Merlin GmbH in Lübeck

I haven't eaten such a mushy lump of fries, ketchup and mayo in a long time.

The food is delicious, and you get it very quickly, but when you look at the prices, you wonder if it's worth it... I paid more than 17 euros for a schnitzel, some fries, and a drink! I could have gotten that elsewhere for 12 euros... Well, it used to be cheaper anyway, but you have to tell everything as it is right now.

Good food, especially the lunch menu. Always good, plentiful, and varied. The staff is always friendly and up for a joke, especially with the regulars. And not all "old" people are grumpy. I'd rather go to a place where the staff is nice to me than have to go to the basement to laugh. Some customers also enjoy a bit harsher jokes. And yes, in day-to-day business, except for lunch, there can be mistakes, or not everything always tastes consistently "right." But we should be glad that Merlin exists; where else are there snack bars that serve more than just doner kebabs and succubus? And the ladies who roll their eyes are probably referring to me. They'll get it twice as much from me, though. ;-)

Unfortunately, we went for currywurst and fries today; it tasted awful. Never again for me!!!!!

We ordered takeout for the first time in ages. Unfortunately, the food was completely dry—half a chicken, the fries were soaked with grease, and the spit roast had a completely soft crust. It used to be a truly iconic snack bar, but now you can't order anything there anymore.

Delicious food at reasonable prices. It's very busy, like a train station. But it's fast and clean. Some of the female employees deserve a thumbs-up. The tone is commanding and it's very quick...you feel like you have to apologize for possibly having a question.

There's a difference between a giant currywurst and a fried currywurst... there's also a difference between soggy fries and fried potatoes. The staff is neither able to take orders correctly nor, after repeated corrections and questions, serve the order correctly. This is a disgrace, and it's not the first time it's happened! It's best to only order here if you don't care what you eat anyway...

Definitely the last time! The food was insufficient, and the quality and taste were poor. The staff were dirty and rude.

If I could, I wouldn't give it a star. Unfriendly, loud, and the food was served. Aside from that, it didn't taste good. Simply awful!

Bad food and incredibly unfriendly staff!

We eat there every now and then. The pizza is absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, they only serve it on Thursdays. I liked the atmosphere better before the last renovation. But you don't stay there very long.

The salesperson/waitress with her dyed-black hair, dark voice, and piercing in her right lower lip makes a relaxed visit impossible. Her treatment of older customers, in particular, is rude, cheeky, eye-rolling, and condescending. I've witnessed this several times. I won't eat here again.

Merlin used to be a great snack bar. If snack bar, then Merlin. We were nearby and were happy. The unfriendliness of the staff was quite striking. Not all of them, but the majority, are probably unhappy there. There's usually a reason why employees are in a bad mood. To eat: Roast pork with crackling, potato wedges Ribs, potato wedges, coleslaw Homemade meatball with fried potatoes No exaggeration: the taste of everything ranged from inedible to completely unacceptable. The meatballs were probably a mixture of meat, then put in a blender, then made into a frika. Totally soft. If they were even homemade, I can't say. Fried potatoes were still the best part of all the meals. But they weren't like they used to be. Totally small, completely soggy in fat. The potato wedges only worked with mayo, so you couldn't taste the actual flavor. They would have been inedible otherwise. The ribs were in a sauce that tasted more like cheap ketchup than anything else. Of course, taste is a matter of opinion and everyone has different preferences, but we will never eat there again. There's a definitive statement about quality: I usually finish all the plates, but I'm not like that. I'm happy when my wife and kids leave something left over. I didn't even finish mine. I feel sorry for the people in the store, but that was awful.

I've been coming here for almost 50 years. It's a cult address for good food in a great snack bar. Highly recommended, always happy to return.

