Ohio might be known for its buckeyes and football, but locals know the real treasure lies in the state’s incredible burger scene.
From family-owned diners that have stood the test of time to creative newcomers pushing culinary boundaries, the Buckeye State serves up some seriously impressive patties. These seven burger joints have earned devoted followings thanks to their mouthwatering creations and hometown charm.
1. Thurman Café: Columbus’ Legendary Heavyweight
The line stretching down the block tells you everything you need to know about this German Village institution. Since 1942, Thurman Café has been serving burgers so massive they’ve become the stuff of local legend.
Their signature Thurmanator, a towering creation with not one but two 12-ounce patties, mounds of cheese, bacon, and all the fixings has challenged hungry Ohioans for generations. The restaurant even appeared on Man v. Food, cementing its reputation nationwide.
What keeps locals coming back isn’t just the Instagram-worthy size but the consistently perfect execution. The cramped, memorabilia-covered walls and no-nonsense service add to the authentic experience that chain restaurants simply can’t replicate.
2. Swenson’s Drive-In: Akron’s Time-Traveling Taste
Pull up to a Swenson’s and suddenly you’re transported back to 1934. Car hops sprint to your vehicle, taking orders and delivering trays that hook onto your window; no need to ever leave your car.
The Galley Boy stands as their crown jewel: a double cheeseburger with two special sauces (sweet and tangy) topped with an olive on a toothpick. LeBron James famously brought the entire Cavaliers team here, declaring it his first stop whenever returning home.
What began as a single stand in Akron has expanded to multiple locations, but each maintains the nostalgic charm and lightning-fast service that made the original famous. The milkshakes, particularly the seasonal pumpkin version, deserve their own devoted following.
3. Terry’s Turf Club: Cincinnati’s Neon-Lit Burger Paradise
Beneath a riot of vintage neon signs sits a tiny burger joint that’s become a Cincinnati institution. Terry’s Turf Club doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; they simply perfect it with premium Angus beef and an array of gourmet toppings.
The filet mignon burger topped with burgundy wine sauce has developed a cult following among locals who don’t mind waiting for a table in the cramped quarters. Each burger comes with the option of adding exotic cheeses, homemade sauces, or even foie gras for those feeling fancy.
The eclectic décor, every inch covered in colorful signs, bottle caps, and quirky memorabilia provides endless conversation starters while waiting for your order. Despite a brief closure scare in 2019, new ownership kept this beloved spot serving its perfect patties.
4. The Rail: Farm-to-Table Burgers With Ohio Pride
“Know your farmer, know your food” isn’t just a slogan at The Rail; it’s their entire business model. Every burger starts with Ohio-raised, grass-fed beef, and nearly everything else comes from within the state’s borders too.
The Outrageously Local Burger showcases this philosophy perfectly: local beef topped with Ohio-made cheese, local bacon, and seasonal produce from nearby farms. Each location features a chalkboard listing exactly which farms provided the ingredients for your meal. Beyond the food, The Rail celebrates Ohio’s craft beer scene with an extensive selection of local brews.
The restaurant’s modern industrial design with warm wood accents creates a space that feels simultaneously upscale and approachable; much like their perfectly executed burgers that satisfy both purists and adventurous eaters.
5. Kewpee Hamburgers: Lima’s Historic Fast-Food Pioneer
Before there was Wendy’s, there was Kewpee. This Lima institution has been serving square burgers since 1928; and yes, Dave Thomas admitted they inspired Wendy’s signature shape. The retro art-deco building with its distinctive Kewpee doll statue outside has become an iconic roadside landmark.
Locals swear by the simplicity: fresh beef ground daily, pressed on a flat-top grill, and served on a perfectly steamed bun with just the basics. No fancy aiolis or artisanal buns needed here. Their homemade pies, particularly the seasonal strawberry, have their own devoted following.
During lunch hour, you’ll find a cross-section of Lima society; executives in suits, factory workers, and families all queuing up for what many consider Ohio’s most honest burger. As their vintage slogan states: “Hamburg, pickle on top, makes your heart go flippity-flop!”
6. Zip’s Café: Cincinnati’s Century-Old Neighborhood Treasure
Squeezed into a corner of Cincinnati’s Mount Lookout Square, Zip’s Café has been serving no-nonsense burgers since 1926. The worn wooden booths tell stories of generations who’ve gathered here for consistently excellent, straightforward food.
Their signature Zipburger arrives wrapped in wax paper; a hand-formed patty with the perfect char, topped with melted American cheese and a stack of pickle chips on a toasted bun. The trainset circling above diners’ heads has delighted children (and the young at heart) for decades. Nothing about Zip’s is pretentious or trendy.
The menu hasn’t changed significantly in nearly 100 years, and that’s precisely why locals return week after week. Cincinnati Bengals players are frequently spotted here, proving that even professional athletes appreciate the simple perfection of a classic Zipburger with a side of their legendary onion rings.
7. Flip Side: Gourmet Burgers With a Sustainable Twist
A relative newcomer to Ohio’s burger scene, Flip Side has quickly established itself as the go-to spot for those seeking an elevated burger experience. Founded by a classically trained chef, each location showcases locally sourced, grass-fed Ohio beef in creative combinations that push culinary boundaries.
The Shawn’s Black & Blue; blackened beef topped with blue cheese, caramelized onions, and balsamic reduction exemplifies their approach to reimagining burger classics with chef-driven techniques.
The modern, airy spaces in Hudson, Easton, and Columbus attract a diverse crowd from families during the day to date-night couples in the evening. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the food to restaurant operations, making them pioneers in eco-conscious dining in the Buckeye State.
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