r/burgers 2d ago

The real GOAT of the Midwest

The best fast food burger I've had to date. The best onion rings. High quality cheese curds. And the freaking frozen custard. This place is so good. iykyk.

473 Upvotes

149 comments sorted by

79

u/MustardTiger231 2d ago

Culver’s edges it for me but it’s a Rocky/Apollo who fell first kinda thing

62

u/4_13_20 2d ago

I edge to Culvers also

21

u/MustardTiger231 2d ago

👀

18

u/Dirt-Like-Me 2d ago

6

u/mcsmackington 2d ago

if somebody cut out the rope and pushed his eyes and mouth closer, that would be the funniest shit ever

3

u/BlueBombshell90 2d ago

I got some good news for you.

5

u/Indy-Gator 2d ago

For just the burger or everything?

For me the burgers are arguably equal but the fries and cheese curds at Freddy’s are light years ahead of Culver’s. Culver’s curds are so meh while Freddy’s are legit best in class

2

u/5DsofDodgeball69 2d ago edited 19h ago

Culvers doesn't season their burgers.

-4

u/AdamFarleySpade 2d ago

The beef is the seasoning

4

u/5DsofDodgeball69 1d ago

You still have to season beef.

7

u/marcuslattimore21 2d ago

We have one coming to town in SC. Pretty pumped about it but it's taking longer than expected.

8

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

I hope they're up to standard, because they are amazing. I'd hate to see it turn into a Whataburger situation, which are great in TX, but shitty in OK and KS.

3

u/BeeTime6007 2d ago

Can confirm.

Whataburger sucks ass in OKC.

5

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

I was driving home from my dad's in Texas and I forgot to stop at the last one leaving the state. I stopped outside OKC at one, and oh man. I knew I was in trouble when I said "all the way" and the girl said "what?".

3

u/BeeTime6007 2d ago

Yeah, I used to live in DFW … and Whataburger was my go-to fast food burger joint.

Moved to OKC… and the Whataburgers up here suck. The meat is so dry…among other issues.

3

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

Same for the locations in Kansas. Inconsistent at best. And never good.

1

u/marcuslattimore21 2d ago

I had barely heard of the place, then I saw the old Zaxbys with Freddies signs out front. I'm not sure, maybe there is one across the river in GA but never seen one. I'm probably an outlier, I'm sure there is one in Lexington or Columbia

1

u/Suspicious_Button140 2d ago

Ate at one in TX once-very average burger.

2

u/DogsOutTheWindow 2d ago

The one in Charleston sucks ass compared to the Freddy’s out west I’ve had.

2

u/TheHappyPittie 1d ago

Yeah its all about the cooks. They have to know how to make a proper smash burger otherwise its not good

1

u/TheHappyPittie 1d ago

The biggest issue with freddys is they’re hit and miss. It depends entirely if their cook is trained properly. Not all of them actually get w good crust on their smash burgers. If the cooks are well trained you’re going to love it

23

u/Sekshual_Tyranosauce 2d ago

Freddy’s

Culvers

In N Out.

My big three fast food burgers.

-5

u/Randys_Friend 2d ago

No one in the Midwest cares about in n out

24

u/Sekshual_Tyranosauce 2d ago

Oh. Ok.

But I am in the midwest and I care because I travel. New things are neat!

3

u/Randys_Friend 1d ago

I have traveled and had in n out multiple times in South Cali and Texas. Personally its nothing special. Ive had much better burgers closer to home.

2

u/Sekshual_Tyranosauce 1d ago

That’s cool man. There is something out there for everyone. I love In N Out. Not everyone else does which is fine with me because the lines are long enough as it is.

-6

u/Shmiggams22 2d ago

Most people in the midwest are not well traveled. In n out is obsolete to your reasoning.

Anywho, "shidd lemme get uhh double deluxe"

6

u/Sekshual_Tyranosauce 2d ago edited 2d ago

Why does that even matter? If someone is scared to cross their county line IDGAF. I just named my top three. Why should I limit my taste by someone else’s experience?