A friend recommended the grill to us. What you get, at least where we live, is fast food put together from wholesalers. You can get lucky depending on which product you order on site, or which goods the operator purchases from wholesalers, how high the throughput is at the snack bar, and how the food is prepared. It wasn't right for us. The quality of the burger is on the level of a simple hamburger from McDonald's. The meat is thawed from a bulk pack, ketchup, that's fine. The burger bun is standard, so it's okay. The coleslaw is too sweet for our taste, the pita meat is good, the bread is relatively dry. The price of 3.90 for water/cola/etc. is unacceptable for a snack bar. The staff was very nice, but we were bothered by the frequent references to the more expensive dishes.

Very tasty food, good burgers and schnitzel.

The most unfriendly staff ever. You order food that arrives cold, only to get a new dish with raw meat. Impossible. Then you complain and are confronted with the statement, "Then you shouldn't come here anymore." Total mass processing. I've rarely seen anything so antisocial. I had to stare here because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to write a review! This "restaurant" doesn't deserve a single star.

Lunch sold out at 12:30 PM!!! We had arranged to meet there a week ago for pork knuckle. They just said "all sold out." The dish was still on the board, though. How do they plan and buy when the dish is supposedly already sold out? We went there specifically for that reason and were very disappointed. Conclusion: You shouldn't go there with high expectations for a meal.

Absolutely disappointed after today! Rude checkout, and the food came in batches. The hot dog and burger were even cold... I've never experienced anything like that before and hope it doesn't happen again. The schnitzel, on the other hand, was, as you'd expect, amazing... There was nothing going on that would justify the possibility of any food issues.

Merlin is the place to go for fast, good, and varied food. Everyone will find something they like here! Since the renovation, it's also been comfortable to sit in, and it's clean. What I particularly like is the friendliness, attentiveness, and motivation of the staff. Marcel particularly caught my eye—he's truly brilliant!

I ate pizza for the last time! The pizza is so oily!! Wobbly! From all the garlic oil! It's not even crispy anymore! Totally soft!! I had to use a paper towel to try and get all the oil off the pizza!!!! You only taste garlic! Nothing else! I'm so angry! They specifically ask you how much oil, but you don't say that much! Did your ladle slip or something?!!!! I ate it for the last time!

Very good food....friendly service...fits 👍

Highly recommended. Friendly service, attractive ambience. The food tastes like home-made. Fresh ingredients and decent portions at a reasonable price. Varied lunch menu. Something for everyone. So go and enjoy yourself!

I've known the snack bar since it opened. I used to get my fries there when I was a little kid. The snack bar used to have a dark pub feel with deep hanging lights above the tables 🙂 Despite the renovation and a bright ambience, you can still sit comfortably. I also think the food is delicious across the board. A nice alternative to the kebab shops popping up on every corner. I hope you make the next 50 years full too! Glad you exist!

I have been a customer for 30 years, but yesterday I ate a tuna pizza with my family and we had a terrible evening, thanks to the tuna pizza we got food poisoning, even my 5 year old son.

I bought half a chicken to take away on Thursday and even got a piece. When I got home I knew why the half was bad. I am very disappointed

After a long time we were here again and experienced a real disappointment. Hardly anything has changed in terms of the ambience and the busy staff, but we were shocked by the cutlery. It wasn't clean, but it was greasy. The food looked good, but the taste was bland. The gyros barely seasoned in dry pita bread and the schnitzel also had little taste, except for the fat. It's a shame, as Merlin always had a good reputation. But after this meal it can no longer hold it.

The food is always delicious and the staff are particularly excellent. Every time snappy and super friendly 😍

The food (gyros) was very, very little at first (4 months ago there was twice as much meat) and it only tasted like a spice 🤢 and it has also become more expensive. Until recently it was still good to eat, but yesterday I bought it for €39 and it wasn't tasty at all 🤢 even the knuckle had no taste 🤢

A typical snack bar, nothing special, nothing really bad

Large selection and no matter what you take, everything tastes good. Very nice and friendly staff.

