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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 12–6 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 718 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 491-6984
Website: http://www.herbandthelmas.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
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Reviews
Tamara Schwarting
Herb & Thelma’s has been on our “must-try” list for years, and we finally made it there on a cold Wednesday winter night. This iconic Covington spot has been around since the early 1930s, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
This is classic bar food done right. The menu is primarily burger-based, though there are other options. We both went with burgers—my husband ordered the olive burger, and I chose the jalapeño burger. We also shared the spicy metwurst. We started with Dick’s salted vinegar chips, which we’d never had before and were excellent—top-tier salt and vinegar chips.
My husband also ordered a bowl of the bean soup (he’s a soup fan), and everything across the board was very tasty. Service isn’t lightning fast, but it’s a small place with a small grill, and everything is cooked to order—well worth the wait.
The jalapeño burger was flavorful and spicy, topped with a jalapeño cheese spread. It was excellent, though a bit too spicy for me—I ended up trading burgers with my husband halfway through. Anyone who cooks with jalapeños knows that every now and then you get a particularly hot one! His olive burger was a classic burger with an olive spread and onions, simple and perfectly executed. The spicy metwurst had just the right amount of char and heat without being overpowering.
They have a large beer selection, but we stuck with Coke products this visit. A couple of things to note: Herb & Thelma’s is cash only, and while there appear to be two seating areas, it’s still a relatively small space. Also, there isn’t traditional ventilation, so you may leave smelling like a really good burger—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.
Would we go back? Absolutely. It’s not the most convenient location for us, but it met every expectation we had. Places like this are what make Kentucky such a special place to live, and we’re so glad we finally got to support this local institution.
… moreThis is classic bar food done right. The menu is primarily burger-based, though there are other options. We both went with burgers—my husband ordered the olive burger, and I chose the jalapeño burger. We also shared the spicy metwurst. We started with Dick’s salted vinegar chips, which we’d never had before and were excellent—top-tier salt and vinegar chips.
My husband also ordered a bowl of the bean soup (he’s a soup fan), and everything across the board was very tasty. Service isn’t lightning fast, but it’s a small place with a small grill, and everything is cooked to order—well worth the wait.
The jalapeño burger was flavorful and spicy, topped with a jalapeño cheese spread. It was excellent, though a bit too spicy for me—I ended up trading burgers with my husband halfway through. Anyone who cooks with jalapeños knows that every now and then you get a particularly hot one! His olive burger was a classic burger with an olive spread and onions, simple and perfectly executed. The spicy metwurst had just the right amount of char and heat without being overpowering.
They have a large beer selection, but we stuck with Coke products this visit. A couple of things to note: Herb & Thelma’s is cash only, and while there appear to be two seating areas, it’s still a relatively small space. Also, there isn’t traditional ventilation, so you may leave smelling like a really good burger—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.
Would we go back? Absolutely. It’s not the most convenient location for us, but it met every expectation we had. Places like this are what make Kentucky such a special place to live, and we’re so glad we finally got to support this local institution.
Zach Xanders
11 out of 10 atmosphere. You walk in and immediately time travel. Super cozy feel and the Jalapeño burger is a great choice. Would highly recommend if you’re in the Cincinnati area.
… moreAlan Stroh
OMG…talk about amazing. I travel the country for one of my side hustles and I look for places like this. Absolutely one of the best neighborhood taverns I’ve ever been in. You need to go! An experience to not be missed!!
By the way…get a burger with the fried egg and bacon on it. It’s amazing….
… moreBy the way…get a burger with the fried egg and bacon on it. It’s amazing….
Jessica Hunt
If you love a thin burger with crispy edges . Then this is your place! Serving grippos chips vs fries is honestly a great pairing. Full bar, personable staff . Definitely a gem! Cash only but don’t let that deter you!
… moreMark Stoeber
A “step back in time”— well worth the journey wherever you come from. Absolutely wonderful local “how it used to be / should be” atmosphere. Burgers were delicious. Staff very friendly. Buy a bag of chips = not giving a spoiler alert here. Just do it. Great taste, Adult suggestion- read the bag, check out the brand website and laugh your behind off !!! (Come on!! Have sense of humor )
… morerich williams
Herb and Thelma’s is a true Covington gem. They have one of the best burgers in the Cincinnati area. The service provided was fast and friendly and the beer was ice-cold.
… moreJacoba Wells
I can’t believe it has taken us this long to try out Herb & Thelmas. we have heard nothing but good about here since we moved here and we finally got in this week. The burgers are the best in Kentucky! The atmosphere is great! The staff friendly! Orders came out quick! Just one heads up-it’s cash only BUT there is an ATM! DEFINITELY will be going back!
… moreKosta Betas
Never been to this restaurant until this day (11/22/25) and I’ve never truly had a double cheeseburger of such caliber. My first bite, everything just melted into my mouth and it was THE BEST BURGER I HAVE EVER HAD. Service was great and the 2 guys working were super nice. The atmosphere for the restaurant theme. Great use of space. Parking was easy. Best burger of my life
… moreGianluca Bruno
If you’re into no-frills, all-flavor type of places, this spot hits the mark. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a cozy, old-school bar atmosphere — the kind where the ceiling tiles have seen a few stories, the walls are filled with memorabilia, and locals gather like it’s their second home. It’s the kind of joint where the bartender knows names, and the cook’s working the grill just a few feet away from the bar, flipping burgers within earshot of the regulars.
The vibe is laid-back, unpretentious, and totally genuine. There are a couple of TVs for sports, some Christmas lights strung up for charm, and the smell of sizzling patties in the air. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to be anything fancy — and that’s exactly the point.
As for the burger? A simple powerhouse. Soft, pillowy bun, melted cheese draped over a well-seared patty, and a couple of crisp pickles to cut through the richness. It’s not stacked a mile high or over-engineered — it’s straightforward, satisfying, and done right. Sometimes, that’s all you want. Pair it with a cold beer and you’re golden.
Bottom line: This is a throwback burger bar that knows its strengths — atmosphere, simplicity, and solid food. If you’re craving an authentic, no-BS burger in a place with character, this is your spot.
… moreThe vibe is laid-back, unpretentious, and totally genuine. There are a couple of TVs for sports, some Christmas lights strung up for charm, and the smell of sizzling patties in the air. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to be anything fancy — and that’s exactly the point.
As for the burger? A simple powerhouse. Soft, pillowy bun, melted cheese draped over a well-seared patty, and a couple of crisp pickles to cut through the richness. It’s not stacked a mile high or over-engineered — it’s straightforward, satisfying, and done right. Sometimes, that’s all you want. Pair it with a cold beer and you’re golden.
Bottom line: This is a throwback burger bar that knows its strengths — atmosphere, simplicity, and solid food. If you’re craving an authentic, no-BS burger in a place with character, this is your spot.
Paul Johnson
Basic burger with chips and canned soda. Place carries an old school bar vibe but welcoming to all types. Service is friendly and quick.
… more