So fattening... And so good. I always get the quarter pounder plus, onion rings and a California is a must! Their burgers do have a sweet taste, which i actually like. Service is always super fast and friendly. I only wish they had more locations in northeast Ohio.
(5)
Lance T.
Great burgers for a great price, came from out of town and love it. Milkshakes are bomb, the fries are perfect. The potato teezers are scrumptious.
(5)
Scotty D.
I don't understand the love for this place. I have tried it, I honestly have. I wanted to love this place after the hype, but I was extremely disappointed. The burgers, I mean, they are good, but nothing to orgasm about. The shakes were shakes. The service is odd? Young men running to and from your car. Do they take the people from Sonic who don't know how to skate? If you're not paying attention you feel like you are about to get car jacked. It just seems unnecessary to me. If it weren't for the hype I might have liked this place more. Not sure. I just don't get it. Average food at best. Not bad, just nothing special.
(2)
Kathleen A.
Absolutely love Swensons! Their service is amazing. Someone almost always gets to my car before I even shut off my engine. If you need something else, just turn on your headlights and someone will come right away, literally running to your car. Galley Boy burger is a must! It is a double cheese burger and you can get whatever you want on it. Super juicy so make sure you have plenty of napkins. They have the "everything" option, which includes pickles, onions, and mustard. I also love getting the potato teasers and mushrooms, yum!! Potato teasers are basically like jalapeño poppers, so if you're into that, I recommend it. You can eat in your car or take it to-go. If it's a nice day, I definitely take advantage and eat there. They have these trays that hang onto your window. As for drinks, I highly recommend the half and half! It's half lemonade, half tea and it's amazing! During my most recent visit, the half and half tasted a little watered down, but I let our server know so he immediately replaced it with a freshly made batch. I always leave Swensons extremely satisfied!
(5)
Lindsey M.
This place is awesome!!! Food is good, service is fast, and prices are soooo great. This place has the usual drive-in staples... Burgers, French fries, tenders, and lots more. There really is a good selection of food. Overall this place is great and highly recommended. Just pull in, park, and someone will be out to serve you!
(5)
R L.
This was my first visit and the experience was worth it! You pull up and you're immediately approached by a very friendly waiter ready to take your order at your car window. :))) So I ordered the Galley Boy and the potato teezers! My meal arrived hot and fresh! The burger came topped with the infamous olive pinned in the bun and the sauces had the distinct flavor of sweet relish or tartar sauce. It was very tasty, but the star of the show for me was the potato teezers. These tasty potato treats were cooked to perfection with jalapeños and a tasty cheese dip. They were just great and a nice compliment to the burger. Big thumbs up to an establishment that sticks with tradition and keeps serving great fast food!
(5)
Matt M.
Service is always top notch and the food is without question awesome! This is the one place I craved the most after moving away from the Akron area for 13 years. It was always my first stop from the airport. I get a double cheeseburger with everything (mustard,pickle and onion) and ketchup, an order of fries and a large pepsi, that comes with their famous crushed ice. The galley boys are great but sometimes a little to sweet and tangy for me. This is the meal I would want, if I could only have one more meal in my life. Thats how much I like it.
(5)
Colin S.
Wow, where do I even start this review?!?! Instead of trying to come up with something witty, or persuasive let me just be blunt. This is probably the best Cleveland/Akron local chain ever!!!!!!! The burgers have a sweet taste to them and the cheese is always melting in your mouth. If you don't give Swenson's a try then you are missing out. PS our son loves their grilled cheese and root beer floats!
(5)
Michael C.
How is it that I haven't written a review for this place? What a travesty. This wonderful neighborhood establishment is close to my house and is always open when I want a quick burger hit. It isn't fancy but I just that sense of going back in time to a place where service was different and people were friendly and smiled a lot more. I love me some Galley Boys and jalepeno poppers. Not high brow food, by any standards, but what an amazing, sweet/savory, mouthful of joy those burgers are. And what reasonable prices. It is amazing to me that there are fast food places surrounding this place. How do they stay in business? Swensons is more tasty, more delicious and more Ohio than any of them. The shrimp dinner was also delicious, fresh and a good value, BTW.
(5)
Jason T.
Galley boy was delicious. Service amazing. Food is inexpensive but quality. A great drive in experience!
(5)
Karen K.
I'm obsessed with this place!! I wish they would build one closer to my house in delaware!
(5)
Ashlee D.
What a fun place! Food is pretty good and really cheap! They run to your car like the old fashion drive ins! The staff is always quick and very friendly. They even have a huge smile on their faces in the rain! I would highly recommend one of their milkshakes. They come in all different flavors! So yummy! Absolutely a Cleveland Classic!
(4)
Alexis B.
Being from California, this reminded me of Sonic's system, where you pull up and order from your car. However, this place has a little more of a retro feel, also because its been around way longer than Sonic (sorry for the comparison). It was midnight, we just got done dancing our tails off at a wedding, and were starving! We ordered up two Galley Boy burgers, zucchini fries and the potato teasers. This was my first time trying the Galley Boy, which is THE burger to get, two patties, creamy melty American cheese, two sauces (mayo and bbq, i think) and all in the perfect handheld size. We scarfed the items once they arrived to the car - these boys run their hearts out, and they still have a smile! Power to em, I respect what they do.
(4)
Iza R.
Great burgers and fries love the chili it's actually really good I like to dip my fries or burger in it lol know the main cook there he's great does a good job very clean good customer service! Oh and their ice cream is quite tasty!!
(5)
Nina P.
Swenson's is an Ohio Institution of deliciousness! Open year around but it's a summer fav for me with great food and always fantastic service!!
(5)
Karyn C.
I just love Swenson's. I originally found them down in Cuyahoga Falls/Akron. Old fashioned hamburger joint that you sit in your car and they bring out your food. The Galley Boy burger is simply joy-gasmic. The special sauce that includes sweet relish hidden in the mayonnaise super yummy. The burger patties are so delicious and tender. The bun is perfectly toasty and tasty. Root beer shake? MMMMM. Fried mushrooms? Of course! Sure, there are other things on the menu, but I've never deviated. I'm craving a Galley Boy as I type. Now, let's talk about the cute young college boys in shorts that dash in and out of the building when you turn on your lights. They are so friendly, and man, do they move! When your order comes out, it hangs on your door. Love it! Try it. You'll love it. Tip those boys!
(4)
Janey L.
I came here at midnight when I was already too full, only because both a good friend as well as my cousin who lives in Ohio convinced me that the burgers were really really good. I have to say I was pretty satisfied with the galley boy. The meat is pretty juicy (you get two patties) and they have this special sauce that is kind of reminiscent of cole slaw..in any case the burger is a-ok, except for the fact that I feel like my arteries are being clogged instantly. The fries are also really crisp and delicious. If you want to try an interesting food experience, get the fried mushrooms. I would give this place 3 stars for the taste, but I will give it 4 because they have such a cool serving model. You drive up, and the waiter comes running (RUNNING) to take your order. Then they return to your car with your food and a little tray to put on your window so *you don't even have to get out of the car* I'd feel bad for these guys on cold nights but the summer is perfect for this kind of thing. IS IT CHEAP? Yes! The galley boy is around $3.15 I think, and the other sides, like fries or fried zucchini/mushrooms/etc, are about $2.
(4)
Paul W.
Cadillacs...Cheeseburgers...and Summer! It's been years since I've had a Swenson's Cheeseburger! I'd like to use this franchise in a movie I'm making called "The Summer I'll Never Forget" where Leroy and his friends dig-up Summer Memories and add new ones along the way. One scene, Leroy and his friends drive in their Summermobile (It's a Cadillac ElDorado) looking for a cruise-in around Parma. They get hungry and go to Swenson's...please don't let this franchise go!
(5)
Kristen W.
Being an Akron Zip, Swensons is pretty much in my blood. Park near or far and watch them haul a$$ to your car! They'll hand you a huge menu but here's what you need to know: The Galley Boy burger will Change your life, the sauces on it set it apart from the rest. Also, try the potato teasers they are like the beautiful big sister to French fries or jalapeño poppers. Eat in your car and turn back on your lights and the workers will run back out and grab your trash. You might want to go home immediately after because I always fall asleep within 15 minutes of devouring my galley boy.
(4)
Hana A.
All I can say is after moving to Los Angeles the first thing I want when I go back home is Swensons. All the places here don't compare to Swensons. I miss youuuu.
(4)
Mike F.
Swensons is an Akron institution, and they have multiple locations in the area. Definitely a guilty pleasure for delicious burgers and sides (my favorite is the onion rings). The burgers taste great, with any toppings combination you choose. The service is very fast, efficient and friendly. Definitely an old school style, but the food is consistent no matter which location you visit. Enjoy.
(5)
Meri R.
Swoooooon! I've been going to Swenson's since I was a little kid. When I ate meat eons ago, I remember liking the sweet, appley flavor of the burgers and of course the crispness of the fries and tator tots. It's been many many years since a real burger has passed my lips, though. Fortunately, their Salad Boy, a vegetarian version of their signature Galley Boy, is outstanding. A veggie burger on a toasted bun with cheese, pickle, lettuce, tomato and BBQ sauce is perfection. It comes with onion and tarter sauce too but I omit these and it's never a problem to customize a little. The crispy on the outside, soft on the inside potato teezers are the best complement to the Salad Boy. They are a less dense version of tots, mated with a jalapeño popper. Junk food deluxe. Swensons also serves 16 or more flavors of thick milkshakes, and we can't forget their signature California and Florida drinks. I'm drooling a little bit right now. Things to remember: turn your lights on for service, and if you're paying with a credit card, let the college fellas know beforehand so you can add a tip. Cash is king here guys. I've honestly never had a mediocre or bad experience and I think I've been to every Swenson's except maybe the one in Green. Great on the ol' wallet, and petty much even the pickiest eater will find something insanely unhealthy and tasty here.
(5)
Tony A.
This place is amazing. The waiters sprint out to your car as soon as you pull up. Service is great, prices are very low, and the burgers are fantastic. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the burger here more than at in n out. For $3.25 there isn't a better burger out there.
(5)
Seth F.
The galley boy is hands down my favorite burger. Anywhere. The service at Swensons is always awesome. The car hops hustle in all weather conditions, and they are always super nice. I tend to tip %100 because I am so impressed with the service I receive.
(5)
Marissa K.
Love their shakes and onion rings. The burgers weren't bad either. Not gourmet, but quick greasy spoon burgers. The only thing I didn't like (and is from the clientele) was when I gave a tip to the server, he seemed so surprised and thankful. That leads me to believe others don't tip here or well and that they should. The server was great and came with in a minute or two of my lights going on.
(5)
Sherry K.
