Max & Erma's

On a recent trip a bit north to an indoor car show for our other blog (http://turnerbudds-carblog.blogspot.com/) we decided to eat at the restaurant in the hotel where the convention center hosting the cars was. Josh had never eaten at Max and Erma's and it had been a while for Mark. Max and Erma's (http://www.maxandermas.com/) is a Columbus based chain that was founded in 1972.

They call themselves a gourmet hamburger restaurant though they feature a full menu similar to a Friday's or Applebee's. Still, it is the burgers on which they have built their reputation. In fact, they are so confident about the quality of their burgers that they even have one of their classics called the Best Cheeseburger in America.

Burgers

In keeping with the nature of the blog we both opted for a B.Y.O.B., a Build Your Own Burger. Unlike some places that make that type of offer, Max and Erma's actually gives you a wide range of options, including the type of bun you would like.

We both chose the wheat bun and were very pleased with the choice. Likewise, the cheese we each picked and the various other goodies and condiments were all fresh and flavorful. Josh even braved it to order a winter tomato and said it actually tasted like a tomato.

The 10 ounce patty was dense, showing no signs of filler, and looked and tasted as though it were fresh and hand patted. Thick and juicy we both liked it but it wasn't quite as flavorful as many other burgers we've experienced, even the chain burgers. 

Price wise it was right there with the other burgers of similar chains and yet didn't really jump out at either of us. No this isn't a bad burger, it's actually pretty decent. But from a value standpoint it doesn't even come close to some of our favorites.

If you haven't been to a Max and Erma's in a while, you might want to give them a chance. But look at the whole menu before deciding to settle on a burger. If, though, you're in the mood for a great burger, there are several better options.