Culver's is known for Midwest comfort food served in a fast food setting—but it’s still not a household name nationwide.
Founded in 1984, Culver’s has grown to roughly 1,000 locations across 26 states. That’s impressive—but compared to chains like Shake Shack or McDonald's, it still flies under the radar.
Here’s the surprising part:
The burger is almost as good—and cheaper.
So the question becomes:
Is Culver’s the most underrated fast food burger in 2026?
According to George Motz, a traditional Wisconsin butter burger is exactly what it sounds like:
A burger topped with 2–3 tablespoons of butter.
Simple. Decadent. Slightly unhinged.
It’s the kind of Midwest move that makes every other burger feel like diet food.
But that’s not exactly what Culver’s does.
Culver’s takes a more restrained approach.
Instead of loading the patty with butter, they lightly butter the bun.
Is it the same thing? No.
Is it still good?
Absolutely.
Culver’s ButterBurger is, at its core, a very good smashed-style burger.
Honestly, it’s right up there with Shake Shack.
The beef is the star of the show—rich, well-seared, and flavorful.
There are some minor flaws:
And fair warning: they use red onion, which can come off a bit harsh for a burger this size.
But at this point…
we’re nitpicking.
Because overall?
It’s an excellent fast food burger.
Yes.
Culver’s absolutely belongs in the conversation with top-tier fast food burgers like In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack.
It’s not perfect—but what it gets right matters most:
the beef quality.
At around $8 and ~800 calories, this is exactly what a solid fast food burger costs in 2026.
And compared to the competition?
It holds up—and then some.
The Vitals: the spot: Culver's the bucks: $7.98 w. tax the full nelson: an underrated fast food burger
Culver's is indeed an underrated fast food option and easily belongs in the conversation with elite fast food burger options like In-N-Out and Shake Shack. The burger isn't perfect but what it gets right, the beef quality, matter. The price and calories are about what one would expect, $8 and 800 calories are what a respectable burger will cost the wallet and the body these days. Folks, Culver's is worth it.Culver’s is one of the most underrated fast food burgers in America.
It may not have the hype.
But it has the quality.
And in 2026…
it’s absolutely worth it.
Party ribs are one of the biggest viral BBQ trends right now—and for good reason.
Instead of cooking a full rack, ribs are cut individually before smoking. That means more surface area for seasoning, faster cook times, and an easier path to great results.
Susie Bulloch (aka Hey Grill Hey) highlighted the rise of party ribs back in 2024, and since then they’ve become a go-to method for home cooks looking to simplify BBQ.
I wanted to take that idea and push it further.
So I brought in one of my favorite flavors:
Al Pastor.
Al pastor is a classic Mexican taco filling made from thinly sliced pork marinated in a deep red chile and achiote-based sauce.
It’s traditionally cooked on a vertical spit (trompo), a technique brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants—similar to shawarma.
The result is pork that’s:
It’s one of the best tacos out there—and it works incredibly well with pork ribs.
👉 Translation: you get BBQ tenderness + taco flavor
👉 I marinated mine for 48 hours, and the flavor really developed without breaking down the texture.
👉 This step gives you that al pastor-style char
You’ve got options:
This is where party ribs really shine.
You get:
👉 These are absolutely worth it—especially if you want BBQ with a twist.
Whataburger has built a fiercely loyal following, expanding from Texas to 17 states with over 1,000 locations.
But despite its popularity, the burgers aren’t universally praised.
In fact, at this point, it’s fair to ask:
Is Whataburger overrated?
After multiple visits over the years, my answer is simple:
yes—and in 2026, it might be the most overrated fast food burger.
If there’s one thing Whataburger absolutely gets right, it’s branding.
Not just good—iconic.
The location I reviewed was newer, but if you’ve ever seen a vintage Whataburger, you know the look
Those classic A-frame buildings are part of fast food history. I remember seeing similar spots growing up in Los Angeles—the birthplace of car-centric fast food.
They evoke a kind of Americana burger nostalgia.
Unfortunately…
the burger doesn’t live up to it.
I’ve eaten at Whataburger four times over the past 11 years.
That alone should tell you something.
