If you have ever driven through the American Midwest, you have likely seen the blue signs and the long drive-thru lines. Culver’s isn’t just another fast-food chain; for many, it is a religion of cheese curds and frozen custard.

But for the uninitiated (or even the regulars), the menu can be overwhelming. With “Flavor of the Day” calendars and customizable burger stacks, it’s easy to miss the best items.

We are diving deep into the Culver’s menu to rank the best Concrete Mixers, uncover secret menu hacks, and explain why the ButterBurger might just be the best fast-food burger in America.

The ButterBurger vs. The World

In the great burger wars—somewhere between the cult of In-N-Out on the West Coast and the Shake Shack loyalists on the East Coast—stands the ButterBurger.

Why does this Midwest staple hold its own against the giants? It comes down to the “smash.” unlike many chains that use frozen patties, Culver’s uses fresh, never-frozen beef that is pressed onto a hot grill to create a crispy, caramelized sear (the Maillard reaction) that seals in the juices.

The name “ButterBurger” is often misunderstood. The meat isn’t cooked in butter; rather, the crown of the bun is lightly buttered and toasted, giving it a rich, savory finish that standard buns lack. When you look at the nutritional breakdown of these burgers compared to competitors, the protein counts are impressive, making them a surprisingly hearty option if you skip the fries.

The Ultimate Concrete Mixer Ranking: Top 5 Combinations

The “Concrete Mixer”—Culver’s signature dense frozen custard blended with toppings—is where the real magic happens. While you can build your own, we have ranked the top 5 flavor combinations you need to try at least once:

1. The Salted Caramel Cookie Dough: This is the heavyweight champion. The slight saltiness cuts through the sweetness of the custard, and the cookie dough chunks provide texture.
2. Chocolate Oreo Volcano: For the chocolate purists. It’s rich, dark, and crunchy.
3. Raspberry Cheesecake: A lighter, fruitier option. The tartness of the raspberries pairs perfectly with the savory cheesecake bites.
4. Turtle: A classic sundae turned into a mixer. Pecans, caramel, and novelty chocolate.
5. Mint Chip (Seasonal/Custom): If you catch Mint as the flavor of the day, mix it with chocolate flakes for an experience that beats any store-bought mint chip ice cream.

(Pro-Tip: Check the calorie counts on these mixers before you order—they are delicious, but they pack a caloric punch!)

Beyond the Board: Uncovering the “Secret Menu”

Like any great chain, Culver’s has a “Secret Menu” created by the fans and the employees. Since Culver’s cooks to order, they can customize almost anything. Here are a few hacks to try:

• The CurdBurger: Before it was an official limited-time offer, this was a hack. Order a Deluxe ButterBurger and ask for a side of Cheese Curds to be put on the burger (or do it yourself). The squeaky, fried cheese adds a texture you didn’t know you needed.
• The “Affogato” Style: Order a scoop of vanilla custard and ask (politely!) if they can pour a little hot coffee or espresso over it (if available at that location) or simply buy a coffee and do it yourself for a hot-cold creamy treat.
• Grilled Cheese Deluxe: Order a Grilled Cheese from the kid’s menu but ask them to add tomato and bacon. It’s a grown-up melt for a fraction of the price.

The Science of the “Flavor of the Day”

Have you ever wondered why Culver’s custard tastes different than standard soft serve? It’s the temperature and the air. Frozen custard is kept at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, so it doesn’t freeze your taste buds, allowing you to taste more flavor. It also has less air whipped into it (overrun), making it dense and creamy.

The “Flavor of the Day” strategy is brilliant marketing—it creates scarcity. If you see “Bonfire S’mores” on the calendar for Tuesday, you have to go on Tuesday. It keeps the menu feeling fresh and creates a community habit of checking the “forecast.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you are tracking your macros and need high-protein beef, or you are looking for the ultimate cheat-day dessert, the Culver’s menu offers a depth that few fast-food joints can match. Just remember to check the nutritional info before you dive into that large mixer!