Merle's has great food in a good, old-fashioned steak house/roadhouse atmosphere. The daily specials are the best but the burger is one of the best you'll get anywhere. Just add a little salt and lots of pepper. Do not, however, order the Bruiser. This is a pre-formed burger that is not very good at all.
If you're feeling decadent, order the fresh cut curly fries. These are one long string of curly fries made on the spot. If they could find a way to drain the grease off them before serving, I wouldn't feel so guilty about ordering them.
The fried chicken special is one of the best lunch deals you'll find anywhere.
Note: Merle's is not in Lincoln so the smoking ban is not in effect. For lunch that's not so much an issue but at night it's pretty smoky.
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