God bless Fresh and Meaty Burgers (13187 Cedar Rd., 216371-4400). Most of us love a good quality hamburger, but the only options tend to be unwholesome fast food joints or places that compel us to sit down and order from a server. The lack of local, independent places that land somewhere in the middle is staggering.

Fresh and Meaty opened in a corner spot in Cleveland Heights that has seen more than its share of come-and-go restaurants. But here since fall, this place seems to be holding its own thanks to a simple and appealing approach to food. They sell burgers, mainly, and they start with fresh patties that are cooked to order.

“We are a traditional American hamburger stand,” says owner Gerald Hood. “What that means is that we don’t put nothing on burgers that don’t belong on burgers.”

F&M offers three patty sizes, giving diners total control over burger and portion size. There’s a little bitty 3-ounce “baby,” a 6-ounce “meaty,” and half-pound “king.” Diners can double-up any of those sizes except the baby, making a hefty stack, and can even swap the beef for fresh ground turkey.

The rustic, hand-formed patties are cooked on a flattop, slid onto a toasted bun, and automatically topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, mayo, pickles and relish unless otherwise requested. Thick-cut, skin-on spuds are fried to order and dusted with a salty spice mix.

The prices are more than reasonable for the freshness, quality and portion of the food.

Next time you’re in the area and hankering for a great burger, give them a try.

This article appears in Mar 15-21, 2017.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

3 replies on “Fresh and Meaty Burgers Tastefully Fill Void Between Fast Food and Sit-Down”

  1. They’ve only been there since fall? I thought their sign says they have been in operation since the 80’s or 90’s? Do they have other locations? It’s near my house, so I’m not worried. My husband has been dying to try this place!

  2. They do make a tasty burger. I’ve gone several times already and usually get the king and fries, eating it across the street at Parnell’s Pub while enjoying a pint of Guinness. At $8 for a king, fries, and drink it’s the same price as a double combo at Wendy’s and much, much better. They also make Five Guys look and taste like cat food.

  3. This article neglected to mention the best thing about Fresh & Meaty – the glorious CHILI CHEESEBURGER! If you are a fan of chili cheese dogs and burgers, this is a must-try.

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