ButterBurger “The Original”

The burger the Culver family built the chain on, and a lesson in how much a bun matters. The fresh beef is seared on the flat grill and served on a crown that is buttered and toasted, so the first thing you taste is warm, rich bread against a crusty patty. Keep the toppings minimal the first time and let the butter do its job.

Culver’s opened in 1984 with the ButterBurger as its centrepiece, a Midwestern idea borrowed from old Wisconsin diners where buns were routinely buttered before toasting. The chain turned a regional habit into its identity, and in 2024, for its fortieth birthday, the Governor of Wisconsin declared July 18 “Culver’s Day”.