CULVER'S Ribs & Walleye

Stopped by our local (Corydon,IN) Culver's to get a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich while Janet did her thing at CURVES this morning. Instead of my usual sandwich I had to try the BBQ Ribs (new on the Menu). 4 good sized bones for $6 (w/one side and a medium drink) or 8 bones for $9. I got the bigger one to give them a 'fair test'.
Meaty and tasty! But the sauce is strictly a very sweet bottled sauce.-It reminded me of the Sweet-Sour stuff you get with Chicken bits. Take off most of the sauce and the Ribs were pretty good. Next time I'll get some slaw instead of the fries that came with this order (a reflex action on my part). All in all another reason to stop at Culvers instead of some of the other FF stands that surround it.

I've been very impressed with Culver's every time that I've been. I may have to give the ribs a try the next time I'm in Lexington, KY, which should be sometime next week.

Culvers is my favorite FF place. I wish we had one in poor old Knoxville. I certainly enjoy their walleye sandwiches and burgers and I cannot resist stopping when I see one. The last one I was at was in Indiana just an exit or so from where the Mayor resides. I was on my way to Owensboro to meet up with the glee club for BBQ. I think we had about 30 folks there.

Before that I was in Wisconsin and they had one at about every exit.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Bowling Green, Ky. now has a Culver's at exit 22, on the east side.

After my initial test of the RIB Basket, I decided to "double-check" my evaluation of the product this morning. I whipped thru the Drive-thru and ordered an 8 piece basket, this time with the Slaw for the single side. The normal process at the Culver's Drive-thru (for those who haven't tried the place) is to place your order, pay for it, take their little number tag and pull forward to a vacant space and they deliver to your car. While I waited for the delivery of the Ribs, the Owner/Manager of our Corydon Store came out and told me he had read my initial review of the Ribs and Sauce. He asked me to give my thoughts on the new BBQ sauce they are using. Frank has really extended himself and his business in our community and so I was more than willing to volunteer to provide feedback (no pun) about the new sauce. The new sauce is spicier and has more 'tang', than the sweet sauce previously used. It is not 'Peppery hot', but has subtle pepper aftertaste that I found to be pretty good. As before the ribs were also good... rating about a 7 on a 10 scale, which for a non-BBQ house is really acceptable. I would rate them a step above most of the chain restaurant ribs.

All in All, The new sauce raises the grade a full point for the Culver's Ribs (in my evaluation).

I believe Culvers makes more than a decent effort to please.

I am anxious to try their new rib product. Al, you gave them a pretty good raing.

In addition to good food, they are usually very clean.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I tried the Culvers in Lexington and didn't think much of my cheeseburger, but the fried pork tenderloin sandwich my husband got was quite good, as were the onion rings. Next time we go I'll try the ribs or get the pork tenderloin.

Andrea

I was driving down I-29 from Fargo to Omaha and I got hungry around Watertown. I saw a Culvers and I really wanted a walleye but they did not have them this time of year.

I got a butter burger with fries and a Diet Pepsi. Great burger, great hot fries and they make them to order. You put in your order and they bring it to you table when it is prepared. I wanted to get a ice cream (not really ice cream) but I was too stuffed.

The place was immaculately clean and the rest rooms were equally clean. For a fast food place, I would rate them the best I had ever visited. The cleanest, best maintained fast food place I had ever ever been in.

The staff went over board on being attentive and friendly.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Andrea,
I would rate the Breaded Pork Tenderloin above the ribs for anyone who appreciates good BBQ'd Ribs. The Culvers version of the ribs are OK as long as there is no 'real' BBQ in the area. The Breaded Pork Tenderloin with double Red Onion, Double Sliced Tomato, and a little Catsup or mild BBQ Sauce is my sandwich of choice!
They also make a pretty good Root Beer.

Culver's headquarters and original store is located in the small Wisconsin town, Praire du Sac. They have a more upscale concept restuarant there called the Blue Spoon, which I don't think is anywhere else yet. We were visiting friends in the area last summer and they took us there for lunch. I found it interesting when they pointed out that one of the guys busing tables was the founder and CEO of Culvers, Craig Culver. Excellent food by the way. http://www.bluespooncafe.com/

This evening I enjoyed a 3 piece Walleye Dinner w/ fries and Slaw at our local Culvers. I asked for it "Extra Crispy" as I am not a fan of medium rare fish out of a deep-fat fryer. It was really good. The batter was indeed 'extra-crispy' with the fish very hot and full of Walleye flavor. Walleye is a seasonal menu item for Culver's and I look forward to seeing it appear (a sure sign of Spring) each year.

