11 Ohio Burger Spots Known Statewide For One Iconic Patty
Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of legendary burgers, but the Buckeye State is home to some seriously iconic patties that have earned statewide fame.
From old-school diners serving up nostalgic classics to modern burger joints pushing creative boundaries, these spots have perfected the art of the burger in their own unique ways.
Whether you’re a lifelong Ohioan or just passing through, these burger destinations are worth the trip for that one unforgettable bite that keeps people coming back for decades.
1. The Thurman Cafe – Columbus
Walking into The Thurman Cafe feels like stepping back in time to when burgers were simple, honest, and absolutely massive.
Located at 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, this German Village institution has been slinging some of the most talked-about burgers in Ohio since 1942.
The star of the show is the Thurmanator, a towering masterpiece that’s basically a challenge and a meal rolled into one glorious package.
Stacked with two beef patties, bacon, ham, cheese, and all the fixings, this beast is piled high enough to require engineering skills just to take a bite.
Locals know to arrive early because the wait times can stretch longer than a summer day, but nobody complains when the reward is this good.
The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, with wood paneling and a neighborhood vibe that makes everyone feel like a regular.
This isn’t just a burger—it’s a Columbus rite of passage that has earned its legendary status one satisfied customer at a time.
2. Swensons Drive-In – Akron
Cruising up to Swensons Drive-In at 40 S Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313 feels like hopping into a time machine set for the golden age of American dining.
Since 1934, this beloved spot has perfected the drive-in experience with carhops who sprint—yes, actually sprint—to take your order and deliver it fresh to your vehicle.
The Galley Boy is the menu’s undisputed champion, featuring two patties with a secret sauce that’s sparked countless debates and copycat attempts across the state.
What makes it special isn’t just the tangy, slightly sweet sauce or the perfectly grilled onions, but the way everything comes together in harmonious burger bliss.
Families have been making pilgrimages here for generations, creating traditions around these iconic sandwiches.
The Potato Teezers® deserve an honorable mention too, providing the perfect crispy sidekick to your burger adventure.
Swensons proves that sometimes the best innovations are the ones that honor tradition while delivering consistent quality that never goes out of style.
3. Zip’s Cafe – Cincinnati
Tucked away at 1036 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Zip’s Cafe is the kind of place where regulars know each other by name and newcomers quickly become part of the family.
This no-frills neighborhood gem has been serving up some of Cincinnati’s finest burgers since 1926, proving that you don’t need fancy décor when your food does all the talking.
The burgers here are straightforward perfection—fresh beef grilled to juicy excellence with a slight char that adds just the right amount of smokiness.
What really sets Zip’s apart is their commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way, with hand-formed patties and a griddle that’s been seasoned by nearly a century of burger magic.
The atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious, with a bar-style setup where you can watch your meal being prepared right in front of you.
Locals swear by the cheeseburger with grilled onions, which transforms simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Zip’s reminds us that sometimes the best burgers come from places that have been perfecting their craft longer than most of us have been alive.
4. Quatman Cafe – Norwood / Mason
Finding a burger spot so good they had to open a second location is like discovering buried treasure, and Quatman Cafe has done exactly that.
With locations at 2434 Quatman Ave, Norwood, OH 45212 and 224 W Main St, Mason, OH 45040, this Cincinnati-area favorite has built a reputation on consistently excellent burgers that keep crowds coming back.
The secret lies in their perfectly seasoned patties that hit that sweet spot between juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
Each burger is cooked to order on a flat-top grill that gives it that classic diner-style crust everyone craves.
The menu offers creative variations alongside traditional favorites, ensuring there’s something for everyone from burger purists to adventurous eaters.
Both locations maintain that comfortable neighborhood feel where you can grab a quick lunch or settle in for a leisurely meal.
The staff treats everyone like valued guests, adding that personal touch that turns a good meal into a great experience.
Quatman Cafe proves that expanding doesn’t mean compromising on quality when you’re committed to excellence.
5. Kewpee Hamburgers – Lima
Step into any of Kewpee’s three Lima locations—111 N Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45801; 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804; or 2111 Allentown Rd, Lima, OH 45805—and you’ll understand why this place has been an Ohio treasure since 1928.
The name might sound quirky, but there’s nothing funny about how seriously they take their burgers.
These aren’t your typical round patties; Kewpee serves square burgers that maximize every inch of bun coverage for complete burger satisfaction in every bite.
The beef is fresh, never frozen, and cooked on a flat grill that creates those crispy edges burger enthusiasts dream about.
Topped with pickles and onions, each burger delivers that nostalgic diner taste that reminds you of simpler times.
The vintage décor and counter seating create an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back to the golden age of American diners.
With three locations serving the Lima area, Kewpee has made their iconic burgers accessible while maintaining the quality that made them famous nearly a century ago.
6. The Hamburger Wagon – Miamisburg
Imagine buying your burger from an actual wagon that’s been serving customers since 1913, and you’ll get the unique charm of The Hamburger Wagon in Historic Downtown Miamisburg at Market Square and Main Street.
This isn’t just a historic hamburger stand, it’s a living piece of Ohio burger history that still serves up incredible burgers the same way they did generations ago.
