Should we shut MUScoop Down?

[Skatastrophy]

Thankfully, Shaka appears to be on the brink of "containing" MU basketball.  The NCAA has a ways to go, and is worthy of discussion.

BUT, it appears there are several ("both sides") that just want to bicker about UW Madison.

Admins are leaning towards making the website read-only at this point, but willing to consider options.

Regardless, I've enjoyed chatting and learning here over the past year.  Cheers!

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Out of curiosity, I checked.  I live 1.5 miles driving distance from the closest Arby's BUT it is only 3,940 feet away as the crow flies.

I have never eaten there.

[Galway Eagle]

Out of curiosity, I checked.  I live 1.5 miles driving distance from the closest Arby's BUT it is only 3,940 feet away as the crow flies.

I have never eaten there.

This got me to check. I'm almost exactly between one downtown and one on Lagrange road. Sadly they're both 8.5 & 8.6 mi away. Talk about a food desert

[mu_hilltopper]

1738 feet.  That's like a par 5.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

2.4 long ass miles.

House is going up for sale.  Thinking the Stoughton Rd park and ride/Arby's would be a good place to lay down fresh roots.

[Jockey]

Actually the Arby’s is too close. I get tempted sometimes.

[Jockey]

Admins are leaning towards making the website read-only at this point, but willing to consider options.

So we just read the old content over and over.?

[Skatastrophy]

So we just read the old content over and over.?

Honestly, our best days are behind us.

[Warriors4ever]

There used to be an Arby’s a couple blocks from me. I never once went there.

[MU82]

I am getting sick and tired of the anti-Hardees bias on this board.

Shut it down!

[real chili 83]

Out of curiosity, I checked.  I live 1.5 miles driving distance from the closest Arby's BUT it is only 3,940 feet away as the crow flies.

I have never eaten there.

Nicky’s Lionhead or Arby’s?

[rocky_warrior]

The answer is probably "yes",  but I had to check on Arbys distance.  2.89 miles as the crow flies, 3.8 miles driving.

Oh, and Skatastrophy smells of elderberries.

[StillAWarrior]

The answer is probably "yes",  but I had to check on Arbys distance.  2.89 miles as the crow flies, 3.8 miles driving.

Oh, and Skatastrophy smells of elderberries.

Are you suggesting that his wife is a hamster?

[BM1090]

5.8 miles driving, 5.0 miles walking.

[Skatastrophy]

5.8 miles driving, 5.0 miles walking.

You should consider moving closer to an Arby's.

Unless, and hear me out here, you're close to a Beefaroo. Beefaroo is to Arby's as Culver's is to McDonalds.

[mu_hilltopper]

wut

[warriorchick]

Closest Arby's is 19.1 miles.

[GB Warrior]

https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northwest/news/germantown/2021/06/05/big-boy-restaurant-returning-wisconsin-after-26-years/7556088002/

[ATL MU Warrior]

https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northwest/news/germantown/2021/06/05/big-boy-restaurant-returning-wisconsin-after-26-years/7556088002/

.4 miles. I win.  Yay me

[mu_hilltopper]

.4 miles. I win.  Yay me

I beat you by 374 feet, loser.

I mean, I'm the #1 loser. 

That's not what I mean.

Damnit.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Shouldn't all the Arby's discussion be moved to the "Wet Markets" thread?

[jesmu84]

1.3 miles. Boom

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Shouldn't all the Arby's discussion be moved to the "Wet Markets" thread?

Ban dis guy^^^

[Skatastrophy]

Shouldn't all the Arby's discussion be moved to the "Wet Markets" thread?

Wet Markets should be about italian beef

[🏀]

17 miles, woof.

[MU82]

Wet Markets should be about italian beef

Oh, would I love it if Portillo's opened a restaurant in Charlotte!

[GB Warrior]

Oh, would I love it if Portillo's opened a restaurant in Charlotte!

