I remember when Carl’s first came out with this, the pitch was basically a “burger that tastes like it costs six dollars, but at a lower price,” or some such. Apparently that six dollar burger will cost you close to six dollars now, and in a small combo? Seven bux plus.
I rolled into our brand new neighborhood Carl’s Jr., today, to fortify myself for a road trip I am leaving on shortly (yes, many burgers will be consumed!). This gleaming structure opened a couple months ago, replacing a KFC (which we miss, actually).
The counter girl mumbled something about “Would you like to try our XXXXX six dollar burger?” And I replied, “why yes, I think I would.”
I glanced at the menu board and ordered the Original Six Dollar Burger combo (about $7.50), which is described on the Carl’s website at charbroiled 100% Angus beef patty, two slices of melted American cheese, two slices of tomatoes, mayo, mustard, pickles, ketchup and red onions on a toasted sesame seed bun.
I was the only dining room customer. The counter lady gave me my number and I waited – about 8 minutes. No sweat. Now, the difference between what I ordered and what I received? I received the big beef patty, between toasted sourdough bread, a couple kinds of cheese, and bacon. I know they used to offer something like that in the six dollar line, but I don’t see it on the current menu. Whatever.
It’s pretty tasty. Unlike the “big 3”, this patty actually tastes like beef. It’s a shitload of calories and carbs, for sure.
Carl’s also features “natural cut fries” now (I have never figured out what “unnatural cut” would mean), and they were pretty OK. Better than Wendy’s product of the same ilk. They still taste similar to an extruded product to me.
Would I have it again? I think so. But maintaining my girlish figure would require me to skip the bread and fries. With a fork, the six dollar burger would be quite nice. I’d like to pay less, of course.
And by the way? 100% Angus beef? Yawn. 80% of the beef cattle in the US are Angus. If it was 100% “Certified” Angus, that would be something to brag about.