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Part II of my trip, Kewpee Lunch (Hamburgers.) For my trip, I was planning swinging through Southeast Wisconsin. Then drive down to Chicago. Once in Chicago area I would hit Top Notch, Kuma's and Billy Goat. Well I only did my first two stops. My little voice said" lets save Chicago for another time." After Fred's I was off to Kewpee in Racine WI. It was a quick 30 minute drive from Fred's.
My GPS got me right to the front door. Once inside you are taken back to the early years of diners. I take a seat at the counter. I order a Double Hamburger with everything (onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup.) Before I can open up a newspaper that is next to me my burger is in front of me!!! 30 seconds sure beats the 50 minute wait at Fred's !!! Yes they had about 8 or so burgers warming on the griddle in the corner. Sort of made me sad that I was getting a "Fast Food Burger" The burger had dried out a bit sitting so long on the griddle but still hit the spot. My total time there was 10 minutes. I did not get up and look around but if you do want a good look check out Kewpee Racine. I know there are others, mostly in Lima OH and one in Lansing MI. The location in Racine is new, it was built in 1997.
Not my best or most fun "Burger Run" but I can check off two places off my list. On my way home I drove through Milwaukee. I have a bunch of places there to visit. One being Sobelmans.
Kewpee Lunch
520 Wisconsin Ave. Racine WI
Once again behind on my post, sorry guys. It was Black Friday I was itching to do some burger research. Just as I did last year same time with George. We did Zwieg's in Watertown last year. Well this time I was in Burlington WI to try Fred's. It is 1 pm the usual time I try to get to a place. I try to miss the lunch rush so I can ask questions etc... Being Black Friday I thought everyone be shopping so I woud be safe. WRONG! The place is packed. Ten tables....full. Each table sits 4-6. Thirteen stools full. A lot of people so that means a lot of burgers going out. I am lucky to get a stool. I can see the griddle in the back and the cooks are very busy. I was told to go with the 1/2 lb. but I go with the 1/4 lb. Doing other stops and did not want to fill up. I go with a cheeseburger with fried onions and a tap beer. George would love this place it has Sprecher Root Beer on tap. Fred does all the woodwork for the bar and it shows. The bar is beautiful and everything is wood. As I look around I read the signs. Did you know you can get your name to replace Fred's for just $25 Million. I make small talk with a woman that is there with her husband and kids. Thank God she is there my burger is taking forever.
Now on to the burger. The meat is ground fresh daily and comes from a grocery store called Goose Berry's, with the buns also coming from there. You can get 1/2 lb or 1/4 lb which they call a slider. Now if you remember my order it was just a cheeseburger no side. Two reasons I just ordered a burger by itself. One I don't want to get full (other stops) and two it should get pushed towards the front of the orders somewhat I thought. I was wrong. My cheeseburger comes 50 minutes later. I am in the bar business and you do get busy but I guess they have a policy of cooking them as they come in. My order was simple. Did not have to use a fryer for a side and it was a single patty, it should have been moved up. Not to the front but it shouldn't have taken 50 minutes to cook a single patty. I know it was busy but come on.
Fred's has a special blend of seasoning they use making these "The World's Best Burgers." I even bought a jar of it. Although I have not used any of it yet at home. World's Best, I don't think so. It was a good burger but I would not travel just to go have one. Which I have been know to do. Yes I have driven a hour + for a burger. I guess I got my hopes up too high from how many people were there and word of mouth. If you do make it there when it is busy turn around and go back out the door. This burger is not worth waiting 1/2 hr + for.
Next Stop Kewpee in Racine WI
Fred's Parkview
596 N Pine Street Burlington, WI 53105
