Burger Battle Week Six: Cruiser’s Drive Thru

October 7, 2025 Justin Williamson Brews & Bites, Front Page, Life in Columbus Comments Off on Burger Battle Week Six: Cruiser’s Drive Thru
This week's Burger Battle goes to the late addition to the contest, Cruiser's.

A beautiful hurricane-free Week Six is here and I have to thank the readers for pointing out that I clearly omitted Cruiser’s from the list of our Burger forward restauranteurs… for that I sincerely apologize!

So let’s get “Cruising” on this Burger!

Contest setup:
I will be visiting the following establishments: Cruiser’s (added this week), Ed’s, Etna Diner, Ivey’s, Jerry’s, Penn’s, Ray’s, Ward’s, and What-a-Burger to order their standard cheeseburger as served with no onions. I will be paying with my own money and rating them based on my own opinion.

Burger Battle Judging Criteria

  1. Taste (Four points)
  • 4: Perfectly seasoned beef, rich flavor, toppings enhance the patty.

 3: Good flavor, minor imbalance.
• 2: Under-seasoned or overpowering condiments.
• 1: Bland or poor taste.

  1. Texture (Two points)
    • Juicy, tender patty with constant doneness; bun soft but sturdy.
  2. Build and Balance (Two points)
    • Excellent ratio of bun, meat, cheese, toppings; easy to eat and holds together.
  3. Presentation (Two points)
    • Looks appetizing and well appointed.

10 total points possible

Price: $6.99

The Burger from Cruiser’s is a full bite. Lots of toppings and condiments really make this a full spectrum handful of flavor. I like the addition of lettuce, tomato, and pickle, along with the combo of mayo and mustard to add moisture and spice.

Cruiser’s burgers have a nice ratio of condiments as well as lettuce, tomato and pickle.

Flavor: 3 – Very solid taste profile. The patty is not the star, but adds value to the overall combo. Without toppings and condiments it would be a little flat.

Texture: 2 – Fresh and soft bun. Patty was cooked well. Toppings were crisp and fresh.

Build and Balance: 1 – Toppings and condiments really did a lot of the heavy lifting with this burger.

Presentation: 1 – Paper wrapped. Neat, but the to-go nature doesn’t really present well.

Total: 7 Points

I don’t feel Cruiser’s uses a fresh-made patty, but the overall effect is still really nice. It’s a solid, easy to eat burger that hits in the right nostalgic spots. I appreciate the veggies, gives me that backyard burger vibe.

Cruiser’s: 7

Ed’s Grill: 8

Etna Diner: 9

Jerry’s: 7

Ivey’s Cafe: 6

Penn’s Grill: 9

Thanks so much for reading!

*I am open to take your feedback or suggestions on a new establishment or content ideas. Email me at: justinwilliamson@coulumbuscountynews.com

 

 Cruiser’s Drive Thru located at 807 Jefferson Street, Whiteville cruzers logo