Kewpee Hamburgers

Ok… so I am a Lima native and grew up with Kewpee. The funny thing is my daughter that now lives in Cincinnati used to say she was sick of kewpee when she lived at home, but guess what, yep, every time she visits the first place she wants to go to is kewpee. They really do have the freshest burgers around. My suggestion is to try the location downtown. To my family and I, the burgers taste better there for some reason. Oh, and don’t forget the chili and malt.

Food was good the first time but went back the second time and got an old tasting sloppy burger. Imagine a burger that had been sitting for awhile and then being put in between two buns with a bunch of ketchup and mayo… yuck

The Eastside Kewpee is the newest I believe. It lacks the character of the original store, sitting in a white 1970s box-​up instead of the enameled art deco abode of the aforementioned downtown location. It still offers the same food, in selection and quality – the same locally grown meat, same hydroponic toppings, same rich fries.
I wrote a review of the original a couple years ago, my opinion on quality and taste still holds. Though I caution the reader to consider the source. I’ve eaten at the Kewpee from the time I came off milk and could handle solid food. So my opinion may be subjective, nostalgia entering my senses and warping my opinion. I say this because visitor’s opinion on this place can be mixed. (Note: the porcelain doll hanging up over the door may seem strange but it’s really not. It is a Kewpie Doll, look it up. It is an icon of early 20^th century Americana. Sheesh people!)
The Kewpee is simple. One of the first fast food chains it serve staples of the genre. Mostly hamburgers, fries, sodas. Said to be what Dave Thomas copied to develop Wendy’s, Kewpee also have soft-​serve frosties, and weakly spiced chilly. The burgers can be too thin, but their freshly cut beef brings an off-​the-​farm taste that the major chains lack. It’s pure fatty, comfort food – I think their version of a veggie sandwich is a bun with tomatoes, pickle, lettuce, ect. Something they should fix.
Pies here are recommended. They are bakery made and delicious. Cherry pies are the best, though can be overly rich.
The atmosphere here is bad. The dinning room is a large, echoing cafeteria devoid of music and can get noisy, especially when a bus load of students come screaming in. Half the exterior walls are windows that wash the place with sunlight, but the view is of a Save-​A-​lot and a seedy motel. The décor is a clash of orange booths, brown flooring, and the teal brick walls of the restrooms.
Another pitfall is the wait. A popular joint in town, the line can stretch to the lobbies on both sides of the counter. The drive-​thru too can be a wait, the line spilling out into Save-A-Lot’s parking. Best to come midday in the business week, where one can be serviced fast and have a quiet dinner.

After heading to Fort Wayne, IN for a family wedding, my brother insisted we make a detour to Kewpee on our way back home to Columbus. Our intention was to go to the original location, y’know, to get that authentic feel, but it was closed for some photo shoot or something. I’m assuming for a Vogue cover shot.
Anyway, we headed out to this one instead. Big place, and since we were there at prime lunch time it was pretty crowded. I agree with whoever made the comment that it looks like a food court. I mean, it’s probably the largest fast food restaurant I’ve ever been to. Two lines, how fun! Because of the two lines we moved through quickly despite the place being packed.
So I ordered a double cheeseburger, fries, drink, and malt. I forgot to add olives to my burger, drats! Fries were for sure better than Wendy’s. Wendy’s fries are consistently lukewarm, way over salted (and this is coming from someone who likes salt), and limp. My Kewpee fries were nice and crispy with that pillowy potato softness I like inside. Burger was pretty good… I wish I ordered a single though, as my bun really fell apart. Malt also good. I haven’t had a Frosty in so long though that I can’t compare it to Wendy’s. IDK, it’s chocolate and that’s all that matters to me.
All in all, good experience and tasty food. I’m very rarely in this area, so who knows when I make it back, but I love a good burger and fry meal so hopefully it will be sooner rather than later!
Kewpee doll + slogan of «Hamburg pickle on top, makes your heart go flippity-​flop!» would make a great preface for a horror movie. You’re welcome, Hollywood.

This is a place of local lore. If you’re not from Limaland and didn’t grow up with a Kewpee Burger, you probably won’t get what the hype is about. This is a place that was a treat when I was a kid and is now a stop when I’m driving through.
Go with a Kewpee Burger (deluxe, or whatever they call it with the toppings), fries (krinkle cut!), and a frosty malt. Their pie is also raved about.
This location often has busloads of school children or other large parties, but it’s a big place and runs very efficiently. Service is always friendly and quick. Parking is ample and it’s also just a little piece of nostalgia.

