ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Bearden's on Lake Road in Rocky River has been making fresh, never-frozen hamburgers since 1948. For those who haven't tried one yet, get ready: Burgers will be sold for one day at only 70 cents.
A 70th anniversary for any restaurant is remarkable in itself, but to keep customers coming back for plain old comfort food like hamburgers and fries is something else again. What's the secret? Well, it's because there is nothing plain about the food at Bearden's.
The hamburgers, made with fresh, never-frozen meat, have a flavor not possible with frozen meat -- rich and hearty. Even the pickles on the burger are thicker cut and have a mild flavor, somewhere between dill and sweet. And the chili is hearty and just slightly spicy, with lots of that never-frozen beef.
Hot, fresh steakburgers since 1948 are still the draw at Bearden's.
The milkshakes are not super thick, but who can turn down a pumpkin shake or a cotton candy shake? Fries are not exactly remarkable, but are hot, fresh and abundant.
Bearden's was originally called Jackson Limited, according to the company's information, and opened in 1934. In 1948, as a joint venture between Ross Bearden and the Orange brothers, Bill and James, Bearden's began.
Joe Orange and his family owned and operated Bearden's until 2010, when it was closed; it was bought just a year later by Jim Griffiths. Griffiths renovated the restaurant as a shiny, new 1950s-style diner but, thank goodness, he didn't change the menu.
The menu has some special items, like a peanut butter and pickle burger and sweet potato tots. Clams fried, in a basket, or clam rolls are still a specialty and there is now Craft 62 soda pop, with no preservatives, just pure cane sugar.
The sodas are not for dieting folks or anyone squeamish about real -- yes real -- sugar. The flavors are the old-time soda pop many of us knew as children. My personal favorite was creme soda, but any one of the bold, fruit flavors will do.
On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 12, burgers at Bearden's will be sold for only 70 cents each to celebrate the big anniversary. However, there is a limit of two per person and no call-aheads. Customers must show up in person, and toppings are extra.
It doesn't matter. The delicious meat on their buttered, toasted buns can stand alone.