When it comes to fast food, Culver’s has built a loyal following thanks to its famous ButterBurgers, creamy frozen custard, and made-to-order meals that feel more “homestyle” than drive-thru. But even the most beloved chains have their weak spots—and according to real customers, not everything on the Culver’s menu is worth the price or the calories.
While some menu items live up to the hype, others consistently leave diners underwhelmed, disappointed, or straight-up frustrated. From soggy sides to dry sandwiches, these dishes have racked up a pattern of negative reviews, revealing issues with flavor, texture, portion size, and overall value. If you’re headed to Culver’s and want to avoid food regret, this list might just save your next order.
We scoured online reviews and customer feedback to highlight the 11 Culver’s items most people say just aren’t it. Whether it’s the rubbery grilled chicken sandwich, mushy veggie burger, or fish sandwich that fails to impress, these choices have one thing in common: they didn’t deliver on what customers expected from the “Welcome to Delicious” promise.
To be fair, some of these items might hit the mark at certain locations—but with such consistent complaints across the board, most diners agree these picks are better skipped. Want crispy? Juicy? Flavorful? There are better options on the Culver’s menu, and we’ll even suggest a few swaps that customers say taste way better.
1. Chicken Tenders
Many customers report that Culver’s chicken tenders lack the crispy exterior and juicy interior that make this classic satisfying. The breading often slides off too easily, leaving you with naked chicken and a pile of separated crust on your tray.
The portion size has also been criticized as inconsistent – sometimes you get decent-sized pieces, other times they’re tiny and overcooked. Several reviews mention that the chicken itself can taste processed rather than like real chicken breast.
For the price point, customers expect better quality and consistently sized tenders. Many suggest ordering the Crispy Chicken Sandwich instead, which seems to deliver more reliable texture and flavor.
2. Grilled Chicken Sandwich
The grilled chicken sandwich at Culver’s frequently disappoints according to numerous reviews. Customers complain about receiving dry, tough meat that has a rubbery texture and lacks seasoning. The chicken breast often appears thin and overcooked.
Several reviewers mentioned that the sandwich feels like an afterthought on the menu. The plain bun and minimal toppings don’t help elevate the mediocre protein at the center.
While some locations occasionally serve a decent version, the inconsistency makes this a risky order. Many customers recommend choosing the crispy chicken option instead if you’re craving poultry at Culver’s.
3. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries sound like a delicious alternative to regular fries, but Culver’s version has left many customers disappointed. The biggest complaint? They arrive limp and soggy rather than crisp and golden.
The texture problem seems to stem from how they’re prepared. Multiple reviewers noted that these fries quickly become soft and unappetizing, even when eaten immediately. Some locations serve them undercooked in the center while others overcook them to the point of being dry and hard.
The seasoning also receives mixed reviews, with some finding them too sweet while others say they lack flavor entirely. Regular crinkle-cut fries remain the more reliable choice.
4. Pot Roast Sandwich
Culver’s pot roast sandwich promises homestyle comfort but delivers disappointment according to customer feedback. The meat often arrives lukewarm, stringy, and lacking the rich flavor you’d expect from properly braised beef.
Multiple reviews mention the sandwich being dry despite the gravy, which itself is frequently described as watery and under-seasoned. The portion size has also shrunk over time according to regular customers, making the value proposition questionable.
The bread becomes soggy quickly from the gravy, creating a messy eating experience that doesn’t make up for the mediocre filling. For a better beef option, customers consistently recommend sticking with the classic ButterBurger.
5. Beef Pot Roast Dinner
The beef pot roast dinner plate consistently ranks among Culver’s most disappointing offerings. Customers frequently describe receiving small portions of dry, stringy meat swimming in bland gravy that lacks depth or homemade quality.
The accompanying mashed potatoes often arrive lukewarm and pasty rather than fluffy. Several reviewers mentioned that the vegetables served alongside are typically overcooked and under-seasoned, adding little value to the plate.