If only everything in life was this consistent… And enjoyable. I’ve been eating at the Kewpee for nearly 50 years. This is proof that sometimes it’s best to stick to something you’re good at! A basic burger, chili, and a malt are as good as it gets.

Great place for burgers. Burgers especially downtown have years of griddle seasoning which makes them soooo juicy and tasty. Only complaint is parking and waiting in line but for what you get food wise off sets a 4 rating. Hope it never leaves.

My wife and I were on our way back home from a quick trip up to the Detroit area and were looking to top off our gas tank and a quick bite to eat. Lima had the cheapest gas around so we decided to eat in Lima.
We were both up for a burger and Kewpee seemed like the perfect spot. It had good reviews, it was cheap and wasn’t going to take us long before we could get back on the road.
What an interesting place. As someone mentioned in a previous review, if you’re not a local you feel like an outsiders when you walk in. After reading up on Kewpee’s history this makes sense, but for a first-​timer from out of state it felt awkward. Especially seeing the creepy dolls hanging by the menu boards. They are Kewpie dolls-​read up on them if aren’t familiar with them. We weren’t.
Anyway, we walked up and place our order with an older woman who wasn’t very friendly. The burgers come plain and adding anything to them, including condiments is an extra (nominal) charge. We both ordered the double burger and split a large fry. By the way, they use Miracle Whip here, no mayo so if you’re like me and not a fan of Miracle Whip, go without dressing. I went with cheese, mustard and lettuce.
After ordering, we weren’t sure where to go. We saw a group of people farther down the front paying at a register so we assumed you paid there. Then about 5 minutes later, the lady who took our order had our food and was standing at another register ready to take our payment. Weird service, not very helpful, but we’re in the middle of Ohio, so whatever.
The food was pretty good. Not the best burger we’ve ever had, but definitely fresh. It seemed like real cheese on the burger, which was nice. If you’re in the area and are interested in a decent burger and weird experience head to Kewpee’s. You might want to check out the one in downtown Lima. I read that it is considered a historical landmark. If that doesn’t interest you, don’t stop.

This place is a strange throwback kind of burger joint. Definitely a local hotspot; I immediately felt like an out of place outsider when I walked in. Didn’t matter, as the food was worth a little awkwardness. Got a burger and fries and how could I resist the pies in the case just staring at me like that?
Orders are taken by hand and rung up old fashioned like. I couldn’t tell if they took credit cards so I’m glad to have brought cash. Food came out quickly and super hot, made as I ordered. Burger patties seemed fresh and lived up the fresh ground meat advertisement I saw driving in. Fries were hot and fresh. The pie was an excellent finish to the meal. All this food for well under 10 bucks. Good stuff.

Kewpee lived up to the hype! The dining room is huge, bigger than any other fast food eating are I’ve seen until I went on Sunday morning and say the crowd size. The burger patty quality was amazing and the fries were great. Not often I roll through Lima but when I do I’ll be stopping by.

Kewpee is a Lima staple. I used to come here ALL THE TIME in college. I’ve since moved away but you better believe when I’m back Kewpee is my first stop. I love
That the same people work there. I moved away 5 years ago and I see the same women there. It’s great! I love their malts! They even have frozen yogurt so I try that sometimes. Obviously the burgers are everything. Delicious!

Hamburg pickle on top makes your heart go flip-​pity flop!
I stop in quite often when I’m in Lima. This place is an old school burger joint. 50% of the patrons are drinking coffee with their burgers and all most everyone has a pice of homemade pie for desert. If you aren’t in the mood for pie I recommend the shakes.
I feel like I’m in the 1950’s when I come in. Cool vibe, good food and a great value.

It’s worth a stop to this historic spot. The burgers do remind you of Wendy’s style but the flavor is some of the best we’ve experienced. The fries were good also. We visited Kewpee’s on a Sunday afternoon (passing through the area.) We found it on Unilocal.It was bustling but the staff were pretty efficient. The reason for 4 stars is the place had a need for a deep cleaning, I asked for crispy fries and they said okay but it was clear special order fries weren’t an option :-). Condiments were controlled behind the counter. The food was good and the staff were friendly. Definitely need to stop if you’re in the area. At least once :-). It’s a stop once to experience kind of place.

