Burgers: Is Bigger Better Or Just Bigger?

Hello everyone!

When I review a business, it's always because I want to check out places that are popular and/or I have liked in the past.  I always go in wanting to love it and am rarely disappointed...

Years ago, after several attempts aborted due to long lines, Audra, Barbara and I ate at the Thurman Cafe in German Village near downtown Columbus, Ohio.  It has been there since 1942 and appears on Food Network shows when they talk about hamburgers or local legends.  We had a great time and I am sure the food was fine.

The legendary "Thurmanator" burger (photo by George Motz, hamburgeramerica.com)

The THURMANATOR

Bottom bun, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, 12 ounce burger, bacon, cheddar, another

12 ounce burger, sautéed mushrooms & onions, ham, mozzarella & American cheese, top bun served

with fries 17.99

If you are able to eat a whole Thurmanator platter within a certain amount of time, I believe it's free or it at least used to be.  

So, when they opened up a "Son Of Thurman" in nearby Delaware, Ohio, I picked up Audra (whose dorm room is just blocks away from there) and we tried it.  It opens at noon on Sunday.  When we pulled up about 5 minutes 'til, there was the traditional line about a 1/2 block long.  When they opened the doors, it went fairly quickly--at least to get in the building.  They did try to seat folks as fast as they could.  We waited maybe 20 minutes for a table, but it was after 1 p.m. before we got our meal.  

Top: My mushroom burger platter.  Bottom: Audra's Bacon and Cheeseburger platter.

Now if you are still trying to find "where the beef is" you will find it here.  These are 3/4 pound hamburgers they form on site.  But since they knew they would have a crowd, you would have thought they would've maybe started the burgers a few minutes before they opened.  Maybe they did.  But nearly everyone orders hamburgers and they are still pretty slow.  When we got our food, it was fine, except Audra's hand cut french fries were raw in the middle (but brown--so the oil was too hot and they were rushing them.)  The waitress was nice and we didn't want to wait, so we just brought the fries home with the other half of the burger.  

First, there is no polite way to eat these and I hate a mess.  So I cut it up and used a fork.  I wish I could say there was something special about them, but I think this was just like you could make at home (only thicker than you'd probably want.)  I don't really like eating a whole slab of ground meat at a time--the condiments are there to break that up, but you can't get them all into a mouthful (and I have a big mouth!)  It was juicy as far as that goes.

So, I guess we'd give it a B.  It's nice for the kids on campus to have it nearby because their school food leaves a lot to be desired-but kinda expensive for a kid's budget.  The place was decorated bar-like and there were lots of TVs to watch whatever game is going on that day.  

The atmosphere...

So is bigger better???  That's up to you.  But it is filling!  There is no dessert menu and you are warned...

"Dessert Menu- None,   If you have room for dessert, it's your own fault. :)"

If you're in Delaware and feeling like a big burger, you will probably like "Son Of Thurman"  It's at 5 N. Sandusky Street and the corner of William St.  If you want take out, their number is (740) 417-9614 or go to sonofthurman.com.

Until next time, 

Gale

If You Like Sandwiches, You'll Love This Post!

If you find yourself in South Columbus, you definitely need to try the Ohio Deli .  We don't live anywhere near there, but a few times a year we take the 45 minute drive.  I don't normally do restaurant reviews, but this one deserves mentioning.  I will occasionally tell you about other really good places in case you are ever in the area.

Though known for the "Dagwood Challenge" and featured on the Food Network's "Man vs Food" show, this deli really wouldn't catch your eye going down the street.  It's not at all fancy and not in the best of areas.  But, I've never had a bad experience there and that says something for a restaurant.  The food is not only good and reasonably priced, but you get a lot of it!  I always wind up taking a half of my sandwich home and have yet to buy a dessert, though they look great!

If you take the challenge, you have 30 minutes to eat an enormous sandwich and a pound of french fries.  If you do it, the meal is free.  We watched a couple guys try, but they gave up and didn't look too well...

The last time we were there, this is what Taylor ordered.  He brought half home.

They also serve many different platters and hot meals, soups, etc.  But I'd say go there when you are really hungry for a big sandwich!

Until next time!

Gale