For the premium price point of this entrée, expectations are high, but the execution falls short. Many customers suggest that if you’re craving a hearty meal at Culver’s, you’re better off sticking with their burger options.
6. Fish Sandwich
Fish sandwich lovers frequently express disappointment with Culver’s offering. The North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich sounds premium but often arrives with a small, thin piece of fish lost inside a disproportionately large bun.
The breading receives consistent criticism for becoming soggy quickly, losing any crispness by the time it reaches your table. Multiple customers note that the tartar sauce application is either excessive to the point of drowning the sandwich or so minimal it’s barely detectable.
Temperature issues plague this item too, with many reporting cold fish despite a fresh order. Even during Lenten season when fish sandwiches are popular, Culver’s version fails to impress compared to competitors.
7. Onion Rings
Onion rings should be a simple side to execute well, but Culver’s version consistently underwhelms according to customer feedback. The breading-to-onion ratio skews heavily toward excessive breading, with many rings containing barely-there, paper-thin onion inside.
Temperature consistency is another common issue. Customers frequently report receiving onion rings that are either lukewarm or burnt. When they cool down (which happens quickly), they become chewy and unpleasant rather than maintaining any crispness.
The seasoning also misses the mark – described as either too bland or oddly sweet. For the premium price compared to fries, customers expect better quality and consistently express regret over this upgrade choice.
8. Mushroom & Swiss ButterBurger
While Culver’s ButterBurgers generally receive praise, the Mushroom & Swiss variation disappoints many mushroom lovers. Customers frequently complain about receiving sparse, canned-tasting mushrooms that lack the rich, earthy flavor expected from this classic topping.
The cheese situation doesn’t help either. Many reviews mention that the swiss cheese is often barely melted or applied so sparingly that it’s hard to detect its nutty flavor. Some locations seem to use a processed swiss-style cheese that lacks authentic character.
The mushroom sauce can make the burger soggy quickly, resulting in a messy eating experience. Regular customers recommend building your own burger with fresh toppings instead of this pre-configured option.
9. Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken should pack a flavorful punch, but Culver’s version misses the mark according to numerous reviews. The sauce lacks the vinegary tang and cayenne heat that defines good buffalo flavor, instead tasting more like a mild, generic hot sauce.
Application problems compound the issue. Many customers report receiving tenders with sauce applied unevenly – some pieces drenched while others remain nearly dry. The chicken itself suffers from the same quality issues as the regular tenders, often arriving overcooked.
The lack of accompanying blue cheese dressing (unless specifically requested) is another common complaint. If you’re craving buffalo flavor, customers suggest looking elsewhere on the menu or at a different restaurant entirely.
10. Pretzel Bites
Culver’s pretzel bites sound appealing but consistently let customers down. Instead of the soft, chewy interior and slightly crisp exterior you’d expect, these often arrive hard, dry, and overly dense. The salt distribution is frequently uneven – some pieces over-salted while others have none.
The cheese sauce served alongside receives particular criticism. Many describe it as having a processed, artificial taste rather than the rich, sharp cheddar flavor that would complement a pretzel well. The sauce also tends to develop a skin quickly as it cools.
Portion size is another complaint, with the appetizer providing less value than expected for the price. Many reviewers suggest the cheese curds as a far superior appetizer choice at Culver’s.
11. Veggie Burger
Plant-based diners hoping for a satisfying option at Culver’s are often left disappointed by the veggie burger. Unlike modern plant-based patties that mimic meat, Culver’s version is an old-school vegetable patty that customers describe as mushy and bland.
Texture is a major issue, with many reporting that the patty falls apart while eating. The vegetable chunks inside can be inconsistent – sometimes undercooked and hard, other times overcooked and indistinguishable.
The toppings don’t elevate the experience either, with the standard lettuce, tomato and mayo doing little to add flavor. For vegetarians visiting Culver’s, many reviewers suggest ordering sides or salads instead of this underwhelming main option.
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