Thurman Cafe Columbus Ohio historic restaurant review

Historic Thurman Cafe Columbus Ohio, Food, Review & Vibe

Restaurants that boast having one of the best hamburgers in the country are plentiful. The restaurants that can actually back up that claim are few. The Thurman Cafe Columbus Ohio is one of those that can rightfully make that claim.

Located in the German Village section of town, The Thurman Cafe has been serving up memorable burgers since the 1940s.

Located near German Village just south of downtown Columbus, the Thurman Cafe is a family-friendly bar and grill known for serving huge portions. You will not walk away hungry or be disappointed at Thurman’s – unless you’re a University of Michigan fan.

Even though it is a bar, the Thurman Cafe is family-friendly during the day. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the walls decorated with Ohio State memorabilia and signed dollar bills.
Even though it is a bar, the Thurman Cafe is family-friendly during the day. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the walls decorated with Ohio State memorabilia and signed dollar bills.

The walls are filled with OSU signs, expressions of distaste for Michigan fans, and signed dollar bills. In fact, the thousands of bills affixed to the walls makes the Thurman Cafe atmosphere a relaxed, almost Florida-beach-bar vibe.

Thurman Cafe Columbus Ohio Review

As for the food, the Thurman Cafe menu offers a surprisingly wide variety. Known as an iconic burger joint in Columbus, you can find so much more.

The Western Burger with hand-cut fries from the Thurman Cafe. Highlights include the fresh burger, never frozen and delivered each day, along with tasty thick-cut bacon and a delightful bbq sauce.
The Western Burger with hand-cut fries from the Thurman Cafe. Highlights include the fresh burger, never frozen and delivered each day, along with tasty thick-cut bacon and a delightful bbq sauce.

The Thurman Cafe portions are large. This especially evident with their most famous sandwich, the Thurmanator burger. This burger is not for the faint of heart, which explains why it was featured on the TV show Man Vs. Food in 2008. This monster burger features mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, two 12-ounce burgers, bacon, cheddar, sautéed onions and mushrooms, ham, mozzarella & American cheese, top bun served with fries and a pickle spear.

Big Taste and Big Burgers

If you have more of a normal appetite, might we recommend the Western Burger. Thurman’s Western Burger features their fresh ground beef burger loaded up with thick-cut bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Maybe the best part of this burger is the tangy BBQ sauce that tops it. 

The Thurman Cafe is more than just burgers, including a fantastic turkey club sandwich and world-class onion rings.
The Thurman Cafe is more than just burgers, including a fantastic turkey club sandwich and world-class onion rings.

Thurman Cafe burgers are the reason most people come, but they offer so much more. Pizzas, coney dogs, wings, dinner salads and a variety of sandwiches provide a variety of dining options. The turkey club was definitely a winner. This delicious sandwich features a generous portion of thinly sliced turkey, bacon, and Swiss cheese. The bacon made this sandwich – and the Western Burger too. 

A Thurman Cafe review would not be complete without mentioning the appetizers. There are several starters that sound wonderful, including fried Portabello ‘shrooms,  cheese curds, and chicken cordon bleu balls. The onion rings were spectacular, and among the best we’ve ever experienced. Lightly battered and not greasy at all, these onion rings were a great start to our meal. 

Thurman’s is definitely where locals eat in Columbus. We arrived just after they opened at 11am on a Saturday. By time we left, the restaurant was full and there was a waiting list. They do not accept reservations. Thurman Cafe wait times can be long, especially on Ohio State football game days. We recommend getting there early so you can savor this historic Columbus restaurant. 

Thurman’s Cafe is a favorite for locals as well as fans coming to town for Ohio State football games. The bar is decorated from wall to wall with OSU support for the Buckeyes.
Thurman’s Cafe is a favorite for locals as well as fans coming to town for Ohio State football games. The bar is decorated from wall to wall with OSU support for the Buckeyes.

It is safe to say that Thurman’s has the best burgers in Columbus, and one of our all-time favorites. This restaurant is family owned since 1942 when it was founded by Nick Suclescy. We sat near the bar, and a manager visited every table in our area to ensure we had great service. Located at 183 Thurman Avenue in Columbus, the Thurman Cafe is open 11am to 11pm daily, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday night. 

The Thurman Cafe is on our list to revisit, and a place we think should be on your list when you venture into central Ohio.

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