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Beef 'N Bun Whistle Stop
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
2477 Fletcher Pkwy(between Edward St & Garfield Ave)
El Cajon, CA 92020
Neighborhood: El Cajon
(619) 465-0767
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
141 reviews for Beef 'N Bun Whistle Stop
Review Highlights
"Love the place, try the chocolate peanut butter shake."
(in 7 reviews)
"...always hard to decide between fried & the fried zucchini."
(in 17 reviews)
"bacon cheeseburger is delicious and full of flavor, I'm not..."
(in 15 reviews)
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141 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie P.
Irvine, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I heard this place had really good milkshakes so that's the only thing I can review right now.
Three words: chocolate peanut butter...and commence drooling.
Each sip is like eating a Reese's peanut butter cup. SO DELICIOUS!
I'd be down to drive all the way for another one. -
Review from Jim L.
San Diego, CA
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
So a friend told me about this place and I always promised myself that if I were in the area, I'd give it a try. Today was that day....
The feel is somewhere in between In-n-Out and a mom and pop shop. As you walk in, the counter to place the order is pretty small and seating is quite limited. Perhaps a total of 30 can fit on the inside. There is some outdoor seating available but the time we went, it wasn't too busy so seating wasn't an issue.
They have a selection of burgers, chicken burgers and BLT's. We all went with the burgers and the portions are HUGE. Of course it doesn't hurt when you order a 1/2 lb burger. That may have had something to do with the size I suppose, huh?
The burger itself is fried but that didn't turn me off any because the ingredients were fresh and the produce on top of the burger was even fresher. The fries? Well I like my fries to be crunchy and I was not disappointed. Crinkle cut fries that were cooked just right. Between the burger and the fries, I just may have to pull out the defibrillator before I go to bed tonight.
I am definitely a fan but I don't know that I would make a special trip to dine here again. However, if I am back in the area and need to clog my arteries further, I'll be stopping by. -
Review from Heather F.
El Cajon, CA
9/21/2011
Small, old school burger place. The burgers are not my favorite, but I prefer something with a little more "something special" like guacamole or something.
The milkshakes are ridiculously good. I love the chocolate-peanutbutter-banana.... mmmm.
I've heard the fish and chips are really yummy, too. -
Review from Taryn H.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/23/2012
Just try a shake. Omg. Best fried fish & chips EVER! Old 50's place that's refused to change. Irony be damned. Love this place.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/30/2011
The milkshakes. Yes, delicious. Best fried fish n chips. Seriously, it's oh so naughty. Eat in &… Read more »
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Review from Jeff S.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2012
Burgers are pretty good, nothing fancy, just tasty. Try the PB n Choc shake, it's the best item on the menu. Onion rings, not so much, stick with the fries.
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Review from Denise M.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I pull up to the drive through menu. . .
Where the flip are the pictures?
I mean. . . Don't get me wrong. Places like well known fast food joints, tacoshops, and 4 star restaurants don't have pictures on their menus either. . .
But if there isn't even a general description of what's in a Monster Burger, how am I supposed to know what I should order?
Flip forbid I turn into the annoying costumer that won't stop asking questions about everything and take 30 minutes just to order a coke and fries.
Basically, we're talking about In 'N Out in the bounies of South Carolina. I refuse to say why. . .
The burger was good. I ALMOST fell in love as I took the first 5 bites. The crispy hot toasted bun. The melted cheese on the juicy meat. But then it started to bring up memories. . .
An IMPOSTER!!!
No other place serves up fast food burgers like In 'N Out. Nice try though.
The fries here. Horrible. Think frozen cafeteria fries. And if you're gonna ask someone if they want ketchup and they say yes. . . Don't be stingy and give them more than ONE packet. Really?!!
The service was alright. I was taken care of promptly. Got my food in less than 5 minutes. . . Though I do recall one of the two ladies working the window staring at me funny for the longest time. . . Creepy. . . -
Review from Vicki C.
San Diego, CA
5/29/2011
The place I head when I am in the mood for a great burger! The price is right, good selection, friendly staff, They have good combo deals, and you can substitute your soda for a Milkshake for not to much more. I am a huge fan of the Peanut Butter Milkshake.. Once I start drinking it, I can't stop no matter how full I am!! Beware of the deliciousness!!! :)
Parking is usually okay, they have a little parking lot, but getting out can be sorta annoying. The seating is limited and the tables usually have crumbs left from who knows when.. Worth it though. . -
Review from Jason M.
