Big Boppers

7581 East Harbor Road, Marblehead, OH - (419) 734-4458

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Posted By John Mies on September 28, 2007 8:08 PM

Three of us were in the area fishing, and I suggested Big Boppers the second night we were there. One companion was skeptical, especially when we pulled into the parking lot and there were only two cars. I reminded him that it was Tuesday night in a tourist area, and the restaurant was closing in an hour. We seated ourselves and a waitress brought the menu.

Both my companions had the ribs, served naked and accompanied by two bowls of excellent sauces, hot and sweet. One ordered the home fries, and pronounced them excellent, along with the fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. I had the walleye sandwich, which tasted just-caught fresh, but could have used a lighter coating technique. It came with a side of excellent homemade tartar sauce. I had the french fries, good but nothing really special, and a side of creamy, fresh, well-flavored cabbage slaw. I also tried a cup of chili, and it was some of the best I've ever eaten. Just hot enough, and not overpowered with cumin. No beans, of course, and I ate it without any extras on top.

I also had the iced tea, which tasted like sun-made... delicious. We were disappointed they were out of peanut butter chocolate pie, but we ordered the cherry crumb. It not only looked beautiful, but was just the right balance between tart and sweet and butter and flour. And Big Bopper's was a real hit with my skeptical friend.

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Posted By Kenneth Vendler on August 23, 2005 9:11 PM

If you are looking for a place to eat in the Marblehead/Sandusky Ohio area that will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet, Big Boppers is an excellent choice. Within minutes of Lake Erie and such historic landmarks as Perry's Monument and the Marblehead Lighthouse, this establishment is perfect for the weary traveler who is looking for something to fill his or her stomach.

Initially, I was skeptical of this place, but despite my fears of this being just another greasy spoon, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the quality and variety of food at Big Boppers was very much on par to say the least.

Big Boppers lends its name to its variety of burgers, but don't let this fool you. Big Boppers features much more, including a variety of seafood, including the local favorite - walleye. Ribs are also on the menu, and they come in a nearly indomitable serving. Salads fresh and green are also a feature, including the Greek Salad that comes loaded with feta cheese, tomatoes, and succulent shreds of beef.

Big Boppers most defining menu item is most likely its chili. Ken Kostal, the owner of Big Boppers, makes regular appearances at local chili cookoffs. His chili philosophy eschews the use of beans in his all-meat chili. You can order some of this local chili in a cup or bowl, and top it with cheese, sour cream, or jalapenos. Suffice it to say, Kostal's very delicious concoction, which has a perfect balance of spice without too much heat, gives Cincinnati style chili some very formidable competition!

Dessert cannot be passed up here. The peanut butter pie with chocolate shavings capped off an excellent meal. You will not be disappointed in any way. Service is friendly and the locals will be sure to share some tips on good fishing spots if you ask.

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