Got me some wet beef at Portillos today, first outdoor dining experience with the kiddos since the pandemic began. This despite my nearest Arbys being 1.1 miles away.

[MU82]

Got me some wet beef at Portillos today, first outdoor dining experience with the kiddos since the pandemic began. This despite my nearest Arbys being 1.1 miles away.

Uh-oh ... you're looking for the death penalty here, admitting you went somewhere other than Arby's.

But oooooh ... Portillo's ... I miss it so!

[jficke13]

Okay, I'll confess, I don't understand the Portillo's love. I mean, it's fine. Good even. But people are *into* it. It's just a fast casual restaurant?

[Galway Eagle]

Okay, I'll confess, I don't understand the Portillo's love. I mean, it's fine. Good even. But people are *into* it. It's just a fast casual restaurant?

+1 I've never understood it either. It's not remotely the best hot dog, polish, Italian beef or Italian sausage and the burger's trash. Yet the Portillos around the corner is always backed up around the parking lot.

[Skatastrophy]

+1 I've never understood it either. It's not remotely the best hot dog, polish, Italian beef or Italian sausage and the burger's trash. Yet the Portillos around the corner is always backed up around the parking lot.

Man, even the Portillo's in River North had a line of cars down the block during the pandemic. There are better italian beefs to be had with no additional inconvenience if you have a car in the city. I suppose their upside is that they have a varied enough menu that a family can all order their favorite food from one spot.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

+1 I've never understood it either. It's not remotely the best hot dog, polish, Italian beef or Italian sausage and the burger's trash. Yet the Portillos around the corner is always backed up around the parking lot.

For us ex-pats from the Chicago area, Portillos is the best we got, usually.

So many good beef/dog places in Chicago and the suburbs,  agree that sitting in line seems really dumb.

[warriorchick]

So many good beef/dog places in Chicago and the suburbs,  agree that sitting in line seems really dumb.

To be fair, it is an amazingly efficient line.  I would rather wait in a 10-car Portillo's line than a 5-car Culver's line.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Culvers is always a "just get out of the car and go inside even for take out" type of place.

Bonus is that I just get a scoop of custard to eat while waiting.

[jesmu84]

Portillos was a lot better before they sold.

[wadesworld]

To be fair, it is an amazingly efficient line.  I would rather wait in a 10-car Portillo's line than a 5-car Culver's line.

Yup.  And when you consider the quality of food on top of it, it's not even a debate.

[Galway Eagle]

For us ex-pats from the Chicago area, Portillos is the best we got, usually.

So many good beef/dog places in Chicago and the suburbs,  agree that sitting in line seems really dumb.

I definitely can understand it in the snow bird communities and such. But even then, Al's beef had a Scottsdale location and didn't get near the attention. I'm in Forest park now days, there's at least three considerably better beefs/combos within 10min (including the spot almost unanimously agreed as the best in Chicagoland) from here yet still the Portillos at Des plaines and Roosevelt will wrap around the whole parking lot. It's crazy to me.

[warriorchick]

Culvers is always a "just get out of the car and go inside even for take out" type of place.

Bonus is that I just get a scoop of custard to eat while waiting.

I usually order a kid's meal.  It comes with a scoop of custard.  And Scoopie tokens.

[MU82]

Okay, I'll confess, I don't understand the Portillo's love. I mean, it's fine. Good even. But people are *into* it. It's just a fast casual restaurant?

Well, were money no object, I wouldn't choose Portillo's over Frontera or Alinea or Lula. I wouldn't even choose it among other "cheapish" places such as Pequod's or Xoco.

But if I'm in Chicago, and I want a beef sammich, I love me some Portillo's. I enjoy some other beef joints, too, but Portillo's is pretty ubiquitous there. When we lived in the city, we'd maybe hit Portillo's every 6 months or so.

Here in Charlotte, nothing similar exists. Someone mentioned Culver's ... we even have a few of those here now. But nothing even remotely like Portillo's dammit.

