Culver’s has earned a loyal following across the Midwest with their signature ButterBurgers and creamy frozen custard.
With so many options on their menu, knowing what to order can feel overwhelming.
Some items deliver amazing flavor and quality that keeps customers coming back, while others might leave you wishing you’d chosen something else instead.
1. ButterBurger Original – The Gold Standard
Nothing beats the classic that started it all. This signature burger features fresh, never-frozen beef cooked to perfection on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.
The simplicity allows the quality ingredients to shine through. Every bite delivers juicy beef with that distinctive buttery flavor that made Culver’s famous.
First-time visitors should absolutely start here to understand what makes this chain special.
2. Mushroom Swiss ButterBurger – Savory Perfection
Earthy sautéed mushrooms pair beautifully with creamy Wisconsin Swiss cheese in this elevated burger option. The mushrooms add a rich, umami depth that transforms the classic ButterBurger experience.
Wisconsin Swiss melts perfectly over the beef, creating a gooey, satisfying bite. The combination feels both familiar and special at the same time.
Mushroom lovers will find this hard to resist on future visits.
3. Bacon Deluxe – All the Fixings
Crispy bacon elevates the classic ButterBurger alongside fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, tangy pickles, and creamy mayo. Every ingredient works together to create the perfect loaded burger experience.
The bacon adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy beef. Fresh vegetables provide a satisfying crispness and bright flavor.
This represents everything a deluxe burger should be without going overboard.
4. Wisconsin Cheese Curds – Local Legend
Golden-fried cheese curds sourced from local Wisconsin dairy farms deliver that famous squeaky texture and rich flavor. These aren’t just any cheese curds – they’re the real deal.
The light, crispy batter gives way to warm, gooey cheese inside. Each bite offers that distinctive squeak that tells you they’re fresh and authentic.
Skipping these would mean missing out on a true Wisconsin experience.
5. Fresh Frozen Custard – Creamy Indulgence
Culver’s custard stands apart from regular ice cream with its incredibly rich, dense texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Made fresh throughout the day, it’s served at the perfect temperature.
Available in cones, dishes, or as part of elaborate Concrete Mixers. The vanilla and chocolate flavors rotate with daily specials.
One taste explains why customers drive miles just for this frozen treat.
6. Concrete Mixers – Thick Satisfaction
These aren’t ordinary milkshakes – Concrete Mixers blend thick custard with popular mix-ins like Reese’s, Oreo, or seasonal flavors. The consistency is so thick you can turn it upside down.
Each spoonful delivers chunks of candy or cookies throughout. The custard base provides richness that regular ice cream simply can’t match.
Perfect for sharing or tackling solo when you need serious dessert therapy.
7. Grilled Reuben Melt – Comfort Classic
Tender corned beef meets tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on buttered rye bread, grilled to golden perfection. This sandwich brings deli-style flavors to the fast-casual setting.
The buttered rye adds a nutty richness that complements the savory filling. Each bite balances salty, tangy, and creamy elements beautifully.
Reuben fans will appreciate this accessible take on the classic sandwich.
8. Original Chicken Tenders – Hand-Breaded Excellence
Hand-breaded chicken strips arrive juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior coating. The breading stays put and provides satisfying crunch with every bite.
Multiple dipping sauce options let you customize the experience. The chicken itself tastes fresh and tender, never dry or overcooked.
Kids and adults alike will find these hard to resist, especially with honey mustard or ranch.
9. North Atlantic Cod Dinner – Fresh Fish Done Right
Boston-style battered cod arrives fresh and flaky, cooked to order rather than sitting under heat lamps. The light batter lets the fish flavor shine through.
Served as a complete dinner with sides, this feels more substantial than typical fast-food fish. The cod tastes genuinely fresh and never fishy.
Seafood lovers will appreciate finding quality fish at a burger-focused restaurant.
10. ButterBurger Value Basket – Smart Choice
The classic ButterBurger paired with fries and a drink creates an unbeatable value combination. You get the signature burger experience without breaking the budget.
Portion sizes feel generous for the price point. The fries complement the burger perfectly, and the drink selection includes both fountain options and milk.
Perfect for trying Culver’s without committing to a premium-priced meal.
11. Sourdough Melt – Tangy Twist
A beef patty gets elevated with sharp cheddar cheese and grilled onions, all served on tangy sourdough bread. The bread choice makes all the difference here.
Sourdough’s distinctive flavor adds complexity that regular buns can’t provide. The grilled onions become sweet and caramelized, balancing the sharp cheddar perfectly.
This option appeals to those wanting something familiar yet different from the standard ButterBurger.
12. Beef Pot Roast Sandwich – Comfort Food Winner
Tender, slow-cooked pot roast gets shredded and piled high on a soft bun, delivering serious comfort food vibes. The beef practically falls apart with each bite.
Rich gravy keeps everything moist and flavorful. This sandwich feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Home-style cooking meets fast-casual convenience in this satisfying option that stands out from typical burger fare.
13. Grilled Chicken Sandwich – 2025 Upgrade
The newly upgraded grilled chicken sandwich features a juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast on a toasted brioche roll. Recent improvements have made this a standout option.
The brioche bun adds richness without overwhelming the chicken. Seasoning enhances rather than masks the natural chicken flavor.
Health-conscious diners finally have a truly satisfying option that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
14. Crispy Chicken Sandwich – Fresh Addition
The 2025 menu refresh brought this crispy chicken sandwich that delivers serious crunch and flavor. The chicken arrives hot and crispy with a well-seasoned coating.
Served on the same quality brioche bun as the grilled version. The breading stays crispy even with toppings and sauces.
Finally, Culver’s has a fried chicken sandwich that can compete with the specialty chicken chains.
15. Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich – Heat Seekers Rejoice
Building on the success of the regular crispy chicken, this spicy version adds just enough heat to excite without overwhelming. The spice level feels perfectly balanced.
Taste tests have shown this quickly becoming a customer favorite. The heat complements rather than competes with the chicken flavor.
Spice lovers finally have a reason to choose Culver’s over dedicated chicken restaurants.
1. Harvest Veggie Burger – Disappointing Option
Unfortunately, this veggie patty falls flat with bland flavors and an uninspiring texture that fails to satisfy even vegetarian customers. The patty tastes more like cardboard than vegetables.
Seasoning seems almost nonexistent, and the texture lacks any appealing contrast. Even generous toppings can’t save this lackluster option.
Vegetarians might want to stick with sides and custard instead of this forgettable main course.
2. North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich – Skip This Version
While the cod dinner succeeds, this sandwich version often arrives soggy and messy, with the bun unable to handle the moisture. The experience feels sloppy and unsatisfying.
The same quality fish gets ruined by poor sandwich construction. Eating it becomes a challenge rather than a pleasure.
Stick with the full dinner version if you want Culver’s cod – it’s worth the extra cost.
3. Buffalo Chicken Tenders – Chalky Disappointment
The buffalo version of the otherwise excellent chicken tenders suffers from chalky, powdery breading that feels unpleasant in your mouth. The buffalo flavor tastes artificial and weak.
Regular tenders are fantastic, but this variation misses the mark completely. The coating texture becomes the main focus instead of the chicken.
Stick with original tenders and add your own buffalo sauce for better results.
4. George’s Chili – Watery Letdown
This chili disappoints with a watery consistency and lack of robust seasoning that makes it taste more like tomato soup than hearty chili. The texture feels thin and unsatisfying.
Beans and meat get lost in the watery base. Even chili lovers will find this version lacking the depth and richness they expect.
Skip this option and focus on Culver’s strengths – burgers, custard, and cheese curds instead.
