Where to Find the 19 Best Burgers in Cleveland

By Scene Staff on Sun, Oct 28, 2018 at 4:37 pm

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.

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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/Instagram

Tremont 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. And their burgers, like their green chili burger, topped with pepper jack cheese, crispy shallots and jalapeno aioli, is *chef’s kiss*, mwah.

Photo via @TremontTaphouse/Instagram

Town 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 Archives

Heck’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 Archives

Payne 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 Archives

Nano 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

Johnny’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 Archives

Herb’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/Instagram

EDWINS 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 Archives

Dynomite 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 Archives