[jficke13]

Well, were money no object, I wouldn't choose Portillo's over Frontera or Alinea or Lula. I wouldn't even choose it among other "cheapish" places such as Pequod's or Xoco.

But if I'm in Chicago, and I want a beef sammich, I love me some Portillo's. I enjoy some other beef joints, too, but Portillo's is pretty ubiquitous there. When we lived in the city, we'd maybe hit Portillo's every 6 months or so.

Here in Charlotte, nothing similar exists. Someone mentioned Culver's ... we even have a few of those here now. But nothing even remotely like Portillo's dammit.

Well I'd never comp it as anything other than a fast-casual restaurant. It's fine and good as a fast casual restaurant. I'm not bagging on it, honestly. I've always just been a little baffled by the degree of devotion relative to how good I feel like it is?

A similar food opinion of mine that never fails to send randos into murderous frenzies: Qdoba and Chipotle are identical Americanized-Mexican fast casual restaurants and neither is better nor worse than the other. They are equally fine and good.

<presented wrists for pending crucifixion>

[Dr. Blackheart]

I definitely can understand it in the snow bird communities and such. But even then, Al's beef had a Scottsdale location and didn't get near the attention. I'm in Forest park now days, there's at least three considerably better beefs/combos within 10min (including the spot almost unanimously agreed as the best in Chicagoland) from here yet still the Portillos at Des plaines and Roosevelt will wrap around the whole parking lot. It's crazy to me.

Johnnies. Case closed.

[Galway Eagle]

Johnnies. Case closed.

100% agreed, Johnnies is the one I was referring to as the best. Is their second location remotely as good as the elmwood park one?

After Johnny's the next best I've tried are Mr Beef on Orleans and Clark Street Dogs. Freddy's in Cicero supposedly has a really good one too but I always get a sub, pizza or pasta there.

Chainwise Buona Beef > Portillos > Al's IMO.

[Dr. Blackheart]

100% agreed, Johnnies is the one I was referring to as the best. Is there second location remotely as good as the elmwood park one?

Arlington Heights. And hey, they take cards now.

https://roadtips.typepad.com/a_salesguys_guide_to_the_/2010/02/johnnies-beef-arlington-heights-il.html

[Galway Eagle]

Arlington Heights. And hey, they take cards now.

https://roadtips.typepad.com/a_salesguys_guide_to_the_/2010/02/johnnies-beef-arlington-heights-il.html

Knew it was up northwest somewhere. Adding the cards is a game changer! Hope they don't do that at the original Elmwood Park spot because the already crazy line will get out of control!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Knew it was up northwest somewhere. Adding the cards is a game changer! Hope they don't do that at the original Elmwood Park spot because the already crazy line will get out of control!

Well, I think we all know why it was a cash only business.

[Skatastrophy]

I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Luke's in the loop. It's been walking distance from work for a lot of my career, and they're so fast no matter how busy they get.

[MU82]

Well I'd never comp it as anything other than a fast-casual restaurant. It's fine and good as a fast casual restaurant. I'm not bagging on it, honestly. I've always just been a little baffled by the degree of devotion relative to how good I feel like it is?

A similar food opinion of mine that never fails to send randos into murderous frenzies: Qdoba and Chipotle are identical Americanized-Mexican fast casual restaurants and neither is better nor worse than the other. They are equally fine and good.

<presented wrists for pending crucifixion>

I mean, out west people worship In and Out Burger … and there sure ain’t nothing special about that joint. People get attached to their faves.

I don’t understand it at all … unless we’re talking about Leon’s, of course!!

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I mean, out west people worship In and Out Burger … and there sure ain’t nothing special about that joint. People get attached to their faves.

I don’t understand it at all … unless we’re talking about Leon’s, of course!!

