Since my first visit to Culver’s ButterBurgers and Frozen Custard in Naples, I’ve chased their ButterBurgers across states. This isn’t cookie-cutter fast food. I still get a kid-level jolt when that blue sign pops up, and now South Florida finally has them.
South Florida burger fans waited decades for Culver’s to cross state lines. With Cooper City, Margate, and Tamarac now open, locals can finally taste what the Midwest has been bragging about — real ButterBurgers cooked to order, golden cheese curds, and thick frozen custard concretes.
Culver’s South Florida Locations – Quick Info
After years of only eating Culver’s on road trips, they have finally opened restaurant locations in South Florida.
Culver’s – South Florida Locations
📍 3700 N University Dr, Cooper City, FL
📞 (954) 399-9617
📍 5510 W Copans Rd, Margate, FL
📞 (954) 951-7008
📍 8251 W Commercial Blvd, Tamarac, FL
📞 (954) 406-1104
🌐 culvers.com
📸 Instagram | Facebook
🕒 Hours vary by location
Culver’s Mini History
Founded by Craig and Lea Culver in 1984, Culver’s remains a family-owned chain known for hospitality, real Wisconsin dairy, and made-to-order burgers — a rarity in fast food.
During the mid-1980s, Fuddruckers was rapidly expanding across the US, but if you were in Sauk City, Wisconsin, you might have been lucky enough to see the opening of the first Culver’s on July 18, 1984.
For almost ten years, you could only get Culver’s ButterBurgers and Frozen Custard in Wisconsin. They expanded slowly to twenty-five states over the following thirty-five years.
I first heard about Culver’s from my late friend Spencer Block. He was from Wisconsin and mentioned them pretty much every time we spoke.
He wanted me to go to a Milwaukee Brewers game with him and hit up Culver’s afterward, but it never came to pass. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Culver’s Food Talk
I had been waiting for years to try Culver’s ButterBurgers. I was ecstatic when I came across the press release with info about their imminent arrival in Florida.
All three locations (Naples, Port Charlotte, and Ft. Myers) are on the West Coast of Florida, but that didn’t stop me from making the trek to the Naples location. The other two spots were still under construction at that time.
My cousin Fred and I drove into Naples (almost 2 hours, by the way) and arrived just a few minutes short of 11 a.m. During the drive, we discussed what exactly we were going to order.
I’d rank the ButterBurger up there with the best fast-food burgers I’ve had, alongside Five Guys and Whataburger.
Once that giant menu was in front of us, it kind of went out the window. There was no one in line behind us, so we had the luxury of taking our time and ordering.
The first thing out of my mouth is, “I’ll take a number 2,” and the cashier looks at me, then at the menu board behind her, and then back at me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I asked for a number 2 when there is no numbering system at all.
Worst of all, I didn’t catch my mistake. She told me there were no numbered meals, and then I wanted to crawl into a giant ball and roll into a river of cheese.
OK, I’m exaggerating; I took a cheap shot at myself, which made her laugh, so I rebounded quickly.
Melts and Cheese Curds
Here was our order: Sourdough Melt (which I tacked on right after she gave us our total), Wisconsin cheese curds, and a Double ButterBurger Cheese with crinkle-cut fries. I stick to drinking cola or water with my meals, but I took this picture for those who are into it; Culver’s has its own branded Root Beer.
I made a big mistake when I ordered the sourdough melt. The cashier asked if I’d like to double the meat, but I turned her down. The patties are thin, so a double is essential to get a good burger flavor out of the sandwich.
Those Wisconsin cheese curds are deadly. They’re breaded, deep-fried little balls of Wisconsin‘s un-aged yellow and white cheddar cheese.
I could pop those like candy all day, so please keep them far away. No, for real, keep them away from me.
This Culver’s Butter Burger is a Beauty
This ButterBurger cheese was a beautiful little number; take a close look at the crust on that burger. The cheese is always nice & melty. We ordered it as a double, so now you can grasp that unmistakable fresh beef taste.
The bun was lightly toasted with butter, which came through just a little bit. I would have eaten a second if I wasn’t so full. On subsequent visits, I’ve become addicted to their sourdough melt.
The crinkle-cut fries are the best in the fast-food game, no discussion necessary.
What to Order
- Double ButterBurger Cheese – thin, crispy patties with perfect melt.
- Sourdough Melt (Double) – skip the single. The double’s where the beef flavor shines.
- Wisconsin Cheese Curds – the must-have side.
- Concrete Mixer – vanilla custard base with your favorite mix-in.
Time for a Concrete
We weren’t leaving without having one of their concretes. A concrete is a frozen custard mixed with a topping like candy or fruit.
We went for a small M&M Concrete Mixer. It was pretty good, but I should have gone to vanilla for my first frozen custard experience at Culver’s.
If Culver’s ButterBurgers were in my neighborhood, I’d hit them up over any of the big 3 (Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s). I would choose it over Five Guys Burgers & Fries any day of the week.
Damn you, Wisconsin cheese curds; I miss you already.
Culver’s Curderburger for a Limited Time
Culver’s Curder Burger returns yearly for a limited time during the time surrounding National Cheese Curd Day (October 15th). I drove over to their Ft. Myers locations and met up with the endorsement.
You can watch the full review on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF7XKr117O4&feature=youtu.be
My quick thoughts on it, it’s a Culver’s burger, so you already have a great base burger profile. I opted against the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, yet I kept the mayo.
Since I find their patties tiny, it was a double for me. I’m a fan of cheese curds, but the cheese curds fried patty didn’t do it for me.
Culver’s continues to expand across Florida, with new locations expected in Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, and Orlando suburbs. If you spot that blue sign, don’t pass it by.
FAQ Section
What makes Culver’s ButterBurgers different?
They’re cooked to order with fresh (never frozen) beef and served on a lightly buttered bun — hence the name.
Does Culver’s really use Wisconsin cheese?
Yes. Culver’s sources its cheese and custard ingredients from Wisconsin dairies.
Is Culver’s available in South Florida?
Yes! Culver’s has locations in Cooper City, Margate, and Tamarac, with more coming soon.
If you love Culver’s ButterBurgers, check out my full list of the Best National Chain Burgers in America.
