While I waited for the lawyers to do their thing(s), we took a trip to the North Woods of Wisconsin to visit some relatives up in Lac du Flambeau.
Wisconsin has its own thing with burgers. The crispy griddled kind are most common, with buns that have been slathered with butter and plenty of cheese, usually American. I'm not generally a fan of American cheese, but with the thinner burgers, stacked up as doubles or triples, American is the best choice because of the great melting qualities it offers.
On the way up, we ventured a bit out of our way to check out Fred's in Burlington, WI, due to its reputation as having the best burgers in the world. Not the best, but solid. Could've used more seasoning, I thought, and I wasn't overly impressed with the flavor of the beef. Fred's offers an unconventional 8oz. griddled burger, which results in a lot of juice when served around medium, which is how ours came.We ordered Fred's hand-cut curly fries and chips (they're the really thin kind that are all still connected like you get at the county fair) to go with our burgers, but, strangely, the potatoes all came out 5-10 minutes before the burgers were ready, so we were faced with the choice of either letting them get cold, asking the guy to hold them for us, or eat them first. Kind of annoying, but we nibbled, tried to wait as best we could, and both were good, freshly fried, not greasy, and seasoned nicely. It's rare to find curly fries without that stupid batter that's usually on the outside, so Fred's version, which is just natural potatoes spiral-sliced, is welcome and unique.
Wisconsin is packed with little independent joints with lots of character.And you can't get really into the subject of Wisconsin burgers without mentioning Culver's. The quickly-growing chain is very corporate, very fast food, and also very good. Whatever Kool-Aid they're drinking over in Wauwatosa or wherever their corporate headquarters is located is some powerful stuff, because I've never had an even slightly negative experience at Culver's. The food is always hot, freshly prepared, and tasty. It's very straightforward, although the menu is quite large and varied for fast food, and tries to offer something for everyone.
But it's hard to not order a double ButterBurger with cheese, so I don't think I've ever tried anything else, except maybe the kid's chicken tenders. Their burgers are quite good
(the pic at the top of this piece was eaten at whichever highway exit location we happened upon--I think there's a state law requring that each highway exit have a Culver's within 500 feet). They do the "smashed on the griddle" style that yields a thin, crispy edge which hangs out of the bun an inch or two.
The other thing about Culver's is that the staff is always ridiculously, genuinely NICE. I'd sit and wonder about the hows and the whys of their corporate training if I didn't know that it's just a Wisconsin thing. People from Wisconsin are nice.
I could travel the state for weeks and still not cover all the places that are probably worth covering. In particular, the drive-ins of Kenosha get a lot of love out on the 'net, and Kopp's and Solly's are both well-known down here in Chicago. Continued reading, travel, and tasting is clearly what's called for here. And also milkshakes.
But it's hard to not order a double ButterBurger with cheese, so I don't think I've ever tried anything else, except maybe the kid's chicken tenders. Their burgers are quite good
(the pic at the top of this piece was eaten at whichever highway exit location we happened upon--I think there's a state law requring that each highway exit have a Culver's within 500 feet). They do the "smashed on the griddle" style that yields a thin, crispy edge which hangs out of the bun an inch or two.
The other thing about Culver's is that the staff is always ridiculously, genuinely NICE. I'd sit and wonder about the hows and the whys of their corporate training if I didn't know that it's just a Wisconsin thing. People from Wisconsin are nice.
I could travel the state for weeks and still not cover all the places that are probably worth covering. In particular, the drive-ins of Kenosha get a lot of love out on the 'net, and Kopp's and Solly's are both well-known down here in Chicago. Continued reading, travel, and tasting is clearly what's called for here. And also milkshakes.
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Next time you are up around Wisco way, try The Horse and Plow pub in Kohler. I used to live in nearby Sheboygan, and I lay awake at night dreaming of their plow burger. Cheese. Great beef. Sheboygan hard roll. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off the keyboard..http://www.destinationkohler.com/restaurants/hp_lunch_menu.html
I'm sure you'll get more than enough of these comments, but I have to add to it: If you're ever up near the Columbus area, be sure to make a trip to Mullin's. (It's on highway 73, heading out of town - not too far from the 73/Highway 151 instersection.) It's a 'car hop' drive in type place, and the burgers are amazing!! It's been a family favorite ever since I can remember - anytime I'm home from the Cities, I have to go there.
It's only open from roughly Memorial Day through the end of August, so the time is limited. But, it is WELL worth it - delicious food at good prices & served in (very) generous portions.
And yes, people from Wisconsin are nice. :)
Nice post on Wisconsin burger joints! There are endless delicious burger joints in Wisconsin. Our recommendation: Alt’ n Bachs in Madison, WI. Best bar burger for miles. Good luck with your new burger shop. Are you planning on using Wisconsin Cheese? Next time we’re in town we’ll stop by.
Amanda
-The Cheese & Burger Society
If you venture to little Delafield, just off Main Street (Hwy C) go to Wholley Cow for delicious burgers or Grilled Cheese. Very Small, very cute also has an accessories shop as part of the space. Family run, they also have ice cream too.
Next time, cruise on up to Milwaukee and put your hands on a true classic @ Sobelman's. www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com
Fred's is truly the best. I was fortunate enough to live in Burlington, WI, for a few years. Besides the great food, the long-time staff made Fred's the best ever. I've never found anything to replace it since moving to New England.
we live out in MT but our roots are Midwest. Love Culvers
There are some Seasonal choices as well. In particular, Wayne's Drive-in, at Hwy 60 (a few miles west of I43), in the Grafton/Cedarburg area, is quite good.
louies lunch in new haven!!!!!!!!!!!!! shady glen in manchester!!!!!!!!!!!!yum! fran sperre-bgldy414@aol.com
I hate to be nitpicky, but "Northwoods", as in Northwoods of Wisconsin is one word!
Ever get back up the Flambeau way check out the P.I. Pub in Presque Isle, WI, best burgers EVAH!
Culver's does have the best butter burgers. I live in FL now and can't seem to find anything to compare. I do love the Frisco Melt at Steak 'n Shake, though. Kopp's in Milwaukee has great burgers and onion rings...mmmmmm
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