The ribs described earlier in this thread are no longer on the menu.

Culver's has really grown on me lately. Last month i had the fried cod (walleye next time) with fries and slaw. So was my wife's double butterburger deluxe with cheese! Culver's really is in a class of it's own. Great place!

Jeepguy,
I do agree with you. Of all the FF places in the MidWest, I think Culver's has about the best quality and value for your money. Our favorite sandwich is the Pork Tenderloin, but the Jumbo Double Bacon ButterBurger is right behind it.
Janet likes their salads. Now and then we will get a scoop of Custard.

I like the appearance of the place, always clean and the help seems to work pretty hard to keep it looking clean and neat.

Walleye apparently is an all year round offering in Minnesota. It never went off the menu this past year. Their tenderloins are good, and consistant, but are just slightly above average on my scale. I give them a 3 out of 5. But then I have now tasted and sampled tenderloins in 7 states approaching 50 restaurants. I'm starting to get finicky.

Culvers is certainly a favorite of mine. I like their cook to order plan and they bring it to you. Everyone I have visited has been spotlessly clean. Walleye was not available at the last two Culvers I visited about a month ago.

I was informed that it was seasonal and was due to be back on the menu soon.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Maybe walleye is seasonal outside of the upper Midwest. I suspect they may be permanent in at least Minnesota and Wisconsin where it is practically a must and seasonal elsewhere. Culver ads on TV in Minnesota say both walleye and cod are available batter fried. An aside, Baudette, MN up by Lake of the Woods is now officially the walleye capital of the world, so they claim.

The owner of our local Culver's told me- when I ordered my Walleye dinner the other day- that this might be the last year of the seasonal use of that fish on the menu. He said the expansion of the chain has grown faster than the supplier of Walleye can meet the demand. They are hoping to find a larger supply to be able to meet the demand of consummers.

I must admit I sure like the Walleye !

I too have enjoyed Culver's each time I have visited, and always appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms, w/ 3 G-kids.
I love the walleye, but everything else I've tried has been good. The service sometimes runs slow, but the place is always packed, especially after kiddie sports games are over.
And the once something in our order wasn't right, they replaced it immediately, and apologized profusely.

I just took the Mayor's advice and had an "extra crispy" walleye basket for lunch at a nearby Culver's. Almost as good as Mississippi catfish.

I plan to try his other suggestion tomorrow, pork tenderloin with double red onion and double tomato slices.

Keep 'em coming, Mr. Mayor!

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen
The owner of our local Culver's told me- when I ordered my Walleye dinner the other day- that this might be the last year of the seasonal use of that fish on the menu. He said the expansion of the chain has grown faster than the supplier of Walleye can meet the demand. They are hoping to find a larger supply to be able to meet the demand of consummers.

I hope that quality isn't sacrificed for quantity, but I can't see the Culver family doing that. Obviously the only solution is to limit walleye to Wisconsin Culver's only and the pieces that don't pass quality control can be tossed across the river to Minnesota.

Brad

Brad,
I wondered about that... Will a chain do 'regional specialties' based on the availability of a certain menu item (like Walleye)? Or does the franchise agreement require that what is good for the headquarters (Wisconsin) be available in all the units of the chain(even if that may be in Texas?).

It seems to me that local specialties are available in some chains...but I can't name one at this moment????

I stopped at blue spoon in praire du sac about 5 years ago and had a wonderfull lunch. What a beutifull retaurant location next to ? i think the wisconsin river. We were doing a art festival at the time where you visit different artist in there homes etc. This was our first knowledge of Culvers. Since we explored a regular Culvers and would rate them AAA for fast food.(service clean and good chow) We introduced my Grand sons to culvers about that time. Since they pick it for their birthday choice even though they can pick any restaurnt on north east burgs of chicago. Wish there was one in our back yard to join all the other fast food joints that are bad bad and close

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

It seems to me that local specialties are available in some chains...but I can't name one at this moment????

