Culver's (Sawmill Parkway and Powell Rd)

4137 Powell Rd, Powell, OH

If you've ever eaten at Champps, or Max & Erma's, or TGI Friday's with the office lunch crew and walked out wondering why you're $13 light for the privilege of eating at a socially-acceptable burger joint, there is an alternative.

I heard about Culver's because of their frozen custard. However, I've never actually sampled their custard, because there's never room after the Butterburger Experience. They have a full menu of items, but truth be told, the only variation to my order has been whether to get the single or double.

This is a real burger. I do enjoy a good Big Mac now and again, but we're talking about completely different leagues here, and should be rated accordingly. The Butterburger stacks up against just about anything, in my opinion, and the Culver's service is always top-notch. It's really a hybrid restaurant, mostly fast-food, with a touch of sit-down. You order your food, then take a number and sit down. Instead of standing at the register like cattle, you enjoy your company at your table, and before you know it, the feast is brought to you.

Butterburgers are served with a thick slice of pickle on top of the bun. I'm fairly particular about pickles. In general I detest having a limp spear slapped on my plate, dripping juice to make my fries pickly or bun soggy. But the Culver's crisp pickle garnishment is a nice touch, and is usually consumed as an appetizer.

The bun is a bulky roll, always fresh. As to the burger, Culver's says its meat is never frozen, ensuring freshness. Whatever the secret, it's very good, and in generous portions. Fries are crinkle-cut, crisp, fresh, and plentiful.

Now, I have seen orders messed up. Last summer three of us ordered the single and all got the double. But that's a mistake I'm willing to forgive anytime.

They have a pretty family-friendly atmosphere being a frozen custard purveyor, so there's always a good mix of working stiffs like us and stay-at-home moms with their kids. If you like to curse up a storm at lunch, go elsewhere.

Pretty easy to get in and out of there, though it's a bit out of the way up in Powell. I'm not sure how long the zoo construction is to continue, but last time we went we were unable to cut across 750 from Riverside and had to take a very long detour around a very big block. Best to come up Sawmill if you're unsure.

This is five-star fast-food that knocks the cheese off Crapplebees and their ilk, all for less than eight bucks.