El Cajon, CA
10/27/2011
I filt like a burger and fries today. This place has the best burger around. I got my order to-go; a double cheese burger and fries!!! Next time i'll go for the chicken burger!!!
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Review from nick p.
La Mesa, CA
11/19/2011
I grew up in the area and the food has been consistently good for 20+ years.
The burgers, milkshakes, malts, fried zucchini, and chicken sandwiches have been the favorites of my family for years.
If you get anything deep fried (Fish n Chips, etc) don't get it on Thursday nights. It will be fishy (they change the oil on Friday mornings).
Although the food is still good, it lately seams to have lacked flavor. I don't know if they are not using salt or have changed suppliers, but the burgers and fries just are not as good as I remember them.
It is a small traditional burger joint that has gone through many changes. The moving of the restrooms to the inside and increasing the size of the dining room was an amazing improvement; however, it still needs more updating. The ordering counter is strangely small. The windows next to the drive through are suspiciously painted over (Can't see the kitchen from the drive through). -
Review from Liz C.
San Diego, CA
8/10/2011
Came across this place by accident. Noticed it while driving by and decided to take a peak. Pleasantly surprised! The menu is awesome and the burgers are delish. One of the better burgers I've had. The fries are to die for! My husband couldn't stop raving about the cherry shake he had and he's quite particular when it comes to shakes.
The prices were good and the staff were friendly and accommodating. The place was decently clean, for a smaller, old skool place. Small parking lot, but we had no problems.
Definitely give it a try! -
Review from JoEilyn S.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2011
Chocolate Peanut butter milkshake is all I ever ordered from here and it is highly the best one yet so far in San Diego for me.
From reading all the reviews about this place one day when i was in a serious crave for a milkshake near my old work, I was convinced this was a must try. It's funny how I rarely just order a milkshake with nothing along with it anywhere but it sure did hit the spot and I couldn't put it down until i finished the whole thing!
When I come through this place I was always lucky to find the drive-thru not that long, but it sure is deceiving. 3-4 cars in line is surely a long waited wait for a good milkshake which I have the patience for and that says a lot already.
I was surely pleased and will definitely find myself here whenever my craving comes along no matter what the distance is. -
Review from Dean S.
Santee, CA
3/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
mom and pop burger place. Come here for the Milkshakes and Malts and get a burger while your here. Make it ez on your self and get a combo burger/fries/shake done!
out side seating! PET FRIENDLY!!!!!! they will give your dog a treat! -
Review from Penny L.
El Cajon, CA
10/29/2011
Pretty yummy! Breakfast sandwiches are basic but delish & a good size. We love the hash browns they give you two with a meal. They have a nice seasoning to them also. Yummy shakes!
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Review from Al B.
Ramona, CA
12/10/2011
I have been here over 20 times and the problem is the fried food is inconsistant, Crisp and tasty or greasy and nothing in between. I now look at other peoples food when I get there to see what kind of fried food they are serving that day. The rest of the menu seems to be OK.
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Review from Jay L.
San Diego, CA
4/26/2011
Headed to this place after checking the review on yelp. seems like it was a MUST to try their shakes.
So headed over there after class just to try it out. took people's advice on what to get here & their PEANUT BUTTER SHAKE IS THEEE BOMB! lol. no doubt the best shake i've ever had in san diego, it beats hodad's shakes.
i decided to try their onion rings & it wasn't that great. yes, it was fresh & hot, but it wasn't that tasty. i have yet to try their burgers though.
With the shakes, & friendly staffs, i give em 3 stars. -
Review from Sarah T.
Lakeside, CA
10/1/2011
I've been coming here since I was a little girl and it's still just as good today as it was then! The fish and chips are the best I've ever had, and love their tarter sauce. The handmade shakes are awesome too, gotta try the peanut butter chocolate, amazing!
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Review from Kevin E.
El Cajon, CA
9/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love this place, the Onion rings are TO DIE FOR.
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Review from Susan P.
El Cajon, CA
2/18/2011
Classic mom and pop hamburger joint. The food is fresh and made to order. The fries, while crinkle (not my fave) are always crisp. The peanut butter shake lives up to reviews (thanks Yelpers).
The staff is always so nice. Sometimes when teenagers work in fast food, they don't seem to care. But everyone here does.
Warning: the zucchini fries sounded good but they were gigantic. Essentially a huge zuke cut into 4 chunks. Very greasy.
Bonus for kids: Fun fish tank to look at! -
Review from Miss S.
