24. Culver’s
Claim to fame: Fresh Frozen Custards and good butterburgers
The Reason:
Culver’s is one of those chains that is sneaking up on its competition.
You normally don’t hear about a grand opening, but, out of the blue, you’ll see one, and you can’t help but go in and see what this place is about. For those not in the know, Culver’s is a Midwestern fast-food chain, and looking at their menu, it perfectly represents the Midwest.
Their claim to fame is their frozen custards, which are always made fresh and in-house. While you’re getting your “custard on,” don’t miss out on their burgers, which have a nice flavor to them. They have other menu items, but the custards and butterburgers are, to me at least, what makes the chain.
So, why is it 24th?
It’s not as well-known as its competitors (think Freddy’s Custards and Steakburgers), which can raise a few eyebrows when one mentions Culver’s. For example, what if I told you that Culver’s has nearly 1,000 stores? See that eyebrow raised? That’s why it’s 24th.
Come to think of it, Culver’s is the quintessential Midwestern fast-food chain, unamusing, not attention seeking, but it is pretty darn good when you discover it.
Best menu item: The Culver’s Deluxe
Big and full of flavor, it’s no wonder that the Culver’s Deluxe is one of the chain’s more popular butterburgers.
Worst menu item: Coleslaw
When I saw this on the menu, I was excited to try it. Then, I did, and wanted to die. Maybe it’s the southern snob in me, but Culver’s Coleslaw is very much the reason why I stay away from fast-food coleslaw. Flavor matters and this doesn’t make the cut.