Look, everyone loves a great burger. And, there are so many types of burgers in Cleveland that there’s something for everyone. Whether its your traditional cheeseburger or hamburger from old school drive-ins and taverns to Certified Angus Beef from fancy joints, the Land is really a burger haven. Here are 20 of our favorites.
Look, everyone loves a great burger. And, there are so many types of burgers in Cleveland that there’s something for everyone. Whether its your traditional cheeseburger or hamburger from old school drive-ins and taverns to Certified Angus Beef from fancy joints, the Land is really a burger haven. Here are 19 of our favorites.
Swensons
Various Locations
For a proper drive-in dining experience, Swensons is the place. Locals have been scarfing down Swensons’ no-frills fare since 1934, including the house special Galley Boy. There are now four locations in the Cleveland suburbs, so you don’t have to make the trek out to Akron.
Photo via @SwensonsDriveIn/InstagramTremont Tap House
2572 Scranton Rd., Cleveland
In the spirit of the region’s finest neighborhood taverns, the Tap House serves its neighbors well with boldly flavored, cleverly packaged and downright affordable American fare. Entrees like grilled hanger steak are proof that this is no pub-grub pub. The beer list, with 24 taps and 50+ bottles is easily among city’s top five. Late-night food and a fun patio make this neighborhood joint one of our favorites.
Photo via @TremontTaphouse/InstagramTown Hall
1909 West 25th St., Cleveland
The popular West 25th bar and restaurant, which recently announced plans to open in Columbus’s’ Short North neighborhood, has been the place to see and be seen ever since it opened in 2013. TownHall’s menu may be dominated by relatively healthy options, but they also offer burgers. And while they do offer lamb and veggie burgers, a traditional grass-fed, organic cheeseburger is also available — and it’s delicious.
Photo via Scene ArchivesHeck’s Cafe
2927 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
If you’re on a search for the best burgers in town, Heck’s is surely not to be overlooked, as they’ve been serving up burgers since 1974. If you can handle the spice, the Hot Fire Burger is the way to go. Don’t forget an order of Heck’s Fries, topped with salt and pepper and a side of malt vinegar aioli.
Photo via Scene ArchivesPayne Cafe
3528 Payne Ave., Cleveland
You can find this dive in Asia Town, but there’s no lo mein or dumplings on the menu. Payne’s Ruby Burger, whose namesake owns and operates the bar, has received national attention; for five dollars, you get a palatial burger heaped with cheese, tomato, lettuce, ham, bacon and a slew of condiments — totally worth the trip.
Photo via Scene ArchivesNano Brew
1859 West 25th St., Cleveland
In 2013, Thrillist named this local brewery’s burger as one of the best 33 burgers in America. Pair one of Nano Brew’s award-winning burgers (or sliders) with any of their 24 draft beers — they’ve got you covered until 2:30 a.m.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesJohnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland
Right around the corner from the popular Warehouse district white tablecloth Italian joint Johnny’s, you’ll find Johnny’s Little Bar, an iconic Cleveland spot. The bar boasts a “world famous” burger, giving the traditional Italian menu at the main restaurant a run for its money.
Photo via Scene ArchivesHerb’s Tavern
19925 Detroit Ave., Rocky River
Run out of a building from the 1930s, Herb’s is a rustic Rocky River gem dishing out what Scene has previously deemed “The Best Burger in Town.”
Photo via @Herbs_Tavern/InstagramEDWINS Leadership & Restauarnt
13101 Shaker Square., Cleveland
With good food and a good cause behind it, this fine-dining French bistro trains once-incarcerated adults in the arts of cooking and hospitality, providing them with experience for future job opportunities. And this tableside-made burger is everything.
Photo via Scene ArchivesDynomite Burgers
1302 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Local star chef Zack Bruell had such good burgers at all of his restaurants that he decided to put them all in one place. In a large hut right by Playhouse Square, you can try the Chinato, L’Albatros, Parallax and Cowell and Hubbard burgers, in addition to the Big Zack Burger and the house Dynomite.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBrown Bag Burgers
25853 Brookpark Rd., North Olmsted
“I have had a lot of hamburgers during the course of this college trip week. But definitely, Brown Bag tops them all. The bread is sweet and the quality is superior. The bread is “dried” not soaked in the grease coming out of the hamburger. A bun where you can actually spread your favorite toppings, unlike other places I reserve to mention. The place is a typical fast food but serving atypical fast food quality. The shakes were dense with real ice cream, highly recommended,” Jose H. on Yelp
Photo via @BrownBagBurgers/InstagramBearden’s
19985 Lake Rd., Rocky River
Bearden’s has been around a long time — in fact, it says it right in their slogan, “Always fresh, never frozen, original recipe since 1948” — so you know their burgers (with optional and recommended chili topping) have been completely perfected. And it looks like you’re in 1948 inside – in a good, nostalgic way!
Photo via Bearden’s Rocky River/FacebookCabin Club
30651 Detroit Rd., Westlake
When you go to a nice steakhouse like Cabin Club, it’s hard to steer away from a juicy steak, but trust us, it’s worth it to steer towards the burger here. Topped with baby swiss cheese, sauteed mushrooms and pickles, and served on a brioche bun, you won’t be disappointed.
Photo via Scene Archives
