Max & Erma’s Menu with Prices: The build-your-own burger bar is a draw, but the cost of your final creation depends on the patty size and the toppings you stack on. Before you walk in, you need a game plan so your bill doesn’t surprise you. This guide breaks down the current costs, the best value picks, and what you should skip.
You are probably here because you remember the giant cookies or the famous “Garbage” salad. Or maybe you just want a solid, casual dinner without breaking the bank. Either way, knowing the menu before you sit down is smart. Let us look at what you will actually pay in 2024.
Max & Erma’s Menu With Prices
Prices can shift slightly depending on the state or city where you are dining. Franchise locations often set their own rates. However, the numbers below reflect the standard corporate pricing structure. You should expect to pay these amounts at most company-owned stores.
We have organized the menu by category. This makes it easier for you to jump to the section you care about most. Whether you want a cheap lunch or a full steak dinner, the list is below.
Appetizers And Starters
You do not have to order a starter, but if you are hungry, these are the options. The portions here are big enough to share between two or three people.
- Classic Wings (10 pc): $11.99 – Served with celery and your choice of sauce.
- Bone-In Wings (10 pc): $12.99 – A bit more meat, a bit more money.
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip: $10.49 – Comes with warm tortilla chips.
- Loaded Potato Skins: $9.99 – Topped with cheddar, bacon, and sour cream.
- Pretzel Sticks: $8.79 – Served with a cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.
- Fried Mushrooms: $8.99 – A classic bar snack with ranch dressing.
- Quesadilla (Chicken or Steak): $11.49 – Large enough for a light meal.
If you are on a budget, the pretzel sticks are the cheapest filling option. The wings are overpriced compared to dedicated wing joints. You are paying for the convenience, not the quality.
Build Your Own Burger Bar
This is the main event. The concept is simple: you pick the patty, you pick the bun, and you load up the toppings. The price is determined by the meat you choose. The unlimited toppings bar is included in the base price of the burger. That is where the value is.
Here is the current pricing structure for the burger bar:
- Classic 1/3 lb. Beef Burger: $10.99
- Half Pound Beef Burger: $13.49
- Turkey Burger: $11.49
- Veggie Burger: $10.49
- Chicken Breast Sandwich: $10.99
You can add cheese for an extra $1.29. Bacon is an additional $1.99. Guacamole will cost you $1.49. The “unlimited” toppings bar includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, banana peppers, and various sauces. You can stack these as high as you want without extra charge.
Here is the trick to saving money: Do not buy the half-pound patty. The 1/3 lb. burger is already huge. Most people cannot finish the half-pound version. Stick with the classic size and load up the free veggies.
Specialty Burgers
If you do not want to build your own, they have pre-made signature burgers. These are usually priced higher because they include premium ingredients. You are paying for convenience here.
- The “Max” Burger: $13.99 – Two 1/4 lb. patties with American cheese.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: $12.49 – The classic combo with crispy bacon.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger: $12.29 – Sauteed mushrooms and melted Swiss.
- Santa Fe Burger: $13.29 – Pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, and chipotle sauce.
- BBQ Bacon Burger: $12.99 – Smoky BBQ sauce, cheddar, and onion rings.
Compare the specialty burgers to the build-your-own option. A bacon cheeseburger on the specialty menu costs $12.49. If you build the exact same burger at the bar (classic patty + bacon + cheese), it costs $14.27. Wait, that math seems off. Actually, the specialty burgers are a better deal when you want premium toppings. The build-your-own is only cheaper if you stick to free toppings only.
Sandwiches And Wraps
Not everyone wants a burger. The sandwich section offers a decent variety. These come with your choice of fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.
- Philly Cheesesteak: $12.99 – Thinly sliced steak with onions and peppers.
- Chicken Club Sandwich: $11.99 – Grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
- Fish Sandwich (Cod): $11.49 – Beer-battered and fried.
- Reuben: $11.79 – Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss on rye.
- Grilled Chicken Wrap: $10.49 – A lighter option with ranch dressing.
The Reuben is the best value in this section. The corned beef is tender and they do not skimp on the filling. The fish sandwich is usually a frozen filet, so skip it unless you are desperate.
Salads And Soups
The “Garbage Salad” is famous here. It is a huge bowl of mixed greens with just about every topping they have in the kitchen. It is a meal in itself.
- The Garbage Salad: $12.99 – Ham, turkey, cheese, eggs, tomatoes, and croutons.
- Caesar Salad (Chicken): $11.49 – Romaine, parmesan, and croutons.
- House Salad: $5.99 – A simple side salad.
- Soup of the Day (Cup): $4.29
- Chili (Bowl): $6.49 – A hearty option with beans and beef.
If you want a low-carb option, the Garbage Salad is the way to go. Ask for the dressing on the side. The salad is so big that you can easily split it with a friend. That makes it a very economical choice for lunch.
Pasta And Entrees
This section is for dinner. The prices jump up significantly here. You are moving away from casual bar food into full-service dining territory.
- Chicken Parmesan: $15.99 – Breaded chicken over spaghetti.
- Spaghetti with Meatballs: $13.49 – Three large meatballs.
- Grilled Salmon: $18.99 – Served with rice and vegetables.
- New York Strip (12 oz): $21.99 – A decent cut for a casual chain.
