I recently had the opportunity to stop by a Culvers restaurant for a meal. I swung by for dinner, but you can also enjoy their offerings for lunch! I soon realized why Culvers doesn't just have rave reviews for food—this place is also known for its heartwarming hospitality.
An interesting fact that I learned while dining there is that Culvers is actually a family affair. It all started back in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin when George, Ruth, Craig Culver and Craig’s former wife, Lea, opened their first joint. I found it rather exciting, as a previous A&W franchisee, that they took that risk to set up their own restaurant and it's been going wonderfully since then!
Want to find out more about Culvers? Hop on over to their website https://www.culvers.com/ to get all the information you need.
Where can you find Culvers Restaurants?
Culvers restaurants are really a gem of the Midwest, although you can find them scattered across the United States. I discovered that they reach as far Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, all the way to Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Utah. That's 878 restaurants across 26 states, talk about a wide reach!
And guess what? Wisconsin holds the title for the largest number of Culvers restaurants, tallying up to an impressive 144, followed closely by Illinois at 128. You can find your nearest Culvers restaurant on the company's website where it offers a helpful restaurant finder. It also denotes the spots with online ordering and fast-approaching new openings!
So, what can you order from Culvers?
Culvers is best known for its butter burgers, but let me assure you, they also serve chicken burgers and sandwiches, seafood, salads, sides, frozen custard, ice cream, and beverages. Hungry yet?
Personally, I tried out the ButterBurger and boy, was it a good choice! These can be selected from a line-up of seven delectable options or you can customize your very own. I opted for their popular Culver's Bacon Deluxe and it was a hit.
The meal was later rounded off with a scrumptious side of onion rings and a light coleslaw. Yet, for a lighter option, I noticed they have a seafood selection with cod and jumbo shrimp or salads if you're looking for something on the green side.
So, what's with the ButterBurgers?
Why call them "ButterBurgers" you ask? Well, I wondered that too. The burgers get their name from the fact that they lightly butter the crown of the bun, giving it an extra delicious taste. Sourcing fresh, never frozen, beef is at their core, and they press and sear the beef for enhanced flavor. Today, I can safely say I’m a fan of these burgers!
What makes Culvers unique?
Given the competitive fast-food market, I think Culvers has strategically etched its way into becoming a strong contender. They are on a mission to keep every customer happy, without compromising on quality and freshness, cooking small batches of their Frozen Custard daily at each restaurant.
Can the kiddos eat at Culvers too?
Yes, indeed. Culvers does have a kid-friendly menu. While I don’t have children of my own to test this out, I saw many little ones around me seemed thrilled with their choices. They get to pick between a burger, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and more.
Does Culvers deliver?
Nope, they don't - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I found out that this is so that the food is always served hot and fresh. I can respect a restaurant that places such a high importance on the quality of their services.
Is there gluten-free food?
For those of you out there who require gluten-free food, you're in luck! They do have gluten-free burger buns available upon request. Though it’s important to remember that their kitchens are not 100% gluten-free, so there’s a small risk of cross-contamination.
Need a gift for a Culvers lover?
Well, you can gift them a Culver's gift card because of course, who wouldn't like to unwrap some awesome comfort food?
My experience at Culvers was overall positive, but let me lay out the pros and cons of the experience for you.
Pros:
- Extensive, varied menu
- Friendly, warm service
- Quality of food and freshness
- Family-friendly
- Remarkable cleanliness
Cons:
- No delivery service
- Slight chance of cross-contamination for gluten-free diners
- Dine-in service can get busy, increasing wait times
Despite a few shortcomings, I’d recommend anyone in the mood for a delicious, hearty American meal to give Culvers a shot. You won’t be disappointed!