The 10 Best Burger Joints in Cleveland, Mapped
It's no secret that Cleveland is home to an incredible dining scene. It has long been a topic of conversation among publications like the Los Angeles Times and Thrillist, and while local haunts like Sokolowski's University Inn and new hot spots like Lola typically garner all of the attention, we'd like to give some love to the burgers.
In this city, there is no shortage of burger options. You can go simple at an old-school drive-in, or step it up a notch at a locavore eatery with a rooftop view. Either way, the beef is likely sourced from right here in Ohio, and the flavors mix together just right.
Next time you're smacked with a burger craving, check out these 10 incredible joints around town!
Heck's Cafe
2927 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland OR 35514 Detroit Road, Avon Heck's Cafe has two Cleveland locations — one in Ohio City and one in Avon. The Ohio City spot is tucked into a historic, 120-year-old townhouse with indoor garden seating, and the Avon restaurant features a new warehouse setting with an industrial feel. And although the atmosphere is second to none, locals flock here for the gourmet burgers and locally sourced fare. Keep it simple with the Heckburger, or take it up a notch with the Market Burger, which features braised short ribs, bearnaise sauce and arugula.Johnny's Little Bar
614 Frankfort Avenue, Cleveland Johnny's Little Bar is a secret spot tucked just around the corner from the more upscale Johnny's Downtown, and features a no-frills atmosphere, neon lights, a jukebox, and burgers worth bragging about. The restaurant veers away from bells and whistles, offering just the essentials on a half-pound burger with cheese alongside house-made chips.Burgers 2 Beer
1938 Euclid Avenue, #100, Cleveland and several other locations
Photo courtesy of Burgers 2 Beer
Burgers 2 Beer brings burgers to life with creative ingredients, adventurous recipes and delicious grass-fed beef. There are 26 different burger options on the menu, and each is more clever than the last. For instance, the Luther, one of the restaurant's most popular burgers, is served on a glazed donut and topped with bacon and cheese, and the Like Butta Baby is drizzled with truffle butter and topped with bacon, Cajun brie, crispy fried onion straws and caramelized balsamic onion jam. Are you hungry yet?B Spot
28699 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere and two other Cleveland Locations B Spot is owned by The Chew host and Iron Chef star Michael Symon, so you would naturally expect the burgers here to be at the top of their class — and you would be right. There is a lot of hype surrounding B Spot, which features bologna, brats, beer, bourbon and (of course) burgers! The award-winning Fat Doug features coleslaw, pastrami, swiss cheese and Cleveland's favorite Stadium Mustard. If that doesn't strike your fancy, there are 12 more to choose from, as well as a build-your-own option.Hot Dog Diner
5494 Pearl Road, Parma Don't let the name fool you — there's more than just dogs at the Hot Dog Diner! In fact, the pierogi burger is the reason we come back to this spot again and again. The perfectly seasoned burger comes topped with grilled onions, cheese and a full pierogi — all of which is stacked on a fluffy and lightly toasted bun. It truly is a little bite of heaven, and it rings in at an easy $4.99.Swensons
14510 Cedar Road, University Heights and seven other locations
Photo courtesy of Swensons
Swensons is actually known as basketball star LeBron James' favorite burger joint in town, and we're not surprised in the least. The old-school drive-in eatery serves a simple menu of burgers, fried dishes, sides and shakes, and although the venue doesn't take itself too seriously, the food is nothing to scoff at! Grab the Galley Boy, which is an award-winning double cheeseburger topped with two special sauces.Stevenson's Bar & Grill
800 E 200th Street, Cleveland This laid back, no-frills sports bar has long established itself as a neighborhood hangout. Locals might come for the cocktails, draft beer and multiple tvs screening current sporting events (go Cavs!), but we suspect the popularity comes from the burgers. The patties come single or stacked, and are topped with grilled onions, melted american cheese, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce — the usual suspects.The Greenhouse Tavern
2034 East 4th Street, Cleveland
Photo courtesy of the Greenhouse Tavern
The Greenhouse Tavern is conveniently located downtown right on the pedestrian strip, and is a fantastic place for an easy dinner or lunch at any time of day. The upscale spot boasts a gorgeous rooftop patio and inventive new American fare. We like to start our meal off with the foie gras and clam appetizer before moving onto the lamb burger, which features a luxe cheese fondue, champagne shallot mignonette and tangy yogurt sauce. Yum.Bar Cento
1948 West 25th Street, Cleveland Nestled in the heart of historic Ohio City, Bar Cento features a European-inspired menu focused on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. The Ohio Beef Burger features — you guessed it — local grass-fed beef! The patty is beautifully sandwiched in a warm griddled bun, and topped with caramelized onions, port salut cheese, lettuce and tomato. There isn't much to it, but with flavors this good, it's best to keep it simple.The Rail
400 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted and four other locations
Photo courtesy of The Rail
This local chain is all about supporting local. Everything from the beer to the burgers is sourced from right here in the state, and the staff celebrates the local community by hosting "beer school" classes in collaboration with local breweries at the restaurant. We're fans of the Local Yokel burger, which features Swiss cheese, local thick-cut bacon, and a fried local egg atop a 100% local beef burger and toasted bun. All menu items can be substituted with a veggie burger or chicken burger for no additional cost!How to Spend a Weekend in Ohio's Amish Country
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