Delicious food, quick preparation. A very good snack bar, but it's too cold for me to eat on site.

The portion of fries for 3.40 is small, the taste is okay The man at the counter was friendly The shop looks in need of a bit of an overhaul, musty, greasy, sticky - it's a shame...

This restaurant prepares barbecue in a special way, especially grilled chicken.

Fast, tasty, reasonably priced.

Snack culture that you can hardly find anymore. Very very good selection and quality. 🤤👍

Nice service, delicious food, delicious schnitzel with paprika sauce, fresh fries, what more could you want. Unfortunately a bit far away 30km a bit too expensive for a burger or gypsy schnitzel. Please open a branch in Boltenhagen. There is nowhere near as tasty a snack as Merlin.

Yes! Super fresh, diverse selection of salads that you can put together yourself and serve.

Das Essen war so schlecht , die Pommes waren noch fast roh und das Hähnchenschnitzel war so hart das man das nicht beißen konnte . Merlin war damals mal sehr lecker aber heute nur noch Grotten schlecht

If anyone is wondering why Germany isn't known for its good food, this place is doing its best to keep it that way. Chips that have been flattened beyond recognition amaze many physicists and prove that there are two-dimensional objects in our three-dimensional space. Fries are like fries are, sometimes better, sometimes worse - you can hardly expect more. The honor is saved by the salads, which are fresh and good. Unfortunately, however, an imaginative amount of sauce comes into play, covering half the plate like a blanket and imposing its cruelly average taste. In terms of taste, it is a full bouquet of butter, butter with a delicate hint of butter. After the first bite, you start anxiously looking for the quickest way to the toilet, hoping that it isn't busy. Nevertheless, the bar has many fans and lovers of mediocre but quick cuisine. So don't let yourself be misled and think about whether your culinary taste is really as boring as the food served here.

Solid snack. Tasty and reasonable prices.

The gyro plate has to be used every now and then. A classic.

Really a great “cult snack bar” at the Kaufhof that is rarely found today💪

Just like you imagine a well-kept grill snack bar. Service is top, food is delicious and the restaurant is very tidy and well maintained. Whenever the craving for grilled chicken makes it difficult to think, Merlin is the savior in an emergency. Thank you and stay as you are

Upscale snack bar. The food is very tasty.

Cheap snack bar... cheap meat, employees laugh at you if you want a pizza on Tuesday. It doesn't say on the menu or on the website that pizza is only made for a certain period of time. There's mainly only extremely fatty food, even the salad tastes like a deep fryer... you can get something there in case of an emergency.

Staff friendly food was very tasty

Best quick snack, wide selection.😁

Before the fire it was dark and confusing. Today it is nice and friendly and bright, with a clear layout. Plenty of staff, fast service. Spit roast as it should be. Good mayonnaise Unfortunately dry gyros

Despite the change in ownership, there has been no real improvement in the food. Prices are rising sharply... Conclusion after 5 years: Rating has gone up significantly. Food is delicious, prices are ok, staff is very friendly and helpful. So 5 stars from me...

Very solid selection of food. Even quite inexpensive for snack bars. Food tasted very good. I'd love to come back. But nothing special here.

After some colleagues and friends told me how "great" this snack bar was... I was doubly disappointed! The schnitzel was good, no question. The fried potatoes were so salty that it felt like I was sucking salt crystals. At home the fries were just a potato mass without any seasoning. After eating the "food" I woke up at night because I was so dehydrated and sat awake for 2 hours... Let's be honest: Do you taste your food??? It was really a disaster!! Never again!

I love the schnitzels. Great food!!!

Nice bright and clean takeaway restaurant. The staff is always nice, attentive and quick, even in the most stressful times you never have the feeling of being rushed or in a bad mood. The food is always fresh and delicious. The fresh salad counter is unparalleled in terms of quality and selection. All I can say is top 1+

Ate currywurst with fries after a long time - delicious

I've known the snack bar from the beginning. Always a must when I'm in Lübeck. Unsurpassed.

