These Ohio Burger Stands Haven’t Changed Since 1965 (And Taste Amazing)
There’s something special about biting into a burger that’s been perfected over the years, with a recipe that’s remained largely unchanged since the Beatles were still together.
In Ohio, a state renowned for its rich culinary heritage, I’ve found 13 burger stands that have defied the test of time, continuing to serve up scrumptious eats that are almost identical to what they offered back in 1965.
From classic roadside stands to cozy drive-ins, these beloved institutions have become an integral part of the state’s fabric, and I’m excited to take you on a culinary journey to experience the timeless flavors of the Buckeye State.
These vintage drive-ins and diners still flip patties the old-fashioned way, serve from original counters, and keep their recipes locked in time.
1. Swensons Drive-In (West Akron / multiple locations)
Carhops still sprint to your window with trays loaded with Galley Boys, just like they did when your grandparents were teenagers.
Swensons opened in 1934, but its retro curbside magic has stayed frozen in time since the ’60s.
Every burger gets hand-smashed on the grill, and the secret sauce recipe remains under lock and key.
Onion rings come out golden and crunchy, piled high in red baskets that make you want to order seconds.
The menu board hasn’t changed much, and neither has the charm of watching your food delivered on a window tray.
Locals swear by the California Supreme, a loaded masterpiece that balances crunch, tang, and beef in every bite.
You’ll find multiple locations around Akron now, but the vibe stays consistent.
People line up in their cars on Friday nights, radios humming, just like the good old days.
Swensons proves that when you nail the formula early, there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel.
Address: 40 S Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313
2. Thurman Cafe
Walking into Thurman Cafe feels like stepping into a time capsule where wood-paneled walls and red booths have witnessed decades of burger devotion.
This German Village institution opened in 1942, and by the ’60s, it had already perfected the art of the monster burger.
The Thurmanator weighs in at nearly two pounds and towers so high you need an engineering degree to figure out how to bite it.
Pickles, onions, cheese, bacon, and two thick beef patties stack up like a delicious Jenga tower.
Most people can’t finish one alone, but that doesn’t stop them from trying.
The kitchen still uses the same grill and prep methods that made this place legendary.
Service is friendly, portions are absurd, and the atmosphere hums with local pride.
You’ll wait for a table on weekends, but it’s worth every minute.
Thurman Cafe doesn’t chase trends because it set the standard long before Instagram made burgers famous.
Address: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
3. Hamburger Wagon
Miamisburg’s Hamburger Wagon has been parked in the same spot since 1913, making it one of the oldest burger joints in America.
By 1965, it had already spent five decades perfecting the slider, and nothing has changed since.
The wagon itself is a tiny wooden structure that looks like it rolled straight out of a history book.
Each slider gets grilled to crispy-edged perfection, topped with pickles and onions, and served in wax paper.
There’s no seating, no frills, and no pretense-just pure, simple burger bliss.
Locals grab handfuls of sliders and eat them standing on the sidewalk, chatting with neighbors and strangers alike.
I remember visiting with my dad on a summer afternoon, and he told me his grandfather used to do the same thing in the 1950s.
That kind of continuity is rare and precious.
The Hamburger Wagon doesn’t need upgrades because it’s already a living landmark.
Address: 12 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342
4. Kewpee Hamburgers (Lima)
Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima is one of the last survivors of a once-thriving Midwestern chain that started in 1923.
Square patties, steamed buns, and counter service define the Kewpee experience, and the Lima location has kept the faith since the ’60s.
The menu is straightforward: burgers, fries, milkshakes, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
Each burger gets assembled with care, and the beef tastes like it came from a simpler, better era.
The interior still features original stools, tile floors, and a lunch counter that invites conversation.
Regulars know the staff by name, and the staff knows their usual orders by heart.
Kewpee’s secret lies in consistency—same recipes, same techniques, same dedication to quality.
You won’t find fancy toppings or trendy sauces here, just honest food made the right way.
Lima locals guard this place like a treasure, and for good reason.
Address: 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804
5. Skyway Drive-In (Akron area)
Skyway Drive-In sits near Turkeyfoot Lake, painted in a cheerful mint green that practically glows in the summer sun.
Since the 1960s, this spot has served burgers, onion rings, and root-drink floats to families cruising the Akron area.
The building looks like it could be a movie set for a vintage road-trip film.
Onion rings come out hot, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, piled in baskets that beg to be shared.
Burgers are simple but satisfying, with fresh toppings and beef that tastes like backyard cookouts.
You can eat in your car or grab a picnic table under the shade, soaking in the retro vibe.
Kids love the ice cream cones, which are massive and drip down your hand before you finish.
Parents love the throwback atmosphere that reminds them of their own childhoods.
Skyway Drive-In hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to-it’s already perfect.
Address: 951 E Turkeyfoot Lake Rd, Akron (Stow), OH 44312
6. Paul’s Drive-In
Paul’s Drive-In in Shelby opens every spring and closes when the weather turns cold, a tradition that’s been going strong for decades.
This small-town gem serves burgers, fries, and soft-serve ice cream from a walk-up window that hasn’t changed since the ’60s.
Locals mark the calendar for opening day like it’s a holiday.
Burgers come wrapped in paper, hot off the grill, with toppings that stay simple and classic.
The fries are hand-cut, and the ice cream cones tower so high they defy gravity.
Families gather at picnic tables, kids run around the parking lot, and everyone feels like they’ve stepped back in time.
I once visited on a sticky July evening, and the line stretched around the building, but nobody complained.
Waiting for Paul’s is part of the charm.
This place thrives on tradition, and the community wouldn’t have it any other way.