- Fish & Chips: $14.49 – Beer-battered cod with fries.
Honestly, the pasta dishes are average. You are better off going to an Italian restaurant if that is what you want. The steak is surprisingly decent for the price, but it is not a steakhouse-quality cut. The salmon is the healthiest option on the menu.
Kids Menu
If you have children, the kids menu is affordable. Each meal comes with a drink and a side. The portions are appropriate for children under 12.
- Mini Cheeseburger: $6.99
- Chicken Tenders (3 pc): $6.49
- Grilled Cheese: $5.99
- Spaghetti with Marinara: $6.29
- Mac & Cheese: $5.79
Kids eat free on certain nights in some locations. You need to check with your local franchise. Usually, it is on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. That can save you a lot of money if you have multiple children.
Desserts And Shakes
You cannot leave without trying the famous Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie. It is served warm and is big enough to share.
- Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie: $7.99 – Served with vanilla ice cream.
- Brownie Sundae: $6.99
- Cheesecake: $6.49
- Hand-Spun Shake: $5.49 – Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.
- Malt: $5.99
The cookie is the signature dessert. It takes about 15 minutes to bake, so order it early if you know you want it. The shakes are thick and made with real ice cream. They are worth the money.
Drinks And Beverages
Soft drinks are refillable. You will pay around $3.29 for a fountain drink. They also have a full bar with cocktails and a decent beer selection.
- Soft Drinks: $3.29 (unlimited refills)
- Iced Tea: $3.29
- Coffee: $2.99
- Draft Beer (Domestic): $5.49
- Draft Beer (Import): $6.49
- House Cocktails: $7.99 – $9.99
The drink prices are standard for a casual dining chain. You will not find any deals on alcohol here. Stick to water or soda if you are trying to keep the bill low.
Lunch Specials And Deals
Max & Erma’s runs daily specials that are not always on the printed menu. You have to ask your server or check the table tent.
- Half-Price Apps: Usually during late-night hours (9 PM – close).
- Taco Tuesday: Discounted tacos and margaritas.
- Wing Wednesday: 50-cent wings with a drink purchase.
- Kids Eat Free: Typically on Tuesdays at participating locations.
- Happy Hour: 3 PM – 6 PM on weekdays. Discounted drinks and small plates.
You should always ask about the current specials before you order. The printed menu does not reflect these deals. A server will usually tell you, but you have to ask first. If you are going for lunch, the portions are the same as dinner but the price might be slightly lower on specific items.
Tips For Saving Money
You can eat here without spending a fortune. It just takes a little planning. Here are some practical steps to keep your total under $15 per person.
- Go during Happy Hour. The appetizer prices drop significantly.
- Split the Garbage Salad. It is huge. Two people can share it and add a side of chili.
- Order the Classic Burger. Skip the bacon and cheese. Use the free toppings bar aggressively.
- Skip the alcohol. A $9 cocktail will ruin your budget.
- Check for coupons. They often have printable coupons on their website or in local mailers.
- Use the rewards app. You earn points on every dollar you spend.
If you follow those steps, you can get out of there for around $12 per person including tip. That is a good deal for the amount of food you receive.
Is The Food Worth The Price?
This is the real question. The burgers are good. They are not gourmet, but they are fresh and cooked to order. The toppings bar is a fun gimmick that adds value. The service is usually friendly and fast.
The pasta and seafood dishes are overpriced. You are paying a premium for a chain restaurant. If you stick to the burgers, sandwiches, and salads, you get fair value. If you order the steak or the salmon, you are paying too much for the quality you receive.
The atmosphere is family-friendly. It can get loud during peak hours. The booths are comfortable. It is a reliable spot for a casual meal, not a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Max & Erma’s still have the build-your-own burger bar?
Yes, the burger bar is still active at most locations. You pick your patty and then visit the toppings station to add unlimited vegetables, sauces, and condiments. The price is based on the patty selection.
Are the prices on the Max & Erma’s menu with prices the same everywhere?
No. Franchise locations can adjust prices based on local operating costs. You might see a $0.50 to $1.00 difference depending on the city. Airport locations are always more expensive.
Does Max & Erma’s offer a gluten-free menu?
They do not have a dedicated gluten-free menu. However, you can order burgers without a bun and request a lettuce wrap. The kitchen will do their best to accommodate, but there is a risk of cross-contamination.
What is the best day to visit for a deal?
Tuesday is usually the best day. Many locations offer kids-eat-free specials and discounted appetizers. Wednesday is good for wing deals if you like spicy food.
Can you order takeout from the Max & Erma’s menu with prices?
Yes, takeout is available. You can order online or by phone. The prices are the same as dining in, but you save on the tip. They pack the toppings separately so your burger does not get soggy.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
You now have a clear picture of what things cost. The key takeaway is to stick to the burger bar and the salads. Those are the items that offer the most food for your money. Avoid the premium entrees unless you are okay with paying chain-restaurant prices for average quality.
Check the daily specials before you order. That is the easiest way to save a few bucks. And do not forget the giant cookie for dessert. It is expensive, but it is the reason most people come back.
One last thing: the prices listed here are accurate as of this writing. They can change at any time. Always confirm the price on the menu they hand you before you order. That way, there are no surprises when the check arrives.
Go enjoy your burger. Just build it smart and you will leave full and happy without emptying your wallet.