7 Ohio Burger Chains That Locals Say Serve Beef Worth Every Bite And The Drive
When it comes to quintessential American comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a perfectly grilled burger. And in Ohio, we take our beef seriously.
Forget bland, mass-produced patties; the Buckeye State is brimming with beloved local chains that have perfected the art of the burger, earning a loyal following from residents who know good meat. We’re talking about juicy, flavorful creations that are so good, locals swear they’re worth every penny and every mile.
Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey as we uncover seven Ohio burger chains that truly deliver on their promise of beef worth every bite and the drive.
1. Preston’s – Columbus
Smash-style perfection awaits at Preston’s on North High Street. Their “Classic” burger features a heavenly combination of special sauce, American cheese, shaved onion, crisp iceberg lettuce, and house-made pickles on a perfectly smashed patty.
What makes Preston’s stand out is their unwavering commitment to quality ingredients. The beef is fresh-ground daily, resulting in a juicy burger that has earned recognition from LoveFood as the best in Ohio.
Visitors can choose between a single or double patty depending on their hunger level. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and consistently delicious offerings make it a regular stop for Columbus burger enthusiasts seeking authentic flavor without pretense.
2. Flavor 91 Bistro – Whitehall
Culinary innovation defines the burger experience at Flavor 91 Bistro. Located in Whitehall, this gem elevates the humble hamburger to gourmet status with unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
The bistro’s upscale-yet-approachable vibe creates the perfect setting for their carefully crafted burgers. According to LoveFood, Flavor 91 serves the best-rated burger in the entire state, which is no small achievement in a place as burger-serious as Ohio.
Each patty receives meticulous attention from seasoned chefs who understand the delicate balance between quality beef and complementary toppings. The result is a burger that manages to be both sophisticated and satisfyingly primal at the same time.
3. Bob’s Hamburg – Akron
Time travel isn’t possible, but Bob’s Hamburg comes pretty close. Operating since 1932 in Akron, this beloved institution has been serving the same delicious burgers for nearly a century without changing the recipe.
I remember my grandfather telling me stories about visiting Bob’s as a teenager in the 1950s, ordering the same burger I enjoy today. There’s something magical about that kind of continuity in a world that changes so quickly.
Cheapism named this East Avenue classic the best hole-in-the-wall burger joint in Ohio, and locals fiercely agree. The unpretentious setting, with its worn counter stools and vintage decor, only enhances the authentic burger experience that keeps generations of Ohioans coming back.
4. Smash Buddies – Columbus
Burger innovation meets time-honored techniques at Smash Buddies on South Front Street. Their approach centers around freshly ground beef that’s smashed to perfection, creating those irresistible crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
The menu features creative combinations that push boundaries without forgetting what makes a burger great in the first place. House-made sauces and carefully selected gourmet toppings complement rather than overwhelm the star of the show-the beef.
Visitors appreciate the attention to detail that extends beyond the burgers to the welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Each bite delivers a textural experience that reminds you why smashed burgers have become such a phenomenon among serious burger enthusiasts throughout Columbus and beyond.
5. Lupo – Upper Arlington
Fine dining meets comfort food at Lupo in Upper Arlington. The upscale restaurant has developed a devoted following for its ground-chuck smashburger that demonstrates how simplicity, when executed perfectly, creates culinary magic.
Their signature burger features rich fontina cheese melted over a precisely cooked patty, complemented by fresh tomato and a selection of premium toppings. I’ve driven 40 minutes just for this burger on more than one occasion, finding it impossible to replicate that specific combination of flavors at home.
Lupo represents a growing trend of high-end establishments putting serious culinary expertise into hamburgers. The elegant surroundings and attentive service enhance the experience, making it feel like a special occasion even when you’re just satisfying a burger craving.
6. Smalls Sliders – South Point
Anticipation builds for the arrival of Smalls Sliders to South Point. Set to open by Christmas 2025, this Southern fast-food chain is bringing its celebrated mini-burger concept to Ohio for the first time.
The restaurant specializes in cheeseburger sliders—smaller than traditional burgers but packed with outsized flavor. Each slider features quality beef cooked to order, complemented by melty cheese and signature toppings, all served alongside indulgent milkshakes.
While not yet operational in Ohio, the chain’s reputation precedes it, with burger enthusiasts already marking their calendars. The planned location at 330 County Road 276 will offer a drive-through for convenient access to these pint-sized flavor bombs that have earned a devoted following throughout the South.
7. Hamburger Station – Akron
Slider fanatics make pilgrimages to Hamburger Station for good reason. This Akron institution serves up miniature burgers with a mountain of grilled onions that have become legendary throughout Northeast Ohio.
The cooking method is a spectacle itself-small patties sizzling on the flat-top, slowly steaming under a blanket of thinly sliced onions that caramelize to sweet perfection. The aroma hits you the moment you enter, triggering instant hunger regardless of when you last ate.
What makes these sliders special isn’t fancy ingredients or innovative techniques, but rather the consistency and tradition behind each one. Locals debate which Hamburger Station location serves the best version, but all agree on one thing—the generous pile of onions is non-negotiable and essential to the authentic experience.