The best burger joint in all of Ohio, I only wish they had more locations throughout Ohio so more people can enjoy the food! Just a simple juicy burger with a toasted bun and sweet taste can satisfy me and its affordable price makes it even better! I usually buy the regular burgers and thier Galleyboys, oh how they make my mouth water! It's a very fun place to eat as a midnight snack with your friends and as a meal for yourself, I highly suggest you stop by if you haven't yet or you're missing out on what could be the ultimate foodie experience!
(5)
Jason G.
Yummy yum yums. Great food, amazing customer service. Really loved this place when i was driving through Seven Hills.
(5)
Brian M.
I mainly get the same thing every time I come here, the galley boy. It's so delicious how can I pass it up? I've also gotten tots with it. Both were awesome and the galley boy is the best fast food restaurant burger ever, yes even better than a double double at in n out burger
(5)
John G.
One of the best burgers you can get in the city. Local joint with the throwback car hop appeal. Super friendly staff and your food is cooked to order and comes out fast and fresh.
(5)
Jason V.
If your favorite part of a burger is the special sauce (like a McDonald's Big Mac), the Galley Boy at Swensons is the burger to try. The burger has a generous helping of the creamy and slightly sweet sauce added to a regular double cheeseburger. After the special sauce, though, the Galley Boy and the other burgers at Swensons don't have much going for them: The thin patties are a bit dried out (admittedly difficult to have a patty that is both thin and juicy) and don't really have any distinctive taste in and of themselves. The buns are pretty standard but toasted, at least, which is nice. I tried one of the regular burgers just to be sure, and it confirmed that it's really the special sauce that masks the burger's shortfalls and turns it into something that is pretty decent. The Potato Teezers side was pretty good--very cheesy with just a little bit of jalapeno kick in each stick. I tried Swensons based on an argument with a friend while we were chowing down on my beloved Cook-Out burgers in North Carolina (at about 3:00am on Saint Patrick's Day to fully set the scene). The burgers at Swensons are a long way from that rarefied air in my opinion, and I would put them also behind In-n-Out, Five Guys, and Culver's among the national/regional chains I've tried. Still, the Galley Boy at Swensons is a decent enough special sauce burger, and it's fun to watch the runners zip back and forth from the kitchen to the cars in the parking lot. Now excuse me while I try to clean the crumbs out of my car.
(3)
Matt W.
Staple in Cleveland! Great burgers!
(5)
Brent S.
This place is good enough that I have been going there on and off for almost 10 years. I am not crazy about their galley boy, but that is more a like it or like it to the point of never ordering anything else burger. Most my friends only go with that one. I just prefer the double or triple cheeseburger with everything. Potato teasers on the side. I think it is brown sugar they use if you are trying to recreate the sweetness/signature taste at home. Back to the review, really anything on their menu seems to be fine. If in area, choose this over Sonic.
(5)
G J.
I am surprised that out of all the places I've eaten, this is one of the few places way out of my way that I really want to go back to. When you pull into the place, it seems weird as it does not seem to have a drive thru window. Instead you park your car in a lot that has a small building in the middle. Once you've parked a guy will literally run out to your car to get your order. I had the burger, onion rings and a chocolate shake. the burger was one of those thin burgers that probably started out as a ball of fresh raw meat that was flattened on the grill. It came on a toasted bun. What made the burger so interesting was the thin slice of raw onion on it. You would think this is not a big deal but this made the burger taste so much better. Almost like those burgers or sandwiches that mom used to make at home. The onion rings were obviously home made as each ring was of a different size. The shake had a very fresh taste to it. I was suspicious about all the 5 stars ratings but now I am no longer.
(5)
Rachel B.
Holy mother of God. I haven't had a burger craving this bad since back in my preggo days. We just happened to be around Seven Hills and I knew about this place from you guys. I was starving and didn't know what to do. Luckily, the server was as patient as he was efficient, and gave us a menu and some time to decide. Like, two minutes. Haha. We were totally those n00bs who actually had to look at the menu. (It'll remain in our glove compartment for future use.) My husband got the galley boy; I would have expected nothing less from him. I got a double cheeseburger with everything. We got two small shakes (key lime for him, chocolate for me) and fries to share. Well, it was SUPER quick and piping hot when it came out. Such friendly service and cheap to boot! And oh, my, the burger. I couldn't wait until we got home--hell, I couldn't wait until we pulled out of the parking lot, even though we got the food to go. The only thing I didn't realize ( although on closer inspection of the menu it is pretty clear) that you have to order lettuce and tomato as additional toppings. It's cool, my mustard / cheese whiz amazingness / onion / pickle burger was fabulous. The galley boy was everything it claims to be. The fries were great and tasted fresh, but could have used a touch more salt. The shake was otherworldly. I think my other top shake in Cleveland is from Tommy's and this might top that. Next time I want to try a combination, possibly involving butterscotch or peanut butter. My husband's key lime shake tasted not only of lime, but also of the creamy filling and rich crust. It was sorta like when Violet eats that dinner gum in Willy Wonka and tastes the whole blueberry pie. Like that. I expect this will become a treat for us, especially when summer rolls around and we can eat with the windows down.
(5)
Danielle E.
Mmmm galley boy and onion rings. I was reluctant to like this place because of all the fanboys and girls hyping it up, but it actually is really good. I can't lie. And the service is impressive-- these kids RUN.
(4)
Brian F.
Wow, first time at Swensons today. And I must say what have I been missing. Fantastic burgers, awesome service.
(5)
D I.
These burgs are just fantastic. Get the Galley Boy, the quarter pounder or just the little cheeseburg with everything + The potato teezers and honey mustard.
(5)
Nicole S.
About the hundreds times I've been here, Swenson's has never let me down. I have ordered almost everything on the menu and the burgers are by far my favorite. I definitely agree with Michael Symon that the double decker burger is amazing! Even the veggie sandwich is delicious. I have never had to wait more than 30 seconds for someone to come up to my car to place an order. They are super quick and very friendly. I really like the drive and dine in the car feel, something different for a change! The prices are extremely reasonable. Oh and the milkshakes are amazing. I think I'm going to head over to Swenson's now!
(5)
Richard H.
It must be just me. Everyone raves about this place and says i am crazy that i dont like it. I have even gone back 3 times... and all 3 times, tried 3 different things and all of them missed the mark in one way or another. I am willing to concede that my palate is alien and for no reason rejects this food as vile slop. Maybe there is a secret way of ordering or a code word i am supposed to utter to get the good food. I'll just go to Sonic.
(2)
Shana M.
I moved to Parma from the Akron area and thought I was going to go into convulsions from a lack of the occasional Swenson's burger. It's just something I NEED every once in a while. The week I moved here a friend told me about this random Swenson's location, but he warned me that it may not be as good as the others. Thankfully he was wrong. It's just as good as all of the other Swenson's locations. The burger is the same. In my opinion, there quite simply is no better burger than the Swenson's burger. I find it difficult to trust people who don't like them. Don't go to Sonic, Rally's, or some lame national franchise. Swenson's was started in Akron and is a Northeast Ohio gem. Go there. Try the burgers. Bask in the glory of the deliciousness. Get hooked.
(5)
Alicia B.
Working just a few miles from this place is bad. Really, really, bad for my arteries. I can get wonderful Galley Boy cheeseburgers and perfectly cooked fries any day that I'd like. When I mentioned to my coworkers that I had lived in Cleveland for almost 3 years now and had yet to try Swenson's several months ago, they freaked. "How could youuu!? You must go. And now!" So I did. The burgers really may be the best ones I've ever tasted - I don't know what they do to them but they really are addictive.
(5)
Richard B.
Best burger in Cleveland. Oh, and the shake as well is amazing.
(5)
Matthew M.
There's a burger phenomenon going on right now. Celebrity chefs are in a tizzy to create gourmet meat on bun concoctions with toppings previously unheard of on a burger. Chains making these ground chuck patty cakes have infiltrated all ends of our suburbs. And they're acting like they reinvented an American classic. But sometimes, it's the original that does it the best. Sometimes change isn't necessary. It's this reason why Swensons remains as other burger joints come and go depending on the trend. Swensons however has been doing it the same for 75+ years. They have a formula. And it's successful. No one, not even an Iron Chef can compete. Thin semi-sweet (brown sugar?) patties held together with melty cheese and steamed buns. Sounds simple, but I've yet to find a burger that competes in flavor. There's is simply the best around. A typical trip involves their signature burger, The Galley Boy, an order of Potato Teezers (breaded and fried potato, cheese, jalapeño) w/ a side of ranch and a 16oz California (grape drink over crushed ice). If I ever found myself on death row, this would be on my short list of last meals.
(5)
Dina T.
A friend at work introduced me to Swensons! It is absolutely phenomenal! The sauces on the Galley Boy are amazing! It's a barbecue, sweet savory flavoring! The drink called the California is to die for! Grape soda is my all time favorite and Swensons does it just right! Their service is fast and your food is always fresh and hot! The car hops are all so nice, and could answer any question about the menu that you have! I HIGHLY recommend Swensons to anyone in the area! It's definitely one for the bucket list!
(5)
Chad W.
The finest burger in NE Ohio. My go to order: Galley Boy, Cheeseburger with everything, Potato Teasers with a side of ranch. Shake flavors I like - Pumpkin and Key Lime (both seasonal, I believe) Great place, go, enjoy, tip the runners.
(5)
Pamela M.
ok ok, silly me, I should have taken the advice of all the other yelpers on here and ordered the Galley Boy, but I wasn't super hungry when I went to Swensons, booo, next time though, I will pick up the gauntlet. So, FAST service, no wonder those kids were so skinny, they were doing laps around that little shack like you would not believe! I got the cheeseburger with everything, except when it came, they forgot the "everything" and I just got a patty with cheese on it, but I'm not one to complain or send many things back so I just went with it. Good burger but I'm sure it could have been much improved with some toppings! I loved the toasted buns, nice touch. Also got the potato teezers with ranch, they were so tasty I wanted to grab another order to go! The main reason I stopped here today was because I heard their seasonal milkshake was back....pumpkin baby! I'm a sucker for all things pumpkin and was more than happy to try out their milkshake. At first I was a little taken aback by the small size of it....until I tried sucking it through the straw. Holy thickness batman! You definitely don't need any more than what they give you, I probably could have turned that thing upside-down and it would have stayed put right in the cup. So, minus the little fiasco with the cheeseburger, Swensons definitely will get more business from me, especially when I have guests in the city again!
(4)
Kevin O.
#NAME?
(4)
Adam G.