La Mesa, CA
2/24/2011
What we liked:
1. Peanut Butter milkshake - their milk shakes are the best.
2. The burgers - greasy, big, with substantial buns that hold up against the beef patty and veggies.
3. Location and parking - it's easy to spot from the street. Plenty of parking spaces or you can park on the street behind the restaurant.
We drive by here all the time and have stopped twice to try their food. It's affordable and so not healthy for you, but delicious. The second time we went I tried the fish and chips and he got a bacon cheeseburger. It was all yummy and greasy. They serve the crinkle style fries and their onion rings are slices that are batter dipped. It was all hot and crispy. The drive thru is always busy but not dining in area. I have always found it clean inside. -
Review from Courtney M.
La Mesa, San Diego, CA
This place is good! I highly recommend going for an early lunch to avoid crowds and get the best service. The burgers are much better then your typical fast food burgers. The shakes are amazing! The chocolate peanut butter one lives up to the hype! The only thing that isn't great about this place is the deep fried food (fish, zucchini, onion rings, etc.). These items are pretty tasteless so stick to the burgers. The fries are good, however. Go check it out and DO NOT leave without a shake!
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Review from Howard J.
Spring Valley, CA
9/4/2011
Good food, and nice people. Milk Shakes!!!
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Review from Emily J.
San Diego, CA
7/12/2011
I eat with my eyes and I should have known going in that this place had all sorts of Yelp dive-lover ++ reviews going for it. Weak. Lame. Dirty. Half-asinine attempts at gourmet food. Do not know how this got on other peoples' lists.
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Review from Travis H.
San Diego, CA
8/6/2010
The masses are correct: the shakes are excellent.
The burgers are definitely an improvement on, say, McDonald's... but they're not beating HoDad's or really any medium-scale joint. The problem here is that usually the burger is falling apart. Not because it's loaded with toppings, but because the beef of the burger itself is literally falling apart. I've experienced this on 2 out of 3 visits.
Fries are great--don't forget the salt. Oh, and did I mention the shakes? Chocolate for sure. Strawberry ok. Although, I wish I could pay extra for a proper glass or mug (they give you a typical fast food soft drink paper cup).
Good value. Giant burger, lots of fries, and humongous shake for under 8 bucks. Good luck finishing it.
If you're a first-time visitor, don't be fooled by the giant mirror-wall that makes it look like it's twice as big in there. The place really is that tiny.
They USED to have Pepsi products (including Mountain Dew), but now they have Coke. What gives? Why is this city obsessed with Coke?
Without their oddly delicious shakes, Been 'N Bun would be a solid 2, and I wouldn't go back. But the burgers and fries ARE good enough (and have a good enough value) to warrant the trip for the shake.
To Beef 'N Bun: (1) Give me a glass for my shake; I promise I won't steal it. This is like eating filet mignon on a paper plate. (2) Pat the beef together tighter. I don't want my burger to fall apart. (3) Mountain Dew. Come on!
Do these three things, and I will upgrade my score to 5 stars. Do two out of the three, and I will upgrade to 4. -
Review from Angela B.
San Diego, CA
4/28/2011 15 Check-ins Here
This is where our family goes when we can't figure out what we want to eat or we want something close by and fairly quick. We prefer this place over the fast food chains like, McDonald's, Carl's Jr etc. They have a friendly staff and the food is really good. The fried zucchini and peanut butter chocolate shake are my favorites. The fish-n-chips, burgers and chicken sandwiches are really good too. I highly recommend this place for everyone.
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Review from Kurtis S.
San Diego, CA
4/8/2011
Great burgers and shakes made the way they used too! This place reminds me of a standard issue Mid West burger joint. Good food and everyone is friendly.
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Review from Joe K.
San Diego, CA
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nasty. I should have known to keep driving when i saw the cheap neon window graphics. Would expect as much from a last chance truck stop burger between Alburqerque and Oklahoma City, but then I'd actually have an appetite from driving. Please do not tell me these shakes are the best, do not say the meat is tasty, fries are good? No they are not. Hitting taco bell for some 33% beef tacos would be a treat in comparison. Drive on friend!
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Review from Maija G.
El Cajon, CA
9/2/2010
There is only one reason to go to Beef N Bun (as clearly echoed by Yelpers), it's the milkshakes!! The chocolate and peanut butter milkshake would easily be included in my fictional Death Row Dinner, as it is a perfectly blended concoction of chocolate frostee (think Wendy's) and smooth creamy peanut butter. The PB is real and fresh, and every once in awhile you suck up a nice little clump through your straw.
