The Big Garlic Leaves a Big Impression

Written by: Josh Paulson

The Pointer Photo/Josh Paulson

When I moved to Stevens Point in the mid 2010’s, I soon became acquainted with the local eateries of the area. As a self-diagnosed foodie, I had no problem with patronizing the cities’ dives and diners.

One of my main cravings was a small eatery on Stanley Street called Marvin’s. They made fantastic garlic cheeseburgers and would even deliver to some parts of the city. Being a twenty-something kid living downtown, this was paradise.

Alas, Marvin’s closed in the fall of 2015, soon after I had lived a year in Point. I was dismayed. Where would I now go to get my garlic beef sandwich fix?

A new restaurant by the name of The Big Garlic opened this past summer in downtown Stevens Point, filling the needs of garlic cheeseburger lovers across central Wisconsin.

The new eatery is located behind Galaxy Hobby on 925 Clark Street, offering a plethora of burgers, hot dogs, homemade chips and all the tap Point root beer you can drink.

Beautiful historic architecture of brick and wood encompass the dining room, combined with contemporary luxuries like television and a fridge to keep the root beer mugs chill.

The counter greets me with a tablet and two friendly cooks. The order-taking experience was user-friendly, and I was able to order exactly what I wanted: a Midwestern burger, house blend flavored chips and a Dr. Pepper to wash it down.

The Midwestern Burger is a one-third pound beef patty topped with American cheese, house blend spices, barbecue mayo, onion rings and bacon, all sandwiched between a kaiser roll toasted with garlic butter.

I was given the food in a timely manner, made to order and made accurately to its description in the menu.

Upon the first bite, my taste buds fire nostalgia into my neurons. My jaw drops like Anton Ego in “Ratatouille.” The garlic cheeseburger has come home to stay.

I give the overall experience four and a half out of five stars.

It was a near-perfect execution of the long-awaited return of the garlic cheeseburger with fast service and fair prices. The Big Garlic has heart, charm, and what matters most in the business: tasty food.

Josh Paulson

News Reporter

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