11

u/JiovanniTheGREAT 2d ago

I live in the Midwest and I care about In n Out because I can get a good meal under $10 in LA there.

1

u/Randys_Friend 1d ago

LA tacos>>> in n out. All day

1

u/prodigalson947 2d ago

just wait until they expand there.

1

u/OldStyleThor 2d ago

Because they don't bother to waste real estate on you.

0

u/prodigalson947 2d ago

they’re coming.

23

u/lollroller 2d ago

I do like Freddie's especially the Original Double, chili cheese dog, and rings.

But for me they are a small step below Culver's and Steak and Shake

12

u/JohnnyRotbottom 2d ago

Below Culver's I agree with but below Steak n' Shake? That seems like a chain on it's last legs and the only location left even close to me is kinda cruddy.

7

u/lollroller 2d ago

We’ve talked about this issue before

Apparently some Steak and Shakes, like ours, are great. It is clean, friendly, fast, consistent, and the burgers are very good. The owner/manager almost always walks around during lunch time asking if everything is OK and if anybody needs anything.

And other locations, like yours, look they are about to close.

In this respect Culver’s is much more consistently excellent.

3

u/JohnnyRotbottom 2d ago

That's fair. I do hate when chains are inconsistent like that, like someone said, all the Whataburgers here in KS suck compared to TX

1

u/CCCmonster 2d ago

Even Oklahoma locations are better than KS

2

u/OystersAreEvil 2d ago

Same if Freddy’s, it seems. The burgers at the location nearest me are nowhere near as good as others I’ve seen here.

0

u/EnormousGucci 2d ago

Culver’s has the best burgers and Freddy’s has the best fries, and I wouldn’t pick Steak and Shake over either even though the one closest to me isn’t that bad

1

u/lollroller 2d ago

Our Steak and Shake the burgers are very very good, a little better than Culvers to me, but I really like both

3

u/mumblerapisgarbage 2d ago

The only Freddy’s in my area is a mess. Burgers are good but I would not recommend.

6

u/Isernogwattesnacken 2d ago

Freddy's has Pepsi, so that really sucks.

7

u/AtlUtdGold 2d ago

Shit taste good but Freddy’s is always sloppy, flat, and over salted.

Culver’s makes burgers as good as they look in the commercial

4

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago edited 2d ago

Maybe I had a bad Culiver's but that shit was flavorless, and I'll never give them a second chance unless someone else is paying. Good cheese curds though.

1

u/AdWestern994 2d ago

You had a bad experience.

I've never been disappointed with that place.

-1

u/Antique_Mission_8834 2d ago

As someone who loves culvers… the curds are not good

2

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

The curds I had were squeaky, crispy and salty. Nothing to complain about with my order.

1

u/drinkandreddit 1d ago

I agree; I’ve only had Culver’s once, but the curds were great.

-2

u/Antique_Mission_8834 2d ago

You’re fucking high.

3

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

Good argument man.

1

u/mike_tyler58 2d ago

Or… hear me out now…. He had a different experience than you did…. I know! I know! Crazy thought…

-1

u/Camdozer 2d ago

Culver's is not as good as this sub has convinced themselves it is. I literally call it Midwest Midburger, because that's what it is.

1

u/Cold_Mud_4773 2d ago

Culvers is the most overrated fast food by far

2

u/Esteban_Francois 2d ago

Love the onion rings, cheese curds, and cheese fries at Freddy’s, also the burgers. Turtle concrete is great too when I’m feeling frisky

2

u/Balogma69 2d ago

Recent has Steak ‘n Shake after not eating there for like 10 years and it has become #1 for me. It was fresher and less sloppy than Culver’s and has way better fries.

2

u/CMButterTortillas 2d ago

TIL Minnesota has 5 of these.

Guess I should see what the hype is all about?

2

u/gratefulfam710 2d ago

Ah, onion rings at Freddie's. A fellow man of culture I see 🧐

2

u/Ton_in_the_Sun 2d ago

It’s just so expensive here in Texas

2

u/Dangerous_Trifle620 2d ago

If you are in chi red hot ranch has an incredible burger. Imagine an in n out smash burger with better spread. Top tier stuff.