I used to order food there (the burgers are a step above your usual fast food fare), but the levels of grease are a little too much for me these days. I took a Beef N Bun break for about 5 years after a disastrous experiment containing fried zucchini and orange float (no longer on the menu) but recently rekindled my love affair with The Bun.
It's been the same for at least 25 years, and the drive-thru is still ridiculously cramped and awkward. The interior "dining room" is blah, but you shouldn't come here expecting white linens. I will admit that the level of service has definitely increased over the years, and the cashiers are not quite as surly as they used to be.
Stop by for after dinner desert! The malts are excellent as well. -
Review from Carmen C.
San Diego, CA
5/31/2011 4 Check-ins Here
what can i say about this place?? if you haven't tried it, please do. The milkshakes are great! I usually order the mocha and banana,,,hmmmmmmm!!! great hamburgers and fries, onion rings are huge and delish!!! great little place and great service!!
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Review from Marwin A.
2/25/2009 ROTD 3/7/2009
Umm,yes, I know that today is Ash Wednesday.
Umm,yes, I know that good Catholics are supposed to fast today.
Umm,yes, I know that semi-good Catholics who cannot fast ,are not supposed to eat red meat today.
I had lunch from Beef 'N Bun today. YES!, Beef 'N Bun, on a Holy Day.
I could say that I was on my way to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church which is 3 blocks away,but I won't.
I will not make any excuses. I was hungry for Beef ,'N Bun.
The truth shall set me free!!!
I went in,just thinking I would just order their fish and chips,and fried zucchini,but I saw the picture of the MONSTER burger .
Three huge ,thick,juicy,patties,melted cheeses, fresh sliced tomatoes, onions,lettuce. My decision for lunch has been made. BEEF!!!
I wasn't disappointed. That burger was DIVINE. I ordered a side of fried zucchini. Large,thick, breaded,fried GOODNESS.
And I drank my usual peanut butter chocolate milkshake. HOLY sh**.
As I sipped the thick,creamy,sweet milkshake, and then bit into the monster burger,it seemed like i heard a choir of angels burst into song.
Umm, The El Cajon Fire Department driving through...
Umm, I know my Grandma would not approve.
She would smack me on the back the head,and tell me,
"Aye Marween, dyoor gooweengg to Heeell."
But nobody's going to tell her.Listed in: My Lola's BEST reviews
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Review from Jeanna W.
4/15/2009 ROTD 8/28/2009
The name alone is a turn on! Beef. and bun. rawr...
My friends used to live at the apartment complex right next to Beef 'N Bun and you better believe whenever I visited them I'd find myself walking the few hundred feet to gnab me a burger and fries! Sometimes... I'd even just go to Beef 'N Bun and those same friends simultaneously would show up at the same place and catch me ketchup-handed! Oh... sorry, I just wanted the burger and not your companionship today!
That didn't bode well.
In any case.
What I love about Beef 'N Bun:
-the beef!
-the bun!
-the cheap prices!
-quick indoor service!
-friendly indoor people!
-delicious chocolate/peanut butter shake!
-the malts!
-comfortable indoor seating!
-comfortable outdoor seating!
-wonderfully tasty crimp cut french fries!
What Beef 'N Bun could do without:
-slow ass drive-thru
-rude drive-thru attendants
-awkward parking lot which you can't get out of if the drive-thru is backed up (which is almost always)
-sometimes they overcook the fries
The outdoor seating is quite nice.
Sometimes someone from the kitchen area will walk your food out to you. Is that considered waiter service? I'm not sure.
All in all, Beef 'N Bun holds a special place in my heart, my stomach... and the toilet. Goes in great, comes out just fine too! -
Review from Mike C.
3/30/2009 ROTD 5/19/2009
Yes, my eyes are bigger than my tummy. Although I've always known this, it never proved more true than yesterday. My burger at Beef 'N Bun was huge-mungous. I orderd the 1/2 lb burger, fries, fried zucchini, and by marwin a. request, a chocolate peanut butter milkshake.
Burger was fresh and standard burger tasting. Better than In-n-Out in my opinion. The bun was unique. The 1/2 lb of meat was way too much for me but I wasn't about to waste beef, so I forced it down. I did, however, take 1/2 the shake and 3/4 of the zucchini home. I shouldn't have. The zucchini was pretty nasty once it got cold n soggy. The shake was great though, even after I tossed it in the freezer and finished it off hours later.