Sometimes the McDonald's here in Wisconsin has brats, but that is usually during football season.

Based on your recommendations I am going to try a walleye dinner tonight. I've seen them swimming around before, but I don't remember ever having eaten any.

I remember the one we saw swimming, we were riding a paddleboat, no fishing equipment. Fish Creek, 1984 or '85. Can it be the one that got away if you didn't even have a net?

quote:

Originally posted by stricken_detective

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

It seems to me that local specialties are available in some chains...but I can't name one at this moment????

Sometimes the McDonald's here in Wisconsin has brats, but that is usually during football season.

Based on your recommendations I am going to try a walleye dinner tonight. I've seen them swimming around before, but I don't remember ever having eaten any.

I remember the one we saw swimming, we were riding a paddleboat, no fishing equipment. Fish Creek, 1984 or '85. Can it be the one that got away if you didn't even have a net?

I have noticed McDonalds in Ohio having Johnsonville Brats during the winter. I had them several times and they were good.

I noticed that you mentioned Fish Creek. I was there last year for a fish boil. Very unusal dinner.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Howt,
Welcome to Roadfood. I have family in Highland Park and Palentine. Nice communities. Hope you join in the fun here and tell us of your experiences with food while traveling.

quote:

Originally posted by Brad_Olson

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen
The owner of our local Culver's told me- when I ordered my Walleye dinner the other day- that this might be the last year of the seasonal use of that fish on the menu. He said the expansion of the chain has grown faster than the supplier of Walleye can meet the demand. They are hoping to find a larger supply to be able to meet the demand of consummers.

I hope that quality isn't sacrificed for quantity, but I can't see the Culver family doing that. Obviously the only solution is to limit walleye to Wisconsin Culver's only and the pieces that don't pass quality control can be tossed across the river to Minnesota.

Brad

We all know Wisconsinites fish for Northern Pike and enjoy picking out the bones. Minnesota is the walleye state. But we all also know commercial walleye really comes from Canada.

There is truth though. Walleye never left the menu in Minnesota this past year so I suspect the solution may be regional to match known local taste. Like pork tenderloin sandwiches, Culver's is OK, in fact above average, but not the best. Many bar/grills far surpass Culvers for a battered or breaded walleye sandwich in the upper midwest.

I will be in Milwaukee Friday seeking a pork tenderloin sandwich and it will not be at Culver's. If I don't find one I may have to sink to eating a brat for lunch.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Ross

Culver's headquarters and original store is located in the small Wisconsin town, Praire du Sac. They have a more upscale concept restuarant there called the Blue Spoon, which I don't think is anywhere else yet. We were visiting friends in the area last summer and they took us there for lunch. I found it interesting when they pointed out that one of the guys busing tables was the founder and CEO of Culvers, Craig Culver. Excellent food by the way. http://www.bluespooncafe.com/

I looked at the menu on the Blue Spoon Cafe and would not call it upscale. The prices seem to be in line with Culver's. The difference is they are going for a totally different kind of taste and appeal and it is a very interesting and enticing menu. They could expand this concept into another chain and not cannibalize their Culver's business because the choices are totally different. Very clever.

quote:

...I will be in Milwaukee Friday seeking a pork tenderloin sandwich and it will not be at Culver's. If I don't find one I may have to sink to eating a brat for lunch.

You could always settle for a Jake's corned beef.
If you are in the neighborhood, Beer Bellys on 5th & Layton has some great sandwiches but even better pan fried fish on Fridays. Click on the specials link. http://www.foodspot.com/beerbellys/menu.html

quote:

Originally posted by MilwFoodlovers

quote:

...I will be in Milwaukee Friday seeking a pork tenderloin sandwich and it will not be at Culver's. If I don't find one I may have to sink to eating a brat for lunch.

You could always settle for a Jake's corned beef.
If you are in the neighborhood, Beer Bellys on 5th & Layton has some great sandwiches but even better pan fried fish on Fridays. Click on the specials link. http://www.foodspot.com/beerbellys/menu.html

Jake's in Milwaukee has to be the worst looking, best tasting corned beef/pastrami, best celebrity attended, most famous, worst neighborhood and celebrity owned deli in the USA.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Al, what an interesting morning you had?
Janet to CURVES, you to CULVERS for a little snack.
I get the picture!