As you drive down Main St USA, you look to your right. You see a McDonald's with their Big Mac. Look to your left and you see a Burger King with their Whopper. Down the street and around the corner is a Wendy's with their Chicken Nuggets and Triple Double Classic. Sonic is turning out dog meat on a bun, and you are not satisfied with your choices. Once you get to the end of the street you see a different kind of place. A place where the marketing machine of Madison Ave hasn't touched it. It is a piece of Americana, all but extinct except for our part of town. Our Cleveland. Swenson's is as good as it is nostalgic. A simple Drive-In joint. Take away the catchy jingles about ingredients, the stupid crown, and Dave Thomas and you find an authentic hamburger. It will not have you thinking where is the beef. It will have you thinking, where is my pen so I can write a thank-you note to the car hop who ran to your car to make sure you got prompt service. I say flock to this place, get a Galley Boy and a chocolate shake.
(5)
Murray R.
Better than Sonic. I only had fries and a Xango, but i would go here over Sonic a million times. It just felt right. Sonic seemed fake. Is it the hometown angle? Maybe. The fries were fresh tasting and not Sysco(though i was kind of in the mood for that). The xango is a McDonald's apple pie only flakier and filled with cheesecake goo. Superb. I'd never been to a Swenson's before as it is so trendy. But i'm sold. Especially since this one is so close. I thought they were only in Summit county. Staff is really nice and fast with the grub. Place was hopping on a Sunday night at ten, which makes my boring life a little bit funner.
(4)
Rodney W.
A retro twist on the burger scene! Gotta love waiters and waitresses literally running food to your car and hanging it on your window. No, you do not get out of your car...you just turn on your headlights each time you need a waiter for a menu, to place your order, or to pay. Swensons reminds me of something from a 1950's movie or the Flintstones cartoon intro. Anyway, I've eaten here several times and the burgers are just sooo tasty. I'm totally recommending the half-pound burger! They have great milk shakes too and their onion rings are the best in town. Since it's a drive-up and not a drive-thru, expect your order to take more time than a fast food restaurant. However, the food is made to order so it's fresh and piping hot - just how I like it. The burgers and rings are the bomb diggity! Two thumbs up!
(5)
Justin L.
Galley Boy. The most disgusting sounding burger on the face of the Earth... isn't disugsting at all. It is pure awesome wrapped up in wax paper. How could two burger patties that have brown sugar in them, slathered in velveeta, barbecue sauce, and tartar sauce, taste good? I don't know. But, I know that it does. I recommend washing down your Galley Boy with a bologna sandwich. Fried onions on the sandwich don't hurt. And a peanut butter hot fudge milkshake for dessert and the drive home. Oh God. We are talking about a place that specializes in soft hot drive-in comfort food. No artisanal bread, no thick angus beef patties, just great diner food cooked on a flat top or in a deep fryer, served fast. Lightning fast. Other reviewers don't exaggerate... the servers SPRINT to and from your car. I don't get to Swenson's nearly often enough, and my waistline thanks me.
(5)
Mark B.
Love Swensons... since my first taste in 1993 to my last visit they are consistant and delicious.
(5)
K. M.
This is like stepping into a time machine and going back 40 years ago. The burgers are good - better than fast food, but probably not as good as the true-blue burger joints - at a very reasonable price. I had the double cheeseburger and wife had the galley boy. The buns are toasted which was a nice touch. Both of us enjoyed our selection. My chocolate milkshake was the real deal and as others have said, the potato teezers are legit. The service was fantastic. The young man helping us was very nice and constantly sprinting to and from the cars that pulled up. Excellent throwback that will receive my business again!
(5)
Sam N.
As much as I hate living in the city of Cleveland and as much as I can't wait to get out of here the second I graduate from school, there surely is one thing I'll truly miss about this place: Swensons. To say that their burgers are the best I've ever had is just putting it too simply. You'll crave them. You'll ponder what makes them so darn good; is it the rumored brown sugar they put in the hamburger meat? Is it the melted Velveeta cheese they use instead of the average american? Is it the fact they toast and butter the buns just prior to assembling? I'll just guess it's all of the above. While this is the nearest location to my house, as they originated in Akron and that's where most of them are, I will gladly make the drive to fulfill my cheeseburg craving. When you first drive up to any one of the restaurants, you'll be transported back about 60 years, minus the roller skates and poodle skirts. Servers here will run (and do I mean RUN) to your car, both when greeting and when serving. I've never seen a server that works there walk to a car, so you know they mean business. They are also very efficient and timely; I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a meal, even with four people accompanying me, and I've never had anything missing or wrong with any orders. That's dedication if you ask me. My last meal on Earth? A plain Swenson's double cheeseburg, potato teezers (delicious jalapeno popper-like potato wedges) with ranch, and a California (grape juice, ginger ale, and their famous crushed ice). Thank goodness summer is approaching because that could only mean one thing; extended hours. Ahh yes.
(5)
Leah M.
I'm stoked that Clevelanders have the chance to try the amazingness that is Swensons. I've been hooked my entire life as a former Akron-ite. Before the Seven Hills location, I drove my C-town friends down to experience a Galley Boy "With Everything", a french fry, and a peanut butter milkshake-- the fave food of my childhood AND adulthood. We need to get one in the Cleveland area... Stat!!!!
(5)
Lauren F.
swensons is one of the best places ive ever tried im from the west coast so we had nothing like it there but it was one thing i wouldnt mind getting fat on!!
(5)
Shawn A.
It was quite simple. I was made to believe that if I was in Celeveland, and did not trek out to Swenson's, I'd be commiting crimes against humanity and would no longer be considered a worthwhile human being. Or something like that. Probably nothing like that really, but fellow Yelp Elite mag m. and her associate made damn sure that I understood just how important going to Swenson's would be. And it was. Aside from them, Forbes Magazine was also adding to the hype, claiming Swenson's has the best burger in the ENTIRE COUNTRY. I'm not sure what the hell a finance mag knows about burgers, but my curiosity was piqued nonetheless. Full disclosure time: I've been on a holy quest in New York trying many of the "BESTBURGERSINTHECITY", and have had my fair share of high end gourmet hamburger creations. So with that in mind, it's important to understand the breath of fresh air that was Swenson's. Baby, you're not in New York anymore. A place like this could really only exist out in the middle of some podunk suburb of Cleveland. No pretense. No pretentiousness, and no fancy cheeses you can't pronounce. This place is pure 'ol fashioned Americana. First of all, you need a car - which is problematic for a lifelong New Yorker who could swear he's SEEN cars before, but never actually touched one. (Kidding(ish)) So I stole the car of a friend from Jersey (don't judge), and drove it out to the middle of suburban Ohio in search of the Burger Holy Grail. I only got a little bit (a lot bit) lost, but when I found it, I was amazed. The place was basically a big parking lot with a tiny run down building inside, with two college dudes running around from car to shack to car to car, taking and delivering orders whenever your lights turn on. I was sold on the gimmick immediately, and could only hope that the food lived up to it. I was commanded to try the Half Pounder Plus, and the Potato Puffs. And hell yeah it lived up to it. By the time I was done, I wasn't sure if I was going to explode from happiness or from heart failure. Your food comes to you in a tray that they hook onto your window, and you get to inhale half a pound of meat along with some deep fried potato balls. And there is ranch too as if you weren't already shaving years off your life. The subtly sweet tasting burger is cooked to order with your choice of trimmings - grilled onions, cheese, pickles. Whatever you want, they probably have it. Oh, and it's all dirt cheap. Amazing. Truly amazing. I'm not sure if I'd go as far as Forbes and proclaim this the best ever, but with an amazing burger, and an awesomely retro gimmick that actually feels like it belongs (instead of feeling like well... a retro gimmick) Swenson's is truly a place worth making a pilgrimage to. You won't regret it (but your arteries might).
(5)
P W.
These are easily the best hamburgers ever. The potato puffs are awesome. The fries are decent. Everything on the menu is good. There is no reason to order anything besides the burgers unless you are really hungry and thinking about what else would taste good. It is worth driving here every time. I still have to try Skyway though.
(5)
Ferrett S.
In an ideal world, every McDonald's employee would be taken out back at gunpoint. "You can now work for Swenson's," they'd say, "Or we can put a bullet in your head." Then every McDonald's would be transformed to have the best burger in the whole dang world. And anyone who complained that they couldn't get their McNuggets would be shot in the head, and the world would be a better place. I said in a previous review that Bearden's had the best burgers in town. I was wrong. This place has the most amazing burgers I've ever had... And as an extra-special blast, you get it in a retro-cuisine drive-in fashion! That's right. You drive up, and park, and flash the lights, and a guy RUNS out to your car to take your order. Then he comes back with a tray, and he sticks it on your window, and you eat in the car and play the Grease soundtrack and feel quite the hipster at eating at a drive-in. The burgers are amazing. The buns are like Hawaiian bread, very sweet and light and tasty, whereas the burgers are quality meat, done correctly. You want bacon? It's actual goddamned bacon. And the burgers are like $2.50 apiece, amazingly cheap (although you pay extra for every add-on, including tomatoes and lettuce). They have fried mushrooms that are... Well, they're okay. I mean, they're fried mushrooms, which have the traditional problem of that if you eat them in two bites, the coating breaks free of the slippery mushroom inside, and you're eating either a shell or a mushroom. They also have seventeen flavors of shakes. The shakes are thick and tasty; I had a butterscotch that was heavy on the butterscotch flavoring, and didn't feel made from ice cream - maybe it was, but it was more in the McDonald's vein of "gooey stuff" than "milk with ice cream bits in it." But then again, maybe I waited too long to eat it. The only ding I have against Swenson's is that they have yet to take over the world and shoot all the McDonald's. I'm waiting, people. I'll even fill out the gun permits for you, if you ask nicely.
(5)
Calvin P.
Really good food! Make sure to check your order if you get it to go. They are really fast, but sometimes they get the orders a little mixed up.
(4)
Fiore I.
Their burgers are like the ones from In N' Out Burger. They are really good.
(4)
Traci M.
swensons... it's in my blood! it's an ohio thing and i am so thankful for that! thank you swensons for consistantly great service, food, value and tradition for as long as i can remember. i couldn't care less about a burger at any other place than swensons. it is just done with such flare (there has to be brown sugar in there), toasted and buttered bun and totally unique sauces. such a treat! nothing makes me happier than taking someone there for the first time and seeing their face as they take the first bite. is it me or have the prices just always stayed the same? at any cost, this place is a treat. favorites are of course the galley boy, it is a must have. cheeseburgers with everything, fried zucchini sticks and mushrooms and what is it with that grilled cheese sandwich? i cannot figure out what makes it so great. try it with a slice of tomato inside and in the winter with a bowl of tomato soup. chili dogs are yummy with cheese and little diced onions and they must have a million milkshake flavors. go for a peanut butter and banana or a pumpkin and butterscotch. and if you have kids, watch them smile when you tell them they get to eat in the car!
