Recently opening in Oshkosh, Freddy’s is a chain restaurant with a classic diner-like feel. However, despite the polarizing red color it’s not difficult to draw connections to the midwestern favorite: Culver’s. Both primarily selling burgers and custard, Freddy’s and Culver’s are competing for the same market, yet they are both doing it in different ways.
After a long day of shopping or running errands in Oshkosh, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to slow down and stop to eat at Freddy’s Custard and Steakburgers. Walking in, music is bumping and the vintage booths, pictures, and neon signs make for a nostalgic and energetic feel. At 3:30 p.m. on a Saturday, the restaurant was not at peak hours, nonetheless a few other customers filled up the carmine red booths and tables. Despite Freddy’s being a chain restaurant, it easily could have passed for an updated family diner and had a more sit-down atmosphere than that of a Culver’s.
Looking at the food menu there were some options, but all of them were based on the fryer or the grill so they definitely lacked lighter or healthier foods. The main dishes were burgers, specialty hot dogs and fried chicken, and other sandwiches. The sides were also fried foods including tater tots, variations of fries, onion rings and cheese curds. The lack of variety is a big knock on Freddy’s, and Culver’s diverse menu with seafood, salads, and vegetables blows Freddy’s out of the water.
Despite the limited options compared to Culvers, Freddy’s has a big upper hand when it comes to price. The combo meal with a “Double California Steak Burger,” fries, and a drink came in at $10.79. A Culver’s value basket, containing a deluxe burger, fries and a drink is $12.59. However, where Freddy’s really shines is in price customization. Adding a “Freddy’s Frost” to a meal instead of a drink is an increase of only $2, whereas if someone was looking to purchase any type of custard at Culver’s it has to be an additional order which easily adds at least $4.
In terms of food quality, the California burger came out quickly and had a variety of toppings. The tangy thousand island sauce meshed very well with the savory burger, and the onion and lettuce added a lot of crunchy texture. The tater tots were very crispy but a little heavy on the salt, nonetheless they are a tasty side and customers are able to choose from a wide range of free sauces to dip them in. The lemon “Freddy’s Frost” was a unique dessert with a subtle lemon flavor. The consistency was silky and each sip was highly enjoyable, especially after the saltier and heavier burger.
For other desserts, Freddy’s has a variety of other specialty custard sundaes. These range from century old classics like the turtle, to newer and more child inspired treats, like a dirt cake inspired “Dirt and Worms.” These can be served in circular dishes if a customer is eating in, or blended into a mix to be taken on the go.
Overall, Freddy’s is a fun and quick restaurant to eat at and enjoy. Despite not having the menu of Culver’s, it is a bit cheaper and has a nicer area to sit down. The two nearest restaurants are at 525 S. Washburn Street, Oshkosh, and 633 W. College Avenue, Appleton. Their normal operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with both restaurants staying open an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Prepare to spend about $10-15 per person. Freddy’s earns 3.5/5 stars.