HINKLE’S SANDWICH SHOP VS. SHIPLEY’S TAVERN
75 steps east on Main Street to the light at West
Street. Cross Main Street and walk 57 more steps
and you will arrive at Shipley’s Tavern, 322 West St.
Shipley’s Tavern is unmistakable with the harvest
gold painted brick and large black awning. In the
daylight, the south side harvest gold façade makes
a 2-story canvas for a spirited mural painted 5 to 6
years ago by a Hanover art student.
Entering Shipley’s, you sense you might be
stepping into a time warp. The narrow and dark
(even at noon) entry opens into a cavernous single
room with a bar that seems to run the length of
the building. Except for the big screen TVs above
the bar, you imagine it could be 1867 or 1933 or
1967. But it’s not.
I recommend the counter seating, but don’t be in
a hurry, especially during busy times. While you
wait, step back in time and order a milkshake (there
are 43 flavors to choose from).
I ordered a large chocolate shake, and it was the
best shake I have had (at least since the last time
I had one there). Choose from thick, diner-style
large ($3.59) or small ($2.09) shakes. Take off the
lid, place a straw in the middle and it won’t move.
Exactly as it should be.
I also ordered the obligatory cup of chili ($2.09
or bowl for $3.09). Just diner style goodness from
the ground beef and onions from the griddle, with
beans and spaghetti added to a rich and thick chili-
mac base It’s good hearty, diner chili.
Then came the infamous slider-style
cheeseburgers ($1.70 ea.) and fries ($2.09) – crisp,
but maybe needing a little more salt. Two Hinkle
style cheeseburgers on this day, hot off the grill,
came served with fresh, handmade beef patties,
grilled onions, American cheese melted perfectly
and dill pickle slices. Just like they were served
up in 1933. Condiments are on the counter if you
prefer, but they aren’t necessary. I don’t know
what nostalgia tastes like, but you will know you
are eating it here.
While not the original slider as we know it – as
White Castle opened in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 –
Hinkle’s has a winner.
Shipley’s Tavern
322 West St., Madison
812.265.4215
Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight
Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight
Yes, there are other things on the menu at Hinkle’s,
including breakfast (be sure to order the hash
browns), but you won’t find alcohol on the menu
or a fancy interior. And you won’t need them.
Moving on…
To get to Shipley’s, exit Hinkle’s, turn left, walk
You can immediately tell that the bar is the focus
here. It faces mirrored walls, various bar lights and
memorabilia, and appears stocked with pretty much
any possible libation you might be interested in.
The left wall is adorned with movie posters
and framed pictures and caricatures, many with
comments and autographs of past and current
patrons, presumably some celebrity types. You
can sense the history of river boat voyagers, regatta
patrons, filmmakers and actors from movies shot
in Madison, musicians and others who have made
this a stop over the years.
I perused the menu but ordered the large ½ lb.
cheeseburger ($10.95), fries (included with burger
or $3.95 a la carte) and a bowl of chili ($3.95).
The locals and my server suggested that the
chicken breast ($7.95), pork tenderloin ($7.95)
and fried pickles ($5.95) – “you can’t go wrong with
those” – but this was a burger competition. So…
The beefy goodness, handmade daily, was
enveloped in melting American cheese. You
can order it dressed (lettuce, tomato, onion) or
undressed ¬– like me – with just dill pickle slices,
and a lot of them I might add, and condiments.
NOTE: Don’t be in a hurry. If you want fast, there
are other places that will accommodate. This isn’t
necessarily one of them. It takes time to prepare
greatness. I (impatiently) relaxed, took some notes
and watched my burger being prepared on the
surprisingly small grill within view. But finally, my
burger and hot crinkle cut fries arrived. So worth
the wait! And as if the burger wasn’t enough, the
chili was excellent.
So, after this match-up, who is the winner of
Madison’s two mainstays? Hinkle’s and Shipley’s
both win. Madison wins. And you win when you visit.
Tastefully, Todd
EXTOL : DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019
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