(5)
Niko P.
lived in Cleveland for 3 years, disliked much of my time there but once every few months I would make the drive from downtown to Swensons and get a few cheeseburgers. they're tasty, cheap and fit the feel of the place perfectly! i think there's some cinnamon in the meat or something? its different and in a great way! loved eating at Swensons!
(4)
Jeanne L.
This place is amazing! Everything on the menu is fantastic. You haven't lived until you've had the Galley Boy, aka, best burger EVER.
(5)
Stephen W.
Way way overrated! It's a descent burger joint, but nothing else!
(1)
Peter D.
Huge fan of the burgers, have great shakes as well. close to my work, a great lunch meal!
(5)
Fermin B.
I've only had Swensons twice so I cannot say that I'm a regular (as many of my friends are). However, it is so goddarn delicious that I cannot help but write a review about the place. Swensons is situated in the Akron area, and only in the Akron area, which is highly unfortunate to those who are from far away. It is a drive in diner, which is highly rare these days. As a customer, you park into a parking spot and flip on your headlights. A college/high school kid will come running to give you a menu or take your order. The food is fresh and hot, and most likely cooked to order. In my experiences, I ordered a Galley boy, which is their most popular burger. Now, I must say that the Galley boy is not similar to most hamburgers. It consists mostly of a burger, bun, white cheese, and some kind of special sauce (barbeque maybe). It may not look like the best burger, but one bite and I was hooked. They were delicious. Of course, the burger is not whopping in size, so I ordered two, along with a Dr. Pepper and fries. Service came when you wanted it to (again, just a flip of the lights), and it was unusually comfortable being catered to while sitting in the car. I don't think you can go wrong with Swensons.
(5)
Geoff P.
I love Swenson's. The menu is certainly not healthy, but well worth a trip if you are in NE Ohio. Between the experience of a drive in restaurant, the unique menu (get a galley boy burger!), and a small town feel, Swenson's is one of my favorite spots to go out for a treat with my friends.
(5)
Johnny A.
This place was so-so. The double cheeseburger I got was pretty bland tasting and overpriced. I found myself regretting not pulling into the nearby Burger King instead and getting a bigger better tasting burger for a few dollars less. Very friendly service despite it being very slow even for a not so busy day. You can get better food for your money in this area. If you are really in the mood for the best chesseburger for the money drive over to Yours Truely or Red Robin in the neighboring Independence area 6 minutes away. It's worth it!
(2)
Nicole R.
I LOVE Swensons!! I just wish they'd put in a picnic table so in the summer months motorcycle go-ers have somewhere to sit!!
(5)
Itsallweird I.
This place is great until you have an issue. I picked up lunch for two of us back at the office. I find that my sandwich has onion and no tomato so I called. Dave...the mgr was hesitant but took my name and said i could return for a free sandwich another time. After i called him i found out my coworker had the wrong sandwich so i called back. Dave pretty much said it was the way i asked for the cajun ckn and that there are many chkn sandwiches. He was unwilling to fix this issue. I proceeded to the Swenson.com webstie and typed a complaint there. I received a call back from the same useless mgr which i thought was completely ridiculous. Why would i want to talk to someone who was disrespectful TWICE....the corp office should have just offered to buy us a new lunch another time! Seriously WHO BLAMES THE CUSTOMER?! I like Swensons, but these places keep abusing us over and over! Enough it enough! It now like the sandwiches are .99! The bill was almost 16.00 for lunch at a drive-in! cmon! We deserve to get what we ordered and get it correctly! LAME
(3)
MM. D.
I went to swensons for the first time today. I was looking forward to tasting their burger after hearing a couple of people rave about it. Sad to say, i was underwhelmed. The beef patties were bland and there was too much sauce. I enjoyed the potato teezers, though, and their pumpkin shake was really good. Other than those items, I think i'll stick with five guys for my burger fix. ( better yet, can the powers that be please open an In n Out here in NE Ohio?)
(3)
Matt L.
Some of the best burgers anywhere. The galley boy with its two special sauces is one of my favorite meals anywhere, as well as the double "with everything", which means mustard, pickles, and onions. Go for the potato teezers on the side, kinda like cheesy hash browns with a little jalapeno bite. The shakes are also delicious, have to recommend the hot fudge-banana combo. An Akron landmark.
(5)
Mag M.
i know the secret! i know the secret! ready? it's maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla and raspberry extracts that makes these burgers so DISTINCTIVELY DELICIOUS. i know this because i met a dude in a bar in brooklyn who used to work there. and since i'm too far away to enjoy swenson's on a regular basis, i have been ad hoc-ing in my apartment, without success. but now i know! and so do you! let's spread swenson's goodness across the globe!
(4)
Katie S.
If it's good enough for LeBron it's good enough for me. I have been visiting family in Cleveland since I was a kid and cannot believe they had never taken me here before! It's like a local Sonic - but better. The potato teasers were insanely yummy - like a jalapeno popper - but just add potato and way better. We got two shakes and while we were chugging them down we realized they brought us the wrong ones. They figured it out before we could tell them and fixed it in no time - even though we would have gladly finished them off. But I was glad to have my combo of mint and chocolate shake. SO GOOD. Next time I'll go when I have more of an appetite and tackle the rest of the menu for sure.
(5)
Andrea Z.
King James knows what's up. Swensons is an Akron-area institution. There are several locations on the south-ish side of Cleveland and in and around A-K Rowdy. From Lakewood, it's a far drive for us so we only get to have the treat when we're en route to or from points south. Worth it. Service is always friendly and efficient. Eat in your car with a clip on tray for your window. Kids running their asses off to take your order and get your food out quick. I've only ever tried the burgers, shakes and fried mushrooms. All are very good drive-in quality stuff. I know the Galley Boy is kind of the signature here, but for me, whatever special sauce they put on it is a little too sweet. I like to keep it simple: a cheeseburger 'with everything' which at Swenson's means onion, pickles, and mustard. SO GOOD. The buns are toasted which gives a nice texture addition to the thin, tasty burgers. Bonus points that the onions are sliced, not chopped. I just don't get chopped onions on a burger; they all fall out all over the place. Anyhow, Swenson's is definitely worth a stop. With several locations and now a food truck, there's probably one not far from you.
(5)
Cynthia R.
This is the only place I will cheat on my diet for. A co-worker had said I needed to come here and finally decided to give it go! OMFG! I'm a fat girl, but never a fat girl who would eat cheese off of paper. However, this place made me do it! I admit it freely! It's delicious. When my friends and family come in from out of state this is the first place we hit before we go anywhere. You park and turn on your head lights and young people come running. Its even better when they carry food! Its perfect with the kids too! You plug your phone into the charger put on some netflix and enjoy your food in quite with such a pretty view of the sky. Never had a problem with any of the employees or the food. The only real complaint I can think of is there is 1 bathroom and its not very well vented so bring a clothes pin or some spray!
(5)
Mandi T.
Not much to say about swensons except that it's so good!! It's kinda like the In N Out of Ohio..like you can't get it on the west coast but once you've had it you always want it. Have to get a burger!! Have to! And a peanut butter shake. YOURE. WELCOME. Little place, servers come out to your car, you eat in your car or take it to go. Old school baby.
(5)
Michelle L.
I love the galley boy with the green olive on a toothpick stuck in the wrapper. Nice touch. I also love their fried mushrooms. Those are my go to items. It's a great place to go if you want to be lazy and stay in your car. Great friendly service. Sonic has nothing on this drive-in.
(5)
Mansi N.
I absolutely love this place!!! I am not a huge fan of fast food, but this place is unique. You park there and the food is brought to your car. They place a tray on your car window or you can bring the tray into the car. The staff literally sprint to your car every time so while it seems dangerous at times, it is also entertaining. The boys and girls have always been friendly and clearly efficient. The food - where do I start? I love the salad boy! A veggie burger with their special sauces with all the regular fixings! It's actually quite large and I have to rise to the challenge to finish all of it. Their potato teezers are also a favorite - cheese potato and jalapeno in a fried coating...can't go wrong with that! My husband gets the Galley Boy each time - never heard him complain. They also have milkshakes and special orange drinks, called Florida and California. Swensons is just a fun place to grab a quick dinner and have a different experience. And no, it's not like Sonic because that place is not nearly as awesome. I kindly make a plea to the owner of Swensons to open up a location on the west side of Cleveland!
(5)
Kelly R.
My first time visiting Swensons, even though it's been on my list of places to try for some time. I went on a very warm Saturday afternoon, just before the dinner rush. A runner/server immediately approached my car, and handed me a menu, telling me to take my time reviewing the menu, asking me to turn on my headlights when ready to order. I opted for the single cheeseburger, fries and vanilla shake. My food arrived a short time later. The best part of the meal was, by far, the vanilla shake. My shake was creamy, thick and tasty. The fries were pretty good too, nice and hot. The burger was just ok, the bun was toasted and a bit crumbly and the cheese tasted more like a sauce than a slice of cheese. All in all, the food was probably 3 stars, but the overall experience was definitely 4 stars. I would definitely return.
(4)
Mike B.
Swensons is an awesome local burger chain! The galley boy, potato teasers and a coney style grilled cheese are a few of the menu items that really stand out. I would definitely recommend this burger over any of your big chain burger joints. Give it a try sometime!
(4)
Ingrid T.
Just ate at swensons for the first time. Outstanding! Galley boy is delicious, service was great (we had zack, he is the bomb) we are taking a couple sandwiches for later :) loved it!
(5)
Denise S.
Fun old fashioned atmosphere, good food. Loved the onion rings and burgers. Great friendly service. Try for a quick fast food meal without the drive thru.
(5)
Allison K.
First time here was such a fun experience! If only I knew to read the yelp reviews BEFORE placing my order and I would have known to get these potato puffs instead of fries. Oh well, next time! Vegetarians can get the salad boy. Vegans, ask for no butter on the buns, no cheese and no special sauces (our server couldn't tell us what was in the sauces)
(4)
Ron B.
Great food and fast service. Very hot and muggy day. I'm impressed that the employees didn't slow down running to all the cars.
(5)
Steve L.
Where to start here... Best burgers in the greater NE OH area, hands down. May even be the best burgers known to man, you should try and get back to me with your opinion, which I'm sure will be the same as mine unless you have the palate of a former carney fire-eater, or Detroit dumpster-diving hobo. I enjoy the service as much as the food, its a real blast from the past type feel. Your servers run up to your car to take your order, when I say run, I mean they literally are required to run to your ride. No sloppy bums working here, only the best of the best. When your food arrives they have the tray that attaches to your door for less mess and easier eating while in your car. Burgers have a hint of what tastes like brown sugar, its heavenly whatever it is. They have an enormous list of milk shakes, all amazing. Theres nothing like being able to sit in your car, people watch and enjoy a meal simultaneously. Any place with tater tots available aside from fries is the place to be in my book. If you ever happen to be sitting around pondering the thought of how the best burger in the world tastes, swing on down to Swensons!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : Yes Caters : Yes
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Morgan B.
