If you don't want to read my review and want to try this place, I recommend signing up for the rewards. They have a coupon through October 28 for a free classic burger with a $10 purchase. I think it's worth taking advantage of especially when trying a new place.
Short version: I'd be willing to try this place again even though it's on the pricey side. A meal should be $12-$15 not $20. It's very similar to the cost of a lunch in downtown Sacramento which is now $20-25 at most places. The app has the rodeo meal for $10.99 which includes fries and a fountain drink. If you ordered each of these separately the total before tax would be $15.47. Not sure how many fries they give you for this meal as compared to the regular side, but I feel like this is a good deal because you could change it to be a regular burger with typical toppings and no bbq or onion rings. That is if they allow you to say "no onion rings" in the special instructions because their message says no alterations or substitutions in special instructions.
Longer version:
I love burgers and was very excited to see a new place opening up in Davis. It's nice to have other options besides B&B and In & Out (both of these places are sooooo overrated and not worth the hype ). I have lived in Davis for a really long time (20+ years) and I'm probably considered a picky burger eater Lol . When Habit burger was here, it probably was my top place to go to. When Redrum was open they were a good hole in the wall burger place. I also really liked Krush burger when it used to be in Davis. I've tried Outpost and love their decor and style inside the restaurant and if you order to go it feels like you're taking a packed lunch for a hike through a national park. I wish they had more side options and shakes like Wayback has. I really like that about Wayback. Burger places should have other sides besides fries and should offer shakes which Wayback does. I could also go into my opinions about Burger Lounge and Shake Shack (the former is really good), but this review is about Wayback
When you walk up to this restaurant you almost miss the door if you aren't paying attention. I feel like they should be able to replace those pet pictures to the right of their door with burger images/ advertisements. This spot used to be a cat clinic and those images match that business type. I think it would add to the ambiance. It's too bad there is no outside seating and the indoor seating is limited. It's probably possible to go sit in front of Peets if you want some outdoor seats.
I ordered online through the app and got the classic burger for free because of that promo. It was supposed to be ready in 17 mins but I got there after 10 or so mins and it was already ready. I assumed my to-go order had napkins in it, but it had none. Note to self, always grab napkins LOL
First couple bites of the burger were meh but after awhile it grew on me. I think the patties might need more seasoning. I don't usually eat 2 patties so I think I'd stick with the single in the future. I like to eat ketchup, mayo and mustard on my burgers which I think is typically the default for burger places, but Wayback drenched mine in all those three sauces. Usually you put light mustard because a little goes a long way but mine had a lot of mustard. By the time I got home my burger was soggy from the sauces. Which is fine because I live across town and don't expect a burger to hold up after 20 mins. Just pointing out they were heavy handed on the sauces to where I think it contributed to sogginess.
The fried pickles remind me of what the southern chicken sandwich at McD tastes like LOL (it's fried chicken with pickles). The fried pickles were worth trying but I'm not sure I'd order them again. I like that this place has several side options-fries, tator tots, fried curds, fried pickles, onion rings, chili cheese fries, cheese fries, etc. The regular sized sides aren't work $5.69 though (see picture) . I think the serving size is fine but the price should be lower like $3-4. It wasn't a $5 side IMO. I really liked the cheese curds. Reminds me of mozzarella sticks.
Overall I'd try this place again. I think they should have a meal that is $12-15. $20 to eat here isn't going to bring customers here regularly. But the rewards program may help. Anyways give it a try and be kind when giving less than 4 star reviews. It's a new restaurant and they're working out the kinks! Calling people dumb or dumba$$ is uncalled for. Customer service jobs are really hard and most people who work at restaurants are students. So cut them some slack especially since they just opened (I'm talking to you one star, mean reviewer!). read more