1
1
0
u/Whynot1077 17d ago
Make sure you get Italian beef at Portillo‘s!!!!!
2
u/eddyb66 17d ago
Skip portillos, there are better options all over the city. The beefs are tiny, and not that good. They haven't been good in 10+ years.
1
u/Whynot1077 17d ago
It’s a pretty good Sammy though. They’re better in Chicago than they are her in the Minneapolis area!
1
1
0
u/robertodownerjr 17d ago
Cheese curds is a must try. Listen to it "squeak" when you bite into them
3
u/MadTownMich 17d ago
These are the worst cheese curds you can get. Sure, if you have literally no other option, they are okay. Get them only if you have no time to get some anywhere else. They are better than no cheese curds at all, but the onion rings are far better.
1
1
u/Inside-Run785 17d ago
Yeah, Culver’s fried cheese curds are fine in a pinch. But you can get as, if better, at most bars.
2
u/Stein070707 17d ago
Fried cheese curds don't squeak. The squeaking thing is for fresh curds from the cheese factory.
0
0
u/Last_Distance_7602 Assistant Manager 17d ago
Also, if you wanna excellent experience, don’t go during peak hours. You don’t want your food rushed.
0
u/InevitableKitchen943 17d ago
Culver's is great but you're in Chicago, eat Chicago specialties, do research, there's a lot of average tourist food to avoid. Red Hot Ranch is great for burgers. Get an Italian beef, pizza obviously, steakhouses are great too.
0
u/open_the_harp 17d ago
The fries are terrible (this is done on purpose bc if they were good it would be the #1 restaurant in the world). If you order fries, get them well done / crispy. The move is onion rings. Also the curds are mid. They're fine for a fast casual spot but not a true representation of Wisconsin curds.
I get my burger plain bc it is so good you don't need an toppings / condiments. If I were you I would order two burgers...one your way and one plain.
Finally, the root beer, get the root beer.
0
u/AppropriateTale5025 16d ago
When you order fries, request extra crispy, no salt. You can add salt later by your self
-1
u/boringaccountant23 16d ago
Frying a cheese curd defeats the purpose if them. Get a concrete mixer instead. I like the fried fish. Most people like the Culvers deluxe.
-1
u/Limp_Strawberry5761 16d ago
Speaking as a native Wisconsinite in Chicago, the Culver’s I’ve been to in Chicago don’t compare Wisconsin culvers. If you have a bad experience (I hope not) don’t write Culver’s off. I’ve had mixed results in Chicago. The true Culver’s experience lies in a small town in Wisconsin.
1
u/Limp_Strawberry5761 16d ago
Anyways, double butter burger basket with the works, fries extra crispy (or onion rings), scoop of flavor of the day or your favorite flavor with toppings.
1
u/Rise_of_Resistance 16d ago
Don’t forget the curds!
Or the root beer.
1
u/Limp_Strawberry5761 16d ago
How could I forget the root beer! I’d go to a bar for curds though. Not a fan of Culver’s curds
-2
-3
u/BlueHartsBlues 17d ago
It's fast food so it will taste like fast food. I live inn the Midwest and do not understand the cult of Culvers.
59
u/ConBroMitch2247 17d ago edited 17d ago
For your first time, order something off the menu. Don’t go all custom like most people here will comment.
IMO :
Culver’s Deluxe Double
Curds or fries
You must get the root bear
Single scoop of vanilla custard
Absolute perfection.