These Ohio Burgers You Can’t Miss Before Leaving The Buckeye State
Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about epic burgers, but the Buckeye State has been quietly perfecting the art of the patty for decades.
From family-owned diners that have been flipping burgers since your grandparents were kids to modern joints putting creative spins on classics, Ohio’s burger scene is seriously impressive.
Whether you’re craving a massive stack that requires two hands or a simple, perfectly-seasoned classic, these spots prove that great burgers can be found in every corner of the state.
1. The Thurman Café – Columbus
Legend has it that finishing a Thurman Burger in one sitting earns you bragging rights for life.
Located at 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, this German Village institution has been serving up monster burgers since 1942.
The signature Thurman Burger is famously oversized and stacked with multiple meats, cheeses, and classic toppings.
You’ll need both hands and possibly a forklift to tackle this beast.
The atmosphere is pure dive bar charm, with wooden booths and walls covered in sports memorabilia.
Lines stretch out the door on weekends, but regulars swear the wait is absolutely worth it.
Pro tip: arrive hungry and maybe skip breakfast!
This isn’t just a burger; it’s a rite of passage for Columbus residents and visitors alike.
2. Swensons Drive-In – Akron
Carhops still dash to your vehicle at this Akron treasure, making you feel like you’ve time-traveled to the 1950s.
Swensons Drive-In has been serving Ohio since 1934, and their Akron-area locations helped define the drive-in experience.
Their famous Galley Boy features two fresh beef patties with two special sauces that create burger magic in every bite.
The secret recipe has remained unchanged for generations, and locals guard it like a precious family heirloom.
What makes Swensons special goes beyond the food—it’s watching carhops sprint between cars taking orders on notepads.
The fries are crinkle-cut and the shakes are thick enough to require serious suction power.
Families have been making Swensons runs for decades, creating traditions that span multiple generations.
3. Terry’s Turf Club – Cincinnati
Neighborhood joints don’t get more authentic than this Cincinnati gem that’s been serving the same recipe since 1948.
Terry’s Turf Club sits at 4618 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, and locals consider it sacred ground.
The burgers here are known for thick, hand-pattied beef grilled to order, with a wide range of topping options available.
Rather than flashy trends, the focus stays on bold flavor and hearty portions.
The atmosphere feels like stepping into your favorite uncle’s basement rec room, complete with vintage décor and friendly regulars who’ve been coming for years.
Payment policies can vary, so checking ahead is a good idea.
What Terry’s lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in flavor and character that can’t be replicated.
4. Kewpee Hamburgers – Lima
Step inside Kewpee and you’re instantly transported to 1928, when this Lima landmark first opened its doors.
Located at 111 N Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45801, Kewpee is one of the oldest burger chains still operating in America.
Their square patties are topped with a special pickle-heavy relish that gives each bite a tangy punch.
The burgers are cooked on a classic griddle, creating a texture that’s both tender and deeply flavorful.
Original wooden booths and a vintage lunch counter create an atmosphere that Instagram could never capture adequately.
The staff treats everyone like family, remembering regular orders and asking about your kids.
Kewpee proves that some recipes are so good they don’t need updating—just dedication to quality that spans nearly a century of burger-making excellence.
5. Hamburger Wagon – Miamisburg
Forget everything you know about food trucks—this actual wagon has been parked at 12 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342 since 1913!
The Hamburger Wagon is literally a wooden wagon that’s been serving burgers longer than most restaurants have existed.
Their simple burgers come with fresh-ground beef, pickles, onions, and mustard on soft buns.
Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just pure burger bliss that’s been perfected over more than a century.
You’ll order through a small window and eat standing up or sitting on nearby benches, which somehow makes the experience even better.
Rain or shine, this wagon keeps rolling, serving generations of families who’ve made it a tradition.
Eating here isn’t just grabbing lunch, it’s participating in living history that tastes absolutely delicious.
6. Sparky’s Place – Conneaut
Lake Erie sunsets taste even better when paired with one of Sparky’s legendary burgers.
Found at 1001 Broad St, Conneaut, OH 44030, Sparky’s Place has become a destination for locals and tourists exploring Ohio’s northern coast.
The menu features classic burgers cooked to order with a variety of familiar toppings.
Fresh toppings arrive daily, ensuring every burger tastes garden-fresh.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s cookout rather than a restaurant.
Families pack the place during summer months, creating a lively buzz that adds to the experience.
After your meal, take a short walk to the nearby beach and work off those delicious calories while watching waves roll in from the lake.
7. Ray’s Place – Kent
College towns breed burger innovation, and Ray’s Place at 135 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH 44240 has been fueling Kent State students since 1937.
What started as a simple burger joint has evolved into a Kent institution where generations of students have celebrated victories and nursed defeats over perfectly-cooked patties.
The burgers here strike that ideal balance between classic and creative, with enough topping options to satisfy adventurous eaters.
Fresh beef gets seasoned just right, creating flavor that doesn’t need fancy sauces to shine.
The walls display decades of university memorabilia, telling stories of students who’ve passed through these doors.
Whether you’re a current student, alumni, or just passing through town, Ray’s welcomes everyone with the same friendly service.
This is comfort food at its finest, served with a side of nostalgia.
8. Zip’s Café – Cincinnati
Zip’s Café at 1036 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 has been a Mount Lookout Square fixture since 1926, and their burgers have only gotten better with age.
This unassuming neighborhood spot serves burgers that pack serious flavor without any pretense or fuss. The beef is cooked fresh on a well-seasoned flat-top grill and prepared to order.
