Herb & Thelma's Tavern

The Story

Herb & Thelma's has been on the curve at 718 Pike Street since 1939, when Henry "Heine" Boehmker opened it as Heine's Cafe. His son Herb and wife Thelma took it over in 1965 and gave it the name it still carries. The Boehmker family held it for decades before Joe took the reins about twelve years ago. The room hasn't budged either way.

The Vibe

No frills isn't a design choice here, it's just how it's always been. The flat top grill sits right behind the bar — you watch your food cook from where you're sitting. Every wall is covered in 85 years of accumulated history: old photos, framed press, Schlitz signs, sports flags, a WHKK 101 FM banner. There's a Game of Thrones pinball machine in the back room. Nobody curated any of it because nobody had to. Miller Lite clock. Drop ceiling. Hardwood floors. The guy at the end of the bar in the Herb & Thelma's t-shirt — that's original family. Joe behind the bar is bartender, cook, server, and owner, running the whole room without breaking a sweat. The kind of place that takes you back before restaurants had a concept.

The Food

The bartender's call for a first visit is the cheeseburger with American cheese, pickle, and onion. He's right. It comes off the flat top hot, served on wax paper dish, cheese already running — no pretense, exactly what a cheeseburger is supposed to be. Get the chili on the side — piping hot, carries a little heat without announcing it, lands exactly where good chili should. Not con carne thick, not the watery stuff that falls apart. It stands up. Comes with a sleeve of Zesta saltines. Then order the Wassler Grilled Spicy Italian Sausage with grilled peppers and onions, pepper jack, and arrabbiata sauce. Come for the cheeseburger, stay for the sausage.

The Bottom Line

Herb & Thelma's isn't trying to be a destination. It just is a good old fashion hangout and place get some great grub. Bring cash (it has ATM, but is cash only).