Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Culver’s is a Midwestern fast-casual chain with a menu centered on ButterBurgers, Wisconsin cheese curds and fresh frozen custard. Food is cooked to order, which gives it a slightly different feel from a typical drive-thru. This Culver’s menu guide covers the main categories and offers ideas for first-time visitors.
Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Treat this as a general overview, and confirm current offerings on the official Culver’s menu.
What Culver’s Is Known For
Culver’s is known for the ButterBurger, a burger served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun, and for its fresh frozen custard, which is made throughout the day. The company started in Wisconsin and has expanded across the Midwest and into many other states. Cheese curds, a Wisconsin specialty, are another signature item. Culver’s also has a Flavor of the Day program that features a different custard flavor at each restaurant daily. Restaurants emphasize friendly service and often bring food to the table in the dining room.
Menu Categories
ButterBurgers
The ButterBurger lineup includes the Original ButterBurger, a Deluxe with lettuce, tomato and onion, and double and triple patty versions. Cheese and bacon options are available, as are specialty burgers such as the Wisconsin Swiss Melt, which uses Swiss cheese and grilled onions. Burgers are cooked to order and served hot.
Chicken and Other Sandwiches
Chicken choices include a crispy chicken sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich and hand-breaded chicken tenders. The Pot Roast Sandwich, made with slow-cooked beef, is a distinctive entry. Seasonal sandwiches appear from time to time. A fish sandwich, often made with cod, is popular, especially around Lent.
Cheese Curds and Fried Sides
Wisconsin cheese curds are breaded and fried, with a soft, melty interior. They are served with a dipping sauce, often ranch or a similar option. Onion rings, crinkle-cut fries and chicken tenders are other fried favorites.
Sides
Besides fries and onion rings, sides can include coleslaw, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable-style sides and a seasonal option or two. Side salads and fruit cups are available as lighter alternatives.
Soups and Salads
The soup of the day varies by restaurant, and salads feature options such as a chicken salad or a garden salad. They give a lighter route through the menu.
Fresh Frozen Custard
Custard is the dessert centerpiece. It is richer and denser than regular soft serve because it contains egg yolks. Vanilla and chocolate are always available, and the Flavor of the Day rotates through options like Turtle, Mint Cookie, or Caramel Cashew. The flavor schedule is posted on the official site and app.
Concrete Mixers, Shakes and Sundaes
Concrete Mixers blend custard with mix-ins such as cookie pieces, candy or fruit, comparable to a Blizzard-style dessert. Shakes, malts and sundaes are also standard. Cones are offered in cake or waffle style.
Kids Meals and Drinks
Kids meals include smaller portions of burgers or tenders. Drinks include soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and milk.
What First-Timers Might Try
- An Original ButterBurger. It is the starting point for understanding the chain.
- Wisconsin cheese curds. A signature appetizer or side.
- The Flavor of the Day. A way to taste something rotating and local to your visit.
- A Concrete Mixer. A popular dessert with endless combinations.
- The Pot Roast Sandwich. A distinctive savory pick.
- Crinkle-cut fries. A simple side that pairs with the burgers.
Customization Tips
- Customize the burger. Add or remove toppings, choose a different cheese or add bacon.
- Mix and match patties. Single, double and triple patty versions let you set the size.
- Check the flavor calendar. If you have a favorite flavor, look up when it is scheduled at your location.
- Design your own Mixer. Ask about available mix-ins and combine two or three.
- Swap sides. Cheese curds can often replace fries in a combo at many restaurants.
- Choose a sauce. Dipping sauces for tenders and curds vary, so ask what is available.
- Order ahead. The app and online ordering can save time, especially during lunch and dinner rushes.
Quick-Reference Table
| Category | Typical Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers | Original ButterBurger, Deluxe, Wisconsin Swiss Melt | Cooked to order |
| Chicken and sandwiches | Crispy chicken sandwich, tenders, Pot Roast Sandwich, fish sandwich | Seasonal options appear |
| Fried sides | Cheese curds, onion rings, crinkle-cut fries | Signature items |
| Other sides | Coleslaw, mashed potatoes, side salads | Varies by restaurant |
| Frozen custard | Vanilla, chocolate, Flavor of the Day | Rotating flavors |
| Desserts | Concrete Mixers, shakes, malts, sundaes | Customizable |
| Drinks | Soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee | Standard options |
What Makes the Experience Different
Culver’s sits between fast food and a sit-down restaurant. You order at the counter, receive a number and a staff member typically brings the food to your table. Because burgers are made to order, wait times may be a little longer than at a conventional drive-thru, but many customers feel that the quality justifies it.
If you are traveling through the Midwest, Culver’s is a reliable stop for a quick meal with a dessert. The Flavor of the Day gives you a reason to check in with the website before you go. Fans sometimes plan visits around favorite flavors.
For families, the kids meals and cones make Culver’s an easy stop, and custard cups are a good way to share a treat without ordering a full shake. If you have food allergies, review the allergen details on the official website and speak with the team before ordering, since fried items share cooking equipment at many restaurants.
FAQ
Why is it called a ButterBurger?
The name refers to the lightly buttered, toasted bun that gives the sandwich its character. It is the signature product of the brand.
What is frozen custard?
Frozen custard is a frozen dessert similar to ice cream that contains egg yolks, giving it a denser, creamier texture. It is typically made fresh throughout the day.
Are cheese curds the same as mozzarella sticks?
No. Cheese curds are small pieces of fresh cheese, typically cheddar, breaded and fried. They have a distinct texture and are a Wisconsin specialty.
Do all Culver’s restaurants have the same menu?
Core items are widely consistent, but menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Confirm what is offered on the official Culver’s menu before ordering.
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