In 2026, I decided to give it one last shot.
And it failed.
Miserably.
The standard Whataburger comes with mustard.
They forgot it.
I added grilled onions and jalapeños—still not enough to save it.
The beef patty tasted salty and overly processed, lacking any real depth of flavor.
But the real issues?
Price and calories.
The Vitals:
the spot: Whataburger locations in Texas and 16 other states in the South and Midwest
the eats: Double Meat burger, cheese, grilled onions, grilled jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard(they forgot)
the bucks: $8.92 w/ tax
the full nelson: NOT WORTH IT
At nearly $9 and 955 calories, this is a burger that simply doesn’t justify itself.
And this isn’t a one-off experience.
On previous visits, I’ve tried the Patty Melt and the chicken strips.
Ironically, the chicken strips were the best thing on the menu.
But…
it’s called Whataburger.
Not WhataChicken Strips.
If you need more convincing, I break it all down in the full video review:
Whataburger is a burger to avoid.
Yes, Texans are loyal—and that loyalty runs deep. But in this case, it feels misplaced.
In my 2026 fast food rankings:
And that’s not good company to be in.
This post is part of the “Is It Worth It?” series, where I break down fast food through the lens of price, value, and reality in 2026.
Check out more:
The best food in Austin Texas this month includes fried chicken food trucks, ½ lb brisket smash burgers, chef-driven sandwich pop-ups, and a legit contender for the best fish and chips I’ve ever had.
Take notes… or just bookmark this page.
The Vitals: the spot: Cockti Fried Chicken 2701 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702 the eats: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Bone in fried chicken, Chicken Nuggets the bucks: $9.50 the full nelson: Not your Grandma's Fried Chicken
Cockti Fried Chicken is a favorite of chefs — and for good reason.
An all dark-meat menu, genre-bending flavors, and food truck pricing make this one of the best food spots in Austin right now.
This is fried chicken for food people.
Szechuan peppercorn, guajillo chile — bold flavors that hit. And yes, it looks great on camera… but it sounds even better. The oohs and ahhs are real.
Bonus: the sandwich is big enough to share.
The Vitals:
the spot: Woodneck Kitchen Pop Up
the eats: Carnitas Breakfast sandwich
the bucks: $13
the full nelson: Cheffy comfort food from a gang of culinary upstarts
There’s probably a story behind the name “Woodneck Kitchen.” Doesn’t matter.
The real story is the crew behind it — think a pack of Casey Affleck characters from Good Will Hunting… but they can actually cook.
The carnitas breakfast sandwich is the move.
A housemade Kaiser roll holds crispy, juicy carnitas and a fried egg together like it’s meant to be. Add in killer salsas and you’ve got one of the best bites in Austin this month.
Cardiologist recommended? Maybe not.
Worth taking a statin for? Absolutely.
The Vitals:
the spot: Si Baby-Q
the eats: Brisket Smashed Burger
the bucks: $13
the full nelson: One damn heavy and rich burger
Austin has no shortage of BBQ — so standing out matters.
Si Baby-Q does it with creativity (South Asian flatbreads, smoked kimchi)… but also with straight-up value.
This is a double smash burger with two quarter-pound brisket patties seared on a tallow-soaked plancha.
It’s heavy. It’s rich. It drips.
And for $13? That’s real value — which is exactly what earns a spot on the best food in Austin list.
The Vitals:
the spot: Murray's Tavern 2316 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
the eats: Fish n Chips
the bucks: $24
the full nelson: Best fish n chips in town, maybe the state
Austin isn’t known for fish and chips.
Which makes this even more impressive.
Murray’s Tavern delivers one of the best versions I’ve had — anywhere.
Tartar sauce gets swapped for remoulade (a smart move), the portion is generous (8 oz — easily shareable), and the batter is light, almost tempura-like.
This is a certified banger.
These four spots are heavy hitters for the best food in Austin Texas this month.
I couldn’t make it to a fifth…
But that just means May is already loading.
This is the pho sequel your Instant Pot has been waiting for.
Especially when you’re feeding a 14-year-old.
Mine will inhale all the meat and noodles in five minutes, declare he’s done, and get up to leave.