So fattening... And so good. I always get the quarter pounder plus, onion rings and a California is a must! Their burgers do have a sweet taste, which i actually like. Service is always super fast and friendly. I only wish they had more locations in northeast Ohio.
(5)Lance T.
Great burgers for a great price, came from out of town and love it. Milkshakes are bomb, the fries are perfect. The potato teezers are scrumptious.
(5)Scotty D.
I don't understand the love for this place. I have tried it, I honestly have. I wanted to love this place after the hype, but I was extremely disappointed. The burgers, I mean, they are good, but nothing to orgasm about. The shakes were shakes. The service is odd? Young men running to and from your car. Do they take the people from Sonic who don't know how to skate? If you're not paying attention you feel like you are about to get car jacked. It just seems unnecessary to me. If it weren't for the hype I might have liked this place more. Not sure. I just don't get it. Average food at best. Not bad, just nothing special.
(2)Kathleen A.
Absolutely love Swensons! Their service is amazing. Someone almost always gets to my car before I even shut off my engine. If you need something else, just turn on your headlights and someone will come right away, literally running to your car. Galley Boy burger is a must! It is a double cheese burger and you can get whatever you want on it. Super juicy so make sure you have plenty of napkins. They have the "everything" option, which includes pickles, onions, and mustard. I also love getting the potato teasers and mushrooms, yum!! Potato teasers are basically like jalapeño poppers, so if you're into that, I recommend it. You can eat in your car or take it to-go. If it's a nice day, I definitely take advantage and eat there. They have these trays that hang onto your window. As for drinks, I highly recommend the half and half! It's half lemonade, half tea and it's amazing! During my most recent visit, the half and half tasted a little watered down, but I let our server know so he immediately replaced it with a freshly made batch. I always leave Swensons extremely satisfied!
(5)Lindsey M.
This place is awesome!!! Food is good, service is fast, and prices are soooo great. This place has the usual drive-in staples... Burgers, French fries, tenders, and lots more. There really is a good selection of food. Overall this place is great and highly recommended. Just pull in, park, and someone will be out to serve you!
(5)R L.
This was my first visit and the experience was worth it! You pull up and you're immediately approached by a very friendly waiter ready to take your order at your car window. :))) So I ordered the Galley Boy and the potato teezers! My meal arrived hot and fresh! The burger came topped with the infamous olive pinned in the bun and the sauces had the distinct flavor of sweet relish or tartar sauce. It was very tasty, but the star of the show for me was the potato teezers. These tasty potato treats were cooked to perfection with jalapeños and a tasty cheese dip. They were just great and a nice compliment to the burger. Big thumbs up to an establishment that sticks with tradition and keeps serving great fast food!
(5)Matt M.
Service is always top notch and the food is without question awesome! This is the one place I craved the most after moving away from the Akron area for 13 years. It was always my first stop from the airport. I get a double cheeseburger with everything (mustard,pickle and onion) and ketchup, an order of fries and a large pepsi, that comes with their famous crushed ice. The galley boys are great but sometimes a little to sweet and tangy for me. This is the meal I would want, if I could only have one more meal in my life. Thats how much I like it.
(5)Colin S.
Wow, where do I even start this review?!?! Instead of trying to come up with something witty, or persuasive let me just be blunt. This is probably the best Cleveland/Akron local chain ever!!!!!!! The burgers have a sweet taste to them and the cheese is always melting in your mouth. If you don't give Swenson's a try then you are missing out. PS our son loves their grilled cheese and root beer floats!
(5)Michael C.
How is it that I haven't written a review for this place? What a travesty. This wonderful neighborhood establishment is close to my house and is always open when I want a quick burger hit. It isn't fancy but I just that sense of going back in time to a place where service was different and people were friendly and smiled a lot more. I love me some Galley Boys and jalepeno poppers. Not high brow food, by any standards, but what an amazing, sweet/savory, mouthful of joy those burgers are. And what reasonable prices. It is amazing to me that there are fast food places surrounding this place. How do they stay in business? Swensons is more tasty, more delicious and more Ohio than any of them. The shrimp dinner was also delicious, fresh and a good value, BTW.
(5)Jason T.
Galley boy was delicious. Service amazing. Food is inexpensive but quality. A great drive in experience!
(5)Karen K.
I'm obsessed with this place!! I wish they would build one closer to my house in delaware!
(5)Ashlee D.
What a fun place! Food is pretty good and really cheap! They run to your car like the old fashion drive ins! The staff is always quick and very friendly. They even have a huge smile on their faces in the rain! I would highly recommend one of their milkshakes. They come in all different flavors! So yummy! Absolutely a Cleveland Classic!
(4)Alexis B.
Being from California, this reminded me of Sonic's system, where you pull up and order from your car. However, this place has a little more of a retro feel, also because its been around way longer than Sonic (sorry for the comparison). It was midnight, we just got done dancing our tails off at a wedding, and were starving! We ordered up two Galley Boy burgers, zucchini fries and the potato teasers. This was my first time trying the Galley Boy, which is THE burger to get, two patties, creamy melty American cheese, two sauces (mayo and bbq, i think) and all in the perfect handheld size. We scarfed the items once they arrived to the car - these boys run their hearts out, and they still have a smile! Power to em, I respect what they do.
(4)Iza R.
Great burgers and fries love the chili it's actually really good I like to dip my fries or burger in it lol know the main cook there he's great does a good job very clean good customer service! Oh and their ice cream is quite tasty!!
(5)Nina P.
Swenson's is an Ohio Institution of deliciousness! Open year around but it's a summer fav for me with great food and always fantastic service!!
(5)Karyn C.
I just love Swenson's. I originally found them down in Cuyahoga Falls/Akron. Old fashioned hamburger joint that you sit in your car and they bring out your food. The Galley Boy burger is simply joy-gasmic. The special sauce that includes sweet relish hidden in the mayonnaise super yummy. The burger patties are so delicious and tender. The bun is perfectly toasty and tasty. Root beer shake? MMMMM. Fried mushrooms? Of course! Sure, there are other things on the menu, but I've never deviated. I'm craving a Galley Boy as I type. Now, let's talk about the cute young college boys in shorts that dash in and out of the building when you turn on your lights. They are so friendly, and man, do they move! When your order comes out, it hangs on your door. Love it! Try it. You'll love it. Tip those boys!
(4)Janey L.
I came here at midnight when I was already too full, only because both a good friend as well as my cousin who lives in Ohio convinced me that the burgers were really really good. I have to say I was pretty satisfied with the galley boy. The meat is pretty juicy (you get two patties) and they have this special sauce that is kind of reminiscent of cole slaw..in any case the burger is a-ok, except for the fact that I feel like my arteries are being clogged instantly. The fries are also really crisp and delicious. If you want to try an interesting food experience, get the fried mushrooms. I would give this place 3 stars for the taste, but I will give it 4 because they have such a cool serving model. You drive up, and the waiter comes running (RUNNING) to take your order. Then they return to your car with your food and a little tray to put on your window so *you don't even have to get out of the car* I'd feel bad for these guys on cold nights but the summer is perfect for this kind of thing. IS IT CHEAP? Yes! The galley boy is around $3.15 I think, and the other sides, like fries or fried zucchini/mushrooms/etc, are about $2.
(4)Paul W.
Cadillacs...Cheeseburgers...and Summer! It's been years since I've had a Swenson's Cheeseburger! I'd like to use this franchise in a movie I'm making called "The Summer I'll Never Forget" where Leroy and his friends dig-up Summer Memories and add new ones along the way. One scene, Leroy and his friends drive in their Summermobile (It's a Cadillac ElDorado) looking for a cruise-in around Parma. They get hungry and go to Swenson's...please don't let this franchise go!
(5)Kristen W.
Being an Akron Zip, Swensons is pretty much in my blood. Park near or far and watch them haul a$$ to your car! They'll hand you a huge menu but here's what you need to know: The Galley Boy burger will Change your life, the sauces on it set it apart from the rest. Also, try the potato teasers they are like the beautiful big sister to French fries or jalapeño poppers. Eat in your car and turn back on your lights and the workers will run back out and grab your trash. You might want to go home immediately after because I always fall asleep within 15 minutes of devouring my galley boy.
(4)Hana A.
All I can say is after moving to Los Angeles the first thing I want when I go back home is Swensons. All the places here don't compare to Swensons. I miss youuuu.
(4)Mike F.
Swensons is an Akron institution, and they have multiple locations in the area. Definitely a guilty pleasure for delicious burgers and sides (my favorite is the onion rings). The burgers taste great, with any toppings combination you choose. The service is very fast, efficient and friendly. Definitely an old school style, but the food is consistent no matter which location you visit. Enjoy.
(5)Meri R.
Swoooooon! I've been going to Swenson's since I was a little kid. When I ate meat eons ago, I remember liking the sweet, appley flavor of the burgers and of course the crispness of the fries and tator tots. It's been many many years since a real burger has passed my lips, though. Fortunately, their Salad Boy, a vegetarian version of their signature Galley Boy, is outstanding. A veggie burger on a toasted bun with cheese, pickle, lettuce, tomato and BBQ sauce is perfection. It comes with onion and tarter sauce too but I omit these and it's never a problem to customize a little. The crispy on the outside, soft on the inside potato teezers are the best complement to the Salad Boy. They are a less dense version of tots, mated with a jalapeño popper. Junk food deluxe. Swensons also serves 16 or more flavors of thick milkshakes, and we can't forget their signature California and Florida drinks. I'm drooling a little bit right now. Things to remember: turn your lights on for service, and if you're paying with a credit card, let the college fellas know beforehand so you can add a tip. Cash is king here guys. I've honestly never had a mediocre or bad experience and I think I've been to every Swenson's except maybe the one in Green. Great on the ol' wallet, and petty much even the pickiest eater will find something insanely unhealthy and tasty here.
(5)Tony A.
This place is amazing. The waiters sprint out to your car as soon as you pull up. Service is great, prices are very low, and the burgers are fantastic. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the burger here more than at in n out. For $3.25 there isn't a better burger out there.
(5)Seth F.
The galley boy is hands down my favorite burger. Anywhere. The service at Swensons is always awesome. The car hops hustle in all weather conditions, and they are always super nice. I tend to tip %100 because I am so impressed with the service I receive.
(5)Marissa K.
Love their shakes and onion rings. The burgers weren't bad either. Not gourmet, but quick greasy spoon burgers. The only thing I didn't like (and is from the clientele) was when I gave a tip to the server, he seemed so surprised and thankful. That leads me to believe others don't tip here or well and that they should. The server was great and came with in a minute or two of my lights going on.
(5)Sherry K.
