Fuddruckers in Michigan - Make it Yourself, with a Little Help!

It's funny how life is. Imagine two people sitting at home.

John: "What's for dinner"
Mary: "I don't know, I don't feel like cooking"
John: "Me neither. I definitely don't want to make anything. Let's go out"
Mary: "Where should we go?"
John: "How about Fuddruckers! They let you make your own Burger!"
Mary: "Sounds fun! Let's go!"

Ok, do you see the irony here? When you sit at home, look in your fridge, you just don't want to cook. Yet, when you go to Fuddruckers, preparing your own food is suddenly entertaining! No, you don't cook your own burger, exactly, but read on to find out why this is such a great fun restaurant!

Where'd this place come from??
Fuddruckers started up in texas. I don't know if that gives you any indication of the type of food, but if you live in San Antonio, you might want to check out the first one ever. This restaurant has only been around since 1980. It's only a little older than me! If you want to know how good they are, just think of how in a little over 25 years they have already expanded so much! A restaurant started in Texas, and 25 years later it's here in Michigan with multiple locations. They must be good, or else they would have never made it all over the country.

"Phil Romano created it, because he couldn't find a place to get a great, fresh hamburger" that's the only real story behind this place!

What can I eat?
(menus vary, I eat in the Detroit, MI area)

As you've probably guessed, Fuddruckers is a Burger Joint (to say the least). They are the Home of the "World's Greatest Hamburgers" according to their website. I would say, I agree! They offer more than just regular burgers. Most burgers can be ordered in 1 of these sizes: 1lb, 2/3 lb, 1/2 lb, or 1/3 lb. Note - some burgers like the Veggie burger, are limited to 1/3 or 1/2 lb. Following are some snippets of the Menu (minus all the fancy taglines and labels)

Specialty Burgers:
Three Cheese, Swiss Melt, Bacon Cheddar, Portabello Mushroom, Low Carb

Make your own Specialty:
Create your own Specialty with a combination of any of these items - Grilled Mushrooms, Chili, Ones, any of multiple cheeses, etc.

Exotic Burgers
Ostrich!, Turkey, Salmon, Garden, Ribeye Steak

Grill Platters
If you aren't in the mood for a burger choose to instead have one of their Steak or Chicken Platters with some sides.

Chicken Sandwiches
There are different Chicken Sandwiches ranging from Santa Fe to All American to Low Carb.

Sides
Fries, Onion Rings, Chili Cheese Fries, Mac and Cheese, Baked Beans, Salad

Salads and Soups
If you don't even like burgers, try some of these!
Salads - Chicken, Taco, Salmon, Ceaser
Soups - Chili or the Soup of the Day in a Breadbowl

Drinks
Shakes and Malts made while you wait. Free refills if you order a fountain drink (pop and ice tea). Beer, Water, Coffee or Tea

Desserts
Brownie Sundae, Ice Cream Sandwich, other Ice Cream Sundaes, Cream Pie (whole or by the slice), Rice Krispy Treats

Service
Unlike a regular sit down restaurant, Fuddruckers is a little different. You order right when you walk in, pay right after that, and you are given a buzzer. If you wish to order their special milkshakes, you are given a number for your table. You get your own drinks (free refills) and wait at your table until you are buzzed. Once buzzed, you go get your burger from the grill area. You proceed to top it with anything you wish and return to your table. When your milkshake is ready, the milkshake waiter will bring it over to your table.

Waiters are far and few between. They clean up after you, and come by maybe once to see if everything's ok or if you want a box. Since everything is self serve, you don't really need a waiter anyway. And I usually don't leave a tip unless the person actually waited on me, since you already paid at the start of this, and the waiter really is only necessary if there is a mistake or you need something extra.

This makes for a nice uninterrupted meal. It's *almost* buffet style, except you only need to get up once to top your burger.

Atmosphere
The decorations are, well I can't even picture it. The ones around here are mostly a big open room with lots of tables and good lighting. I don't remember what's on the walls, so it must not matter that much. Maybe I was too busy enjoying my food!

This is a good place to go for a relaxed dining experience. You can go as a couple or put a few tables together with your friends. Eat at your own pace with nobody rushing you out. You've already paid, so once you get your food, do whatever you want! There are video games in the restaurants by me. I've notice parents like to sit near these so that when their kids get bored with eating (as kids tend to do) they can play games while their parents continue to eat.

Who should go?
Anyone can eat here. Old, young, meat lover, vegetarian, whatever you are, you can get a burger and put on whatever you want. Do you like spicy? Then use the spicy sauces and toppings. Like lots of pickles? Have as many as you want!

Kids, however, should be watched. The toppings are low enough that kids would be able to reach them, and I have seen kids try to grab right into them. It is probably fun for kids to put together there own burger, and that's fine as long as the parent is there to help.

Location, Location, Location
Is there one near you? You can use their Fuddruckers Finder System to know for sure - http://www.fuddruckers.com/ - There are currently 8 in Michigan but I've only been to two. There are currently Fuddruckers all over the country. You'll have to check out the site for more information. Fuddruckers is a franchise, so check out the site and maybe you can open your own!

So, does it please your Taste Buds?
I've been to this restaurant with 3 different people so far, and they each ordered something different. I always order the Veggie Burger. All of our ratings for taste have always been very high. The veggie burger is at the small size (1/3 lb) but that is still HUGE for me, and I can only eat half. It's not just the burger itself, but the Buns are great, the toppings are all fresh and there is a huge variety. You'll see things you never thought to put on a burger such as salsa and say "That sounds good!"

The Milkshakes are completely awesome! Homemade strawberry shake is what I always get! They give you A LOT of Milkshake to. One full glass the shake is poured into, and another tin glass of what was left over from the mixer. Sometimes, we order one and split it because it is big enough for two people but most the time we get one for each of us. Trust me it is worth it.

They only side item I've had is the Fries and I love them. I always take home half the burger and at least half the fries and it makes another filling meal the next day.

Price
The price can be high, here's a little breakdown.

If you and your companions each order a bigger size burger, a side and a milkshake, price = pretty high for burgers.

If you and your companions each order a bigger size burger, share a side and share a milkshake, price = reasonable.

If you and your companions get a big big burger and cut it in half, share a side and share a milkshake, you are being really cheap! Just kidding, it makes for a good deal if you are willing to share.

If you and your companions stick to the smaller sizes, share a side, and skip dessert, price = great!

I wouldn't go here alone. It's not worth it! You probably won't eat everything on your plate, so it's a better deal to share. If you simply don't want to share, then plan to take half home which will make the price more reasonable.

Vegetarian Friendly Rating
My Vegetarian rating for Fuddruckers is 4 out of 5. They have yummy veggie burgers, and pretty good choices, their Garden Burger is generally the only thing I have eaten there (besides sides) but they only offer it in one size. However it is still very good! and I will always enjoy eating it everytime. I eat fish, and would like to try their Salmon burger, but since most vegetarians do not eat fish, I am keeping this rating at a 4.

Conclusion
If you like burgers, and you are tired of someone else deciding how it should be made, check out Fuddruckers today. You MUST get a milkshake at least once. Enjoy!!