Great tasting hamburger. Everything is always super fresh. Always a visit when I am in town.

Kewpee Hamburgers, known locally as THE Kewpee, is the taste of Lima, and the taste is good. The Kewpee is a blast from the past, a relic of the roaring 20s, where it was one of the original fast food chains-- franchises doted the Midwestern landscape. Today there are only five remaining: one in Lansing, Michigan; one in Racine, Wisconsin; and three in Lima. There is ample evidence that Dave Thomas was highly influenced by the Kewpee, and the similarities are astounding; the square beef patty, the featuring of frosties in lue of shakes, and the use of children mascots whose representations hang above the restaurant were all Kewpee hallmarks long before the ginger girl was a redhead, freckled gleam in Dave's eye. I have eaten at all three of the Lima stores, and they all stay consistent in quality of the food. My favorite is this one, the downtown version,which is the original one in the city. The building is on the National Register of Historical Places and dates back to 1928. It has the original slick angles of a 1930s Art Deco diner with long red strips running the white steel enamel of its overhang. If familiar, It should remind you of Inn and Out Burger, except here is the real thing-- an original Art Deco palace in the heart of the rust belt. But whatever the architectural or Americana significance of the building , it's inside where the Kewpee's real quality and virtue lies, for the Kewpee is the best fast food burger I have ever had. Made by local beef that have never roamed past the bordering counties, the Kewpee can claim to have the freshest hamburgers; never frozen, the Kewpee meat goes from grinder straight to the fryer. My favorite order is The Special: a patty, Miracle Whip, and the freshest hydroponic lettuce and tomato one can eat. They also have amazing fries, the aroma dominates the place activating your saliva gland while you wait. They taste fresh-- baked potato like with a fried outer sell. The bad thing about the joint is its dining room. More like a cafeteria, it's hard back booths and echoing acoustics make the eating experience less than ideal. Just use the time to enjoy the small stools at the low counter, and view the original terrazzo flooring. Also the burger are pretty thin, but at their low price, and artisan like creation, they don't miss a beat. They also serve soda in styrofoam cups usually reserved for hot drinks at other places. Visitor unfamiliar with the place may find the mascot, a nude anatomically incorrect kewpie doll that strikes a crucifixion pose in the corner, disconcerting. This patron saint of kitsch, with her ( his?) whipped up Alfalfa hairdo and bulging blue eyes looking down as you munch on the goodness, as if she's tormented from 80-years of hunger and 80-years of being denied one single bite, may give you the heebie-jeebies. It may make you think that the taste of Lima is good, but that Lima is tasteless; but to the initiated, she is the symbols of tasty food and a satisfied stomach. read more

Classic burger joint. Will remind you of being in the 50s. Excellent burger with fresh cold toppings. Frozen yogurt is also very good. Can't beat the prices but be prepared to wait during the lunch hour. read more

Heard of this place. In town for work, saw 1across the street from my hotel and came over here. Pros: yes its similar to Wendys but, food & malts are better. Service is better. Its like old time, being back in the past with a diner like feel. Prices are gr8! Cons: yes I suppose, if you want to pay $10-15 @ 5 guys then they are better. But remember, if ur paying that much then it should be that much better. Ive had In & Out & don't agree they are better. Oh and 1 other thing! How many fast food joints have homemade pie. A slice is under 2 dollars! Apple, cherry, peach, pecan, strawberry rhubarb, apple brown betty & several others! Wendy's doesn't do that!! People are missing the point on this place. Its an icon that should be enjoyed before its gone. We had a place in Illinois that was similar. Cock Robin. Great burgers, malts, sodas and awesome ice cream. Icon in Chicago suburbs. Now its gone cause people went to McDonalds, Baskin Robbins & the like. The point here is to enjoy them b4 they are phased out. You get great value for the buck. Burgers are fresh, malts are good and the service is topz! Theres an older gentleman who waited in me, joked around w/ me and was fun. It felt like I was talking to Mayor Kewpee!! He also advised me (after I told him I would be in town for a bit) on good places to patronize. You know what ? All the places he told me are mom & pop places. That goes with my idealogy. Patronize the little guy cause you'll get better value, & service. Good place , glad I came over here! Thx mayor kewpee! read more

Food here is very cheap, we were honestly surprised at the cost. Food is average, but worth the money. However the employees are relatively older and impolite. Overall not bad for a quick bite, but expect a wait in line. read more

A neat little old diner out of the 60's here. The burgers are $2 and decent for the price. This chain supposedly inspired Dave Thomas to start Wendy's. It's also not quite as old a chain as White Castle's. read more

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So awesome. My wife and I were in Lima from Cleveland and one of her friends recommended we check it out. The second you walk in the door you can smell the wonderful aroma of fresh burgers grilling. The food is fresh, made to order, reasonably priced, and absolutely delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. If we're in the area again we'll definitely be stopping by for more. read more

Absolutely Delicious Burgers and Malts, don't forget a piece of pie. This place is an institution. Definitely reminds me of childhood everything I stop here. read more

Must try. Great burgers. Fish sandwich ok. Go for the burgers. Long wait both inside and drive thru.

