Bargain bites: Wells Roadside serves up dirt-cheap smash burgers
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The former Galaxy Drive-In in St. Louis Park reopened last month as Wells Roadside, a new fast-casual burger joint from the restaurant group behind mainstays such as The Block and The Howe.
- After hearing about lines snaking out the door, I decided to see what the hype was about.
What to expect: Smash burgers, hot dogs, fries and ice cream at prices that feel like a throwback to the historic spot's past lives as an actual drive-in just off Highway 7.
- Instead of carhops, there's counter service ordering, picnic tables on a winterized patio (complete with a retractable roof) and ample outdoor space.
What I ordered: The blackened salmon salad with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds ($9.98). My husband and I split a generous helping of salty hand-cut fries ($2.99) with special dipping sauce ($1.98)
- Don't judge me for skipping the smash burger — I'd eaten one at the Angry Line Cook food truck just three nights prior and knew I'd be able to sneak a bite from my 3-year-old's plate!
Plus: The three other adults in our group ordered their Waygu burgers "Oklahoma style," with caramelized onions " ($5.99 for single patty/$9.99 for double) and my son had a single Wells with American cheese ($5.99).
- For drinks, we ordered an IPA from the nearby Steel Toe Brewing ($7.99) and milk ($1.99). Floats, cocktails and pop are also on the menu.
🍦 We ended the night with a giant helping of custardy soft-serve topped with whipped cream ($2.99).
The total price tag: We fed five hungry adults and a 3-year-old for about $65, before tax and tip.
Pro tip: There's just one line for food and ice cream/drinks for now, and it can get backed up.
- If you want dessert, it's a good idea for someone in your group to go place the order while the others finish.
The bottom line: Service was fast and the food was delicious.
- In a world of $18 burgers and $5 ice cream cones, these prices are hard to beat.
