Bumdoodler's (or Bum's as the locals call it) is part REALLY good food and part nostalgia. It's been around for 30+ years and little has changed. Bums was purchased by Gerri Fiedler in 1982 (a good 10 years before I moved to Boerne) and Gerri's Pies was born at the same time. Gerri makes the best damn pie I have ever eaten. The cheesecake especially. It's... sinful. It is the richest, gooiest, smoothest cheesecake to ever pass these lips. Gerri's daughter, Jana took over Bum's in 2000. She still uses all of Gerri's original recipes and all baked goods and soups continue to be made on-site every day. About a year ago, they also added cupcakes to the menu.
On any given day, during regular lunch hours (11:30-1) it's possible that you will find a VERY long line at Bum's. Don't let it scare you. They have been doing this for a long time and they know what they're doing. They'll get you fed in a very reasonable amount of time. If you get a cup of soup (and I recommend you do), you will receive that immediately and that will keep you, and your taste buds, gleefully occupied until your sandwich arrives. If waiting isn't your thing, you can also call your order in. Their menu is posted online (www.bumdoodlers.com) if you need it, but any devout Boerne local, knows their order by heart (half #8, hot, with a cup of broccoli cheese soup). And sometimes, we know our friend's orders too (half #8, hot, no onions). :o)
Everything I've ever eaten at Bum's has been spectacular.
- There is a rotating schedule of daily soup selections, with the broccoli cheese being featured daily. I've only ever had the potato, once or twice, and the broccoli cheese, more times than I could ever count. I have no idea what goes into this soup (it could be broccoli, Velveeta and milk for all I care) but it's... it's... perfect. It's thick and creamy and hearty and perfectly seasoned. I've never had its equal.
- The Gardener's Special is not just any vegetarian sandwich. The pairing of the honey wheat bread with the avocado and cream cheese is genius. And their Reuben, my second favorite sandwich on the planet, is also enhanced by the fresh baked rye bread they serve it on.
- I have to confess, for as much as I usually tout trying new things, I have rarely deviated from their signature sandwich, The Brainstorm (see #8 above). Salami, ham, turkey, cheddar, Swiss, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and a "healthy" serving of mustard and mayonnaise on a roll the size of your head. (Fortunately, you can order a half!) The roll is slightly chewy on the outside and perfectly pillowy on the inside. The combination of meats, cheeses and veggies is inspired. But let's be real. If you break it down, this is not a complicated sandwich. It just has a lot of stuff on it, right? Oh, you can try and make it. Lord knows I have. I purchased the exact rolls from Bum's and collected all of the ingredients. I even nuked it to make it hot and melty just like I like it. Even with all of the same components, it just wasn't right. There was something missing. I've often wondered if maybe they lace their condiments with crack, it's that good and addictive. Honestly, whatever it is, I'm buyin'!
Things get a little melty when you order it hot!
The next time you're near Boerne, TX (or Kerville or North Austin!)) stop in to Bumdoodler's. I promise whatever you have will be amazing, but if you get The Brainstorm, I promise it will blow your mind! :o)