Son, we are not leaving that liquid gold behind.
If you’ve got leftover pho broth, the easiest move is simple:
add more beef.
Here’s how I do it.
Rest the meat, then slice or shred and portion into your pho bowls.
You now have tender, flavorful beef without needing to make a full batch of broth.
Pho broth is labor-intensive.
Ask any Vietnamese cook—they’ll tell you the same thing. It takes time, technique, and patience.
So let the restaurant handle that part.
But once you’ve got leftover broth at home, you can stretch it into another meal by adding fresh protein.
Pho is still relatively affordable, but once you start adding extra meat, the price climbs quickly.
This is the workaround.
Making pho beef in an Instant Pot is:
Also—you’re going to need an Instant Pot.
And if you don’t have one yet…
what are you doing?
If you love beef pho, just add more beef.
Real talk—this isn’t the sexiest dish.
Pho is a symphony of flavors that shows up dressed head to toe in a beige tuxedo.
Deal with it.
In-N-Out Burger has built a loyal, almost cult-like following around its burgers.
Celebrities crave it late at night (including Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan), loyalists swear by it, and I’ve always called it one of the best values in fast food.
But in 2026, with rising prices everywhere, the question is simple:
Is In-N-Out still worth it?
Like every fast food chain, In-N-Out has raised prices in recent years.
According to Food & Wine, the price of a Double-Double (their signature double cheeseburger) increased from $8.59 to $11.44 (with tax) in Los Angeles between 2020 and 2024.
That kind of jump isn’t unique—but it does change how we think about value.
I’ve been ordering the same thing at In-N-Out for years:
3x2 Animal Style
(light lettuce, plus raw onion and chopped chilis)
It’s a killer burger.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, that order came out to $7.78 with tax, slightly more than what I typically pay in Austin.
So yes—it’s still under $8.
But the real question is:
Does it still feel like a deal?
The Vitals:
the spot: In-N-Out locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee
the eats: 3x2 animal style
the bucks: $7.78 w/ tax (Scottsdale AZ)
the full nelson: WORTH IT
Yes.
Even after trying newer, “improved” fast food burgers like the Big Arch and Whopper, In-N-Out still stands apart.
There’s something about the flavor—the balance of beef, sauce, and freshness—that hits differently.
And importantly, the price is still more competitive than most fast food chains in 2026.
The burgers run small.
To feel like a full meal, I usually go with three patties instead of two.
And while it may feel lighter than something like a Double Quarter Pounder, the calorie count adds up quickly—thanks in large part to that iconic “pink sauce” (a mayo-based Thousand Island).
If you judged this burger purely on appearance, you might call it mid.
I did.
The bun didn’t look perfect. I’ve seen better-looking burgers elsewhere.
But the flavor?
It completely delivered.
Final VerdictFast food isn’t cheap anymore.
But In-N-Out is one of the few places where the value still holds up.
In a world of $10+ burgers, In-N-Out remains one of the last chains where you can still feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.
And that’s why—despite everything—
it’s still worth it.
On the heels of McDonald's releasing their viral Big Arch burger, Burger King rolled out an “improved” version of the Whopper.
And yes—there was even a CEO moment.
Burger King’s CEO posted a video of himself eating the Whopper, widely seen as a subtle jab at the viral clip of McDonald’s CEO tasting the Big Arch.
Marketing aside, the real question is:
Is the new Whopper actually better—and more importantly, is it worth the price in 2026?
According to Burger King, the upgrades are simple:
Better bun
Better mayo
Better packaging (it now comes in a box)
The campaign leaned heavily into social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, where the Whopper was consistently praised on the first bite—but criticized on the last.
The conclusion?
Apparently the bun and mayo were the problem.
Surprisingly, this was the biggest upgrade.
There’s been a noticeable trend across fast food—cheap, overly runny mayonnaise that just doesn’t hold up. I’ve seen it recently at chains like Raising Cane's and Popeyes.
The new Whopper mayo? Better.
Not quite Hellmann’s or Duke’s level—but closer than expected.
I initially thought this was a throwaway upgrade.
A box? Really?
