There are few things in life as quintessentially American as a hamburger (its Germanic origins aside). Yet finding a truly great hamburger is too often a chore. My search brought me recently to Fuddrucker’s, self proclaimed home of “World-Famous Hamburgers.”
Fuddrucker’s is a “fast casual” experience, but one that gives you more options than others. You pick the size of burger you want (from 1/3 to 1 pound), and they cook it to your specifications. 6 cheeses and all the normal fixings are available, most found in a toppings bar that is a wonder to behold. I have never seen nacho cheese, barbecue sauce, or salsa available on a burger, but here they are.
The burgers are perfectly seasoned, adding flavor but not blanketing the natural taste.
If you are in the mood for something a bit wilder, Fuddrucker’s also offers “exotic” burgers, including Ostrich, Buffalo, Elk, and Wild Boar (in addition to Chicken, Turkey, and Salmon). The Buffalo
The sides at Fuddrucker’s are actually a strength. They boast delightful wedge-cut French fries with seasoned salt. (This is where that barbecue sauce comes in quite handy.) The onion rings are quite possibly the fluffiest batter ever seen on an onion. Moreover, they are cooked perfectly, so you are not left with a stringy, half raw onion in your ring. The milkshakes are made with Dreyer’s ice cream and live up to that illustrious name.
From the hubcaps and rock n’ roll memorabilia on the walls, to the balloon animal-making clown, the decor and atmosphere can only be described as “eclectic Americana
5 stars out of 5, for a burger joint that lives up to its slogan.