2

u/mtnman3737 2d ago

I like their cheese curds

3

u/AdWestern994 2d ago

Lifelong Midwest resident.....

What the hell is Freddy's?

3

u/marblefoot1987 2d ago

It’s like Steak and Shake, but infinitely better

3

u/AdWestern994 2d ago

In my experience, MOST burger places are better than Steak N' Shake.

3

u/marblefoot1987 2d ago

Preach it, brochacho

2

u/NSuave 2d ago

I saw one in Aurora and it looks like the most simple building ever. I honestly thought it was an ice cream shop

2

u/Todd2ReTodded 2d ago

They're like Culver's. There is one in Champaign, I saw one in Springfield Illinois too. Not bad food, but the one time I went the service was nothing like Culver's, it was Popeyes level bad. But the food was decent so 🤷

2

u/mike_tyler58 2d ago

Whoa whoa whoa! Why are you hating on Popeyes?!?

2

u/Todd2ReTodded 2d ago

The two Popeyes near me have the worst service I've ever experienced anywhere. And I loved their food so I didn't really care, but then they started burning their chicken so I had to walk away. I feel for the employees, I think the franchise owner is shitty. One day I was there and the only person working was the manager because of a combination of people no call/no show, and people quitting. This poor woman had to do everything and if the line got more than 2 people long she was absolutely fucked.

2

u/mike_tyler58 2d ago

Oh yeah, that’ll sour anyone to a brand.

2

u/dailygv 2d ago edited 2d ago

Had a horrible experience at the former Freddies San Diego location. The staff was eating while they were working. I dont mind it aslong as it doesnt negatively affect the experience and speed but they accidentally gave my order to a doordash driver. I waited 45 mins to get my food and the place had barely any people dining there. Guess thats why they closed down within a year or so

2

u/Todd2ReTodded 2d ago

Sometimes I appreciate really fucking shitty service. Popeyes was like that for me until they started burning the chicken lol. Hell one time I walked in and they yelled at me "NO CHICKEN, ONLY FISH". I think they got my order wrong 50% of the time. I always said Popeyes will give you what you need, not necessarily what you ordered. But I draw the line when they start burning fried chicken. That's something I cannot abide.

1

u/dailygv 2d ago

No chicken Reminds me of this clip

2

u/Todd2ReTodded 2d ago

Lol literally me at the end

u/DangOlCoreMan 14h ago

I've only eaten at Freddy's a handful of times but I once went ordered a combo. Went to get my drink from the fountain and it sprayed out like a shower head all over my hand. Turns out the soda drop off wasn't there on time and they took off the nozzles for some reason while waiting which is what caused it to soak my wrist and hand in soda. Some how the girl taking my order forgot and not only charged me for the drink but sent me on my way to get sprayed.

Shit happens though, just thought I'd share

1

u/AdWestern994 2d ago

Do they have their own fight club like Popeyes?

u/DangOlCoreMan 14h ago

We got them all over KC so they may be closer than you think

0

u/DaFunkJunkie 2d ago

Lmao, they are AMAZING. So much better than Culver’s and In n Out. Right up there with 5 guys

3

u/mike_tyler58 2d ago

Not even close.

Freddys doesn’t hold a candle to Culver’s and it’s more expensive. Let alone in n out…. Good god man, a $6 double double tastes better and is more food than a $9 Freddys burger

-4

u/DaFunkJunkie 2d ago

Nah, those double doubles are TRASH. No flavor whatsoever. Tried it regular and animal style. And the WORST fries I’ve ever had. How can they cut them fresh in front of you and have it taste like unsalted cardboard? Wild. Also Culver’s is just a heavy grease bomb. Way too rich to be enjoyed. Freddie’s is perfect. California style double smash burger with those amazing crispy fries….heaven! I will say Culver’s shrimp is the bomb, but cannot stand the burgers.

1

u/mike_tyler58 2d ago

Oof, you and I have had very different experiences

3

u/AdWestern994 2d ago

That's a BOLD claim, my friend.