But in practice, it actually works—especially for drive-thru and delivery. The burger holds together better, and presentation is noticeably improved.
The bun… might be better?
To be fair, the last time I had Burger King (around 2020), it was borderline inedible. This time, the Whopper actually tasted like I remembered it growing up.
Which, honestly, is progress.
The Vitals:
the spot: Burger King locations worldwide
the eats: Whopper
the bucks: $7.57 w/ tax
the full nelson: decent but overpriced
Short answer: no.
Longer answer:
I was genuinely surprised. Burger King made the Whopper good again. It tasted familiar—in a nostalgic, fast-food kind of way.
But in 2026, “good” isn’t enough anymore.
At nearly $8, the Whopper is competing with:
regional chains like In-N-Out Burger
fast-casual spots like Shake Shack
local food trucks and independent diners
And in that context, it just doesn’t hold up.
Yes, the mayo is better.
But not $8 better.
McDonald’s recently debuted a new burger called the Big Arch, and it’s already generating buzz online.
The burger has even gone viral thanks to a clip of McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski taking a very careful bite during a promotional appearance.
But internet fame aside, the real question is simple:
Is the McDonald’s Big Arch actually worth the price—or the calories?
The Big Arch is essentially a supercharged version of a Big Mac-style burger.
Imagine the heft of a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, but topped with:
three slices of white cheddar
crispy fried onions
shredded lettuce
pickles
the new Big Arch sauce (which feels very similar to Big Mac sauce)
The result is a massive fast food burger that pushes well over 1,000 calories.
That’s a lot of burger.
But does it deliver value?
At my local McDonald’s in Austin, Texas, the Big Arch costs $8.99 by itself.
I skipped fries and a drink, but a combo meal would easily push the total past $13.
Welcome to fast food in 2026.
One thing is certain: you will not leave hungry.
While spending almost $10 on a burger at McDonald’s might feel strange, credit where it’s due—the Big Arch might be the best burger McDonald’s has ever made.
That’s largely thanks to the improved quarter-pound patties, the same fresh beef used in the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese.
If you have the appetite, the Big Arch delivers a satisfying burger experience.
By now you may have seen the viral video of McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski eating the Big Arch.
He was widely mocked online for taking a very delicate bite and referring to the burger as a “product.”
But the CEO did get one thing right.
The Big Arch delivers that unmistakable McDonald’s flavor—the taste that built one of the biggest fast food empires in the world.
The Vitals:
the spot: McDonald's locations worldwide
the eats: Big Arch
the bucks: $8.99
the full nelson: delicious but dangerous
My verdict: worth the money, not worth the calories.
The Big Arch is undeniably delicious. If you’re a fan of Big Mac sauce, this burger will feel like a dream.
In many ways, it’s essentially a Big Mac on steroids.
But that’s also the problem.
The burger is almost an overdose of McDonald’s flavor.
Sure, it’s fun as an occasional indulgence. But considering how easy it is to find a McDonald’s almost anywhere, the Big Arch could be dangerous territory for anyone trying to keep fast food in moderation.
In short:
The Big Arch might be McDonald’s best burger yet.
Just eat with caution.
SXSW 2026 is days away, and one question will come up again and again: where should you eat in Austin during SXSW?
While Austin has plenty of restaurants worth a solo trip to the city, downtown Austin is the most convenient place to grab a bite during the festival. Between conference panels, concerts, and startup pitches, these spots are perfect for a quick meal or a proper break from the SXSW chaos.
Here are a few of my favorite places to eat during SXSW 2026 near downtown Austin.
The Vitals: the spot: Manny's 301 W 5th St Suite A, Austin, TX 78701 the eats: Mojitos, cafecitos, pan de lechon and empanadas the bucks: $$ the full nelson: Cuban cravings in downtown Austin
It’s hard to imagine finding great Cuban food outside of Miami (or Tampa… iykyk). But when the craving hits, go where the cafecitos are flowing.
Manny’s is the kind of place where a quick espresso can easily turn into empanadas and a pan con lechón. I’m a lechón guy, so the roast pork sandwich is usually my move.
And yes—there are drinks. After three mojitos, you might forget you’re at SXSW and not sitting in a charming café somewhere in Little Havana.