In and Out was probably the biggest disappointment in my fast food life.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Well I'd never comp it as anything other than a fast-casual restaurant. It's fine and good as a fast casual restaurant. I'm not bagging on it, honestly. I've always just been a little baffled by the degree of devotion relative to how good I feel like it is?

A similar food opinion of mine that never fails to send randos into murderous frenzies: Qdoba and Chipotle are identical Americanized-Mexican fast casual restaurants and neither is better nor worse than the other. They are equally fine and good.

<presented wrists for pending crucifixion>

You don't get organic, free range E coli at Qdoba.

I like Pancheros simply because before they roll the burrito, they mix up all the fixings.  No sure why no one else does that.  No more bites of just rice or just hot salsa.

[MU82]

In and Out was probably the biggest disappointment in my fast food life.

I was like: "Well, this is kinda like Mickey D's ... with worse fries."

[wadesworld]

In N Out is better than Culver’s and Shake Shack, but it still isn’t great.

[GB Warrior]

You don't get organic, free range E coli at Qdoba.

I like Pancheros simply because before they roll the burrito, they mix up all the fixings.  No sure why no one else does that.  No more bites of just rice or just hot salsa.

I order my burritos as burrito bowls with Tortillas on the side to resolve this exact problem.

[MU82]

In N Out is better than Culver’s and Shake Shack, but it still isn’t great.

I've been to In N Out probably 3 times in my life and Shake Shack twice, but based on my limited experience at both, we'll agree to disagree.

And at least Culver's has frozen custard. It ain't Leon's ... but I'm 1,000 miles from Leon's, so Culver's will have to do once or twice a year for me.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I mean, out west people worship In and Out Burger … and there sure ain’t nothing special about that joint. People get attached to their faves.

I don’t understand it at all … unless we’re talking about Leon’s, of course!!

In 'n Out is touristic. No West Coasters wait in line. That said, it's not a disappointment when ingested.

Now, Dutch Brothers coffee porn is worth it...

[mu_hilltopper]

In and Out was probably the biggest disappointment in my fast food life.

I'm gonna go with the McRib on that one.

[tower912]

5 Guys rocks.

[wadesworld]

5 Guys rocks.

5 Guys is solid.  Cajun fries there are awesome.  Definitely better than all of Culver's, In N Out, and Shake Shack.  But also pricey for the quality of food.  Can go to Oscar's Pub and get a significantly better meal for less money.

[The Lens]

5 Guys is solid.  Cajun fries there are awesome.  Definitely better than all of Culver's, In N Out, and Shake Shack.  But also pricey for the quality of food.  Can go to Oscar's Pub and get a significantly better meal for less money.

Culver's fries are an issue.  Otherwise it's fantastic and IMO their drive thru program is really good.  It's not quick Chick-fil-a or Portillo's but it's close.  If you want to experience drive thru hell go to most McDonald's, any BK, Wendy's etc. 

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Culver's fries are an issue.  Otherwise it's fantastic and IMO their drive thru program is really good.  It's not quick Chick-fil-a or Portillo's but it's close.  If you want to experience drive thru hell go to most McDonald's, any BK, Wendy's etc.

That's why you gotta get the cheese curds, brah.

[jesmu84]

That's why you gotta get the cheese curds, brah.

Onion rings are also surprisingly good. Better than the fries, anyway

[Galway Eagle]

That's why you gotta get the cheese curds, brah.

Once you eat tempura cheese curds you can't return to that super breaded stuff Culver's and most bars serve

[wadesworld]

That's why you gotta get the cheese curds, brah.

They're still good because what cheese curds aren't, but compared to most cheese curds out there, Culver's has pretty weak curds.  Definitely much better than their fries.

Did Culver's take the buffalo chicken tenders off of their menu?  I don't go there often, but we don't have a ton of convenient, quick places around our office so I did their curbside pickup (I'm in and out of the parking lot in like 2 minutes while cars are lined up 25 deep for the drive through), and the one item I actually enjoy on their menu is the buffalo chicken tenders and it no longer shows up, at least online.

