Culver’s — Restaurant in Lake View Township

As someone who has enjoyed Culver’s across numerous states, including my most recent positive experience in Florid, I’ve always appreciated the brand’s hallmark consistency. Unfortunately, my recent visit to a Chicago location completely broke that trust, and as someone who works professionally in the restaurant industry, I couldn’t let this go without saying something.

The main issue began with the kids’ custard cup, which was noticeably small. When I asked about it, the team member responded, “It’s a kids cup, and it was free,” followed by, “Every state does things differently because they’re franchised.” For context, my daughter paid for the meal using tokens she earned—this wasn’t a giveaway. That phrasing alone is problematic. In my own experience training and supporting struggling restaurants, I would never allow team members to imply that a paying customer deserves less because of how they paid or where they are. That undermines brand consistency and sends the wrong message, especially when Culver’s own founder emphasized teaching children the value of saving and earning rewards.

To make matters worse, I was told they had run out of the proper custard cups, so they served it in a larger container, making the already small portion appear even more lacking. That’s not just a visual misstep, it’s a breakdown in inventory management and team communication. Managers should be proactively tracking stock levels, communicating across shifts, and coordinating with nearby stores or their area leaders to fill gaps before service begins. “Prepare for rain” is a well-known industry phrase for a reason—good operations are proactive, not reactive.

But it didn’t stop there. The cashier failed to ask if we wanted toppings or offer basic essentials like utensils or ketchup. The restroom was in unacceptable condition: a pile of toilet paper in the corner, yellow water on the floor. That water ultimately ended up on the carpet of my car—an unfortunate, lingering reminder of a visit that should have been positive.

These weren’t isolated mistakes—they were systemic. From the front counter to the back of house, it was clear there was a breakdown in leadership, training, and accountability. Managers should be actively present on the floor, walking the store, coaching staff, and ensuring that brand standards are visible in every detail of the guest experience.

Culver’s has earned a strong reputation over the years for quality and consistency. This location simply didn’t live up to that. My hope is that this feedback doesn’t just get dismissed, but used constructively to course correct—and quickly—before more loyal customers walk away...

I grew up in WI so Culver's were kind of a staple for me, so I kind of know what to expect from one. This location just doesn't hit the mark at all though. I feel I've given it quite a fair try as well, having eaten here maybe a dozen or more times now since it's opened hoping it will improve as the staff gain experience/stability. I'm sad to say, I've come here far more often than I should at this point, probably simply because it's so close to me.

Its quality is just so inconsistent. About 2/3rds of the times I've come it has been perfectly fine. Wait staff are quick/friendly. Food is good and arrives timely. Typically this happens at odd hours between rushes.

But I get the sense they don't handle rush periods well at all. That other 1/3rd of the time my orders are regularly slightly or totally wrong. I was given mashed potatoes without gravy on more than one occasion. Once they just ignored the change of side. Once my side potatoes were still basically cold. Once I was given someone elses order entirely.

Another time ordered a concrete mixer with chocolate ice cream. It came out made with vanilla (though slightly brown due to chocolate toppings) so I returned it. They came back with clearly the same shake with what I'm pretty sure was just a bunch of extra chocolate sauce or fudge or something dumped into it and remixed. They didn't just make it again with chocolate ice cream. Laziness aside, I'm pretty sure that's probably a health code violation... because the incorrect vanilla was mixed with several chocolate toppings initially I didn't notice the error until after a spoonful I clearly took. Apologies to whoever ordered a concrete mixer after me that day... I gave up and left.

That's not to mention the relative disorganization of the staff that seems to reoccur at busier times. Long wait times and backed up incorrect orders. It's not like they've ever seemed totally packed though like other Culver's I've been at during rush hour. Plenty of empty tables. They don't appear understaffed necessarily, but many of the staff often do appear idle ... I'm not sure why the dropoff in quality at rush, but that's my guess.

Further, a couple of burgers I've had were clearly undercooked. Which leads to the most recent issue I had that drove me to write this review... I'm about 90% sure I got food poisoning my last time here -- 4 days between my bed and the bathroom. Unbelievable.

I love Culver's generally... But this one needs a lot of work. I've been patient, but I think I have to give up on this one. I don't have enough...

Had received a coupon for a freebie meal so, great...well except for having to pay $2 to park, Thank You Lori Lightfoot & co..grrrr. [ re Culver's on Montrose @ Ravenswood ]

Got lucky, found parking right in front (a-mazing). Staff very friendly, took my order for a double burger with everything (pickle, tomatoe, Bermuda? Onion, cheese, lettuce..IIRC), side of fries and medium drink. I opted for Tea.

Found a semi-quiet booth (music Could be a bit less obtrusive..), a bit of residue left over from previous guest(s), did some searching thru my phone contacts for Auto Repair, soon had a tray delivered...ahhh! Food.

Here goes: bun...soft; beef? patties...thin; fixin's...lots; fries..coulda used a Bit more cooking, I likes ' em crisper but were OK. Tore into it like a rescued hombre found on a deserted island. Ahem. Dee-lish, definally. Tea not bad, either.

Would suggest not putting burger and fries in the cardboard tray... gotta take ' em out to eat ' em, just leave on the big tray, put the nappies in the cardboard tray instead.

Very satisfying. Fellow stopped by to check on any other wants. Did finally look at the receipt.

S'a different epoch we got goin' here. About $11 holy Mother of God! Fifty for this repast. Am I ever glad it was comped. Where I grew up a dog w/everything AND fries was (are you sitting down? good.).. 25 hey!-there's-no-CENT-sign on dis phone... What?! Cup of NEHI Grape was extra. Friday nights with my buddy Ray, who had a great Chevy II column stick. Bench seats,grin. Great for dates...

Bucket seats: Killed romance and, I'm certain, contributed to the decline and fall of the Drive-In Movie business. So sad.

Sorry, I digress. A lot. It's just my ADD..

Culver's. OK....if yer up to spending $25 or more to treat your LO to a meal. I highly recommend Denny's. Great steak, believe it or not and ditto Nachos. A bit out of the way but so what? I love driving. And good, INexpensive food.

There ya go....