I grew up in Lima and had my first Kewpee as a boy. Since then, I became a huge foodie and have traveled all over the U.S. and other countries sampling their cuisines. I have had some excellent hamburgers in other places, but I always come back to this one. I still think it's the best burger I've had. It has always maintained it's roots. Burgers have become gourmet now, with pounds of toppings and sauces. They now make them two inches thick, medium rare in the middle and some are stuffed with cheese. I enjoy an occasional gourmet burger, but when I want a burger, I like to get back to the burgers that started it all. This is one of them. I will always love it. read more

On a recent road trip to the Pork Rind Festival in Harrod Ohio, my husband I decided to take a detour to Kewpee. I found this restaurant on Roadtrippers.com and was sold on the giant Kewpee statutes. We ordered hamburgers and fries, because that is what you do when you are at Kewpee's. The burger was warm, the fries were crinkle cut and delicious. The prices were soooooo cheap! and the menu was hilarious, Vegetable Sandwich: $1.80 ( I wonder if its a vegetable of your choosing?) Cheese sandwich: $1.40, Olives: $.30 While I can't say I recommend this place on food, I do recommend this place as a must visit, cheap eats. read more

Kewpee Hamburgers - Kewpee in the sky with diamonds - Fast Food Near Me - Lima, Ohio

The Kewpee has been in Lima since 1928. The Kewpee has great food, from breakfast to lunch to dinner!

Food is good, waited 45 minuets behind 4 cars. Dinning room has been closed for weeks now, and it seems the young kids shut it down at night and the morning crew keeps it open. Something ain't right at this location and I love this place. Eat it 4x a week. Having a downtown location, which brings the walking crowd, and you sell it short by closing it down. DO BETTER. Need to get a chick fil a drive thru or something y'all crap be wack read more

For the very first time my family thought the Kewpee was just ok. Shocking! My brothers and I retuned to Ohio for a family wedding and, as usually, put a lunch at the Kewpee on the list of things to do. The burgers were the same as always for me but the rest of my family thought they were just ok. My brothers bought chili and neither one liked it. Both expressed their disappointment in how much it had changed. One of them had a frosted malt and thought that had changed as well. My burger was true to memory so I am wondering if their memories have overinflated their past Kewpee experiences. read more

Taste home town great. Restaurant outdated and off putting. Slow pace fast food prepare to wait I. Line

This place is awesome. The baby is a bit odd and I felt weird going, but great food. The burgers are close to Swensons if you have ever had those. And I got some pie too which hit the spot. I stay in Lima a lot now and will become a regular here. read more

Get the kewpee double with everything on it, like everything: pickles, olives, jalapeños, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and more. You have to ask for it all but you will NOT be disappointed with the flavor. I am so glad I live 6 hours away or I would be in trouble because there is nothing like it! I stop every time I pass through town, even if it is 5am. read more

I truly fit the saying about "Your grandpappy ate here". I remember riding in my Grandparents Nash car and we ordered and took a spin on the turntable. I was probably 3 years old back in 1960. I was from the Indiana state line back then but now I work only 2 blocks away. It is a step back in time and they still have the Kewpee dolls in the corners of the room and out front. It resembles a luncheonette so it's a true experience. Hamburgers are fried right there at the counter so it comes to you hot and fresh. It's the only place where I can get green olives on my burger which puts it over the top and they put plenty of them on there! Frosty's are da bomb in the big glass soda shop type! It's not the ritziest place but the food is very good and the staff is pleasant, friendly and they know what they are doing. The prices are reasonable too. I enjoy going back there. When we have business visitors from out of town come, we always recommend that they visit the Kewpee for a unique experience. They always tells us that they enjoyed the food. read more

Word amongst the hamburger cognoscenti is that Kewpee Hamburgers were the inspiration for Dave Thomas (RIP) to found Wendy's (which, arguably has one of the better national chain offerings). I grew up savoring Kewpees (and their unique parking lot car turntable!) but had no idea of their widespread (evidently: world-wide!) status until I stumbled upon a photo essay on Kewpees in an art gallery in Germany. Their global glory is justified...Kewpee is a great, traditonal hamburger. Whenever I've returned to the Buckeye State, I've made visiting Kewpee's a must for me and my companions. And, although they neither grew up with my awareness nor affinity for Kewpees, they all became instant converts. Go visit Kewpee Hamburgers; prepare yourself for a happy conversion. read more