The best burger joint in all of Ohio, I only wish they had more locations throughout Ohio so more people can enjoy the food! Just a simple juicy burger with a toasted bun and sweet taste can satisfy me and its affordable price makes it even better! I usually buy the regular burgers and thier Galleyboys, oh how they make my mouth water! It's a very fun place to eat as a midnight snack with your friends and as a meal for yourself, I highly suggest you stop by if you haven't yet or you're missing out on what could be the ultimate foodie experience!
(5)Jason G.
Yummy yum yums. Great food, amazing customer service. Really loved this place when i was driving through Seven Hills.
(5)Brian M.
I mainly get the same thing every time I come here, the galley boy. It's so delicious how can I pass it up? I've also gotten tots with it. Both were awesome and the galley boy is the best fast food restaurant burger ever, yes even better than a double double at in n out burger
(5)John G.
One of the best burgers you can get in the city. Local joint with the throwback car hop appeal. Super friendly staff and your food is cooked to order and comes out fast and fresh.
(5)Jason V.
If your favorite part of a burger is the special sauce (like a McDonald's Big Mac), the Galley Boy at Swensons is the burger to try. The burger has a generous helping of the creamy and slightly sweet sauce added to a regular double cheeseburger. After the special sauce, though, the Galley Boy and the other burgers at Swensons don't have much going for them: The thin patties are a bit dried out (admittedly difficult to have a patty that is both thin and juicy) and don't really have any distinctive taste in and of themselves. The buns are pretty standard but toasted, at least, which is nice. I tried one of the regular burgers just to be sure, and it confirmed that it's really the special sauce that masks the burger's shortfalls and turns it into something that is pretty decent. The Potato Teezers side was pretty good--very cheesy with just a little bit of jalapeno kick in each stick. I tried Swensons based on an argument with a friend while we were chowing down on my beloved Cook-Out burgers in North Carolina (at about 3:00am on Saint Patrick's Day to fully set the scene). The burgers at Swensons are a long way from that rarefied air in my opinion, and I would put them also behind In-n-Out, Five Guys, and Culver's among the national/regional chains I've tried. Still, the Galley Boy at Swensons is a decent enough special sauce burger, and it's fun to watch the runners zip back and forth from the kitchen to the cars in the parking lot. Now excuse me while I try to clean the crumbs out of my car.
(3)Matt W.
Staple in Cleveland! Great burgers!
(5)Brent S.
This place is good enough that I have been going there on and off for almost 10 years. I am not crazy about their galley boy, but that is more a like it or like it to the point of never ordering anything else burger. Most my friends only go with that one. I just prefer the double or triple cheeseburger with everything. Potato teasers on the side. I think it is brown sugar they use if you are trying to recreate the sweetness/signature taste at home. Back to the review, really anything on their menu seems to be fine. If in area, choose this over Sonic.
(5)G J.
I am surprised that out of all the places I've eaten, this is one of the few places way out of my way that I really want to go back to. When you pull into the place, it seems weird as it does not seem to have a drive thru window. Instead you park your car in a lot that has a small building in the middle. Once you've parked a guy will literally run out to your car to get your order. I had the burger, onion rings and a chocolate shake. the burger was one of those thin burgers that probably started out as a ball of fresh raw meat that was flattened on the grill. It came on a toasted bun. What made the burger so interesting was the thin slice of raw onion on it. You would think this is not a big deal but this made the burger taste so much better. Almost like those burgers or sandwiches that mom used to make at home. The onion rings were obviously home made as each ring was of a different size. The shake had a very fresh taste to it. I was suspicious about all the 5 stars ratings but now I am no longer.
(5)Rachel B.
Holy mother of God. I haven't had a burger craving this bad since back in my preggo days. We just happened to be around Seven Hills and I knew about this place from you guys. I was starving and didn't know what to do. Luckily, the server was as patient as he was efficient, and gave us a menu and some time to decide. Like, two minutes. Haha. We were totally those n00bs who actually had to look at the menu. (It'll remain in our glove compartment for future use.) My husband got the galley boy; I would have expected nothing less from him. I got a double cheeseburger with everything. We got two small shakes (key lime for him, chocolate for me) and fries to share. Well, it was SUPER quick and piping hot when it came out. Such friendly service and cheap to boot! And oh, my, the burger. I couldn't wait until we got home--hell, I couldn't wait until we pulled out of the parking lot, even though we got the food to go. The only thing I didn't realize ( although on closer inspection of the menu it is pretty clear) that you have to order lettuce and tomato as additional toppings. It's cool, my mustard / cheese whiz amazingness / onion / pickle burger was fabulous. The galley boy was everything it claims to be. The fries were great and tasted fresh, but could have used a touch more salt. The shake was otherworldly. I think my other top shake in Cleveland is from Tommy's and this might top that. Next time I want to try a combination, possibly involving butterscotch or peanut butter. My husband's key lime shake tasted not only of lime, but also of the creamy filling and rich crust. It was sorta like when Violet eats that dinner gum in Willy Wonka and tastes the whole blueberry pie. Like that. I expect this will become a treat for us, especially when summer rolls around and we can eat with the windows down.
(5)Danielle E.
Mmmm galley boy and onion rings. I was reluctant to like this place because of all the fanboys and girls hyping it up, but it actually is really good. I can't lie. And the service is impressive-- these kids RUN.
(4)Brian F.
Wow, first time at Swensons today. And I must say what have I been missing. Fantastic burgers, awesome service.
(5)D I.
These burgs are just fantastic. Get the Galley Boy, the quarter pounder or just the little cheeseburg with everything + The potato teezers and honey mustard.
(5)Nicole S.
About the hundreds times I've been here, Swenson's has never let me down. I have ordered almost everything on the menu and the burgers are by far my favorite. I definitely agree with Michael Symon that the double decker burger is amazing! Even the veggie sandwich is delicious. I have never had to wait more than 30 seconds for someone to come up to my car to place an order. They are super quick and very friendly. I really like the drive and dine in the car feel, something different for a change! The prices are extremely reasonable. Oh and the milkshakes are amazing. I think I'm going to head over to Swenson's now!
(5)Richard H.
It must be just me. Everyone raves about this place and says i am crazy that i dont like it. I have even gone back 3 times... and all 3 times, tried 3 different things and all of them missed the mark in one way or another. I am willing to concede that my palate is alien and for no reason rejects this food as vile slop. Maybe there is a secret way of ordering or a code word i am supposed to utter to get the good food. I'll just go to Sonic.
(2)Shana M.
I moved to Parma from the Akron area and thought I was going to go into convulsions from a lack of the occasional Swenson's burger. It's just something I NEED every once in a while. The week I moved here a friend told me about this random Swenson's location, but he warned me that it may not be as good as the others. Thankfully he was wrong. It's just as good as all of the other Swenson's locations. The burger is the same. In my opinion, there quite simply is no better burger than the Swenson's burger. I find it difficult to trust people who don't like them. Don't go to Sonic, Rally's, or some lame national franchise. Swenson's was started in Akron and is a Northeast Ohio gem. Go there. Try the burgers. Bask in the glory of the deliciousness. Get hooked.
(5)Alicia B.
Working just a few miles from this place is bad. Really, really, bad for my arteries. I can get wonderful Galley Boy cheeseburgers and perfectly cooked fries any day that I'd like. When I mentioned to my coworkers that I had lived in Cleveland for almost 3 years now and had yet to try Swenson's several months ago, they freaked. "How could youuu!? You must go. And now!" So I did. The burgers really may be the best ones I've ever tasted - I don't know what they do to them but they really are addictive.
(5)Richard B.
Best burger in Cleveland. Oh, and the shake as well is amazing.
(5)Matthew M.
There's a burger phenomenon going on right now. Celebrity chefs are in a tizzy to create gourmet meat on bun concoctions with toppings previously unheard of on a burger. Chains making these ground chuck patty cakes have infiltrated all ends of our suburbs. And they're acting like they reinvented an American classic. But sometimes, it's the original that does it the best. Sometimes change isn't necessary. It's this reason why Swensons remains as other burger joints come and go depending on the trend. Swensons however has been doing it the same for 75+ years. They have a formula. And it's successful. No one, not even an Iron Chef can compete. Thin semi-sweet (brown sugar?) patties held together with melty cheese and steamed buns. Sounds simple, but I've yet to find a burger that competes in flavor. There's is simply the best around. A typical trip involves their signature burger, The Galley Boy, an order of Potato Teezers (breaded and fried potato, cheese, jalapeño) w/ a side of ranch and a 16oz California (grape drink over crushed ice). If I ever found myself on death row, this would be on my short list of last meals.
(5)Dina T.
A friend at work introduced me to Swensons! It is absolutely phenomenal! The sauces on the Galley Boy are amazing! It's a barbecue, sweet savory flavoring! The drink called the California is to die for! Grape soda is my all time favorite and Swensons does it just right! Their service is fast and your food is always fresh and hot! The car hops are all so nice, and could answer any question about the menu that you have! I HIGHLY recommend Swensons to anyone in the area! It's definitely one for the bucket list!
(5)Chad W.
The finest burger in NE Ohio. My go to order: Galley Boy, Cheeseburger with everything, Potato Teasers with a side of ranch. Shake flavors I like - Pumpkin and Key Lime (both seasonal, I believe) Great place, go, enjoy, tip the runners.
(5)Pamela M.
ok ok, silly me, I should have taken the advice of all the other yelpers on here and ordered the Galley Boy, but I wasn't super hungry when I went to Swensons, booo, next time though, I will pick up the gauntlet. So, FAST service, no wonder those kids were so skinny, they were doing laps around that little shack like you would not believe! I got the cheeseburger with everything, except when it came, they forgot the "everything" and I just got a patty with cheese on it, but I'm not one to complain or send many things back so I just went with it. Good burger but I'm sure it could have been much improved with some toppings! I loved the toasted buns, nice touch. Also got the potato teezers with ranch, they were so tasty I wanted to grab another order to go! The main reason I stopped here today was because I heard their seasonal milkshake was back....pumpkin baby! I'm a sucker for all things pumpkin and was more than happy to try out their milkshake. At first I was a little taken aback by the small size of it....until I tried sucking it through the straw. Holy thickness batman! You definitely don't need any more than what they give you, I probably could have turned that thing upside-down and it would have stayed put right in the cup. So, minus the little fiasco with the cheeseburger, Swensons definitely will get more business from me, especially when I have guests in the city again!
(4)Kevin O.
#NAME?
(4)Adam G.
