7 Things Wisconsinites Order at Culver’s That Out-of-Staters Never Think to Try

By the time you hit Culver’s counter, you’ve probably already decided what you’re getting.

Many Wisconsinites go off script.

Here’s what they order that out-of-staters often don’t think to try.

1. Chili Cheddar Fries

Culver’s tops its Crinkle Cut Fries with George’s Chili and Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce, and the menu calls the result Chili Cheddar Fries.

The chili is a medium-spicy chili con carne made with homestyle beef and beans.

You’ll find the fries on Culver’s sides menu, next to Fried Pickles, Onion Rings and Pretzel Bites.

It’s two sides in one.

You can order it that way.

2. Wisconsin Cheese Curds

Culver’s makes its Wisconsin Cheese Curds from un-aged yellow and white Wisconsin cheddar, deep-fried golden brown.

The cheese comes exclusively from La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin.

Culver’s calls the curds “a dairyland delicacy” on the item page.

They’re an add-on to your favorite items.

So add them on.

3. North Atlantic Cod Sandwich

Culver’s puts shredded Wisconsin cheddar on its North Atlantic Cod Sandwich, along with lettuce and a family recipe tartar sauce.

The cod is hand-filleted, then battered and fried after you order.

A slightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll holds it all.

Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp is on the seafood menu too, as a dinner or on its own.

Cheddar is the surprise.

You can also get the cod as a dinner with your choice of two sides and a warm dinner roll.

If you usually order a fish sandwich with tartar sauce alone, the cheddar is the part to try.

4. Wisconsin Swiss Melt

Culver’s serves its Wisconsin Swiss Melt on grilled rye bread, topped with Wisconsin Swiss cheese and grilled red onions.

The patty is fresh, never frozen beef, seared on a grill after you order.

The Melt sits on the ButterBurgers page, alongside the Mushroom & Swiss, the Sourdough Melt, The Culver’s Deluxe and The Culver’s Bacon Deluxe.

Rye is the difference.

If you want a burger on rye, this is the one.

5. Flavor of the Day Dish

Culver’s lists a Flavor of the Day Dish on its custard menu, next to the Turtle Sundae and the Caramel Cashew Sundae.

The Flavor of the Day comes in a cone, a dish or a pint.

Turtle, Mint Explosion and an Oreo cookie cheesecake are among the flavors.

If you only ever order vanilla, the Flavor of the Day is where you’ll find something you haven’t tried.

Go for the unfamiliar.

6. Root Beer Float

Culver’s makes its Root Beer Float with Culver’s Signature Root Beer and a scoop of smooth, creamy Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard.

A Fanta Orange Float and a Coca-Cola Float are on the custard menu too.

You’ve got three floats.

Culver’s blends a Malt too, mixing custard with a generous scoop of malt and your choice of flavor.

7. Concrete Mixer

Culver’s blends premium Vanilla or Chocolate Fresh Frozen Custard with your choice of mix-ins to make a Concrete Mixer.

Custard also comes as a Handpacked Pint for taking home.

The Mixer sits beside the shake, the malt and the sundaes on the custard menu.

The company says it makes its custard throughout the day with fresh dairy.

It’s a build-your-own dessert.

Where Culver’s Started

Culver’s says it began serving its Wisconsin Cheese Curds in 1997.

The love for those curds even inspired Culver’s to create National Cheese Curd Day on Oct. 15.

Mark your calendar.

Craig and Lea Culver opened the first restaurant with Craig’s parents, George and Ruth, in the family’s hometown.

George's Chili Story

Culver's names George's Chili after Craig Culver's father, George, who perfected the recipe in the Culver's kitchen.

You'll find both George's Chili and George's Chili Supreme on Culver's sides menu.

At first, the chili was available only during the winter months.

Not anymore.