Born and raised right here in Columbus, this dish is not just famous locally. It has been on TV, it has won awards, it’s got the whole country talking. It is, of course...the Thurmanator. One heck and one hulk of a burger, the Thurmanator is a long-time favorite dish served at The Thurman Cafe. So what makes it so awesome?
The Thurman Cafe is a rustic American restaurant with oversized topping-loaded burgers and a full bar, all served in a laid back, old school, and fun atmosphere.
Thurman’s was opened in 1942 by Nick Suclescy and has been family owned since then. It is considered one of the best places to have a hamburger in the country. It has won awards including CitySearch’s Best of CitySearch and Food Network’s Best of the Best of.
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The Thurmanator, excellently named and the most famous dish of the restaurant, is a fantastic delicious and hu-u-uge burger.
It consists of a bun, lettuce, tomato, mayo, American cheese, provolone cheese, ham, sauteed onions, mushrooms, a 12 ounce burger, bacon, cheddar cheese, hot peppers, and…
...another 12 ounce burger. It is served with house made kettle chips and a pickle spear.
The host, Adam Richman, explained that the Thurmanator was created as the perfect fuel for competitors in the Arnold Classic.
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Let’s face it, you probably won’t be able to finish the Thurmanator in one go (perhaps unless you’re getting ready for the Arnold Classic), but you will love getting a second go at it the next time you’re hungry, and it is well worth your money.
What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? CBUS offers pretty much endless options for places to eat, so how does one choose? If you'd like to get to know the Buckeye State's food scene a little better, start by eating these long-time favorite dishes. Here are 11 dishes that are so good, they're famous!
The Thurmanator is the king of all burgers. 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. Whew! That's a lot of flavor stuffed in between two buns! This is one burger Columbusites just can't stop talking about. Is it huge? Yes. Is it too huge? Maybe... but it's absolutely delicious, and you can always save half for an extra meal (or two).
The Bahama Mama is the signature sausage of this well-known and loved establishment. It has a perfect balance of flavor and spiciness, with a great snap (that's how you know it's good!) You can get the Bahama Mama any way you like, whether that's on a bun, or on a plate with extra sides. And walking down this old brick street really puts you in the mood for some old-world recipes.
You might be amazed, but the Turtle Soup has been a special at The Old Mohawk for over 70 years. This soup features its unique strands of meat in a perfectly seasoned tomato broth mixed in with tender slices of veggies. Try it; you won't be sorry! Keep updated on The Old Mohawk Facebook page.
First off: yes, it's really $2 on Mondays. It might sound simple, but this melty, gooey, creamy, crusty sandwich is awesome, and you will savor every bite. Columbusites love starting their Monday evenings with this delicacy. You can also get a bowl of tomato soup for dipping your grilled cheese. Read about other specials on the Columbus Bodega website.
The Saganaki is not only delicious but also incredibly entertaining. Saganaki is a Greek dish featuring tasty fried cheese, and when you order it, you will be presented with a plate of flaming cheese. Yes, it will actually be on fire! After letting it flame for a moment, your server will put it out by squeezing fresh lemon juice over it. See other photos on The Happy Greek Facebook page.
The Northstar Cafe is loved for its absolutely delicious and sustainable vegetarian and vegan options. The Northstar Burger has everybody talking. It's an entirely veggie burger, but before you meat lovers think this is not for you, give it a try. This dish is everyone's favorite! The eatery now has five locations in Columbus. Discover more on the Northstar Cafe website.
Los Gauchos is both the self-proclaimed and resident-confirmed best place for Al Pastor Tacos in Columbus. The Al Pastor Tacos are a fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors with shawarma meat and delicious fresh juicy toppings. Find other locations on the Los Gauchos website.
To the delight of the guests who have lined up outside to wait for a table - because it's that delicious - a whiteboard exists featuring the pancake special of the day. It's usually a whopper and suits the season. I prefer to order mine with blueberries and chocolate chips. The pancakes in the photo contain fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. This legendary eatery alone is worth a drive to CBUS.
Endless styles of pizza exist in the world, but at Tommy's, you can try our very own Columbus-style pizza. This thick-crust square-cut plate of heaven will have you drooling as soon as you see it. Tommy's is always generous with the toppings!
These Columbus restaurants are now in three locations. Find out where they exist on the Tommy's Pizza website.
Columbus Fish Market is a long-established and beloved restaurant in the city. The Maine Lobster Bisque is talked about particularly often. This is a perfectly creamy bowl of soup that will make your tastebuds do a happy dance. Make sure you try it. See other photos on the Columbus Fish Market Facebook page.
