
The Thurman Cafe
A legendary Columbus institution since 1942, famous for its colossal burgers and rustic, welcoming atmosphere. A must-visit for burger lovers!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Thurman Cafe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Columbus institution since 1942, famous for its colossal burgers and rustic, welcoming atmosphere. A must-visit for burger lovers!
"These burgers are legit. If you are a hungry college student order a burger, if you are not- order one to split, seriously."
Be prepared for a wait
This popular spot gets crowded. Visit during off-peak hours or be ready to wait, as they don't take reservations.
Share a burger!
Portions are massive! Consider splitting a burger, especially if you're not ordering the Thurmanator.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Thurmanator Challenge
Face the legendary Thurmanator, a colossal burger with two 12oz patties and a mountain of toppings. A true test of appetite!

Massive & Mouth-Watering Burgers
Indulge in generously sized burgers, piled high with creative toppings. Each bite is a flavor explosion.

Eclectic & Welcoming Atmosphere
Experience a unique, rustic charm with interesting decor and friendly staff that create a relaxed vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Be prepared for a wait
This popular spot gets crowded. Visit during off-peak hours or be ready to wait, as they don't take reservations.
Share a burger!
Portions are massive! Consider splitting a burger, especially if you're not ordering the Thurmanator.
Don't skip the sides
While burgers are the star, the fries and onion rings are also highly recommended and worth trying.
Embrace the 'grunge'
The atmosphere is 'urban grunge' but adds to the unique appeal. Relax and enjoy the local vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
Be prepared for a wait
This popular spot gets crowded. Visit during off-peak hours or be ready to wait, as they don't take reservations.
Share a burger!
Portions are massive! Consider splitting a burger, especially if you're not ordering the Thurmanator.
Don't skip the sides
While burgers are the star, the fries and onion rings are also highly recommended and worth trying.
Embrace the 'grunge'
The atmosphere is 'urban grunge' but adds to the unique appeal. Relax and enjoy the local vibe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Thurman Cafe is a beloved Columbus institution renowned for its incredibly massive and flavorful burgers, particularly the legendary Thurmanator. Diners consistently praise the generous portions, delicious taste, and the welcoming, eclectic atmosphere of this long-standing establishment. While some acknowledge the potential for long waits and the dive-bar ambiance, the overwhelming sentiment is that the experience and the food are well worth it for burger enthusiasts.
"On a rainy 🌧 Monday, I met a friend here for early dinner, and it came highly recommended. Street parking was available, and we were seated almost immediately upon entry in a street facing booth, very eclectic vibe.
We ordered drinks and a cheese curd appetizer, quickly served, We enjoyed the atmosphere and reviewed the menu. We each ordered a different version of their famous hamburgers. Each was delicious 😋. I got the Jaeger Burger, topped with caramelized onions 🌰 mushrooms and cheese. Excellent experience 👏.
Service continued to be quick, and our glasses were never dry. The bill was timely and processed quickly with a smile prompting a nice tip for all involved 😀 👍.
Atmosphere could overwhelm some not accustomed to urban grunge, however once you experience the vibe, it quickly becomes a none factor.
Highly recommend a visit, great food, Service, and plenty to explore!"
Dr Haxs
"Super fun time at Thurmond Cafe. We had a 40 minute wait but it was totally worth it. Very eclectic place, nice and attentive servers, delicious food. Me and my wife shared a White Pizza Thin and the Thurman Burger, it was a ton of food. My favorite thing were the Battered Onion Straws. Would definitely come back to try more menu items."
Zane Manzione
"Ok, these burgers are legit. If you are a hungry college student order a burger, if you are not- order one to split, seriously. 12oz to start, big burgers, but super tasty. We had several and all of them were good, get them med well (I usually like med rare, but these are big enough to take a little extra. A family owned dive bar kind of place. Not many tables so plan ahead, they won’t seat until everyone is present. Staff all share waiting duties, so at least there is always someone checking on you, but it is all made to order so nothing is fast, but it is worth the wait. Fries and onion rings were ok, as was the Ruben. Not bad, but stick with the burgers. Beers on tap and some in the can. Friendly staff, street parking. Gets busy fast. You will not go hungry (even splitting)."
Brendan Mulvaney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Thurmanator is a legendary, massive burger featuring two 12-ounce patties and numerous toppings, a true feat for serious appetites.
No, The Thurman Cafe does not accept reservations. Be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours.
Yes, the burgers are consistently described as huge, with many diners recommending splitting one if you're not extremely hungry.
The atmosphere is described as eclectic, rustic, and a bit 'urban grunge,' with dollar bills on the walls and a lively, local vibe.
To avoid long wait times, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours if possible.
While primarily known for its burgers, some reviews suggest limited vegetarian options like a salad or sides, but it's not a focus.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
10 Best Restaurants in Columbus for Every Taste and Occasion
Famous for attracting athletes from around the world, particularly bodybuilders in town for the annual Arnold Schwartzenegger Sports Festival, which is held the first weekend of each March, The Thurman Cafe features one of the city's best known and loved burgers: The Thurmanator. In a town loaded with pub food and burger options, The Thurman Cafe stands out with its massively juicy and mouth-watering options that include any style burger you fancy, as well as garden burgers, hot dogs, coneys, subs and gyros. Check out the full bar while visiting to wash it all down.
