Shorewood Culver's Big Part of Community

Shorewood's has become a dining hotspot and favorite for many in the village.

It’s one of the stops on the Shorewood Business Improvement District's Tour de Shops this week, gearing up for Thursday's Criterium bike race (and they have extra passports there, and other guides for summer festivals).

Part of what makes Culver’s the pick for children and parents-with-kids is because it's an easy bike ride away for lunch or dinner.

Alex Dimick and his father, Marcus, did just that Monday night. Marcus rode his bike, and Alex, age 5, rode his bike with training wheels and duck helmet. Alex was enjoying his meal of chicken fingers, applesauce and lemonade and chatting it up with his dad. Alex has a dairy allergy but Marcus says it works out well at Culver's, because there are great non-dairy options and it's within biking distance.

Tom and Doreen Hickey, of Milwaukee, are self-described regulars.

“This is our go-to spot whenever we don’t know where to go. And you can quote me on that,” Tom said.

As a summer solution for kids, Culver’s offers many food choices.

Of course, Culver’s has some delicious temptations, to which I generally succumb.

But this local favorite clearly offers healthy solutions for the mind and body, and gives parents peace of mind when tackling the lunch or dinner hour. 

Food

As part of a children's menu at Culver's, there are salads and vegetables a la carte. The Kids’ Meal for $4.59 comes with main item options like grilled cheese or chicken fingers. This can be paired with applesauce and milk.  The staff is well trained and does not push the soda unless asked. The neat part about the kids’ meal is that the bag comes with two tickets attached — one for a single-size custard (or ice cream sandwich) and the other for “Scoopie Points,” good for gear like a soccer ball or water bottle.

Independence 

The Shorewood Culver’s is the place where many kids venture to the counter alone for the first time in their lives. The staff here is clearly trained to assist and encourage the timid customers (of any age), and seem genuinely pleased to be a part of this rite of passage. My son likes to come because he feels empowered to help his sister order hers. He is 7. She is 4. If I give him a quarter with his custard ticket, he gets a topping and is thrilled. And, I can keep an eye on them as they come giddily back to the table.

Tradition

Shorewood’s historical custard stand, Pig ‘n Whistle, may be gone, but something of it has been resurrected here. It’s not just a place for food; it is a place that makes it safe for teens to gather, just like the old days, without their parents.

Extras

The Shorewood Culver’s offers wireless Internet, free table-side coffee refills, local newspapers, lots of space, free refills on soda, friendly service and a very clean and comfortable environment. The intergenerational timbre means you’ll encounter folks from all walks of life here, which is reassuring and important.

Community

Shorewood Culver’s is an enthusiastic host to hundreds of benefits every year, from girl’s gymnastics to Shorewood Schools. They also donate funds and in-kind supplies regularly, plus support the arts (you’ll note the artistic butterflies from the Shorewood art exhibit). Culver's is a strong partner in the fabric of the Shorewood community.