Max & Erma's Will Quickly Become a Family Favorite

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Lake Saint Louis Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Max & Erma's

Overview: Nestled in , Max & Erma's is the perfect place to stop in for a quick lunch on a shopping day or for a fun dinner out with the family. They offer staple items like gourmet burgers and chocolate chip cookies, though often with a fun twist.

The Drinks: Above and beyond the normal fare, Max & Erma's offers a full line of sodas as well as yummy drinks like Watermelon Lemonade and Pomegranate Italian Soda. That's not mentioning their fruit smoothies, root beer floats and shakes. They serve draft and bottled beer, domestic and imported. You can ask for more local specialties with your server. Red, white and blush wine are also available.

Dessert: Why start with that? Because at Max & Erma's some desserts need to be ordered early - specifically a half-dozen cookies. The treats will be delivered to your table at the end of your meal, warm and gooey. Choose between chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut or a mix and match. Read below for more information on different desserts.

Appetizers: The restaurant refers to them as "Munchies,' and they too go beyond the norm with unique offerings like Horseradish Burger Sliders, Soft Pretzel Sticks with Warm Queso, Black Bean Roll-Ups with pico de gallo and Deep Fried Pickles with ranch dressing.

Salads: Stand out choices include the Apple Pecan salad with a maple vinaigrette and the Hula bowl, with pineapple-soy chicken, mandarin oranges, pineapple and honey-mustard dressing. Side salads are available. Did I mention they make their own ranch from scratch?

Soup: Delicious favorites like Tortilla and French Onion soup are always available, or ask your server about the soup of the day. Mix and match salads, soups and sandwiches for a satisfying combo.

Burgers: Yes, at Max & Erma's they deserve their own category. Much thought has been put into their main specialty. Be brave and go for the Garbage Burger, with bacon, cheddar, swiss, American, mozzarella, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, guacamole and marinara sauce. Need I say more? All their burgers are delicious, so you may have to return to try them all.

Sandwiches & Specialties: Lighter options may suit your palate like the Tomato Mozzarella Chicken sandwich or the Chicken Salad Croissant served with a side of fruit. I must point out their Laredo Sirloin Steak with a baked potato, salad, and cactus butter. Other signature entress include Singapore Salmon with herb rice and steamed veggies, BBQ ribs and Chicken Pot Pie served over mashed potatoes.

Desserts: Besides the aforementioned cookie delights, you can opt for the Banana Creme Pie, Triple Chocolate Cake or Funnel Fries. The best option in my opinion is the All-You-Can-Eat Sundae Bar, with an antique bathtub filled with a plethera of toppings.

Service: Standard and friendly. I've never had to wait too long for my food or drink.

Other: Call ahead for carryout if you want to eat at home.