I grew up eating Kewpee Hamburgers and whenever I make it home I always stop by the downtown location. Walking into this one is like going thru a time machine. I normally get the double with cheese, relish, and mustard and get a malt ,that is still served in a glass, to wash it down. I've had the fish sandwich once and it's not the normal square fish, it's a real filet. read more

Kewpee Hamburgers is the epitome of Americana. After all, it is in Lima, aka Lost in Middle America. Locally, the place is often compared to Wendy's, but it's kind of an insult to Kewpee because it's so much better than that. There are no frills here, no gimmicks, simply great, fresh burgers and malts. And a giant naked Kewpie doll is the restaurant's mascot, proudly on display outside. When I lived in Lima for about a year, I usually ordered a cheeseburger with lettuce, ketchup and banana peppers, and a small chocolate malt. The malt is thick, creamy, and flavorful without being over the top. It's the best. When I really was treating myself, I ordered a slice of pie, too. There's an adorable pie display on the counter. My go-to pie was pecan. On another note, the fries are pretty run of the mill. I usually skipped them. The downtown location was always my favorite, because it exuded the most charm, but I probably went to the west side location most because it was close to where I lived. It's obvious how this place became an inspiration for a national burger chain. I miss this place and will probably stop by if I happen to be in western Ohio. read more

Although there are three locations in the Lima Area--East, West & Downtown--I recommend visiting the downtown locale, which is a holdover from a bygone era. The other two feel like they were designed more to ward off potential visitors than invite and accommodate. The Food: The burgers are delicious as far as fast food burgers go, the best I've ever tasted. Though I recommend the double, as the single will leave you wanting more. The fries are good, similar to Wendy's. PLUS you can order them HOT at the downtown location. Just be sure to say "hot fry" and they will drop a batch just for you. The Kewpee frosty is a real treat, especially downtown, where they serve it in a tall sundae glass--and still serve coffee in a mug. Pumpkin, Cherry and Chocolate pies are also quite good as well, although seasonal. Be sure to check out the men's restroom (downtown), which is actually located in a nook, outside, in the back of the establishment. Moreover, most of the workers there are lifers, which means it's real easy to become a regular. I don't know about any of you, but I consider becoming a regular at any joint a major accomplishment in life. read more

Kewpee is the quintessential classic fast-food restaurant. I would be surprised to find some that grew up in Lima that *didn't* visit Kewpee at least once. Stepping though the door is a bit like stepping back in time. The food is prepared fresh to order, with locally obtained fresh ingredients. The beef is ground and pattied on the premises, and prepared on a classic open griddle. The top notch ingredients and good old-fashioned preparation techniques make for a burger taste experience that can't be topped by any of the big 'modern' chains. My personal favorite is a loaded double cheeseburger special plus olives, with fries and a malt. Dipping your fries in your malt is highly recommended by this reviewer. If the burgers, fries and malts don't fill you up, then just ask for a piece of pie! Heck, order a whole pie to go and enjoy it later! NOTE: Unlike the two suburban Lima locations, the downtown Kewpee also offers their large malts in a classic frozen malt glass - be sure to ask for it if you're dining in. Take the kids, they will enjoy the experience as well as the food. At least five generations of my family has eaten at the Kewpee, and I wholly expect the pattern to continue so long as the restaurant remains. read more

I have heard about Kewpee and how fabulous it is from my Lima friends for years....did not believe them, until I actually found myself in Lima. First stop in Lima, Kewpee of course! I ordered the double because I was told to not even bother with the single. Also, make sure you order the chocolate malt, it's one of their signature items. Price wasn't too bad. Not cheap like Wendy's, but not overpriced like Michael Symon's B-Spot. Kewpee exceeded my expectations and I'm looking forward to the next time I visit Lima so that I can try other things on the menu read more

Kewpee Hamburgers - Behold...The double cheeseburger - Fast Food Near Me - Lima, Ohio

This Kewpee location is the real classic with so much nostalgia! When visiting Lima, one must go to at least one of the Kewpee locations. What can I say? I grew up on the burgers, fries, and amazing pies and frosted malts! If you like Wendy's you are sure to LOVE KEWPEE, which was Dave Thomas's inspiration for the national chain. The burgers and fries are ALWAYS hot and fresh, but let's not stop there....you have to try the amazing chili, homeade pies, and deliciously smooth frosted malts( I always dip my fries in the malt!) Just thinking about this place has my mouth water. As the Kewpee adds always say "Hamburger, pickle on top, make your heart go flippity flop!!" read more