Buckeyes, while served at many establishments in Columbus, are even better in home kitchens and family reunions! Popular partially due to our love for the Ohio State Buckeyes, these delicious dessert balls have a peanut butter and confectioners sugar filling coated in chocolate. Seems simple, but try these out! You will not be disappointed in this Columbus, Ohio famous food.
What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? Now you have a few ideas about the delicious offerings in the Buckey State. Are you hungry yet? Grab your friends and try all these favorite local dishes. What's the best dish you have ever had in Columbus? Please share in the comments below.
There are hundreds of fantastically delicious restaurant in Columbus, and some will award you with an extra unique experience. Whether it's an incredible view, local spirits, or creative flavors that you're looking for, you can find a restaurant nearby to suit your cravings. They're just part of what you'll cross off of your Columbus bucket list. Here are 10 excellent unique restaurants in Columbus.
Home of the original pancake balls, Katalina’s has been serving fantastic food in Victorian Village for decades. It’s housed in a 100-year-old gas station and serves breakfast, brunch, and brunch. Katalina’s focuses on on local, organic, and ethical ingredients sourced from local business partners, and they create classic diner meals with a Latin twist. In addition to the food, you will love the environment of the cafe, which has walls filled with unique thrift store finds and graffiti.
Katalina’s is located at 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201.
Sure, plenty of restaurants serve steak... but if you’re really looking for a top notch intimate atmosphere, you’ll want to give The Top a try. The Top has been one of the best restaurants in Columbus for over 50 years. The restaurant has romantica venue, complete with piano music and lounge singers.
The Top Steakhouse is located at 2891 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43209.
Mozart's has been a Clintonville destination for over 20 years. Mozart’s brings Europe to Columbus through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an incredible variety of decadent European pastries. This "taste of Austria" is accompanied by live piano music and jazz on select nights. Make sure you also check out the beautifully restored building, which was built in the 1920s.
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Mozart's Bakery and Piano Cafe is located at 4784 N High St., Columbus, OH 43214.
With a mission to "save the f’n world," Eden Burger serves modern, elevated fast food inspired dishes. The menu is organic, vegan, and delicious. Some of the favorites include the BBQ Western Burger with fries and a blood orange soda, the Buffalo Tempeh, and the incredible milkshakes.
Eden Burger is located at 1437 N High St., Columbus, OH 43201. Be sure to check and see if they've re-opened.
The Boat House is a great restaurant that offers a modern seafood menu. You can enjoy a bottle of wine or a deliciously crafted cocktail with your meal. What makes this place extra special, though, is its incredible view. Sitting in Confluence Park at the meeting of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers, the restaurants opens up to an incredible view of downtown Columbus.
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The Boat House is located at 679 W Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215.
Eating with a view is a favorite to many diners, so here is another restaurant that is both delicious and scenic. Cafe Istanbul serves high quality Turkish food, including all of your favorites, like baba ganoush, hummus, and kababs. Whether you dine inside or on the large patio, you will be able to enjoy a gorgeous view from the bank of the Scioto River.
Cafe Istanbul is located at 6125 Riverside Dr., Dublin, OH 43017.
How exactly does one describe Bossy Grrls? Words that come to mind: burlesque, exotic, rowdy, and trashy (I'm not being mean here, that one's from the description on their own website). This place is a wild hidden gem. They offer burlesque shows every Monday at 10:00 p.m., and on other nights they feature dancers, musicians, and comedians. Delicious beers, whisky, coffee, and sandwiches are available for you to enjoy along with the shows.
Bossy Grrls Pin Up Joint is located at 2598 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43202.
You know how sometimes you wish you could try "one of everything" on a menu? Well, at Rodizio Grill, that’s kind of the idea. Waiters walk around the dining room offering a variety of smoky flavorful meats just off the grill. Instead of ordering one dish, customers are able try the delicacies a few slices at a time.
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse is located at 125 W Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215.
This famous German Village restaurant will give you an authentic taste of Germany - there are sausages galore! The best way to enjoy your meal here is to head straight for the German Autobahn Buffet. Schmidt's does not take reservations and it tends to get a bit crowded, so arrive early you're hungry, give your name to the hostess, and wander the cobblestone streets of German Village while you wait!
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant is located at 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206.
For incredible, modern, and local food accompanied by amazing cocktails made with home spirits, try Watershed Kitchen & Bar. This restaurant was just opened earlier this year (and has already received rave reviews) as an addition to the Watershed Distillery. Already loved by locals for their delicious and carefully crafted spirits, they have approached their new restaurant with the same kind of attention to detail. Their flavors come from their respect for ingredients and their mission to reflect and improve the community around them.
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Watershed Kitchen & Bar is located at 1145 Chesapeake Ave., Ste D, Columbus, OH 43212.
What is your favorite one-of-a-kind restaurant in Columbus? We'd love to know! Before you visit, learn some unique facts about Columbus!
