This Ohio Burger Joint Is Not Easy To Find, But Their Double Cheeseburgers Make The Search Worth It
My GPS and I have had some dramatic moments, but few were as funny as the day it tried to convince me that a legendary burger joint in Akron was basically “somewhere over there.”
Bob’s Hamburg is the kind of place you do not casually discover while running errands, because it hides in plain sight on East Avenue like it is playing hard to get on purpose.
I drove past it, looped the block, and did that very dignified slow-roll stare that says, “Yes, I’m totally calm and not hunting a cheeseburger like it owes me money.”
Then I walked in, heard the sizzle, and understood why this tiny Ohio classic has been flipping patties since 1931.
If you have ever enjoyed a good food quest, this one delivers, because Bob’s Hamburg turns the search into part of the fun and the double cheeseburger into the payoff.
Finding Bob’s Hamburg at 1351 East Ave, Akron, OH 44307
Bob’s Hamburg sits at 1351 East Ave in Akron, Ohio, and I’ll be honest with you: finding this place feels like a treasure hunt. The exterior doesn’t exactly scream “best burgers in town.” In fact, several reviews mention it looks a couple notches below what you’d expect, which is part of its charm.
When I finally spotted the building after circling the block twice, I knew I’d found something special. The location has been serving Akron residents since 1931, which means this little spot has survived nearly a century of competition from flashy chain restaurants.
East Avenue isn’t the most glamorous street in Ohio, but that’s exactly why Bob’s Hamburg works. It’s authentic, unpretentious, and real.
Once you find it, you’ll never forget where it is.
The parking situation is manageable, though the place is so small that you might see a few cars waiting during peak lunch hours. I visited on a weekday afternoon and managed to snag a spot right away.
The Same Grill Since 1931
Walking into Bob’s Hamburg, the first thing that catches your eye is the grill. Not just any grill, but the same 12 x 18-inch cooking surface that’s been flipping burgers for more than 90 years.
I watched the grill chef work that tiny space like a maestro conducting an orchestra.
Every burger gets hand-formed from fresh ground beef right in front of you. There’s no pre-made patties here, no frozen discs pulled from a freezer.
The cook shapes each one with practiced hands, then sets it on that historic grill where it sizzles and pops.
Sitting at the counter, I had a front-row seat to the entire process. The grill has developed a seasoning over the decades that you simply cannot replicate in a newer kitchen.
That’s where the magic happens.
One customer told me his grandfather took him there in the 1970s, and they were cooking on that same grill back then. That kind of continuity is rare in today’s restaurant world.
The Double Cheeseburger That Makes It All Worthwhile
Let me tell you about the double cheeseburger that justifies every bit of effort it takes to find this place. Two hand-formed patties, cooked to juicy perfection, topped with melted cheese that pools and stretches with every bite.
Simple, classic, and absolutely phenomenal.
I ordered mine with everything, which means lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and their special sauce. The beef itself is the star here.
It’s flavorful, well-seasoned, and cooked in a way that keeps all the juices locked inside.
What struck me most was how the meat tasted like actual beef, not like a processed hockey puck. You can taste the quality and the care that goes into every burger.
The cheese melts perfectly over the hot patties, creating that classic cheeseburger pull we all crave.
One reviewer drove two and a half hours just to eat here, and after tasting this double cheeseburger, I completely understand why. It’s comfort food at its absolute finest.
The Tiniest Dining Room You’ll Ever Love
Bob’s Hamburg is not a big place. When I say tiny, I mean five booths and maybe ten counter stools.
That’s it. The entire dining room could fit inside most restaurant waiting areas.
But here’s the thing: that intimacy creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. I sat at the counter and chatted with other customers like we were all old friends.
The woman next to me was telling stories about coming here as a kid in the 1960s.
When I arrived, all the tables were occupied, so counter seating was my only option. Honestly, I’m glad that happened because watching the food prep from that vantage point was half the fun.
You’re close enough to hear the sizzle, smell the burgers cooking, and see every step of the process.
The tight quarters mean you might wait for a seat during busy times, but the turnover is fairly quick. Most people eat and move on, though some linger to soak in the atmosphere.
Fresh-Cut Fries That Taste Like Potatoes
Forget everything you know about frozen fries from a bag. Bob’s Hamburg cuts their fries fresh from real potatoes, and you can absolutely taste the difference.
They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and they actually taste like the vegetable they came from.
I watched them prepare my order, taking whole potatoes and running them through the cutter. Within minutes, those fresh-cut pieces were hitting the fryer.
The result is a side dish that’s leagues beyond what you’ll get at chain restaurants.
One reviewer mentioned they have vinegar available for the fries, which is a nice touch for those who like that tangy kick. I tried mine plain first to appreciate the potato flavor, then added a little salt.
The portion size is generous without being overwhelming. These fries complement the burger perfectly without making you feel stuffed.
Several customers specifically mentioned these as some of the best fries they’d ever had, and I have to agree.
Onion Rings Worth the Drive
This spot has developed a serious reputation for their onion rings, and after trying them myself, I understand the hype. These aren’t your typical frozen rings reheated in a deep fryer.
They’re thick-cut, hand-battered, and fried to golden perfection.
The batter has just the right amount of crunch without being too heavy or greasy. Inside, the onion stays tender and sweet, creating that perfect contrast of textures.