Address: 17 Church St, Shelby, OH
7. Doug’s Classic ’57 Drive-In / Diner
Doug’s Classic ’57 Drive-In in Alliance celebrates the golden age of American diners with chrome accents, vinyl booths, and a jukebox that still plays oldies.
The menu hasn’t chased food trends, and the burgers still get cooked the same way they did in the ’60s.
Walking in feels like auditioning for a role in Grease.Milkshakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in, and the burgers come loaded with all the classics.
The fries are crispy, salty, and addictive, perfect for dipping in ketchup or just devouring plain.
Doug’s doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a time machine disguised as a diner.
Regulars fill the booths on weekends, swapping stories and soaking in the nostalgia.
The staff treats everyone like family, and the food tastes like it was made with love.
Doug’s proves that authenticity never goes out of style.
Address: 2031 S Rockhill Ave, Alliance, OH
8. White Turkey Drive-In
White Turkey Drive-In in Conneaut opens seasonally and has been a family-run tradition since the mid-20th century.
The recipes haven’t changed, the service style hasn’t changed, and the loyal customer base keeps coming back year after year.
Burgers here are straightforward, cooked just right, and served with a smile.The menu includes all the drive-in classics: hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and shakes that taste like childhood.
You order at the window, grab your food, and eat at a picnic table or in your car.
The atmosphere is laid-back, the prices are fair, and the food hits the spot every time.
White Turkey thrives on simplicity and community connection.
Generations of families have made this a summer ritual, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down.
Sometimes the best places are the ones that stick to what they know best.
Address: 388 E Main Rd, Conneaut, OH
9. B & K Drive-In (Akron/Cuyahoga Falls area)
B & K Drive-In keep the vintage drive-in spirit alive in the Cuyahoga Falls area.
These small, old-school stands serve burgers, hot dogs, and frosty mugs of a drinkthat taste like summer vacation.
The buildings are tiny, the service is quick, and the vibe is pure 1960s Americana.
Burgers come hot and juicy, with toppings that stay classic and unpretentious.
The root drink is served in frosted mugs, cold enough to make your teeth ache in the best way possible.
You can eat in your car, at a picnic table, or standing by the window, chatting with the staff.
B & K doesn’t advertise much, but word of mouth keeps the lines steady.
Locals know this is where you go for a taste of the past without the tourist traps.
It’s a reminder that some things are worth preserving, even in a fast-changing world.
Address: 737 Munroe Falls Ave, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
10. Woody’s
Woody’s in Canton is a summertime staple where carhops still bring food to your window and milkshakes arrive thick enough to require a spoon.
This stand has been serving the Canton community since the ’60s, and the retro charm remains intact.
Burgers are simple, satisfying, and cooked to order, with toppings that never try too hard.
The milkshakes are legendary, blended so thick they barely move when you tip the cup.
Families pull up in their cars, roll down the windows, and let the nostalgia wash over them.
Woody’s doesn’t need a fancy dining room because the parking lot is where the magic happens.
I stopped by on a road trip last summer, and the carhop handed me a tray with a smile that felt genuinely warm.
It’s rare to find that kind of service anymore.
Woody’s proves that old-fashioned hospitality and great food are timeless.
Address: 2303 Fulton Rd NW, Canton, OH
11. Dog ‘N Suds (Elyria)
Dog ‘N Suds in Elyria is one of the last remaining locations of a chain that once dotted the Midwest like chrome-plated landmarks.
The Elyria spot has kept its vintage exterior, complete with shiny chrome panels and neon signs that glow at dusk.
Burgers and drink floats are the stars here, served just like they were in the ’60s.
The drinks are made in-house, creamy and smooth, perfect for pairing with a hot burger.
Floats come in tall glasses, topped with foam that spills over the rim.
The menu is classic drive-in fare, and every item tastes like it was made by someone who cares.
Dog ‘N Suds survived when most of its sister locations closed, thanks to loyal locals who refuse to let it fade.
The chrome gleams, the food stays consistent, and the memories keep piling up.
It’s a rare survivor of a bygone era, and Elyria is lucky to have it.
Address: 2050 N Ridge Rd, Elyria, OH
12. The Stand (Sharonville)
The Stand in Sharonville has been a Cincinnati-area landmark for decades, serving foot-long coneys, thick shakes, and burgers that taste like home.
Since the ’60s, this place has stuck to its roots, refusing to modernize or compromise on quality.
The menu is simple, the service is fast, and the atmosphere is pure nostalgia.
Foot-long coneys are piled with chili, cheese, and onions, messy in the best way possible.
Burgers come hot and fresh, with toppings that stay classic and delicious.
Shakes are blended thick, with flavors that remind you of childhood trips to the local stand.
The Stand doesn’t need fancy decor or trendy ingredients because it nailed the formula long ago.
Regulars stop by after work, after games, and after school, making it a community hub.
In a world obsessed with the next big thing, The Stand reminds us that sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
Address: 11566 Reading Rd, Sharonville, OH
13. The Jug (Middletown)
The Jug in Middletown has been flipping burgers and ladling house chili since the mid-20th century, and the neighborhood wouldn’t dream of letting it change.
This old drive-in serves classic burgers topped with chili that’s been perfected over decades of trial and error.
The building looks like it could use a fresh coat of paint, but that’s part of the charm.
Burgers are juicy, messy, and absolutely worth the napkins you’ll go through.
The chili is rich, slightly spicy, and pairs perfectly with fries or a hot dog.
Locals have been coming here for generations, and many can tell you stories about their grandparents eating the same meal at the same spot.
The Jug doesn’t chase trends or update its menu based on social media feedback.
It sticks to what works, and what works is honest, delicious food served with care.
Middletown is proud of this place, and that pride shows in every bite.
Address: 3610 Central Ave, Middletown, OH