I am for sure, going back to Beef n Bun. Their chocolate peanutbutter shake was so good. Since its so close to church, I just might have to make this one of fav Sunday lunch spots. -
Review from Josephine Z.
San Diego, CA
4/16/2007 ROTD 4/26/2007
Beef n' Bun is the epitome of classic fast food dining.
Shakes, fantastic burgers, and fried finger food galore. Am I weird because I like fried zuccini? I hope not. I love their FRIED ZUCCINI!
Drive thru takes a quite some time when you're there during lunch or early dinner hours...I recommend getting inside and ordering takeout if you're not into dining in. -
Review from Melody D.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2008
I was in a foul mood and needed comfort food. I was working my route in El Cajon and remembered the reviews for this place. I ordered the cheeseburger meal with a chocolate shake and a side of onion rings. (I told you I needed comfort food!) The shake was good. The Burger was good. The fries and rings sucked. They were super greasy with no flavor.
I'm glad I tried Beef n Bun, but probably won't make it a regular stop. -
Review from Ashleigh O.
San Diego, CA
7/31/2007
Deliciously toxic!
Seriously, both my man and I felt ill due to the amount of palate-pleasing, grease-filled food we managed to consume at the Beef n Bun......1/4 lb cheese burgers, crinkle fries, onion rings, and THE BEST f-ing peanut butter milkshakes....EVER!
It's all so tasty you never want it to end but then it does and you're left feeling slightly guilty and ill......but utterly satisfied. -
Review from Kari S.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 9/22/2008
Decided to head here last night...was craving burgers and shakes. Previously, I had only been here for the shakes so we thought we would give the burgers a shot. So glad we did! The burgers were excellent...dare I say almost better than Hodad's (especially since they had half the grease). I had the cheese burger an my DH had the bacon cheeseburger...extra points for the bacon actually being crispy! The fries were good too.
And once again...the best reason to come here...the chocolate peanut butter shake! You know it is going to be SO good when it has real peanut butter smeared on the sides of the cup! Hands down the best shake I have ever had! My DH had the Vanilla Chocolate swirl with banana. He likes it but was annoyed that the banana chunks kept getting stuck in his straw :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/29/2008
THE BEST shakes you will ever find. I have never actually eaten any food here but the shakes are to… Read more »
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Review from Alessa S.
La Mesa, CA
3/6/2008
From my dad and brother: "the burgers are GOOD."
From my sister: "I don't have a favorite milkshake, they're all good."
From me: "Swirl shake!"
From all: "monster fries are a neccessity."
This place gets high marks from everyone I know. They even give milk bones to my dog! The only negative I can think of is the extreme fishy smell at the drive in window. But maybe I just have a oversensitive nose. Oh and they never make my french fries as crispy and yummy as my sister's. But maybe that's just me being a spoiled brat. Anyway, this place is a winner. -
Review from Sala L.
El Cajon, CA
6/22/2011
You know when the need for a burger is just calling your name?...well I usually come here, it totally hits the spot and for not a lot of money..cheesburger with bacon and a chocolate shake! Man, good stuff...Enjoy!
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Review from Suzanne F.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2008
Note to self: no Beef `N Bun the day before starting the diet. BAD idea.
Awesome everything food related. 1/4 pound burger is the perfect size and is FANTASTIC. Great rings, great shake, great prices.
Okay service and no ambiance, but that's pretty much to be expected and doesn't take away from the experience one bit.
Dammit - I think my mouth just watered on my keyboard.
Second note to self: yelping about Beef `N Bun during diet is ALSO a bad idea...Listed in: The Best of All Things
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Review from Lizzie D.
La Mesa, CA
4/11/2009
There really is no need to write another review of this place, but I am gonna do it anyway. I heart beef n bun!! It's so bad for you, but it's oh so good!
I usually get the same thing each time I come. Bacon cheez burger fries, and a vanilla malt. Sometimes I shake things up and get a chocolate pnut butter shake, but vanilla malt never disappoints. I am oh so full right now from my day of binge eating all day, but I would drive to beef in bun right now if I was able to move outta my seat. -
Review from Sarah M.
San Diego, CA
6/30/2009
Dear Yelpers,
How can you not like a place called "Beef N' Bun"? Really, now.
Ladies, forget your diets. Men, you will enjoy.
I have great memories of this place from high school. They really do have fantastic burgers, awesome corn dogs, and delicious shakes! The shakes really are perfection, nice and thick and made for your order!
Plus, the price is right! Forget the cost of gas :)
Love, me
