5 Best Burger Spots in Akron that Locals Rave About

Akron’s food scene is low‑key strong, and burgers are one of the things it consistently does well. From classic drive‑ins to beer‑centric burger bars, these five spots are the ones locals bring up when you’re craving a serious burger.

1. Swenson’s Drive‑In

Swenson’s is basically Akron burger royalty. It’s an old‑school drive‑in where carhops still run food out to your vehicle, and the signature burger, the Galley Boy, has die‑hard fans.

The Galley Boy is a double cheeseburger with two secret sauces (one sweet, one tangy) on a toasted bun with an olive speared on top. The patties are thin but juicy, with a slightly caramelized exterior. Add in crispy onion rings or potato teezers and a milkshake and you’ve got the core “Akron burger” experience.

2. The Rail

The Rail focuses on Ohio‑sourced beef and beer, and feels like a modern, slightly upscale burger bar—wood, metal, and a big tap list.

Burgers lean creative: think blue cheese and caramelized onions, bacon jam, fried eggs, spicy aioli, and more. The “Local Yokel” (with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg) and whatever is on their seasonal menu always get love from regulars. Patties are thick enough to stay pink in the middle but seared properly on the outside.

3. Diamond Grille (for the bar burger)

Diamond Grille is primarily a classic steakhouse, but locals in the know swear by the burger at the bar. It’s less publicized than the steaks, but the quality of the beef shows.

You usually get a thick, juicy patty cooked to order, with simple toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a toasted bun. It’s that old‑school “steakhouse burger” vibe—nothing crazy, just excellent meat and execution, often with a side of fries and a stiff drink.

4. Louie’s Bar & Grille

Louie’s feels like a neighborhood sports bar, but the burger menu is surprisingly deep. It’s a casual place to watch a game, grab a beer, and dig into a hefty burger.

They do everything from classic cheeseburgers to more loaded versions with mushrooms, Swiss, bacon, barbecue sauce, jalapeños, and onion rings. Patties are substantial, buns hold up well, and the curly fries or onion straws make it a full gut‑buster of a meal.

5. Cult Kitchen / Chowder House–style Gastropub Burgers (Akron area)

Akron’s growing number of chef‑driven pubs and bistros often hide excellent burgers on their menus. Places like Cult Kitchen and similar chef‑y spots will often feature a single, carefully done burger: high‑quality beef, brioche bun, sharp cheese, maybe bacon, house pickles, and a special sauce.

Locals who are into the food scene will tell you to keep an eye on daily specials at these spots—the “house burger” is almost always a sleeper hit, and often one of the best in town despite not being the main focus.