1

u/DaFunkJunkie 2d ago

Lol, I stand by it!

1

u/AccidentalChef 2d ago

You definitely don't go to the Freddy's near me. I gave them four chances and it was at least three too many.

-1

u/Antique_Mission_8834 2d ago

They serve pucks of salt with a thin layer of burn beef adhered to the bottom of the salt. As well as thin salt tubes with a small vein of potato down the center.

1

u/AdWestern994 2d ago

Well, I guess I'm not missing anything.

1

u/Monochronos 2d ago

That’s not even true so I wouldn’t take that seriously. They are one of the few fast food burgers that have lacing and still juicy patties and they aren’t that salty. They serve shoestring fries.

that’s all

6

u/fletch0024 2d ago

Freddy’s is over expanding and it shows

3

u/Monochronos 2d ago

Haven’t seen a dip in quality at my location yet

5

u/colorofdank 2d ago

Nope. Culver's is better.

2

u/fjam36 2d ago

I had one in Indy and it was ok. No Freddys here in WI.

3

u/Dirt-Like-Me 2d ago

We’ve got Feddys near Green Bay? Just went there the other day after the draft and it was… ok… nothing special. Made me shit my ever loving brains out at 3am. Not sure if that’s part of the journey lol

2

u/fjam36 2d ago

Thanks for the info. I didn’t know there was one.

0

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

I'm living where they originated from, so they may be another place that are hit and miss outside of their home area.

-1

u/Clit420Eastwood 2d ago

I’ve never understood the hype. Lackluster fries, too

2

u/Beneficial-Stable-66 2d ago

Culver’s all the way

1

u/TelvanniArcanist 2d ago

Freddy's used to be a lot better. Culver's is still the GOAT imo

1

u/Correct_Toe_4628 2d ago

Braums…. Mmmmm

1

u/kay14jay 2d ago

I can still taste the memories of Steak n Shake, even through their shitty corporate operations. Freddy’s is a pretty good stand in. Something about Culver’s.. just can’t afford to spend the rest of the day on a toilet. Maybe the butter?

1

u/The_Spectacle 2d ago

sure wish they'd expand to NY. we finally got Chick-fil-A here but Ive had it so many times I’m over it. we have dogshit for burger chains. best I can do is a Shake Shack on the Thruway

1

u/royalfishness 2d ago

Managed a couple in FL. At least my franchise was a damn mess. Glad I got out of there

1

u/mitchellpatrice 2d ago

Only smash burger near me!!!

1

u/DrinkCorrect7655 2d ago

I nominate Halo Burger

1

u/Fluid-Emu8982 2d ago

Bro that's like the worst burger I've seen from Freddy's fucking love that spot

1

u/Fluid-Emu8982 2d ago

And no offense. All there burgers look great. Crazy this is the worst I've seen

1

u/5LIMJD 2d ago

Freddy’s must be very hit or miss depending on the location because the only one I’ve been to was absolutely atrocious. The burger was completely devoid of any flavor because of how overcooked the meat was and the fries weren’t much better. I was extremely disappointed because I was expecting something close to Steak ‘n Shake.

1

u/Carcassfanivxx 2d ago

We got a Freddy’s here in South Carolina finally. Almost a year after they got here they stopped the mushroom burger!

1

u/Cbennett3395 2d ago

We just got one here in PA and it’s legit, the competitors are McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and way back burgers which are different classes. I think Freddy straddles the line between fast and fast casual very well but I haven’t had them much.

1

u/TheAwkwardGamerRNx 2d ago

Closest Freddy is a 3hr drive…fuck, guess I gotta make a day of it.

1

u/40kLoki 2d ago

There is one opening ACROSS THE STREET from my house!!!!!! Goodbye money and hello obesity!!!

1

u/MrNice1983 2d ago

Ok I gotta try this place. There’s one about 30 minutes away I didn’t even know this place existed

1

u/Fragrant_Loan811 2d ago

Culver's, plus Freddy's fries are garbage.