As you drive down Main St USA, you look to your right. You see a McDonald's with their Big Mac. Look to your left and you see a Burger King with their Whopper. Down the street and around the corner is a Wendy's with their Chicken Nuggets and Triple Double Classic. Sonic is turning out dog meat on a bun, and you are not satisfied with your choices. Once you get to the end of the street you see a different kind of place. A place where the marketing machine of Madison Ave hasn't touched it. It is a piece of Americana, all but extinct except for our part of town. Our Cleveland. Swenson's is as good as it is nostalgic. A simple Drive-In joint. Take away the catchy jingles about ingredients, the stupid crown, and Dave Thomas and you find an authentic hamburger. It will not have you thinking where is the beef. It will have you thinking, where is my pen so I can write a thank-you note to the car hop who ran to your car to make sure you got prompt service. I say flock to this place, get a Galley Boy and a chocolate shake.
(5)Murray R.
Better than Sonic. I only had fries and a Xango, but i would go here over Sonic a million times. It just felt right. Sonic seemed fake. Is it the hometown angle? Maybe. The fries were fresh tasting and not Sysco(though i was kind of in the mood for that). The xango is a McDonald's apple pie only flakier and filled with cheesecake goo. Superb. I'd never been to a Swenson's before as it is so trendy. But i'm sold. Especially since this one is so close. I thought they were only in Summit county. Staff is really nice and fast with the grub. Place was hopping on a Sunday night at ten, which makes my boring life a little bit funner.
(4)Rodney W.
A retro twist on the burger scene! Gotta love waiters and waitresses literally running food to your car and hanging it on your window. No, you do not get out of your car...you just turn on your headlights each time you need a waiter for a menu, to place your order, or to pay. Swensons reminds me of something from a 1950's movie or the Flintstones cartoon intro. Anyway, I've eaten here several times and the burgers are just sooo tasty. I'm totally recommending the half-pound burger! They have great milk shakes too and their onion rings are the best in town. Since it's a drive-up and not a drive-thru, expect your order to take more time than a fast food restaurant. However, the food is made to order so it's fresh and piping hot - just how I like it. The burgers and rings are the bomb diggity! Two thumbs up!
(5)Justin L.
Galley Boy. The most disgusting sounding burger on the face of the Earth... isn't disugsting at all. It is pure awesome wrapped up in wax paper. How could two burger patties that have brown sugar in them, slathered in velveeta, barbecue sauce, and tartar sauce, taste good? I don't know. But, I know that it does. I recommend washing down your Galley Boy with a bologna sandwich. Fried onions on the sandwich don't hurt. And a peanut butter hot fudge milkshake for dessert and the drive home. Oh God. We are talking about a place that specializes in soft hot drive-in comfort food. No artisanal bread, no thick angus beef patties, just great diner food cooked on a flat top or in a deep fryer, served fast. Lightning fast. Other reviewers don't exaggerate... the servers SPRINT to and from your car. I don't get to Swenson's nearly often enough, and my waistline thanks me.
(5)Mark B.
Love Swensons... since my first taste in 1993 to my last visit they are consistant and delicious.
(5)K. M.
This is like stepping into a time machine and going back 40 years ago. The burgers are good - better than fast food, but probably not as good as the true-blue burger joints - at a very reasonable price. I had the double cheeseburger and wife had the galley boy. The buns are toasted which was a nice touch. Both of us enjoyed our selection. My chocolate milkshake was the real deal and as others have said, the potato teezers are legit. The service was fantastic. The young man helping us was very nice and constantly sprinting to and from the cars that pulled up. Excellent throwback that will receive my business again!
(5)Sam N.
As much as I hate living in the city of Cleveland and as much as I can't wait to get out of here the second I graduate from school, there surely is one thing I'll truly miss about this place: Swensons. To say that their burgers are the best I've ever had is just putting it too simply. You'll crave them. You'll ponder what makes them so darn good; is it the rumored brown sugar they put in the hamburger meat? Is it the melted Velveeta cheese they use instead of the average american? Is it the fact they toast and butter the buns just prior to assembling? I'll just guess it's all of the above. While this is the nearest location to my house, as they originated in Akron and that's where most of them are, I will gladly make the drive to fulfill my cheeseburg craving. When you first drive up to any one of the restaurants, you'll be transported back about 60 years, minus the roller skates and poodle skirts. Servers here will run (and do I mean RUN) to your car, both when greeting and when serving. I've never seen a server that works there walk to a car, so you know they mean business. They are also very efficient and timely; I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a meal, even with four people accompanying me, and I've never had anything missing or wrong with any orders. That's dedication if you ask me. My last meal on Earth? A plain Swenson's double cheeseburg, potato teezers (delicious jalapeno popper-like potato wedges) with ranch, and a California (grape juice, ginger ale, and their famous crushed ice). Thank goodness summer is approaching because that could only mean one thing; extended hours. Ahh yes.
(5)Leah M.
I'm stoked that Clevelanders have the chance to try the amazingness that is Swensons. I've been hooked my entire life as a former Akron-ite. Before the Seven Hills location, I drove my C-town friends down to experience a Galley Boy "With Everything", a french fry, and a peanut butter milkshake-- the fave food of my childhood AND adulthood. We need to get one in the Cleveland area... Stat!!!!
(5)Lauren F.
swensons is one of the best places ive ever tried im from the west coast so we had nothing like it there but it was one thing i wouldnt mind getting fat on!!
(5)Shawn A.
It was quite simple. I was made to believe that if I was in Celeveland, and did not trek out to Swenson's, I'd be commiting crimes against humanity and would no longer be considered a worthwhile human being. Or something like that. Probably nothing like that really, but fellow Yelp Elite mag m. and her associate made damn sure that I understood just how important going to Swenson's would be. And it was. Aside from them, Forbes Magazine was also adding to the hype, claiming Swenson's has the best burger in the ENTIRE COUNTRY. I'm not sure what the hell a finance mag knows about burgers, but my curiosity was piqued nonetheless. Full disclosure time: I've been on a holy quest in New York trying many of the "BESTBURGERSINTHECITY", and have had my fair share of high end gourmet hamburger creations. So with that in mind, it's important to understand the breath of fresh air that was Swenson's. Baby, you're not in New York anymore. A place like this could really only exist out in the middle of some podunk suburb of Cleveland. No pretense. No pretentiousness, and no fancy cheeses you can't pronounce. This place is pure 'ol fashioned Americana. First of all, you need a car - which is problematic for a lifelong New Yorker who could swear he's SEEN cars before, but never actually touched one. (Kidding(ish)) So I stole the car of a friend from Jersey (don't judge), and drove it out to the middle of suburban Ohio in search of the Burger Holy Grail. I only got a little bit (a lot bit) lost, but when I found it, I was amazed. The place was basically a big parking lot with a tiny run down building inside, with two college dudes running around from car to shack to car to car, taking and delivering orders whenever your lights turn on. I was sold on the gimmick immediately, and could only hope that the food lived up to it. I was commanded to try the Half Pounder Plus, and the Potato Puffs. And hell yeah it lived up to it. By the time I was done, I wasn't sure if I was going to explode from happiness or from heart failure. Your food comes to you in a tray that they hook onto your window, and you get to inhale half a pound of meat along with some deep fried potato balls. And there is ranch too as if you weren't already shaving years off your life. The subtly sweet tasting burger is cooked to order with your choice of trimmings - grilled onions, cheese, pickles. Whatever you want, they probably have it. Oh, and it's all dirt cheap. Amazing. Truly amazing. I'm not sure if I'd go as far as Forbes and proclaim this the best ever, but with an amazing burger, and an awesomely retro gimmick that actually feels like it belongs (instead of feeling like well... a retro gimmick) Swenson's is truly a place worth making a pilgrimage to. You won't regret it (but your arteries might).
(5)P W.
These are easily the best hamburgers ever. The potato puffs are awesome. The fries are decent. Everything on the menu is good. There is no reason to order anything besides the burgers unless you are really hungry and thinking about what else would taste good. It is worth driving here every time. I still have to try Skyway though.
(5)Ferrett S.
In an ideal world, every McDonald's employee would be taken out back at gunpoint. "You can now work for Swenson's," they'd say, "Or we can put a bullet in your head." Then every McDonald's would be transformed to have the best burger in the whole dang world. And anyone who complained that they couldn't get their McNuggets would be shot in the head, and the world would be a better place. I said in a previous review that Bearden's had the best burgers in town. I was wrong. This place has the most amazing burgers I've ever had... And as an extra-special blast, you get it in a retro-cuisine drive-in fashion! That's right. You drive up, and park, and flash the lights, and a guy RUNS out to your car to take your order. Then he comes back with a tray, and he sticks it on your window, and you eat in the car and play the Grease soundtrack and feel quite the hipster at eating at a drive-in. The burgers are amazing. The buns are like Hawaiian bread, very sweet and light and tasty, whereas the burgers are quality meat, done correctly. You want bacon? It's actual goddamned bacon. And the burgers are like $2.50 apiece, amazingly cheap (although you pay extra for every add-on, including tomatoes and lettuce). They have fried mushrooms that are... Well, they're okay. I mean, they're fried mushrooms, which have the traditional problem of that if you eat them in two bites, the coating breaks free of the slippery mushroom inside, and you're eating either a shell or a mushroom. They also have seventeen flavors of shakes. The shakes are thick and tasty; I had a butterscotch that was heavy on the butterscotch flavoring, and didn't feel made from ice cream - maybe it was, but it was more in the McDonald's vein of "gooey stuff" than "milk with ice cream bits in it." But then again, maybe I waited too long to eat it. The only ding I have against Swenson's is that they have yet to take over the world and shoot all the McDonald's. I'm waiting, people. I'll even fill out the gun permits for you, if you ask nicely.
(5)Calvin P.
Really good food! Make sure to check your order if you get it to go. They are really fast, but sometimes they get the orders a little mixed up.
(4)Fiore I.
Their burgers are like the ones from In N' Out Burger. They are really good.
(4)Traci M.
swensons... it's in my blood! it's an ohio thing and i am so thankful for that! thank you swensons for consistantly great service, food, value and tradition for as long as i can remember. i couldn't care less about a burger at any other place than swensons. it is just done with such flare (there has to be brown sugar in there), toasted and buttered bun and totally unique sauces. such a treat! nothing makes me happier than taking someone there for the first time and seeing their face as they take the first bite. is it me or have the prices just always stayed the same? at any cost, this place is a treat. favorites are of course the galley boy, it is a must have. cheeseburgers with everything, fried zucchini sticks and mushrooms and what is it with that grilled cheese sandwich? i cannot figure out what makes it so great. try it with a slice of tomato inside and in the winter with a bowl of tomato soup. chili dogs are yummy with cheese and little diced onions and they must have a million milkshake flavors. go for a peanut butter and banana or a pumpkin and butterscotch. and if you have kids, watch them smile when you tell them they get to eat in the car!