The burgers are okay but definitely not understanding how people from Lima say these are famous and the best. They are just okay and priced decent other than that wouldn’t go out of my way for them.

Driving into Columbus this morning, I was really bummed that I would not have time to have a Kewpee burger. Lo and behold, this place opens at 7 am for octogenerians to drink coffee and eat donuts! This place is the inspiration for Wendy’s, and is like your mom’s cooking compared to getting the same thing at a restaurant. They cooked me a burger at 730 am, and fries. It was less than $ 7 for two burgers with all the fixings and fries. It looks just the same as the last time I ate there 10 years ago. It was just as good as when I ate there 25 years ago with my grandfather. If fate ever frowns upon you and sends you to Lima, OH, take solace in the fact that you can enjoy one of the best fast food hamburgers to ever exist.

Excellent iced tea and fries! Pies are good as well and special flavors change monthly! The meat has a homemade feel to it and is ground daily! Chili is rather bland. Our son loves the fish sandwiches as well! The morning omlettes that are available are excellent as well. Hamburgers are offered even in the morning as well. Kind of pricey for fast food, a double is over $ 4.00 and their meat patty’s are very thin.

I am not sure if Kewpee is as big of a deal to people who are not from Lima but I grew up going to Kewpee. I do not think there is a better hamburger fast food out there. They keep it simple and stick to what they are good at, hamburgers, fries and a frosty. We were in town for my grandma’s funeral, who actually use to work at the original Kewpee and I had to sneak away to go there twice that weekend. I even had the opportunity to teach my wife and nephew about dipping your fries in your frosty, which is a must. Adds the perfect sweetness to your fries and just a little salt to your frosty. I wouldn’t suggest this at some where like Wendy’s, it only works at Kewpee! Kewpee hamburger with Pickle on Top! Makes Your Heart Go Flippity Flop!

If your passing through Lima like myself, then this is one stop you should make… especially if you have kids. I had a double burger, fries and a frosty for $ 8.

One of Lima’s greatest mom and pop businesses! Hamburgers made fresh while they support local farmers and 4h-​ers! They also have the thickest, creamiest malts!

I drive between Dayton and Bowling Green fairly often, and I searched Unilocal for interesting-​sounding restaurants that wouldn’t require me to stray too far from I-​75.
Kewpee Hamburgers was one such place, and I gave it a shot tonight.
I arrived just before a dinner rush, and ordered a pair of cheeseburgers, a medium malt, a medium fry, and a piece of the sugar cream pie (the Unilocal reviews kept mentioning it, so I had to try it.)
My order was competently if indifferently taken by a young man probably working there as a summer job, and I waited at the counter for the seasoned kitchen staff to assemble my order. It was up swiftly, and I was soon seated in a sunny window, enjoying a cheeseburger that had no right being as good as it was for less than three bucks.
This place may have inspired Wendy’s, but a lot was lost in the translation. Kewpee’s burgers are superior, no question. Actually coming off an honest grill helps with that, I’m sure, and they tasted like recently-​ground meat rather than something that’s been in patty form for ages. The toppings were fresh and flavorful.
The malt was lovely, definitely frosty-​like, but creamier with less of the granularity or ice crystals you sometimes get with a frosty. It also didn’t seem in any hurry to melt. I was trying to dip the last of my fries in it, and even the last traces of the malt were fairly stubbornly stiff and cold. I was a bit disappointed with the size of the medium, but I’d seen other reviews warn their beverage sizes have not kept pace with the modern restaurants’ so it didn’t surprise me much.
Their fries aren’t special, but they’re decent, and certainly better than the usual fast food offerings.
I didn’t personally care for the sugar cream pie, but that was more the flavor not doing anything for me than any question of quality. The crust was tender, very nicely-​done, not over-​baked in any way.
For what I got, I’m quite happy with the price I paid. I returned to the counter to buy some pie to take away, chatting a bit with the cashier about how many out-​of-​towners come there. I look forward to trying the other two flavors I selected.
If you’re passing Lima along I-​75 and you happen to be hungry, definitely give Kewpee a try! They’re a far better choice than another Mickey-D’s value menu raid, and their malt will have you scraping the cup for every last creamy trace.