Anyone interested in delving further into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant, its nutritional specifics, franchising opportunities and other juicy details should head over to www.wahlburgers.com.
My day exploring Wahlburgers began with a lunch visit. If I had to put a cozy label on it, it's undeniably an easy-going dining restaurant. It has a yummy line-up of burgers and other classic American nosh, great for both devouring snacks during a hangout or indulging in a more respectable dinner outing.
As an American restaurant chain, Wahlburgers has a pretty unique story. The magic sauce behind it is the trio of Wahlberg brothers: Hollywood heavyweight Mark Wahlberg, pop singer Donnie Wahlberg, most famous for his stint with New Kids on the Block, and their brother, chef Paul Wahlberg. Its doors first creaked open in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 2011, with the premise rooted in their nostalgic love for comfort food from their childhood. Hence, the menu stars burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, and other American comfort food that they've added their unique spin to.
Another major factor about Wahlburgers is its exposure via a reality TV series named after the restaurant itself. Airing on A & E from 2014 to 2019, "Wahlburgers" gave fans an inside look at the Wahlberg brothers' journey of starting and running the restaurant. It won't surprise you to learn that many customers traipse into the restaurant lured by the TV series and the celebrity status of the Wahlbergs.
The glitz and glamour of the restaurant add to its appeal, but the home run is undoubtedly the food that keeps burger enthusiasts coming back for more.
Why Choose Wahlburgers?
Restaurant connoisseurs might think Wahlburgers has an unfair advantage, what with it being owned by celebs, but for me, the allure lies in the gastronomical wonders they whip up, staying true to their essence of American cuisine. The defining combo that caught my eyes and taste buds was their burger and draft beer combo, the epitome of an American meal. But what sets their burgers apart from the run-of-the-mill ones is their use of government cheese. Often seen as a symbol of government aid given to financially struggling families, this cheese was a common feature in the Wahlberg's household of nine siblings and tastes delightful.
Another dark horse contender that sets Wahlburgers apart is the unique menu items tailored to local taste buds in different locations. During my visit to their Australian outlet, I got to have my fill of their locally inspired breakfast options. I've heard different unique menu items can be found in their Canada and Germany locations too.
Wahlburgers also attracts culinary thrill-seekers with their food truck presences at local events and food truck festivals. However, it's their signature burgers and hotdogs that take center stage there.
What's in the Spread at Wahlburgers?
Although Wahlburgers proudly wears its love for burgers on its sleeve, their menu is more than just about the burgers. Here's a quick peek into what they offer:
- Starters
- Salads
- Mom's Favorites
- Burgers
- Sides
- Kid's Meals
- Drinks
- Beer and Wine
- Shakes
- Desserts
They also have a tempting breakfast selection at some of their locations, which includes mouthwatering options like Continental breakfast and French toast combos. Got me remembering my breakfast-stuffed trip to their Australian branch!
Wahlburgers' Crowning Jewels
To get ahead in your food adventures at Wahlburgers, definitely give these popular menu options a shot:
Donnie's personal favorite, if you're game for a bit of heat, this one's got a burger patty jazzed up with white cheddar, bacon, and fresh jalapenos, all smothered in their homemade BBQ sauce and avocado spread. You could also get the bun in the gluten-free version.
O.F.D., standing for Originally from Dorchester, pays tribute to the Wahlberg brothers' childhood neighborhood in Boston. This burger lays it on thick with Swiss cheese, bacon, homemade tomato jam, and sauteed mushrooms.
An odd but crowd-pleasing side dish, their homemade dill pickles, is served with all their burgers.
Making the best use of farm-fresh milk and local ice cream, they have an extensive shake and frappe menu. You'll find all your favorite flavors—including chocolate, mocha, and strawberry.
If you're looking for something unique, they're quite flexible with the toppings and accompaniments. You can modify your burgers, adding different kinds of cheeses, patties, veggies, and pick your preferred sauces and standard-bearers.
Yes, definitely! Wahlburgers has a Kid's Meals section, accommodating children aged 12 and below. This part of the menu has Smashburger, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and an all-beef hotdog. Alongside these, kids get to choose from French fries or tater tots. As for drinks, the younger crowd can opt for iced tea, lemonade, chocolate milk, whole milk, or their famously yummy milkshakes.
A Vegan Spread at Wahlburgers?
Although a vegan-specific menu is missing, Wahlburgers does highlight the Impossible Burger, featuring a plant-based patty from Impossible Foods. Ingredients like smoked cheddar cheese, chili-spiced tomatoes, lettuce, caramelized onions, and signature Wahl sauce finish the presentation. Other vegan improvements you can enjoy include sweet potato tots, french fries, truffle fries, side salad, tater tots, and the kale and brussel sprout slaw.
Exploring Gluten-Free Options at Wahlburgers?
Yes. Gluten-watchers can breathe easy knowing that Wahlburgers provides gluten-free options. All you need to do is ask the staff to substitute the regular buns with gluten-free ones. The main dishes, including fries and tots, are also gluten-friendly. Higher up on the comfort scale, they ensure to fry the gluten-free options in a separate fryer to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can You Order Wahlburgers Online and Avail Delivery?
Wahlburgers makes online ordering and delivery options available through their official website, or you can even use other popular delivery apps like Grubhub, Ubereats, DoorDash, and Postmates. Convenient, isn't it?
When Can You Visit Wahlburgers?
Operating hours for Wahlburgers are typically from 11 am to 9 pm, during which they serve lunch, snacks, and dinner. However, their breakfast point times may differ across locations, so it's good to check before you visit.
Pros
- Celebrity-owned restaurant which is always a unique experience
- Comfort food that references to the Wahlbergs' childhood
- Diverse menu with unique recipes for each location
- Kid-friendly with a special menu catering specifically to their taste
- Wide-ranging options for both vegans and those seeking gluten-free
- Flexible options to customize burgers
- Extensive range of breakfast menus in certain locations
Cons
- While it's generally a bonus, the celebrity factor may overshadow the restaurant's food quality for some visitors
- No specialized vegan menu, although they do provide vegan options
- Opening times may vary by location