I just ate the gyros. Doesn't taste good at all. Big chunks, poorly seasoned. Everything else was very good as always

The store has been here for decades. Fast, tasty, friendly and inexpensive.

The pizza is still as good as it was 10 years ago. The toilets are clean and always welcome. Thumbs up from me and enjoy it

Unfortunately, the price-performance ratio is no longer right. The currywurst was often burnt, as were the fries and the pizza base. Only the ladies and gentlemen behind the counter are very nice, friendly and hard-working.

A snack bar that rightly bears the title “cult”. The food, no matter what, was great. The staff was very friendly, helpful and accommodating, the store was very clean and the price-performance ratio was second to none. I'll go there more often, thank you

Fast, tastier food, friendly staff, affordable prices, what more could you want☺️👍❤️

An old-established snack bar and always friendly service. Delicious food at reasonable prices and huge portions. Still a must for me when I'm back in my old hometown.

Everything delicious. Gladly again.

Good selection of dishes, very tasty dishes at a reasonable price. Fast service, lots of cash registers and enough dining area with seating.

So if you go there without much expectation, it's okay. The sauce was partly cold, the meat was not too expensive due to the children's magic box, but the 5 nuggets pair of fries were a super cheap toy. I have no idea, I thought €7.50 was too much. The schnitzels were too hard and the salad wasn't the real deal either 😅 There are worse things but also better things 🙈

Price performance is right, food tastes great

Bester Spießbraten ever Wir haben vor Ort in Lübeck gegessen und es hat super geschmeckt. Meine Frau und ich wohnen jetzt in Schwaben. Leider findet sich solch ein Imbiss hier nicht.

Had chicken today. Was super tasty. The food at the other tables also looked very tasty. The ambience suits the cult snack bar. Simple but clean. Friendly staff serve you. Prices are okay

If you like raw fries and a cold schnitzel, Merlin is the right place for you. It takes 4 minutes from the time the food is ordered to the time it is served, so the food cannot be warm or well done. Never again!!!!

We wanted to give Merlin another chance. Well, enthusiasm is something different. The two schnitzels were lukewarm (they used to be really hot). The fries were good. My daughter wanted flatbread with cheese gratin, but she was told it wasn't available. Maybe the menu should be updated. Strangely enough, the schnitzels were already ready. Previously, they were only made when they were ordered. Never again

Shop before opening hours 7:30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m On a Wednesday

Absolute cult in Lübeck, I come several times a year to get food, sometimes I also eat on site. The staff is friendly. The cleanliness is variable but the business puts customers first.

Well...I really wouldn't call it a cult. The food was average, really nothing special and way too expensive (yes prices are rising everywhere, but here you pay a little more for what?)

Nice service, great delicious food

A normal snack bar, you are served quickly and the food is okay, not a highlight. You can argue about the ambience, but it doesn't appeal to me, you feel like you're at the train station

Merlin's fast food joint is closed too often. Due to lack of staff. Or there is no pitza, not for days, due to a lack of staff. When it's open, all the staff are friendly.

Bought pizza and was completely disappointed. Where is the cheese??? Staff unfriendly!

Spießbraten mal Topp, mal Flopp. Gestern waren es leider nur 2 trockene Endstücke. Leider bemerkt man das dann leider erst zu Hause… ):

Currently (July 15, 2023) Merlin is suffering from a lack of staff and is therefore not open every day -> unfortunately

Very nice service, the food is prepared very quickly, everything is always fresh, everything is super clean! You don't have that anymore anywhere you want to go out to eat. For a fast food restaurant/snack bar that is always full, which is saying something after over 50 years, this is the right place. You rarely get such good food, especially for the price. Keep it up

The staff is nice…. Aaabut the fries were totally soggy and tasted like they had been fried three times, they were so brown. Unfortunately not good and for almost €4 the portion was really ridiculous. For €4 I make 2 kg of fries at home in the hot air fryer and they look significantly better

It just went bad, the food was not easy to prepare and the taste also deteriorated.

