Burgers, sandwiches at Wimpy’s pack a punch

By Ginger Meurer Special to View

10 years ago

The grilled chicken filet sandwich proves Wimpy’s, 171 W. Centennial Parkway, is good for more than just burgers. (Ginger Meurer/View) (Click for more photos)

From left, the grilled chicken filet sandwich, kids corndog meal and avocado burger are among the options at Wimpy’s, 171 W. Centennial Parkway. (Ginger Meurer/View)

From left, the grilled chicken filet sandwich, kids corndog meal and avocado burger are among options at Wimpy’s, 171 W. Centennial Parkway. Framed art representing the character from Popeye hangs on the restaurant walls. (Ginger Meurer/View)

They don’t call it Wimpy’s because the portions are small or the flavors are weak.

At a third of a pound, the burgers here are hefty compared to some fast-food fodder. Wimpy’s is named for the burger-binging moocher immortalized in the “Popeye” comics and cartoons. The walls in the North Las Vegas location are covered in posters and comic strip clips dedicated to the fellow who always promised, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”

With burger prices starting at $1.69 for the junior cheeseburger, $3.98 for the avocado burger or $4.39 for the bacon cheeseburger, even Wimpy might be able to pay right away. Diners can back their burgers up with french fries, onion rings, fried zucchini sticks, chicken nuggets or salad.

And burgers aren’t the only option, though the restaurant logo proclaims they are “America’s Favorite Hamburgers.” The menu also offers a selection of sandwiches featuring grilled chicken filet, steak, pastrami, chicken strips and grilled ham and cheese. Kids meal choices include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, corn dogs, chicken nuggets or grilled cheese sandwiches accompanied by a drink and a side.

Follow that with a milk shake, a malt, homemade cheesecake or a chocolate, strawberry or apricot tart. Wimpy’s also serves omelets, breakfast burritos and, in a nod to Wimpy’s pal Popeye’s favorite, a dish with potato, Polish sausage, spinach and poached egg.

Eat inside and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi on the small patio, or drop by the drive-up window. The signage, decor, fluffy fresh buns and professionally printed menu make Wimpy’s look like a slick national chain, but the North Las Vegas site is one of only two.