Around southeastern Wisconsin, there's a ton of competition for Culver's. Move farther afield, and into other states, and there are fewer, if any, butter burger and custard joints. After this visit for AHT, my opinion still stands: Culver's is hands down better than the giant fast food chains, but if I'm in Milwaukee, I'll pick Kopp's, or maybe even Five Guys, any day. More

At its best Culver's serves a generally pleasing hamburger, although not one that I found to be life-changing. But my first experience indicates that inconsistency is an issue. If I have compared the chain to Steak 'n Shake, it is with good reason. The hamburgers they serve are similar and they compete in many of the same markets. Given the choice I would opt for Steak 'n Shake, but at its best Culver's serves a better hamburger than the national chains. More