It's no longer what it used to be years ago... of course certain things change. Unfortunately, the service has deteriorated and the portions are also smaller. A lot of money. Yes, it's more expensive everywhere, but unfortunately certain things aren't worth it. Pizza 20 cm and 26 cm in my opinion a lot of money what the pizza costs.....make up your own mind

This business is also affected by rising prices. Everything has become very expensive. By lunchtime the fried potatoes were almost sold out. The employees there work piecework and we had to ask several times whether our order was still being processed.

So...that was the last time we bought food from Merlin! The fries were good, that's about it. My pregnant wife feels really bad about the food. We've been eating at Merlin's every now and then for years, but something like this isn't possible! Little chicken wasn't through and had cartilage! To put it bluntly, salads were not edible. Only fries were eaten. All of the meat (spare menu 1+3 and shish kebab) ended up in the trash. That wasn't worth 35 euros.

Inexpensive food and very fast service.

Delicious food at reasonable prices.

It used to be a little better and has become quite expensive, but it still tastes good

The hot dog is just good. There is also a salad bar with salads that you can put together yourself. Good pizza, great burgers and fries. They can also make bratwurst and schnitzel.

Unfortunately, the snack bar no longer works, mass instead of quality. It was OK for a while and I have no idea what happened. It's a shame.. 😞

Great again even after over 15 years! The best fast food restaurant I know, everything tastes very good! The selection is amazing (pizza, fast food, Greek, special dishes, ...), the prices are reasonable. The freshly and lovingly renovated rooms are very clean and comfortable.

Unfortunately, Merlin is no longer what it used to be. The prices rise every year but the food doesn't get better, unfortunately it gets worse. It tastes boring, boring and no longer snack-like for the prices. And the service has always been annoyed and unresponsive.....probably not paid appropriately....

We eat here twice a year when we are here on vacation. The quality has always been consistent for years, very tasty, good portions, no matter what

More cult than snack. Canteen style. Food was ok. Have a large selection - more quantity than class. Drinks expensive.

Always very tasty and fresh, prices acceptable, nice service, the room could be more comfortable

Dieser Schnellimbiss ist schon länger KEIN Kult mehr. Die Vorbetreiber legten großen Wert auf die Qualität, den taste, des Essens. Außerdem auf eine freundliche (Arbeits)Atmosphäre. Heute bekommt man pappige, lauwarme, in Mayo gebadete Pommes, verbratenes Fleisch - und die Atmosphäre ist gruselig. Teure Abfüllung, für Personal und Gäste stressreich. Der neue Besitzer gehört zur Familie der Vorbesitzer, was ihn leider nur sehr wenig qualifiziert. Da hilft auch die neue räumliche Ausstattung nix. Wenn due Basis, das Essen, nicht schmeckt.

Unfortunately not as good as before. Currywurst was almost cold, fries were completely over salted and the sauce was very acidic. The shish kebab was also rather mediocre. It's certainly all a matter of taste and subjective, but unlike before, the snack bar was almost empty. A pity....

Eating, hmm, not like before.... fries are not cheap at all. Maio and ketchup diluted with water... Schnitzel hard. We don't go out to eat there anymore.....

I used to go to Merlin as a child, the pizzas were always great. I went there often as a teenager. The food was simply great, the shop was very full and the customers even stood outside. Now I like to drive a little further with my children to buy a pizza or gyros for us. We've done it again and again and it gets more and more disappointing. It has become very empty, the employees seem as if you are not welcome as a customer. The gyro meat no longer tastes good and the bottom and sides of the pizza are constantly burnt. There was so little cheese and toppings, even double cheese wouldn't fill the gaps. It's a real shame, it used to be a great store!!!