Spelunker's — Restaurant in Front Royal

There are a few places that you might visit in your life where you experience a proof of concept. Burgers and fries should be fast, they should be tasty and the service should be friendly.

Spelunkers Burgers & Frozen Custard is one of those places that lives up to that concept. When we visited Front Royal, it was suggested to us that we try this place and to "Get the cheesesteak!" We ended up going a total of 3 times in our visit to this town, and while I did indeed try the cheesesteak, I also tried their burger and their chicken sandwich at 3 different levels of heat (I was on vacation and off my diet, please don't judge).

First, the aforementioned cheesesteak - I think this is a standout that does not get enough attention because most people will just order the burgers and fries. It's difficult to get a good cheesesteak, but mine came on a soft, warm roll, full of cheesy, meaty goodness, and that roll held up to the juiciness within. If I were to go back, this would probably be my go-to sandwich moving forward.

The burgers are cooked to order, juicy and thick. My nephew ordered the double burger, and I tried a bite with his permission. The toppings were fresh and crisp, the meat was hot and juicy with just the right amount of crispness at the edge of the cooked meat.

My note on the chicken sandwiches is that I am from Texas and can handle quite a bit of heat. That being said, I started with the Hellfire level of spice, and while I was able to finish it, I would suggest trying a level below that unless you are a true heat seeker. I found that the "spicy" level was perfect; it's a crispy, deep-fried piece of chicken breast with two pickles and a tangy sauce. Very delicious, and if you prefer chicken, it is a great option.

A few other notes about this restaurant, they're extremely popular, and while I think the food was worth it (this was my nephew's trip and he requested it a few times so we went back) I do think they need a bigger parking lot and possibly a bigger store to accommodate their popularity. They're churning orders out quickly, but the inside is hectic, and we ended up just ordering our food and taking it home. A negative note on an otherwise amazing experience.

This is a review where, if I could leave a 4.5 score, I would. I think Spelunkers has mastered the craft of their food, and their staff are working quickly but still maintaining friendliness, which is a hard mix to find. My only constructive feedback would be that it does seem like a restaurant that has outgrown itself a little; they need more space or perhaps even a second location to accommodate the crowds they're seeing.

Despite that, it's classic food done right, and it will probably remind you of a burger place you remember from your hometown growing up. The difference is, instead of just remembering those burgers as the best you ever had at Spelunkers, they may be...

We had heard so much about this place we finally decided to take a short drive and see what all the excitement was about. We arrived at 12:30 on a weekday and the place was jam packed! While it took a few minutes to get a seat, placing our order was easy and quick with several cashiers taking orders and a very short line at the counter. They kept things moving and service was excellent! The menu is more diverse than we had anticipated with a variety of burgers, sandwiches/hoagies, chicken and sides. Prices are very reasonable, competitive with Smashburger/Freddy's, less than 5 Guys or Foster's. We kept things simple, we were here to try the burgers. I ordered a double cheese, my wife got a single. We shared the generous medium sized order of fries and the drink. Our total bill came to $28 including the tip. We were very pleasantly surprised at the value. The burgers were good, very good, with fresh toppings and vey generous portions, served on buttered buns that were delectible. They were delivered to our table hot, expertly cooked and very flavorful. Our food looked great and belied the hectic activity behind the counter and in the dining room. The fries were excellent as well. All in all, we were very pleased and impressed. We were even more impressed with the service. The folks at the counter were quick but helpful. The people bringing our meals were hustling to get them to the table but incredibly polite and attentive, even though the place was very crowded. We will return! But we're about 40 minutes away. While the burgers are great and there's superb value here, this would be a stop we would make only if in the general vicinity. We do enjoy a Smashburger and there's one close to our home. With pricing and taste very similar to Smashburger, Spelunkers will be a special treat from...

I dont have any photos, but someone told me about Spelunker's, and I have tried it out several times now. You have to be famished to finish one of their regular sized hamburgers, so I always order the junior size now.i dont cook with a lot of salt, so I sometimes remember to tell them no added salt. The burgers are very juicy, cooked to perfection--never dried out or leathery. Thwir fries are really mouthwatering, right a.ount if crisp and never taste of oil and never ever an aftertaste of old oil. I highly recommend their ice cream specialties because they are well thought out and definitely shareable after all the food! I use the drive through. When you get to the window they will ask you to move forward in a line behing other cars waiting. If you match your car up with the others ...right behind another, no worries everyone fits in the driveway and the staff keep everyone straight, delivering the right order to you in very quick times, even on a busy day. Front Royal isn't so far off of I-81 and I-66, so even if heading north on 81, take the extra 30 -40 min. to drive east on 66 to Front Royal (including ordering and pick-up time) and get something far superior to the Golden Arches or "the King". I checked the low price range but you will be close to or just over $10 if you get the full sized burger and a drink. Between $10 and 15 with drink fries and a maybe dessert (although you'll be taking food home if you get all that. HUGE servings! Well worth it....