My band went through Lima on tour and we asked around about where we could eat (specifically a place that was vegan-friendly since we have 1 vegan member of the band.) I called around to check some places asking them if they had anything vegan on their menu and all the places said "no" - even the Mediterranean restaurant. I think they were confused. Then the owner of the music store we were at said that Kewpee Burger had veg options. We were hesitant, but being an omnivore myself I wanted to believe him because I had heard that, if you were going to eat anywhere in Lima, it had to be Kewpee Burger. Well, on the vegan side it was mostly a failure. Our keyboard player ate a sandwich of lettuce, tomato, pickles, olives, onions and hot peppers with mustard- this was their modified veggie sandwich. Their fish is friend in the same oil as their french fries and so he abstained. The rest of us ate like pigs- cheaply. The burgers were big, kind of crispy at the edges. The "malt" was very frosty-like- I am glad I got a small, because it was thick and rich. And their chili was Cincinnati style-ish. We were all full (except the vegan) and spent less than $30 for the 5 of us. The food was good- nothing to get really excited about as far as quality, but the ambiance totally tickled my kitsch-itch. The random statues of naked babies, the bright orange retro booths and the pie cabinet were just fabulous. I don't know if we will be back, but I am glad we tried it. Better & fresher than regular fast food. Pros: Cheap, Kitschy, Good Classic Burger Cons: Not Healthy or Vegan read more

More topping choices with banana peppers, olives etc and they gladly did the lettuce wrap for a no bun order. Spacious so it must get busy. Burger meat is good. read more

I grew up on Kewpee and always have enjoyed visiting this downtown location. In fact this is the only location that I will visit, and some of the staff that works there have been there since I was a kid, so it is a real treat to feel a sense of familiarity when I visit. I usually get the special on wheat bread (regular bread sometimes it sooo sweet...), fries, malt, and strawberry rhubarb pie... deelish! This is a classic joint that the whole family will love.. There is a sign on their wall that states "your grandpappy ate here" I am happy to say my papa still does! LOL During lunch and dinner this place is busy, but i have to say they have never lost their touch. I would like to give a special thanks to the morning staff! Last time I was home I told them I was taking some home to my husband and the staff politely packed my order up so that I could assemble it when I got home, this would prevent it from being soggy on the 4 hour trip back to Chicago.. Thanks so much! My husband and I enjoyed every bite, and I will be back real soon! ( I wish there was one in Chicago, hint hint) read more

I have always had that feeling that Dave secretly stumbled upon Kewpee and then ran with it. He did pretty darn well, but for the best you obviously have to go to the original. Kewpee reminds me a bit of In-N-Out Burger in Cali. Everything is made fresh right when you order it. The frosty's, as Wendy call them, are amazing. It's the perfect compliment to your french fries! I can't wait to visit Kewpee again very soon... read more

This is a must try fast food spot in Lima. Like stepping back in time and that's a good thing in this instance. Burgers are solid!

If your ever in Lima you have to stop here. I took a friend after telling him its a Lima Ohio original. After ordering two double cheeseburgers, fries, chili, and malt my friend totally agreed with me. Fantastic burgers! You've tried the great now try the BEST, Kewpee's. read more

The cheese burger was just okay reminds me of 5 guys because you can choose different toppings but does not compare in taste. If you're from out of town... Don't go. I really don't get the naked baby and neither do my children, it was Cree pee read more

Kewpee Hamburgers - Fast Food Near Me - Lima, Ohio

We come here so often because my boyfriend loves it, I kinda get sick of it haha but they have never messed up an order the entire 4 years I've lived here, plus it's always the best read more

Awesome. Period! Get the special...or just a regular with mustard, pickle and onion. They are so fresh and amazing. When driving through town or in town you must go. read more

Adequate double cheeseburger, fries and apple pie. Nothing extraordinary though. Clean store with friendly, young staff.

The best Juicy hamburgers in Lima Ohio I wish they had a kewpee burger in Hendersonville North Carolina I rate this 5 stars

Best hamburgers in town. They're simple, old fashioned, and freshly made to order. My favorite thing to accompany them is getting fries and a chocolate malt to dip them in. This place is usually busy so give yourself sometime to order, but it's so worth it. You won't want to miss this local treasure. read more

My husband and I went and ordered Fries and two burgers. They were cold and smashed. Small location.

Being from Elida, I grew up eating Kewpee. Now that I'm living far from there I've come to realize how wonderful Kewpee is. When I do come back to visit Kewpee is always one of my first and last stops. I generally get a cheeseburger: ketchup, mustard, pickles; fries; and a drink... but I have to end it with a malt! The closest we have here is Wendy's. But Wendy's changed their fries and now they're not even close. I have many memories with the downtown location. I love that they keep with the old-fashioned style! read more

We stopped on the way through town, and we can't wait to make it back! I guess it was Dave Thomas' inspiration for Wendy's. The burgers are so fresh, and the malts are out of this world amazing. read more