What makes Zip’s special is the attention to detail, every ingredient is chosen carefully to complement rather than overpower the meat.
The café atmosphere feels authentically Cincinnati, with locals chatting at the bar and families filling the booths.
Service is quick but never rushed, and the staff remembers faces even if you only visit occasionally.
Zip’s proves that great burgers don’t need gimmicks, just quality ingredients and decades of experience.
9. Hamburger Inn Diner – Delaware
Chrome fixtures and red vinyl seats set the scene at this Delaware diner that serves breakfast all day and burgers that’ll make you smile.
Hamburger Inn Diner at 16 N Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015 captures that classic American diner vibe perfectly.
Their burgers are straightforward but executed flawlessly, juicy patties topped with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles.
The griddle stays busy throughout the day, ensuring burgers are made fresh during all operating hours.
Portions are generous without being wasteful, and the prices remind you of simpler times when a great meal didn’t require a second mortgage.
The staff treats regulars and first-timers with equal warmth, making everyone feel welcome.
This is small-town dining at its absolute finest.
10. The Rail Craft Kitchen & Bar – Dublin
Modern craft meets classic comfort at The Rail, located at 5839 Frantz Rd, Dublin, OH 43016, where burgers get the gourmet treatment they deserve.
This isn’t your typical greasy spoon—The Rail elevates the humble burger with premium ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Their burgers feature high-quality beef and thoughtfully sourced ingredients prepared with care.
Artisan buns hold everything together while adding subtle sweetness that complements the savory meat.
The atmosphere is upscale casual, making it perfect for date night or celebrating special occasions without feeling stuffy.
Toppings range from classic to adventurous, letting you customize your burger experience.
Everything from the hand-cut fries to the housemade condiments shows attention to detail that serious burger lovers appreciate deeply.
11. Lindey’s – Columbus
Burgers can be fancy without being fussy, and Lindey’s at 169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206 proves this delicious truth.
This German Village bistro has been a Columbus dining destination since 1981, serving burgers that satisfy both sophisticated palates and comfort food cravings.
Their burger features premium beef that’s seasoned simply but expertly, allowing the quality of the meat to shine through.
The bun is lightly toasted and sturdy enough to hold everything without falling apart mid-bite.
While Lindey’s offers plenty of upscale menu options, locals know the burger is a hidden gem that delivers serious value.
The patio seating during warm months creates a European café vibe that makes a simple burger feel like a special occasion.
Sometimes the best meals come from unexpected places.
12. Dilly’s Drive-In – Akron
Neon signs glow at 1921 Triplett Blvd, Akron, OH 44312, where Dilly’s Drive-In keeps the golden age of American dining alive and delicious.
Since opening decades ago, Dilly’s has maintained the tradition of carhop service and made-to-order burgers that never disappoint.
Their patties are hand-formed daily from fresh beef, then grilled to create that irresistible combination of crispy edges and juicy centers.
The special sauce adds tangy sweetness that complements the savory meat perfectly.
Rolling down your window to place an order feels wonderfully retro in our digital age, and the experience alone is worth the visit.
Kids especially love the novelty of eating in the car, making Dilly’s a family favorite.
The shakes are thick, the fries are crispy, and the burgers are everything you want them to be.
13. Horizons Restaurant & Lounge – Geneva-on-the-Lake
Vacation vibes enhance every bite at Horizons, perched at 4888 N Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041, where burgers come with stunning lake views.
This Geneva-on-the-Lake favorite combines casual dining with quality food that exceeds typical resort town expectations.
Their burgers feature thick, juicy patties that arrive perfectly cooked with toppings so fresh you’d think they were picked that morning.
The lakefront location means you can watch boats drift by while savoring every delicious mouthful.
Families flock here after beach days, creating a lively atmosphere that feels celebratory even on ordinary weekdays.
The menu offers enough variety to please picky eaters while the burger remains the star attraction.
Sunsets over Lake Erie provide the perfect backdrop for what might be the most scenic burger experience in Ohio.
14. Flip Side Burgers & Shakes – Hudson
Creative combinations meet classic techniques at Flip Side, located at 49 Village Way, Hudson, OH 44236, where every burger tells a delicious story.
This modern burger joint puts fun twists on traditional favorites, offering inventive topping combinations that somehow always work perfectly together.
Fresh beef gets hand-formed into substantial patties that cook up juicy and flavorful every single time.
The shakes deserve their own paragraph—thick, creamy, and available in flavors that’ll make choosing impossibly difficult.
The contemporary atmosphere feels welcoming rather than trendy, making it perfect for casual meals with friends or family dinners.
Staff members genuinely care about your experience, offering recommendations and ensuring everything exceeds expectations.
Flip Side proves that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously on the same bun, creating burger experiences that feel both familiar and exciting.
15. RetroBurger – Chagrin Falls
Time travel is real, and it’s happening at 17800 Chillicothe Rd Ste 103, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, where RetroBurger celebrates burger history deliciously.
This charming spot channels mid-century American diner culture while serving burgers that taste authentically old-school.
Fresh-ground beef gets formed into patties that sizzle on the griddle, creating that unmistakable aroma that makes mouths water instantly.
Classic toppings are done right—crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sharp onions, and tangy pickles that add perfect crunch.
RetroBurger operates primarily as a takeout-focused spot, but the experience still feels special.
Families love introducing kids to the kind of burger joints grandparents remember fondly.
RetroBurger reminds us that sometimes the best way forward is looking back at what made burgers great in the first place.