Herb & Thelma's Tavern, located at 718 W Pike St in Covington, KY, is a charming hamburger restaurant that captures the essence of classic American dining. Patrons rave about the simple yet flavorful burgers, particularly highlighting their signature offerings like the double cheeseburger and the spicy Italian sandwich, both packed with fresh ingredients and served with pickles and onions. The warm, welcoming atmosphere creates an instant sense of community; newcomers find themselves treated like long-time friends.
Customers like Noel Curry express that the tavern has the best burgers in town, made even better by the friendly locals who create an inviting environment. Others, like Ernst Koehler, emphasize the outstanding flavor experience with the restaurant's emphasis on quality over gimmicks. The establishment also boasts a selection of beers, enhancing the overall dining experience.
With its no-frills approach, Herb & Thelma's Tavern transports diners back to nostalgic Americana, where every bite is a celebration of straightforward, hearty food. If you’re craving that old-school comfort, this is the place to be. A visit here ensures you leave satisfied, possibly planning your return before you even walk out the door.
Amenities and More
Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Sport
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Food
Quick bite
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Photos
Reviews For Herb & Thelma's Tavern
Ernst Koehler
Jun 22,2025
Outstanding burgers! One of the best I have ever had. Simple yet packed with flavor. Comes with pickle and onion. Don't ask for anything else on it! Great just like that.
Bob T joslin
Jun 12,2025
Nothing beats a greasy spoon old time restaurant I will definitely be going back
Charles Zimmerer
May 9,2025
An Extremely friendly and quaint tavern that serves very nice beer such as weihenstephaner hefeweissbier on tap. I ordered the fried bologna sandwich, cheeseburger, sausage. Next time I’ll order the chili. I had a chance to speak to nearly every patron who wished me well. I plan on stopping back when I return next year. I would recommend. Cash only but there’s an ATM.
noel curry
Apr 19,2025
Best burger in town and the friendliest bunch of locals you can hope to meet. I wandered in for the first time today after moving to the area last month and you’d think I’d lived here for decades. The patrons treated me like family and me and the bartender/grill cook talked about old guitars. Can’t recommend this place enough. The only reason I gave them 5 stars is because 6 isn’t an option. Burgers are great and the spicy Italian with peppers and onions was amazing!
Randall Combs
Mar 26,2025
Herb and Thelma’s Tavern is the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard—and doesn’t have to. I went for the double cheeseburger, loaded with pickles and onions just the way they serve it, and let me tell you: it did not disappoint. No frills, no gimmicks—just a seriously good burger. The patties were thick, the beef was fresh, and the flavor spoke for itself. It’s the kind of meal that takes you back, like a bite out of the good old days. This cozy little joint feels like a time capsule, and if you’re craving an old-school burger done right, this is your spot. Stop in for a bite—you’ll leave full and smiling.
Bowmanlaurapiper
Mar 21,2025
100 year old neighborhood bar and burger joint. Lots of old memorabilia. We got to sit with the original owner’s family that told us the history of this little gem. We had a burger cooked on grandpa’s original grill. It was really good down to the steamed bun.
Daniel Starnes
Mar 21,2025
Had a fantastic lunch at Herb & Thelma's Tavern! The burger was simple—cheese, onion, and pickle only—but absolutely perfect. Cooked just right with an ideal meat-to-bun ratio, and the table-side ketchup and mustard were a nice touch. Paired with a side of Grippos chips, it made for a delicious meal, all for under 10. Great value and quality! Just a heads-up, it's a cash-only spot. Highly recommend for a no-frills, amazing burger experience!
Gianluca Bruno
Mar 18,2025
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.
Reviews For Herb & Thelma's Tavern