Vans Frozen Custard – East Dundee, IL

Vans Frozen Custard ReviewI can probably count on one hand the number of times in my life some place or experience has exceeded my expectations. I can now add Van’s Frozen Custard and Burgers to that list.

Housed in a remodeled Standard Oil gas station that dates back to 1927, Van’s is the creation of Tulane graduate Chad Van Acker – inspired he sez, by a visit to the Ben and Jerry’s factory when he was a toddler.

Located on Main Street in the quaint village of East Dundee, steps from the Fox River and across the street from a Dairy Queen, Chad has carved out a niche for himself as well as a popular following by serving fresh and refreshing flavors of custard and sorbet, as well as some pretty outrageous burgers and sandwiches.

My intention was just to stop in for a small cup o’ custard on a hot Chicago summer day, but when I saw some other patrons enjoying the burgers, my priority shifted.

I ordered the bacon/cheddar burger (all burgers come with fresh cut fries), and there is a healthy list of condiments you can add gratis.  I went with my usual: mustard, pickle, raw onion.

Here’s an insider’s (me) tip:  if you plan on eating the burger, don’t start munching the fries first.  They are addictive.  Hot, crisp, potato-y, lightly seasoned, amazing fries.  Even In N Out would be jealous. Even the fat cats in Oak Brook.

The amply-sized beef patty had a nice char on it from the gas grill, with a very fresh sesame bun, lots of thick cut smokey bacon, and freshly prepared vegetable condiments.  I’m glad I stopped with a short-list of add ons, if I had added lettuce and tomato, the burger wouldn’t have fit in my mouth – it’s a massive sandwich.

If you want to know just how good it is, peel off a section of the bun and condiments and take a bite of just the beef.  Flavorful and tastes the way beef should taste.

I chased the burger with a cup of the custard flavor of the day, Mint Chocolate Chip, which was creamy and delicious.  The complete food and custard menu is here.  Wanna know the flavor of the day?

Mr. Van Acker, congrats.  Build a dozen or so more.  I trust you saw that the 20 Portillo’s just sold for a billion bucks. Yes, with  a “B.”  But it’s just the kind of success I’d expect from a Tulane grad.

Signed, a proud father of another Tulane grad.

Vans Frozen Custard Review

Bacon Cheeseburger

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Vans Frozen Custard

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