I counted at least 44 mentions of onion rings in customer reviews, which tells you something about how beloved they are.
Multiple people called them the best onion rings in town, and one regular customer said they’re a must-order every single visit. I split an order with my dining companion, and we both agreed these could be a meal on their own.
The rings come out hot and fresh, and you’ll want to eat them quickly while they’re still crispy. They pair beautifully with any of the burgers on the menu.
Milkshakes Made the Old-Fashioned Way
After demolishing my burger and fries, I still had room for one of Bob’s famous milkshakes. These aren’t the thin, watery shakes you get from fast-food chains.
These are thick, creamy, and made with real ice cream.
The menu offers classic flavors, and I went with chocolate for my first visit. The shake arrived in a tall glass, so thick I almost needed a spoon.
The flavor was rich and genuine, tasting like actual chocolate ice cream blended to perfection.
One reviewer raved about the peach shake, saying it was “ridiculously good.” Another customer specifically mentioned coming back just to try the shakes after skipping them on their first visit. With 30 mentions in customer reviews, these shakes clearly have a devoted following.
The house root beer is also worth mentioning, as several people praised it as a perfect accompaniment to the burgers. Whether you go for a shake or the root beer, you’re getting quality drinks made with care.
Breakfast Served All Day
Here’s something I didn’t expect: Bob’s Hamburg serves breakfast all day long. While most people come for the burgers, you can order breakfast items any time they’re open, from 11 AM until closing at 6 PM.
The breakfast menu features classic diner fare, though I’ll admit I was so focused on the burgers during my visit that I didn’t sample the morning offerings. Several reviewers mentioned breakfast specifically, with 22 mentions in customer feedback.
The fact that they serve breakfast all day shows the flexibility and customer-first attitude that’s kept this place running since 1931. Whether you’re craving eggs at 5 PM or a burger at noon, Bob’s has you covered.
The grill that cooks those amazing burgers also handles the breakfast orders, which means everything gets that same care and attention. I’m planning to return specifically to try their breakfast and see how it compares to the lunch offerings.
Based on everything else I experienced, I have high expectations.
The Staff That Keeps the Legacy Alive
Bob’s Hamburg wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible staff who work there. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed.
The server who took my order was friendly, efficient, and clearly proud of the place she represented.
Multiple reviews praised the staff specifically, mentioning how awesome, amicable, and conversational they were. The owner responses to reviews show a deep appreciation for the team, noting how they hold the Bob’s Hamburg legacy close to their hearts.
Watching the cook work the grill was like watching an artist. Every movement was deliberate and practiced.
The way he formed each burger by hand, placed it on the grill at just the right moment, and flipped it with perfect timing showed years of experience.
The staff creates an atmosphere where customers become part of the Bob’s family. I saw regulars come in and get greeted by name.
That kind of personal connection is increasingly rare in today’s restaurant industry, making it all the more special when you find it.
Stepping Back in Time
The decor hasn’t changed much since the place opened, and that’s exactly how it should be. The walls are covered with vintage memorabilia and photos that tell the story of this Ohio institution.
Several customers mentioned the themed decor and the authentic old-school diner vibe. One person said it’s like stepping back in time, and that’s the perfect description.
There’s nothing trendy or modern about Bob’s, and that’s its greatest strength.
The counter stools, the booths, even the cash register all feel like they’ve been there for decades. This isn’t manufactured nostalgia or a theme restaurant trying to recreate the past.
This is the real thing, preserved and maintained with obvious care.
I found myself looking around at the details, noticing the old signs on the walls and the vintage touches throughout. It’s a living museum of American diner culture, still serving the same kind of food that made it famous nearly a century ago.
Generations of Families Coming Home
One of the most touching aspects of Bob’s Hamburg is the multi-generational loyalty it inspires. During my visit, I heard countless stories of grandparents bringing grandchildren, parents recreating their own childhood memories, and families making Bob’s a tradition.
One customer wrote about his 90-year-old parents going on dates there during high school. Another mentioned his grandfather taking him in the 1970s.
The owner responses frequently express joy about hearing these family stories, noting how much they love when generations share the Bob’s experience.
I sat next to a man who was introducing his teenage son to Bob’s for the first time, the same way his father had introduced him decades earlier. That continuity, that passing down of tradition, is increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.
This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a touchstone for families, a place where memories are made and then recreated with the next generation.
That kind of emotional connection can’t be manufactured or faked.
Worth Every Mile of the Journey
People drive ridiculous distances to eat at Bob’s Hamburg, and after experiencing it myself, I completely understand why. One reviewer drove two and a half hours each way.
Another came from Austintown, an hour away, and said he’d gladly make that drive again.
Road trippers specifically seek out Bob’s when passing through Ohio, looking for non-chain restaurants that offer something authentic. The location might not be convenient for everyone, and the hours are limited (closed Sunday and Monday, open 11 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Saturday), but that doesn’t stop devoted fans.
I’ve eaten at hundreds of burger places across the country, and Bob’s ranks among the very best. The combination of quality ingredients, time-honored cooking methods, genuine hospitality, and unbeatable atmosphere creates something truly special.
The search might take some effort. You might drive past it once or twice.
You might have to wait for a seat. But that first bite of a Bob’s Hamburg double cheeseburger makes every single bit of effort worthwhile.
Trust me on this one.