Whoa! Listen carefully, fellow diners, for you are about to be entangled in a Webb from which there’s no escape, especially in light of the fact that an establishment with this much to offer, simply can’t be kept secret for long. You, my friends, are about to be introduced to the New and Most Definitely Improved, George Webb Restaurant.
On my recent visit, George Webb owner, Dan Pollman was in the process of replacing outdated counter seating, making for a more inviting habitat for the Soup– or Sandwich-on-the-Go Crowd. He also added more tables and a comfortable seating area in the front of the restaurant. When Dan and his wife, Ellen bought Burlington’s George Webb restaurant in mid-February, they brought with them years of experience in the restaurant business. Dan has worked with family members at several George Webb locations in the Milwaukee area. The move to Burlington was a natural, as they sought to remove themselves from city bustle. Their enthusiasm for Burlington and this new establishment comes through clearly as he greets guests and banters with staff.
Your New Improved Webb experience begins with a significant atmosphere upgrade. Gone is the Care-Worn Coffee Shop Motif, replaced by a decorating scheme that invites diners to linger over their one more splash of coffee (the best around) before completing their rounds of errands or the afternoon’s work. Perhaps it’s the softer lighting. . . for there’s a noticeable absence of coffee shop glare, aided in part by the presence of tasteful wall sconces’ subtle glow. Industrial-look paint has been replaced with professionally-applied wall treatments that expertly play their part in an overall mood of tidy and organized space. Whatever laundry list of decorating details have been implemented, the dozens of little things that conspire to welcome are all present and accounted for.
Though décor is a definite factor in one’s dining experience, we came for the food. . . and outstanding fare it is that’s served up fresh every day. It’s not often you get multiple Soups du Jour, but, in keeping with its spirit of fun and variety, George Webb offers not one but five different soups each day. Yep. Five. There they are, lined up for our dining pleasure, steaming hot and delicious. Choose from Fresh Vegetable, Chicken Noodle, Stuffed Green Pepper, Old-Fashioned Bean, or Split Pea. Or, try Mrs. Webb’s award-winning chili. . .don’t forget the cheese. Melting away on the surface of that steaming concoction, there’s nothing better.
Here’s an idea for parents who’ve fallen victim to that crunch-time between soccer and play practice: Pick up a quart or gallon of that famous Webb chili or soup to take home. Presto! Hearty, healthy dinner in seconds. Or, ask for Burgers in a Bag . . . Within minutes, you’ll be saying, "Let’s eat!"
Speaking of healthy, take a look at that irresistible Grilled Chicken Breast Salad prominently displayed in George Webb’s new, picture-laden menu. Add a warm bread stick and you’ll be in low-cal-lunch heaven. Of course, there is a burger born every moment for every possible preference. Oh yes, the old favorites are here, crowding each other out and vying for your attention. . . the Double Cheeseburger, Mushroom and Swiss, Patty Melt and Bacon Cheeseburger. But, don’t be shy when it comes to variety. Try the All-Star Cheeseburger, with special secret savory seasonings. Or, round up the Ranch (outstanding in its field) with a generous dose of Ranch dressing, among other tempting toppers. Or nibble on an Original Pub Burger loaded with bbq sauce. In a word, yum.
Yes, Virginia, there was a real guy named George Webb. With the help of his wife and sons, he opened a “hamburger parlor” in Milwaukee in 1948. The first franchises were born when his sons opened their own restaurants in other Milwaukee locations.
Of course, George Webb’s original claim to fame is definitely the All-Day Breakfast. Two clocks remind patrons how George himself got around an ordinance that didn’t allow restaurants to stay open 24 hours . . .
From GeorgeWebb.com:
George Webb always had good old-fashioned fun up his sleeves. To get around a city ordinance that banned establishments from being open 24 hours a day, he announced that “George Webb Restaurants are open 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds, seven days a week and on Sundays!”
Dan Pollman continues the late-night snack tradition at the Burlington George Webb, staying open into the wee hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
There are not many menus upon which you’ll find variety like that displayed on Webb’s. The Webb’s Benedict is a sight to behold with two any-style eggs buried under creamy cheese sauce with the infamous hash browns nestled along the side. Hungry yet? Take a peek at the Salsa Skillet or choose a Ham, Sausage or Bacon Scrambler. What are you waiting for?
I’ve always been of the opinion that if you’re going to serve coffee, make it Good Coffee. Really Good Coffee. I confess to being a Coffee Snob – it must be deep and richly-flavored, able to absorb a generous dollop of real cream and retain its own personality, and always fresh, fresh, fresh. I can personally attest to the fact that George Webb has THE best coffee in town.
With its fresh, new look and experienced new owners, you’ll find George Webb in the Fox River Plaza on Milwaukee Avenue (Hwy 36) North. Stop by and see what I mean about the coffee, the food, and, of course the fun! This is one Webb in which you won’t mind being entangled.