If someone asks “Where should we eat during SXSW 2026?” Manny’s is a strong answer.
The Vitals: the spot: Two Goose Market 706 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 the eats: Texas BBQ the bucks: $$ the full nelson: a hot new Texas BBQ spot just outside of downtown
Two Goose is brand new to the Austin BBQ scene, but it’s already generating buzz.
If you came to Austin for SXSW, you probably heard one thing repeatedly: Austin takes BBQ seriously.
The pitmaster here comes from one of the city’s most celebrated barbecue spots. In addition to smoked meats, you’ll also find breakfast tacos, good coffee, and one of my favorite chicken salads in town.
But make no mistake: BBQ is the draw.
Order a platter, grab some brisket, and enjoy one of Austin’s most iconic food traditions. It’s just a short Uber ride from the SXSW madness downtown.
The Vitals:
the spot: Parkside 301 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
the eats: farm to table chef driven comfort fare
the bucks: $$-$$$
the full nelson: an old school gastropub that's a downtown Austin gem
Parkside has been around long enough that the word “gastropub” still shows up in its bio—and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
Chef-driven burgers, oysters on the half shell, and a strong cocktail program keep Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all happy.
If you’re navigating SXSW crowds, happy hour is the move. Slide in for a burger, some oysters, and an Old Fashioned.
Or a mocktail if you’re keeping it light before the next showcase.
Either way, Parkside is a great answer when someone asks:
“Where should we eat during SXSW 2026?”
The Vitals:
the spot: Taqueria 10 de 10 206 Trinity St unit 110, Austin, TX 78701
the eats: Al Pastor(Adobada), Carne Asada, Vulcans
the bucks: $
the full nelson: Tijuana style taco stand
You can’t visit Austin without eating tacos.
Taqueria 10 de 10 brings Tijuana-style taqueria energy to downtown Austin. The burnt-orange al pastor (called adobada) is the standout, along with carne asada tacos.
But the real move?
Order a Vulcan.
Think of it as a hybrid between a cheesy quesadilla and a crunchy tostada loaded with meat.
It’s tucked into an alley downtown, but it’s close enough to SXSW venues to make the short detour worth it.
And yes—you should absolutely get a Vulcan.
Even if you’re not a Star Trek fan.
Austin has far more restaurants worth exploring, especially if you venture beyond downtown.
But if you’re looking for great food near SXSW 2026, these spots will keep you well fed between panels, parties, and late-night shows.
Dig through the blog for more Austin food recommendations—and enjoy SXSW 2026.
Subway was once the fast food sandwich chain that seemed to rival McDonald’s. The appeal was simple: healthy(ish) food and strong value.
That value is mostly gone.
In 2026, Subway is surprisingly expensive—and facing much stiffer competition from fast-casual sandwich shops, grocery delis, and local spots.
So the question becomes: does this mean the end of Subway?
I went to Subway to try the All-American Club.
A footlong sub rang up at $12.98 with tax. And yes, there was also a tip option at checkout.
The sandwich comes with turkey, ham, bacon, your choice of cheese, and all the veggie and sauce toppings you want.
On paper, that sounds like a lot.
It’s important to point out what’s missing.
No soda. No chips. And honestly… not much visible meat.
Not that there wasn’t meat in the sandwich—you just can’t really see it.
And that’s part of the problem.
I picked the All-American Club because it ranked highly on several “best Subway sandwich” lists, including one from Tasting Table.
I was honestly prepared for the worst.
And while the sandwich was totally edible, it ultimately felt chintzy.
Subway’s greatest strength is also its greatest flaw: customization.
You can pile on a ton of veggie toppings, and to their credit, the vegetables actually taste fairly fresh for fast food. But it also throws off the ratios.
The result? More bread than anything else.
It’s almost like a po’ boy by culinary design—except not for your pocketbook.
Not in 2026.
Subway became a fast food icon because of value. That value helped offset the reality that the food itself was pretty mediocre.
But with 2026 prices, Subway feels like mid-tier food at premium prices.
The $5 footlong era—arguably Subway’s peak—is long gone.
At least we still have the old commercials.