(5)Niko P.
lived in Cleveland for 3 years, disliked much of my time there but once every few months I would make the drive from downtown to Swensons and get a few cheeseburgers. they're tasty, cheap and fit the feel of the place perfectly! i think there's some cinnamon in the meat or something? its different and in a great way! loved eating at Swensons!
(4)Jeanne L.
This place is amazing! Everything on the menu is fantastic. You haven't lived until you've had the Galley Boy, aka, best burger EVER.
(5)Stephen W.
Way way overrated! It's a descent burger joint, but nothing else!
(1)Peter D.
Huge fan of the burgers, have great shakes as well. close to my work, a great lunch meal!
(5)Fermin B.
I've only had Swensons twice so I cannot say that I'm a regular (as many of my friends are). However, it is so goddarn delicious that I cannot help but write a review about the place. Swensons is situated in the Akron area, and only in the Akron area, which is highly unfortunate to those who are from far away. It is a drive in diner, which is highly rare these days. As a customer, you park into a parking spot and flip on your headlights. A college/high school kid will come running to give you a menu or take your order. The food is fresh and hot, and most likely cooked to order. In my experiences, I ordered a Galley boy, which is their most popular burger. Now, I must say that the Galley boy is not similar to most hamburgers. It consists mostly of a burger, bun, white cheese, and some kind of special sauce (barbeque maybe). It may not look like the best burger, but one bite and I was hooked. They were delicious. Of course, the burger is not whopping in size, so I ordered two, along with a Dr. Pepper and fries. Service came when you wanted it to (again, just a flip of the lights), and it was unusually comfortable being catered to while sitting in the car. I don't think you can go wrong with Swensons.
(5)Geoff P.
I love Swenson's. The menu is certainly not healthy, but well worth a trip if you are in NE Ohio. Between the experience of a drive in restaurant, the unique menu (get a galley boy burger!), and a small town feel, Swenson's is one of my favorite spots to go out for a treat with my friends.
(5)Johnny A.
This place was so-so. The double cheeseburger I got was pretty bland tasting and overpriced. I found myself regretting not pulling into the nearby Burger King instead and getting a bigger better tasting burger for a few dollars less. Very friendly service despite it being very slow even for a not so busy day. You can get better food for your money in this area. If you are really in the mood for the best chesseburger for the money drive over to Yours Truely or Red Robin in the neighboring Independence area 6 minutes away. It's worth it!
(2)Nicole R.
I LOVE Swensons!! I just wish they'd put in a picnic table so in the summer months motorcycle go-ers have somewhere to sit!!
(5)Itsallweird I.
This place is great until you have an issue. I picked up lunch for two of us back at the office. I find that my sandwich has onion and no tomato so I called. Dave...the mgr was hesitant but took my name and said i could return for a free sandwich another time. After i called him i found out my coworker had the wrong sandwich so i called back. Dave pretty much said it was the way i asked for the cajun ckn and that there are many chkn sandwiches. He was unwilling to fix this issue. I proceeded to the Swenson.com webstie and typed a complaint there. I received a call back from the same useless mgr which i thought was completely ridiculous. Why would i want to talk to someone who was disrespectful TWICE....the corp office should have just offered to buy us a new lunch another time! Seriously WHO BLAMES THE CUSTOMER?! I like Swensons, but these places keep abusing us over and over! Enough it enough! It now like the sandwiches are .99! The bill was almost 16.00 for lunch at a drive-in! cmon! We deserve to get what we ordered and get it correctly! LAME
(3)MM. D.
I went to swensons for the first time today. I was looking forward to tasting their burger after hearing a couple of people rave about it. Sad to say, i was underwhelmed. The beef patties were bland and there was too much sauce. I enjoyed the potato teezers, though, and their pumpkin shake was really good. Other than those items, I think i'll stick with five guys for my burger fix. ( better yet, can the powers that be please open an In n Out here in NE Ohio?)
(3)Matt L.
Some of the best burgers anywhere. The galley boy with its two special sauces is one of my favorite meals anywhere, as well as the double "with everything", which means mustard, pickles, and onions. Go for the potato teezers on the side, kinda like cheesy hash browns with a little jalapeno bite. The shakes are also delicious, have to recommend the hot fudge-banana combo. An Akron landmark.
(5)Mag M.
i know the secret! i know the secret! ready? it's maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla and raspberry extracts that makes these burgers so DISTINCTIVELY DELICIOUS. i know this because i met a dude in a bar in brooklyn who used to work there. and since i'm too far away to enjoy swenson's on a regular basis, i have been ad hoc-ing in my apartment, without success. but now i know! and so do you! let's spread swenson's goodness across the globe!
(4)Katie S.
If it's good enough for LeBron it's good enough for me. I have been visiting family in Cleveland since I was a kid and cannot believe they had never taken me here before! It's like a local Sonic - but better. The potato teasers were insanely yummy - like a jalapeno popper - but just add potato and way better. We got two shakes and while we were chugging them down we realized they brought us the wrong ones. They figured it out before we could tell them and fixed it in no time - even though we would have gladly finished them off. But I was glad to have my combo of mint and chocolate shake. SO GOOD. Next time I'll go when I have more of an appetite and tackle the rest of the menu for sure.
(5)Andrea Z.
King James knows what's up. Swensons is an Akron-area institution. There are several locations on the south-ish side of Cleveland and in and around A-K Rowdy. From Lakewood, it's a far drive for us so we only get to have the treat when we're en route to or from points south. Worth it. Service is always friendly and efficient. Eat in your car with a clip on tray for your window. Kids running their asses off to take your order and get your food out quick. I've only ever tried the burgers, shakes and fried mushrooms. All are very good drive-in quality stuff. I know the Galley Boy is kind of the signature here, but for me, whatever special sauce they put on it is a little too sweet. I like to keep it simple: a cheeseburger 'with everything' which at Swenson's means onion, pickles, and mustard. SO GOOD. The buns are toasted which gives a nice texture addition to the thin, tasty burgers. Bonus points that the onions are sliced, not chopped. I just don't get chopped onions on a burger; they all fall out all over the place. Anyhow, Swenson's is definitely worth a stop. With several locations and now a food truck, there's probably one not far from you.
(5)Cynthia R.
This is the only place I will cheat on my diet for. A co-worker had said I needed to come here and finally decided to give it go! OMFG! I'm a fat girl, but never a fat girl who would eat cheese off of paper. However, this place made me do it! I admit it freely! It's delicious. When my friends and family come in from out of state this is the first place we hit before we go anywhere. You park and turn on your head lights and young people come running. Its even better when they carry food! Its perfect with the kids too! You plug your phone into the charger put on some netflix and enjoy your food in quite with such a pretty view of the sky. Never had a problem with any of the employees or the food. The only real complaint I can think of is there is 1 bathroom and its not very well vented so bring a clothes pin or some spray!
(5)Mandi T.
Not much to say about swensons except that it's so good!! It's kinda like the In N Out of Ohio..like you can't get it on the west coast but once you've had it you always want it. Have to get a burger!! Have to! And a peanut butter shake. YOURE. WELCOME. Little place, servers come out to your car, you eat in your car or take it to go. Old school baby.
(5)Michelle L.
I love the galley boy with the green olive on a toothpick stuck in the wrapper. Nice touch. I also love their fried mushrooms. Those are my go to items. It's a great place to go if you want to be lazy and stay in your car. Great friendly service. Sonic has nothing on this drive-in.
(5)Mansi N.
I absolutely love this place!!! I am not a huge fan of fast food, but this place is unique. You park there and the food is brought to your car. They place a tray on your car window or you can bring the tray into the car. The staff literally sprint to your car every time so while it seems dangerous at times, it is also entertaining. The boys and girls have always been friendly and clearly efficient. The food - where do I start? I love the salad boy! A veggie burger with their special sauces with all the regular fixings! It's actually quite large and I have to rise to the challenge to finish all of it. Their potato teezers are also a favorite - cheese potato and jalapeno in a fried coating...can't go wrong with that! My husband gets the Galley Boy each time - never heard him complain. They also have milkshakes and special orange drinks, called Florida and California. Swensons is just a fun place to grab a quick dinner and have a different experience. And no, it's not like Sonic because that place is not nearly as awesome. I kindly make a plea to the owner of Swensons to open up a location on the west side of Cleveland!
(5)Kelly R.
My first time visiting Swensons, even though it's been on my list of places to try for some time. I went on a very warm Saturday afternoon, just before the dinner rush. A runner/server immediately approached my car, and handed me a menu, telling me to take my time reviewing the menu, asking me to turn on my headlights when ready to order. I opted for the single cheeseburger, fries and vanilla shake. My food arrived a short time later. The best part of the meal was, by far, the vanilla shake. My shake was creamy, thick and tasty. The fries were pretty good too, nice and hot. The burger was just ok, the bun was toasted and a bit crumbly and the cheese tasted more like a sauce than a slice of cheese. All in all, the food was probably 3 stars, but the overall experience was definitely 4 stars. I would definitely return.
(4)Mike B.
Swensons is an awesome local burger chain! The galley boy, potato teasers and a coney style grilled cheese are a few of the menu items that really stand out. I would definitely recommend this burger over any of your big chain burger joints. Give it a try sometime!
(4)Ingrid T.
Just ate at swensons for the first time. Outstanding! Galley boy is delicious, service was great (we had zack, he is the bomb) we are taking a couple sandwiches for later :) loved it!
(5)Denise S.
Fun old fashioned atmosphere, good food. Loved the onion rings and burgers. Great friendly service. Try for a quick fast food meal without the drive thru.
(5)Allison K.
First time here was such a fun experience! If only I knew to read the yelp reviews BEFORE placing my order and I would have known to get these potato puffs instead of fries. Oh well, next time! Vegetarians can get the salad boy. Vegans, ask for no butter on the buns, no cheese and no special sauces (our server couldn't tell us what was in the sauces)
(4)Ron B.
Great food and fast service. Very hot and muggy day. I'm impressed that the employees didn't slow down running to all the cars.
(5)Steve L.
Where to start here... Best burgers in the greater NE OH area, hands down. May even be the best burgers known to man, you should try and get back to me with your opinion, which I'm sure will be the same as mine unless you have the palate of a former carney fire-eater, or Detroit dumpster-diving hobo. I enjoy the service as much as the food, its a real blast from the past type feel. Your servers run up to your car to take your order, when I say run, I mean they literally are required to run to your ride. No sloppy bums working here, only the best of the best. When your food arrives they have the tray that attaches to your door for less mess and easier eating while in your car. Burgers have a hint of what tastes like brown sugar, its heavenly whatever it is. They have an enormous list of milk shakes, all amazing. Theres nothing like being able to sit in your car, people watch and enjoy a meal simultaneously. Any place with tater tots available aside from fries is the place to be in my book. If you ever happen to be sitting around pondering the thought of how the best burger in the world tastes, swing on down to Swensons!
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