[The Lens]

That's why you gotta get the cheese curds, brah.

Yeah, I'm wise to that but you can't be in the GOAT convo without fries.  And I do think Culver's warrants discussion with the nation's best but those fries are a drag.

[MU82]

Once you eat tempura cheese curds you can't return to that super breaded stuff Culver's and most bars serve

Where do you get those, Galway?

[Galway Eagle]

Where do you get those, Galway?

Lots of breweries and modern beer bars in Chicago and Milwaukee have started doing them that way. Can't remember any particular spots outside of a bar in Oak Park called Kettlestrings and Fatpour in Chicago but you'll see them around quite frequently.

[MU82]

Lots of breweries and modern beer bars in Chicago and Milwaukee have started doing them that way. Can't remember any particular spots outside of a bar in Oak Park called Kettlestrings and Fatpour in Chicago but you'll see them around quite frequently.

Thanks.

[Spotcheck Billy]

The best cheese curds I've ever tasted were at the new Eagle Park brewery in Muskego using curds from Clock Shadow Creamery.

[Galway Eagle]

Thanks.

Welcome, Alulu Brewery in Pilsen also has them as I recall.

[warriorchick]

Culver's fries are an issue. 

What's wrong with their fries?  They are the fatter crinkle-cut style, which is my favorite type, and are always hot when they are served.

[The Lens]

What's wrong with their fries?  They are the fatter crinkle-cut style, which is my favorite type, and are always hot when they are served.

1) Not enough salt
2) Their oil seems to add zero flavor
3) Yes always hot, but not always cooked all the way through

[lawdog77]

1) Not enough salt
2) Their oil seems to add zero flavor
3) Yes always hot, but not always cooked all the way through

I do not eat much fast food, but from my experience there is nothing worse than an undercooked french fry.

[warriorchick]

1) Not enough salt
2) Their oil seems to add zero flavor
3) Yes always hot, but not always cooked all the way through

Never had an undercooked fry at Culvers.  As for 1 and 2, I would consider those pluses.  You can always add more salt, but it's tough to take it off if they overdo it.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

They're still good because what cheese curds aren't, but compared to most cheese curds out there, Culver's has pretty weak curds.  Definitely much better than their fries.

Did Culver's take the buffalo chicken tenders off of their menu?  I don't go there often, but we don't have a ton of convenient, quick places around our office so I did their curbside pickup (I'm in and out of the parking lot in like 2 minutes while cars are lined up 25 deep for the drive through), and the one item I actually enjoy on their menu is the buffalo chicken tenders and it no longer shows up, at least online.

don't.

They have regular and spicy chicken tenders.  No more buffalo.

[Skatastrophy]

Never had an undercooked fry at Culvers.  As for 1 and 2, I would consider those pluses.  You can always add more salt, but it's tough to take it off if they overdo it.

Agreed on all fronts. Culver's fries are very good if you season them.

My wife likes crispy fries, though, so Culver's aren't her fav.

[real chili 83]

Pub fries, the ones that have a light coating of seasoned batter are the bomb. The Howe and LEI have them. Try them with spicy ketchup.

[Hards Alumni]

+1 I've never understood it either. It's not remotely the best hot dog, polish, Italian beef or Italian sausage and the burger's trash. Yet the Portillos around the corner is always backed up around the parking lot.

100%.  Only reason I ever get portillos is because they have drive thru.  Otherwise there are much better local options.  Fraboni's and Gino's in Madison are vastly superior.

[UWW2MU]

I beat you by 374 feet, loser.

I mean, I'm the #1 loser. 

That's not what I mean.

Damnit.

My desk at work is closer to Big Boy than your house.  Does that mean I win??


Also, 11.7 miles driving to closest Arbys, 10.8 by bike/walk, and 9.1 as the crow flies.      This is also something I never thought I'd look up in such detail.