September 2011
Most of the MMDG staffers who went on the Chewed & Reviewed expedition to Fuddruckers have lived or worked in Columbia the entire duration that Fuddruckers has been on Nifong. All but one admitted to driving past this location and never stopping in. Most knew the name but had no idea what they were really known for.
At Fuddruckers, customers order at the counter from a menu displayed on the wall. There is a wide range of meat choices: beef, bison, turkey, and veggie - even ostrich. Once the burger and fry choices are ordered, customers are given a buzzer to wait for their choices to be cooked. Once each meal is ready, it's on to the do-it-yourself toppings bar to select from a really large variety of fresh toppings, condiments and sauces. All agreed the environment is fun; decorated with nostalgic photos on the wall and a traditional black and white checkered floor with red booths. Here are their thoughts and reviews, in their own words:
1/3 Pound Burger with Pepper Jack Cheese, White Chocolate Chip Cookie, and Sweet Potato Fries
I opted for the traditional 1/3 pound burger with pepper jack cheese. The options for the type of meat, thickness, temperature, and toppings were truly “make your own burger.” I even had a choice of fries, of which I chose the "healthier" choice of sweet potato fries, but how could I refuse to add on a cookie for additional .25 cents (for a limited time only)? My "packaged" deal was around $8.00. I was handed a pager that buzzed when my custom-made burger would be ready. Buzzed after just a few minutes, I picked up my food and was introduced to the "topping bar" which included banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño’s, pickles and all the sauces from ketchup, mustard, and even special versions of each. My burger was a perfect medium rare and you could tell must have been "hand patted." The bun was lightly toasted and apparently was handmade by Fuddruckers. It was a great burger! I would like to have had sweet honey mustard as a dipping sauce for my sweet potato fries, but they were good plain as well. I chose a white chocolate chip cookie that finished off the meal perfectly. I think this would be a great family restaurant to bring kids to as well as a great place to stop in for a fast, handmade lunch.
Turkey Burger with Sweet Potato Fries
Until a few days before going in, I knew practically nothing about Fuddruckers. I knew they had burgers. Good burgers. Famous burgers. But all I knew was…..burgers. I didn't think I'd ever find myself there because I don't eat beef. However, I learned that they have a wide variety of burgers from veggie burgers to exotic meat burgers (ostrich, etc.) to turkey burgers. Turkey burger with sweet potato fries was my decision. Fuddruckers is right around the corner from my work and house and I didn't know that their food was so good! I fully enjoyed my great big burger with melted cheese and toppings that I got to choose from their buffet. If you’re a finicky eater like me, “put everything on the side, take that off, extra that,” Fuddruckers is right up your alley. The atmosphere was chain-like, but not over the top. We sat in a corner booth with Beatles memorabilia everywhere (can't go wrong there). Service was friendly and the place was well-lit and clean. No complaints. 4 out of 5 forks
1/3 Pound Burger with Sweet Potato Fries and Chocolate Milkshake
As I walked into the restaurant I was immediately reminded why I loved this place. Surrounded by the classics, from the Beatles to the Rat Pack, this is one of my favorite places to just sit and reminisce of the good old days. I ordered my favorite, a 1/3 lb. cheeseburger cooked to perfection at medium well, amazing sweet potato fries, and of course a delicious handmade old fashioned chocolate milkshake. My order was quickly prepared and my buzzer lit up with urgency. The time had come for me to load on the toppings. Although there is a buffet of toppings, I kept it simple that day. Ketchup, mustard, lettuce and tomato would do. As I finished off my chocolate milkshake, I was overcome with disappointment. I wanted just a little more… but I really didn’t want to order an entire other milkshake! But wait! I had forgotten that I was given the rest of the milkshake from the blender. Oh, Joy! I quickly emptied the rest of that milkshake into my old fashioned glass. Yep, this is still one of my favorite restaurants, always!