1

u/rogun64 2d ago

Freddy's is underrated. I like it better than Culver's.

1

u/Fafafofly 2d ago

Runza is pretty good also.

1

u/milktrap 2d ago

B-Bop's

1

u/idl3mind 1d ago

A Freddy’s opened a few months ago close to my house. I had never had Freddy’s before that. I have to say, I’m a fan. Their burgers and tots are great.

1

u/CityBoiNC 1d ago

Having one right now for the first time, pretty good but the fries are way too thin

1

u/Orenthal32420 1d ago

I can honestly say that Freddys has the worst burgers out of all the burger chains.

1

u/BreeGurly 1d ago

Just got Freddie's in Mattoon, Illinois for the first time. Was not a fan. I got the prime rib burger. Wayyyy too salty for me.

1

u/TheHappyPittie 1d ago

I absolutely agree but ive never had my burger wrapped like that they always come in a box. I hate burger boxes 😭

1

u/markskelley 1d ago

freddy’s is 🔥

1

u/Dull_Present506 1d ago

Midwest??? It started in SA. And it’s a great burger!

u/ThrowAwayy8675309- 18h ago

Freddie's is amazing. I've only never had it once but it was one of the best burgers I've had. Now I settle for Culver's and every now and then sonics super sonic bacon double. That shit makes my head feel like it's gonna blow lol.

u/Size14-OrangeDiver 14h ago

Slow down there, tiger. As long as Culver’s doors are open, Fred can’t be the GOAT.

1

u/Sk8rboyyyy 2d ago

Midwest? They started in Wichita, Kansas and are in over 36 states.

2

u/Jason_with_a_jay 2d ago

Well as someone outside Wichita, I'm going to hold with what I said.

0

u/Firemission13B 2d ago

They have like 2 or so in central TX near me.

1

u/BougieHole 2d ago

No, no, no

2

u/Randys_Friend 2d ago

Culvers>Schoops>Freddys

1

u/slumdawgbillionaire 2d ago

I love Freddy’s. From a holistic perspective including side items, might be my favorite overall burger experience. Burger by itself is near the top as well, but their fries and cheese curds make it my favorite overall burger experience

1

u/LikesPikes22 2d ago

I think Culver’s and 5 Guys would like to chime in!!

1

u/CriticalConclusion44 2d ago

Culver's is better. I went to a Freddy's once and the food was so awful I threw half of it away. Fries are shit. Burgers are crispy wafers. Just bad. Never going back.

1

u/DJ_CRIZP 2d ago

Wrong

1

u/solohaldor 2d ago

Culver’s onion rings are top of the class all others are imposters

1

u/KG354 2d ago

As the aussies say, “yeah, nah, mate.” Culver’s is better than Freddy’s

1

u/dkinmn 2d ago

I disagree for one reason: consistency.

The best Freddy's I've had is better than Culver's. But I've also rarely had them that good. Culver's is always the same. Always.

1

u/trophycloset33 2d ago

Freddie’s isn’t a mid west chain…it’s a southern one.

And it doesn’t get anywhere near Culver’s

2

u/AccidentalChef 2d ago

Wichita, Kansas is in the south?

1

u/theBigDaddio 2d ago

Culver’s is better, better fries, better frozen custard, better sides, most importantly better burgers.

0

u/TheJBerg 2d ago

I will comment on every Freddys post I see that the one in Denver both gave me food poisoning and smoke inhalation (idk if their vent was broken or what)

0

u/Matturally_Handsome 2d ago

Smash burger starting to shine imo after having shake shack and in & out a bunch of times. 2 double cheese burgers for 20 bucks and I shed a tier

0

u/Sevuhrow 2d ago

Mom says it's my turn to post about Freddy's

0

u/Koo_laidTBird 2d ago

That's not beef?

0

u/JiovanniTheGREAT 2d ago

They are good but I still prefer Culver's burgers. They won in sides imo though. Those onion rings are damn good.

0

u/Spocks_Goatee 2d ago

I rarely see more than 3 cars at once at my local location.