Max and Erma's

Yesterday we finally had a decent day in several weeks (no snow.... no below zero wind chill) so we went off wandering and found ourselves hungry for lunch in an area overloaded with chains. Being familiar with most of them, we tried Max and Erma's because we never heard of it. It was 12:30 on Sunday and even though we were on the outer ring of a huge complex that included a multiplex movie house, the place was not busy. The manager who was also serving as bartender and host, was finishing up a large carry out order so we had to wait sveral minutes before he could seat us. When he did, he was at a gallop and we had to scurry along behind him to keep up. Our server was pleasant but he too seemed in a rush, it turned out he had several large tables as well as 2 more with just 2 people like us that were all seated about the same time and were all about in the same stage of service. The menu is not large and is pretty basic, a few sandwiches, a few burgers and so on, much like ApplebenniganTGIF. Drinks were a little slow in coming but the poor guy was serving about 30 drinks all at once and scattered about. SO ordered mushroom ravioli and I ordered a roast beef sandwich. The ravioli looked like a runny mess but SO said it was good and rich. My sandwich was just that, a sandwich plunked down on a plate with a handful of mixed greens. It was supposed to be brie and roast beef with a horseradish dressing, I never did find the brie. The bread had been toasted but the sandwich was served cold. The cost, $8.99, I've had better at Quiznos for far less! Meanwhile, the poor server was actually running between tables and to get drink refills. The manager did help him serve the 2 larger tables but it was pretty obvious that there were very much under staffed. Again said, the place was not busy. We decided we would have been better off selecting any of the other chains availible and won't come back to Max and Erma's.

http://www.maxandermas.com/

That's amazing. I've been eating at Max & Erma's since the first one opened in the German Village section of Columbus, Ohio in the early 1970s. In all the years since I've never had poor service or bad food at any Max & Erma's. Just to check, I downloaded the menu from the website you posted and I see that it is still quite a large menu, not small at all. The restaurant is best known for it's terrific burgers, with the regular size, the Max, being ten ounces and the small, Erma, a six-ouncer. Max & Erma's is one of the few places where I'll eat the French fries. I'm really sorry that you had such a poor experience. I suggest that you contact the company at http://www.maxandermas.com/ContactUs.cfm and let them know about it.

Michael, if I'm in the area again I might consider but there are better options. It was very obvious that there were some serious issues going on behind the scenes. Our server was literaly on the run and kept apolgizing to everyone for the problems which seemed to be coming from the kitchen. I did contact their website and I did give compliments to the server for attempting to remain cool under fire. We tried to ease his pain by complimenting him to his face and left him a generous tip, he even wrote on the receipt "thank you for being understanding".

As chain places go, Max & Erma's is pretty good- I've never had a bad service experience there, but occasionally it's a little mediocre; no worse than any of the other chains, though.

Some of my favorite things to get there are the tortilla soup (it's really cheesy and good) and the fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookie dessert- you have to order it when you order your meal and it's piping hot when you're ready. With a big glass of milk....Yum!

I've eaten at Max and Erma's a few times and its always been pretty good with nice people. I'd eat there again, but I feel sorry for kland01s as they had a bad outing it seems.

I am no fan of chains, but as chains go, Max & Erma's is one of the better ones. I have two of them within 10 minutes of my house. In a pinch, I know I can get some really good Tortilla Soup and I also enjoy their Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.

I have visited Max and Ermas many times. First time was in Columbus, OH and the last visit was in Indiana just south of Indianapolis.

The last time I got the pork tenderlois sandwich and it was huge and good. I do not recall getting a bad deal at their chain.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

M & E's is okay. When I lived in Kentucky we went to the one in Lexington's Hamburg Place. They do a good burger.

quote:

Originally posted by kland01s

Michael, if I'm in the area again I might consider but there are better options. It was very obvious that there were some serious issues going on behind the scenes. Our server was literaly on the run and kept apolgizing to everyone for the problems which seemed to be coming from the kitchen. I did contact their website and I did give compliments to the server for attempting to remain cool under fire. We tried to ease his pain by complimenting him to his face and left him a generous tip, he even wrote on the receipt "thank you for being understanding".

I guess everyone, at one time or another, finds a restaurant where the staff is "in the weeds." I'm sorry it happened to you.

The things you learn from Roadfood! Yesterday, I'd never heard of Max and Erma's. Now I discover from their website that I live in one of their "targeted areas."

I knew I should have built that fallout shelter.

I forgot to mention before..... What abe_froeman says about their chocolate chip cookies is true. They are excellent. My girlfriend frequently wants to go to Max & Erma's because she loves their Banana Creme Pie, but I think it is just okay.

To a roadfood starved person who lives in the boondocks that menu looks pretty durn good!

I see they are building one in the Carolina (congested)Forest area of Myrtle Beach....This area is build, build, build...
Whats the old song?.. "Pave Paradise.. put up a (insert word here)...

quote:

Originally posted by roossy90

I see they are building one in the Carolina (congested)Forest area of Myrtle Beach....This area is build, build, build...
Whats the old song?.. "Pave Paradise.. put up a (insert word here)...

Try the Garbageburger.

Several months ago this summer,in the San Antonio Express News
business section,they mentioned Max and Erma's building here in the San Antonio area. Depending on where they build it,I might give it a whirl,but doubt I'll be a regular.Haven't even tried Quizno's or Firehouse Subs here in my area.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:

Originally posted by roossy90

I see they are building one in the Carolina (congested)Forest area of Myrtle Beach....This area is build, build, build...
Whats the old song?.. "Pave Paradise.. put up a (insert word here)...

Try the Garbageburger.

It will be at least a couple months before they open, I presume.. They have not even laid foundation yet.But will keep it in mind.
Thanks Mr. H!

Update...
Max and Ermas is coming right along.. walls are up... amazing how fast the build!