Fuddruckers, or as I call it something else that isn’t allowed under site rules, is a true burger joint. They serve burgers that are 1/3 lb, 1/2 lb, 2/3 lb, or 1 lb in size. That alone is variety, and they used to be my favorite “catering to the burger crowd” establishment. Five Guys has knocked them down a bit, but this is still a good place for a meal. The quality is above average, and the prices are quite reasonable. There is a large menu that offers a wide array of choices, and the service is fast for those hearty appetites that can’t wait too long before eating the dining room table.
This restaurant is tacky, and all of their locations have road signs everywhere. There are old bicycles and boats on the walls and ceiling of my closest location, and there is even a “Fuddles the Clown” picture. I will forgive the chain for Fuddles, as he’s a bit disturbing, and reminds me of Pennywise from the movie “It.” There is usually rock music playing in their locations, and it isn’t loud enough to be annoying. There are video games in each Fuddruckers lounge that I’ve been to, which is great for allowing the kids to waste quarters from their piggy banks. Sadly, each location only seems to have Pinball and Pacman.
Service at Fuddruckers is outstanding. The employees have always been friendly, and I’ve been impressed by their knowledge of product. They aren’t pushy about up sizing like every other chain is, and their suggestions have been right on the money. Sometimes there is a line to the cashier during rush periods, but even then the staffing is usually adequate to make this only a minor hindrance. After ordering, you are given a square electronic contraption, that lights up when your food is ready. You can order your burgers from medium rare to extremely well done, and the cooking time usually is quite efficient. As I always order burgers extra dead/crispy, I’m always the last one at the table to get their meal.
The beef quality is excellent, and according to their signs, it is ground daily. I believe this, as it is always fresh. The rolls are actually the best part of the burger, and they have the best in the business. They are lightly toasted, and they even sell them as “To Go” items for customers. I’ve actually bought them for my grilled burgers at home, and they really do factor in on the overall taste. As for sizes, I suggest the 1/2-2/3 lb.(Go with the 2/3lb only if really hungry) I tried the one pounder, because it was a ego thing, and I didn’t need to eat until the next day. I was also overstuffed, and it wasn’t pleasant. However, I do have a shirt that I bought that shows I’m a proud member of the “One Pounder Club.” I think it means I’m basically a schmuck.
The French Fries are weak, as these potato slices lack any type of flavor. They’ve also been undercooked on numerous occasions, and they only give you a small serving of them. The only way they are bearable, is if you drown them in ketchup. Also, add a little bit of Old Bay, which is available in the Fixins Line. The other item to avoid is the Ostrich Burger. These nasty looking birds taste this way as well, and I’ve never left a half burger uneaten. I did with this “specimen”, as the taste and texture were revolting. According to their dietary stats, this is much healthier than their regular line of burgers. Avoid it at all costs.
The best burger is their Three Cheese, which comes with Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Swiss. You can always add bacon, which makes this hard to beat. The other Fuddrucker Line burger that I suggest, is a bit non-traditional. Their Southwest burger, not to be confused with the airline, has Bacon, Guacamole, and Pepper Jack Cheese. Its an interesting and tasty treat, and something that is good when you seek change. The Ragin’ Cajun chicken sandwich is quite delicious as well, and it is quite spicy. If you like fish, they even have a fish burger. Salads can be eaten, and there are seasonal offerings of steak and shrimp items on the menu.
One of my favorite aspects of Fuddruckers is the Fixings Line. Here you can pick what toppings you want on your hamburger. There are big vats of ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, mayo, and A1 steak sauce. You can select veggies for toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. This personalization of a burger offers some creativity to the customer, and this area is kept clean. Fuddruckers offers some of the cleanest restaurants that I have been in, and I’d like to commend them on their fine work in this regard. Although this Fixin’s Line is busy, the staff works to ensure that their is no problems in this area.
Shakes are another area that Fuddruckers shines. They offer Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry flavors. These milkshakes are thick, and remind me of the fine shakes that can be purchased at Silver Diner’s.(Old Fashioned) They are a bit on the pricey side,($3.50)but they are worth it. Its a good start to a meal, as they will call you when it is ready. Usually this is long before the meal arrives, and its a nice touch to start off the festivities of indulgence. You can also order Root Beer Floats, but I’ve never had one at Fuddruckers.
Prices are reasonable at this restaurant, and most burgers are in the $5-$9 range. The potato slices are extra, and my usual meal comes to around $10, with the fountain drink as well. If you have kids, consider Fuddruckers, as they have an extensive menu for them. I like them for lunch, as it seems to be the perfect meal for that time of day.(Mainly because its not good to overload at dinner) After enjoying a large meal, make sure you check out their line of apparel-some of the phrases on the shirts and hats are quite amusing!