The burgers are small, simple, and absolutely perfect, with a thin patty grilled to crispy perfection and topped with pickles, onions, and mustard.
Most people order them by the half-dozen because one is never enough when something tastes this good.
The wagon itself is a charming red structure that looks like it rolled straight out of a time capsule, adding to the nostalgic experience.
During warmer months, lines form down the sidewalk with hungry patrons eager to taste this piece of burger history.
There’s something magical about eating a burger prepared using methods and recipes that have remained virtually unchanged for over a hundred years, connecting you to generations of satisfied customers.
7. Crabill’s Hamburger Shoppe – Urbana
Don’t let the unassuming exterior at 727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078 fool you—Crabill’s Hamburger Shoppe has been serving some of the most satisfying burgers in Ohio since 1927.
This family-owned treasure specializes in small, thin-patty burgers that pack way more flavor than their size would suggest.
The secret is in the griddle-cooked preparation that creates crispy edges while keeping the interior juicy and delicious.
Locals know to order several at a time because these little beauties disappear fast, especially when topped with their perfectly grilled onions.
The shop is currently drive-thru only (until further notice), but it still delivers that authentic, old-school burger-stop experience that keeps people coming back.
Cash-only operations and limited hours add to the old-school charm, reminding customers that some things are worth planning around.
Generations of families have made Crabill’s a regular stop, creating memories over burgers that taste exactly like they did decades ago.
In a world of constant change, Crabill’s stands as a delicious reminder that some traditions deserve to be preserved exactly as they are.
8. Preston’s: A Burger Joint – Columbus
Located at 2973 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202, Preston’s: A Burger Joint brings a modern twist to the classic burger experience without losing sight of what makes a great burger great.
The menu reads like a love letter to burger creativity, featuring combinations that sound wild but taste absolutely brilliant.
Fresh, high-quality beef forms the foundation, with each burger cooked hot and served on perfectly toasted buns that hold up to even the juiciest creations.
What sets Preston’s apart is their willingness to experiment with flavors while respecting the fundamentals of burger construction.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a neighborhood vibe that makes it perfect for everything from a quick lunch to a relaxed dinner with friends.
Fries and ice-cold bottled sodas (plus lemonade and more) complement the burgers perfectly, rounding out a meal that satisfies on every level.
The staff’s enthusiasm for their food is contagious, making recommendations that consistently hit the mark.
Preston’s proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully when the focus remains on quality ingredients and genuine passion for great burgers.
9. Flip Side – Columbus
Nestled at 3945 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219, Flip Side elevates the burger game with a commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Every burger starts with Ohio-raised, grass-fed beef, ensuring maximum flavor and the perfect texture in every bite.
The menu balances classic favorites with inventive options that push boundaries without becoming gimmicky.
Toppings range from traditional cheese and bacon to more adventurous choices that showcase seasonal ingredients and bold flavor profiles.
The modern, bright atmosphere creates an inviting space where families, friends, and burger enthusiasts can gather for a meal that feels both special and comfortable.
Artisanal shakes provide the perfect sweet ending to your burger adventure.
Attention to detail extends beyond the food to the service, with staff who genuinely care about creating a positive dining experience.
Flip Side demonstrates that fast-casual dining doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or creativity when you’re committed to doing things right from the ground up.
10. The Rail Craft Kitchen – Strongsville / Dublin / Columbus
With three locations at 17885 Southpark Center, Strongsville, OH 44136; 5839 Frantz Rd, Dublin, OH 43016; and 1064 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215, The Rail Craft Kitchen has mastered the art of the elevated burger experience.
Each location maintains the same commitment to quality that has made The Rail a favorite among burger connoisseurs across the state.
The burgers feature thoughtfully sourced beef cooked to perfection and paired with creative toppings that enhance rather than overwhelm the meat’s natural flavor.
From classic preparations to innovative combinations, the menu offers something for every palate and preference.
The restaurant’s modern industrial aesthetic creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Craft sides and creative appetizers complement the burgers beautifully, making it easy to build a complete meal that satisfies.
The Rail’s success across multiple locations proves their formula works, delivering consistent quality and service that keeps customers coming back.
Whether you’re in Strongsville, Dublin, or Grandview, you can count on The Rail to deliver a burger experience that hits all the right notes.
11. Terry’s Turf Club – Cincinnati
At 4618 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, this burger destination, formerly known as Terry’s Turf Club and now rebranded as The Turf Club under new ownership since January 2019, has earned legendary status among Cincinnati burger lovers.
The menu features creative burger combinations that you won’t find anywhere else, each one crafted with care and served with a side of genuine hospitality.
What makes Terry’s special is the way they balance innovation with respect for classic burger fundamentals, creating unique flavors without sacrificing quality.
The patties are perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, forming the foundation for whatever creative toppings you choose.
The atmosphere is wonderfully welcoming, with a neighborhood tavern feel that makes everyone feel right at home from the moment they walk in.
Regulars have their favorite stools and usual orders, but newcomers are greeted with the same warmth and enthusiasm.
The walls tell stories of decades of satisfied customers and community connections built over incredible burgers.
The Turf Club proves that staying power comes from consistently delivering great food and treating every customer like family, one burger at a time.