The Best Places To Eat In Historic German Village
About: The Thurman Cafe may be a bit touristy at times, but the wait will be worth it. The burgers at Thurman Cafe are huge anyway, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take a stab at the Thurmanator, which includes two 12-ounce patties and a score of additional toppings. They don’t take reservations at Thurman Cafe and it will be crowded, so just be prepared that you might have to wait for a bit.Location: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206Website: The Thurman Cafe
30 Amazing Things to Do with Kids in Columbus, Ohio
Open since 1942, this dive-y burger joint was featured on an episode of Man vs. Food for its massive, juicy burgers. You can opt for the Thurmanator, a gigantic 12-oz burger featured on the show, or you can opt for a ‘normal’-sized version – It’ll still probably be larger than any other hamburger you’ve ever eaten!. We loved this place for its diverse, locals-only crowd, its friendly servers, its truly tasty burgers, and its Game of Thrones pinball machine.
Your Ohio State tailgating guide, plus the best Columbus bars
A couple of the more well-known places to eat in Columbus are located in the German Village area of south Columbus. Thurman Cafe offers their famous "Thurmanator" if you crave a fine cheeseburger , but be sure to pencil in a nap afterwards if you do order. The one drawback about Thurman Cafe it doesn't have a lot of seating, so if time is of the essence you might want to look elsewhere because there can be a bit of a wait to be served.
Want to find the best fries in Columbus? Try these places
It seems kind of pointless to say if you've got two 12-ounce beef patties, cheddar, mozzarella, American cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms, ham, lettuce, tomato, pickle and banana peppers stacked up in front of you, but here it goes. Save room for fries at the Thurman Cafe. Enough people do, apparently (or box them up to take home), that the 82-year-old German Village icon was selected among the favorite fries in Columbus.
Best American restaurants in Columbus [2024]
Address: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206Phone:+1 (614) 443-1570Website:thethurmancafe.comDetails: $$, Hamburger restaurant. Located in Columbus’ German Village, The Thurman Cafe is a must-visit American restaurant that has gained a reputation for serving some of the tastiest burgers in town. Established in 1942 and family-owned ever since, this rustic tavern is a popular spot for burger enthusiasts.
8 Best Restaurants in Columbus
Sometimes, you don’t want your Columbus restaurant visit to be a big deal. You’re tired and hungry and have been walking around town all morning – it’s time to just flop down and chow down somewhere comfortable. Luckily, some of the best restaurants in Columbus have been created with just that idea in mind –and the first of our comfort food favorites is The Thurman Café.
10 Must Eat Places in Columbus, Ohio
Thurman Cafe is one of those places that’s just a part of the culture. It’s been a family owned staple in the German Village neighborhood since 1942, and has been serving up some of the best burgers in the country ever since!. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you think you’re up for the challenge, you can try and tackle the Thurmanator.
German Village Dining Guide | Top Columbus Restaurants
This Columbus landmark has been serving the German Village area since 1942. This small diner is a Columbus attraction and dining experience that you must try, plus, it's filled with nostalgic keepsakes that add to the dining experience. Try their famous stacked Thurman Burger or their Original Coney Islands made from a family secret recipe.
The TOP 5-Star Restaurants in Columbus, Ohio
If you’re looking for casual eats, look no further than The Thurman Cafe, best known for burgers. In the German Village neighborhood, The Thurman Cafe is open from 11 am to 11 pm daily, making it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or late-night snacks. Part of Columbus’ dining scene since 1942, The Thurman Cafe has staying power.
12 Coolest Places to Eat
The Thurman Cafe is a legendary Columbus dive bar famous for its ridiculously massive burgers. The place is small, always packed, and has that perfect, no-frills neighborhood vibe with dollar bills tacked to the walls. You’ll probably have to wait in line, but that just builds the anticipation for the beast you’re about to eat.
Unique Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio
The Thurman Café is a great place to go if you are craving a hamburger. For a starter, try the Jalapeno Poppers or the Zucchini Fries. For your main, try a Specialty Pizza Thin, Salad, Sandwich, Sub, a Kosta’s Famous Coney Island, or one of Thurman’s Famous Burgers.
The 7 Best Spots For Chicken Wings In Columbus
This legendary spot in German Village is famous for their insanely huge burgers, but the wings here are another must-order dish. Their wings are classic in style and come coated in a delicious and rich buffalo sauce and served with classic celery and cheesy dip.
16 Best Restaurants in Columbus, OH
183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206614-443-1570 Visit Website. The Thurman Cafe is where you visit when you want to enjoy burgers done the right way. The building itself is unsuspecting, and the interior is modest with the ambiance of a typical sports bar.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Columbus, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,235 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206-2629- Read more on Tripadvisor
10 Things to Do in Columbus, OH This Weekend
The Thurman Cafe is known for its oversized and loaded hamburgers. They also provide amazing customer service with a full bar. When visiting, we recommend starting your meal off with the zucchini fries and then ordering the great 3 burgers.
The 50 Best Places To Eat In Columbus
This burger has more layers that Mother Earth does, so you kind of have to try it. But, if your appetite isn’t that big, then you’ll find plenty of other appetizers you’ll enjoy (AKA, jalapeño poppers).
What Food Is Columbus, Ohio Known For? Try These 11 Dishes
Stacked up high with two 12-ounce burger patties, bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms and onions, cheddar, mozzarella and American cheese, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles.
30 Best Restaurants in Columbus, OH for 2024 (Top Eats!)
183 Thurman Ave.Columbus, OH 43206(614) 443-1570 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. The Thurman Cafe is a family-owned Columbus landmark serving the German Village area since 1942.
The Best Things to See and Do in Columbus, Ohio
If you think you’re up to the challenge, order the Thurmanator at The Thurman Cafe. Man Vs. Food couldn’t resist this monstrous burger with its two 12-ounce patties.
20 Best Restaurants in Columbus, UNITED STATES
It offers fries, burgers, wings, hot dogs, with a delicious cold beer. Address : 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit