Just adding another 5 star for this place. If I ever left the Akron area this is what I would miss the most. Galley boy, fries, and a 16-ounce California every time I go. One of the best meals I can think of.
(5)
David H.
This place is awesome. The prices are about half what you pay at a chain restaurant, and the burgers are twice as good.
(5)
Tom C.
Best hamburgers and sides anywhere. Great service and value for the price. Highly recommend
(5)
Kari F.
Galley Boy + Zucchini Sticks + Chocolate Malt = Happiness.
(5)
Danny P.
Okay, I think I've found what sets Akron, or for that matter, Ohio apart from other towns is the fast food. They have a lot of it here...saw Steak n Shake..first one ever outside of Texas. But Swensons...est. 1934...in Akron(Their history on their website is the absolute worst I've ever seen. They just assume everyone knows where Hawkins Ave. is(It's in Akron)). Swensons is sworn by every Akronite I've met. I tried Skyway...and was truly impressed, and with Swensons...just as impressed. I had a feast I tell ya....especially after a strenuous spin class at Southside Gym. I had the highly recommended Galley Boy, Onion Rings, and Cheese Puffs(aka. tater tots). The onion rings are what Burger Kings wishes...consistently crispy and full of edible onion...not that cheap onion where you bite into it, and it slides out of the ring shaped fried crust. Possibly the best onion rings I've ever had. Tater tots...just like Sonics...so whatever. The burger...is one hell of a unique burger. It's a double cheese burger, and the sauce is a cross of barbque, relished, tangy ketchup sauce. Very little ketchup but that's what really sets this Akron institution apart. Quite an extensive milk shake menu too. If you're in Akron, you definitely need to stop by. Smokes the white castle cheeseburgers I had yesterday by a million miles!
(4)
Laura R.
Amazing. Amazing. Chocolate peanut butter milkshakes are delicious. Burgers are top notch. Best restaurant for a quick bite and nostalgia if you're good letting your waste line suffer for the day. And the service is great.. Kids run so fast and always get the orders perfect. Love! Bring all my out of town guests here.
(5)
Vincent M.
Save yourself some time and grab a bite to eat at Steak 'N Shake across the street.
(2)
Kevin Alexander M.
Tips to a mind blowing meal at swensons. 1. Order a Galley Boy 2. Order the potato teasers with ranch to dip 3. Order a large California grape drink to wash it down. 4. Consume and experience nirvana ...Lebron James brought this burger on the letterman show for a reason. If its good enough for arguably the best basketball player in the world (traitor or not) then its good for you too. I get the same 3 things listed above every time and will continue to do so for a very, very, long time. (They also do doggie burgers if you bring a furry friend with you)
(5)
Dustin S.
Well, I am in Akron as I type this for business. I live a little ways away (45 to 50 mins away). When I travel out of my immediate area I like to dine on places that are unique to that city, and I came across Swensons last night. I pulled in with my family, and immediately saw that the experience was going to be different when the waiters were booking it from car to car in their uniforms. One of the waiters came up to me and asked me what I was interested in trying (and since I never been here) I asked for a menu. To signal I was ready I was supposed to turn my car in the opposite direction. I was intrigued at this point to the whole being waited on in your car vibe that seems to be a nostalgia of a different time in America. I was amazed that these guys were running so fast in the heat, and was very impressed at their speed to boot. Now I ordered the Salad Boy with everything, my fiance' ordered a Cheeseburger with everything, and a couple cheese burgers with everything for my daughters. The drinks were 3 lemonades and a pineapple shake. We got our order in a descent amount of time (not McDonald's fast, but if you want burgers that taste like cardboard then go to McDonald's then). The burgers my fiance and daughters ordered were delicious, and my daughter tore it apart in a hurry. My fiance said that her burger was moist and delicious.....BUT when I bit into my Salad Boy I honestly lit up with amazement at the flavors I experienced on this burger. I can't put my finger on the sauces they use, but I think it could have barbeque and Mayo somewhere in there..... When my fiance tried a bite of mine we were settled that we were going to be getting it again, and we did get it again today; except this time she ordered a Salad Boy as well. We got fries this time, and they were plump and hot off the fryer. The only bad experience I had was that I can't eat here regularly, because I live 45 mins away from here. Akron had better be aware of how lucky they are to have this slice of Americana in their back yard.
(5)
Kit L.
What can you say about the number 1 burger place. New trendy burger places come and go. Swenson has stayed the test of time. How many places can say they have served 4 generation. You got your license Swenson was one of the places you headed to. I recommended everything on the menu.
(5)
Anthony R.
THEY RUN OUT TO YOUR CAR. Not a jog...a SPRINT. Got the olive-garnished galley boy...squirting full of sauce. Patties are small, bun looks like it got punched in the face and the fries are crisp and greasy. Overall good, although my dining partner insists they've lost their magic. For me it was classic america.
(4)
Steve C.
Quite simply AMAZING! Order a Galley Boy, eat and repeat! Service is great! Burgers are the best. This is an Ohio treat that my Ohio family that I married into kept from me for 23 years. I can't wait to return!
(5)
Captain E. O.
Meh. It's local McDonald's food. Nothing special. It's cheap and a local business. Nothing else. Those who rave for it only live here in small town mentality-land, and have not experienced anything else.
(3)
Kelly D.
Any burger - any food for that matter - that causes me to get a look of shock on my face followed by an "Oh. My. God." after my first bite gets five stars. Period. I was driving through the Akron area and found Swenson's on Yelp. I was skeptical because I'm not a diehard burger fan, but I've learned to respect the Yelpers. So...I got the Galley Boy and the onion rings. Like the other reviewers said, right when I pulled up a kid sprinted - SPRINTED - to my car to take my order. Then he sprinted back inside. All of the staff - teens - were sprinting here and there. No strolling around or texting or chatting. Since going to this place a month ago I have started adopting a vegan diet. But at the risk of being judged by fellow vegans, I have to admit, if I'm near Akron? I'm getting a Galley Boy.
(5)
Stephen R.
really good burgers good milkshakes. Stay away from the onion rings the nasty. Reminds me of Burger Kings. Only if they had hand breaded onion rings they be really good.. Too much crunch nana onion
(3)
Chris S.
This is just a great family and friend hang out. The food is amazing and very reasonable. My family and I after a baseball tournament went and we loved the way the staff run to your call every time you want to Order. The shakes rock and the specialty burger was spot on. My wife loves the fried Bologna sandwich.
(5)
Chris B.
Great burgers at good prices with exceptional service. What more can you ask for? A northeast Ohio institution, Swenson's is the epitome of the classic American drive-in. Pull up, turn on your lights and a car hop will run (yes, run!) to your door within seconds. Try the Gallery Boy (with two different special sauces) and zucchini fries. Doesn't get any better!
(5)
Carlos E.
For the love of God, don't order the scissors. I had to try this place after the rave reviews it received from, well everyone. I have to say I was not disappointed. Every state has a chain burger joint it claims is the best. While Swensons isn't my all time fav, it certainly is quality My first visit I had the galley boy, all the way. To give you an idea, it's like a chili dog had an affair with a cheese burger and you get to eat their offspring. Maybe I'm crazy talking about eating burger babies, but man it was delicious. It gets the unique flavor from a BBQ like sauce they generously apply. Couple that with made to order fries and onion rings, son you have yourself one tasty triple bypass. You will find yourself thinking about Swensons hours after eating. It may be the acid reflux, it may be BBQ hamburdog onion burps. In either case... BAM, you've been Swensoned!
(4)
Eric Y.
This Akron icon did not disappoint. You pull up and someone is there even before you put in in park. You order and go or order and eat, all in the parking lot. Headlights on - gets you a server. Fast. These kids sprint to your car. I accidentally turned my lights on a couple of times and whoosh, some kid is racing out to the car. Food comes out on tray that clips to the inside of the door.. So this place is famous for the Galley Boy burger - they claim it to be America's best cheeseburger. Had to try it. It's two patties, yellow cheese, and two kinds of sauce. A BBQ sauce is on the bottom and a mayonnaisey-sweet pickle relish sauce is on the top. It's all placed on fresh toasted brioche bun. This burger is all about the sauce. There's sauce oozing into and out of every nook and cranny of this thing. I'm like, "where's the beef?" That being said, it is a tasty mess. For about $3, there's money left in my wallet for a Lipitor. Is it America's best? No. Worth trying? You bet. This place has some other old-school stuff too ... Fried bologna sandwich! I thought people only made that at home. Shakes, malts - 18 flavors! Phosphates - sound bad for you but actually it's just old tyme word for soda. We need more places like this - quirky and full of local flavor!
(4)
Hank's Dad R.
I hadn't been to a Swensons in over ten years until yesterday, and am glad to see it has changed little. Comparing Swensons to the big three hamburger chains isn't fair, as Swensons is genuinely good food versus the processed garbage the chains try to pass off as food. In particular we loved the onion rings and milkshakes. And it's a delight to watch the car hops work! These kids very literally run in getting to the cars, at times competing to see who gets there first. It's wonderful to see how management finds kids with such excellent work ethics.
(4)
Michelle C.
Do you like In 'N Out? Do you like Shake Shack? Then you will LOVE Swensons! Again. This chain needs to take over the world. Better than In 'n Out (king of the west coast) and better than Shake Shack (king of the east coast). Swenson's should spread its love to both coasts. They are missing out. Galley boy + potato teezers + milkshake
(5)
Liz R.
Swensons is the kind of place where locals wax historical poetic, and an outsider like me thinks it's 'good'. I went with the Galley Boy, some onion rings and a chocolate peanut butter shake. All 'good'. The burger had two sauces - neither sauce was woohoo to me.
(3)
Rick M.
It's Swensons! Galley Boy, Onion Rings, Hot Fudge Shake! Brought right to your car. It doesn't get any better!
(5)
Patrick P.
Wow! I got exactly what Kevin suggested. The potato teasers were pretty rich but good. The burger tho, oh my! Not sure I can ever eat another burger again as it won't compare.
(5)
Jeff D.
There is a reason that there is a consistent 5 star rating here. THIS PLACE ROCKS! Swensons offers everything that you could want in a drive-in experience. For one the food is delicious. My order consisted of a Gallery Boy (cheeseburger with 2 special sauces), onion rings (Oh my God), and a peanut butter milkshake. Everything was delicious, especially the onion rings. Their prices are very reasonable-I think I paid $8 for everything. However, one of the best things about this experience were the servers. As soon as I pulled up, they were out there asking me what I wanted to eat. They were quick to bring the food and quick to bring the check. Well done Swesons. You have earned your five stars.
(5)
Jillian M.
ALWAYS AMAZING! Staff is always friendly! I think I may go get some today!
(5)
Craig L.
Swenson's has the best fast food burger I have ever had. The Galley Boy is a flavor fiesta in your mouth which I imagine gives a high similar to hard drugs. Actually, there very well may be cocaine in the burgers because after I have one I experience pure ecstasy. Or is that X? Drug lingo aside, the Galley Boy is the shit. With its two secret sauces melding magically in a myriad of masterful ways. My order every single time. 2 Galley Boys Onion Rings California (a Grape drink) No joke. I quite literally took a road trip up to Akron from Columbus while I was in college for the Sole Purpose of getting Swenson's burgers. It really is that good!
(5)
Nicole Y.
Something is addictive about the slight sweetness of their burgers and the gooey velveeta cheese; it's just amazing!! And everything is cooked to order so the food is always fresh, unlike most fast food. And sitting in your car takes me back to being a kid, going to A&W Root beer drive ins.
(5)
Steve H.
This place has been around for 80 years now. Its the best in the city. Drive-in, car hops (that still run!) And great food. Kevin makes great suggestions but you can't go wrong with anything you order. I would suggest a double cheeseburger (MKOLETMAYO) with French fries (crispy) and a milkshake! Favorite place in the world! YUM!
(5)
Cassandra S.
Great service! Delicious food! This was our first time here passing by and we enjoyed it! Quality food for take out and the steak was delicious! The choice of different flavors for milkshakes is fantastic! Def one of my first choices if heading for some take out food! Great knowing our first time was here at one of the first places this chain opened up at! Here, you pull up in your car, flick your lights on and the waiters come running to your car to take your order and you have the choice between eating in your car with a tray or take away, I was surprised a place like this existed. Great job to the boys who run around serving, for their quick service and never to be seen walking when taking orders! Keep up the great work! :) proud to see young people with this work ethic!
(5)
Jeanne G.
I moved from Ohio years ago and this is always my first stop when I come home. I like to think of this as the "In-n-Out" of Ohio. The Galleyboy was just as I remembered!
(4)
Nick M.
The only thing good here is the Florida.. The cheeseburgers are crap... Wish there was a in-n-out over here :(
(1)
Brad B.
Great, fast, and delicious drive in! The car attendants still run to the cars and extremely attentive!
(5)
Erin W.
An Akron classic. From here or not, you will most likely love it! You can never go wrong with their award-winning Galley Boy- I'm usually picky when it comes to burgers but I love this burger! They have an array of different milkshake flavors- all of which are superb as well. Overall, if you're looking for a classic burger and milkshake meal, I recommend Swenson's!
(5)
Kevin S.
If you've visited The Rubber City, or stayed with friends, or lived there, or were born with tire treads instead of finger prints, you know about Swenson's, and you know about Skyway. There are only two possibilities, for your drive-in burger, fry, onion ring and shake addiction, and, usually by birth, you already know where you stand. "Dad, could we go to..." It was either Swenson's. OR... it was Skyway. Nobody, and I really do mean nobody, said, "Hey, instead of Skyway, let's give Swenson's a try tonight, huh?" You would be drawn, quartered, and forced to sing the Michigan fight song, while slathered in Aqua-Velva and left to fend for yourself at a picnic table outside a Lawson's store. So, I was born into a Skyway family. That was it, you didn't have a choice. Then, that Galley Boy popped up out of the alley, whispering, "Here. Taste this... the first one's free... come on. TRUST me..." It was all over. The hook was set, the line tightened, and the only thing left was the carhop reeling me in, ready for my weekly Galley Boy, bowl of chili, tall cola. Damn. I just ate there about four hours ago, and if not for the snow, I'd drive right back there now. (I nearly took a star off for the unbelieveably feng-shui-challenged location of this place. It looks like they lost the lottery when the retail space was doled out in the Great Montrose Money-Sucking Strip Mall Megachurch From Hell. They at least have a few pine trees in the parking lot, but it is pretty damned awful. I don't think that's really Swenson's fault, so I left all five stars.) (I had to update this review: Wax bags. They hand you your "to-go" food in WAXED bags. How perfect is that, on a scale of one to PERFECT? When was the last time anyone handed you food in waxed paper? Were you listening to the latest hit from Frankie and Annette? Were you helping your Dad dig the Cold War bunker? Dig that waxed bag. That's just so, so... SwenSATIONal.)
(5)
Bill S.
Heard that if you are in town, that you just HAVE to try Swensons. Have the Galley Burger which was good as were the fries. Also tried the Chocolate shake which was not very good. Service friendly, fast and entertaining - overall a fun place to try, but didn't blow me away.
(3)
Roger G.
If you haven't tried their Ribeye Sandwich, you HAVE to. We already know they have awesome burgers. I really can't think of anything I've had there that wasn't AWESOME! Oh, and don't get me started on the milkshakes...
(5)
Brian H.
Great burgers...skip the fries and get a shake instead.
(5)
Elizabeth W.
The best burgers pretty much anywhere for a great price! The galley boy is to die for!
(5)
Kenny Y.
I found myself in Akron the other day, and of course, every time I visit a new city, I do a quick yelp search for restaurants. So I search for Akron. Restaurants. Highest Rated. #1... Swensons Drive In? What? A burger place? I'll pass. #2. Some Mexican place. #3. Swensons Drive In. Eh? I'd have to say, my fellow yelpers are correct about this place. You park your car and turn on your lights, and the servers run over and take your order. I had the Galley Boy with onions, the fried mushrooms, and the Florida (orange juice and ginger ale). Came out to 6 bucks. Tasted fantastic. It's all in the sauce. I've been to Five Guys and B-Spot. This blows them both out of the water. Oh, and this doesn't mean anything to me, but my girlfriend, a SoCal native, told me that it tasted like In-N-Out Burger. I think that's good? So If you're ever in the area, check it out. It's worth the trip.
(5)
Bradley D.
First impressions: the waiters literally sprinting from car to car was simultaneously hilarious and unsettling. The food is a good deal for the amount you get, but pretty typical tasting for drive-in food. It was unanimous almost us, though, that the shakes were pretty tasty. Service: ***** (although it made us nervous) Food (quality): *** Food (quantity): **** Shakes: ****
(4)
Aaron L.
Galley boy, potatoe teasers w/ ranch, and an extra large Strawberry Mt. Dew or peanut butter shake, you're welcome.
(5)
Crystal S.
Hops are attentive and run. Galley Boy is the best burger I have tasted. Shakes are delicious. Love it.
(5)
Jeremy B.
I am an Akron native, now in Cincinnati, and am so blessed at how much better the food is here. But there is one place that I miss, because it simply has no rival down here, and it is Swenson's. I have been known to make the twenty minute drive from home to Swenson's just for their burger, and it's without hesitation. Their burgers overall are amazing, but if it's your first time, you have to get their signature galley boy. It's two patties with two sauces(a barbecue-ish sauce and a tarter-ish sauce) and the combo is killer. I like to get that and potato teasers(poppers, basically) and a grape milkshake. Their shakes are fantastic, but I can't get past the grape one. I did try a mint-chocolate one last time though and it rocked my world. I unfortunately will be even further from Akron when I go to Spain, therefore unable to eat Swenson's, and I will honestly miss this place whenever I want a burger.
(5)
Emily F.
Awesome food, excellent service, great prices. Try Galley Boy burger, fish sandwich, and vanilla shake. Shake was thick and delish!
(5)
Bryan V.
So this is an Akron tradition, thus I had to try. Maybe the build-up was too much, but I wasn't overly impressed with the burgers. They were greasy, but a significant upgrade over normal fast food. However, I don't tend to eat fast food, so I was comparing to other restaurants known for their burgers and swensons just doesn't measure up. If I was in a rush, I'd eat it again. But I'm not going out of my way to get swensons despite the pleas from the masses in Akron that claim these are the best burgers ever.
(3)
Hannah B.
I am now a fan of Swensons. I ordered a Salad Boy, which is a veggie burger. It was absolutely amazing. I also had a peanut butter milkshake. It was extremely enjoyable. I will definitely be going back to Swensons.
(4)
Zach B.
You gotta get the Galley Boy! Their shakes and onion rings are great too! Fast service right to your car!
(5)
Colin M.
Swenson's, My rose in a world of pachysandra. The virgin in line at the abortion clinic. The sweetest brown sugared meat ever to slide between two buttered buns, You are my calling. Swenson's, How is your cheese so melty? Your shakes so thick, Your rings so crisp, And your teezers but a suckle of heaven's starch. Swenson's, Your servers so bronzed and handsome, Inexplicably eager to serve me, Not that I'm complaining. Hot damn, you complete me. Swenson's, You've been so good to me. Never chained out of Northeast Ohio, Never selling out, Like a good punk band, but fatty and delicious. Swenson's, Born and raised in your tradition, I am your Galley Boy. Swenson's, I'm holding out for you. You've got my first name and phone number. MENU: swensonsdriveins.com/men…
(5)
William T.
Living in LA now...and everytime I come home I just have to go to Swensons! It's still has the best burgers anywhere. Double cheeseburger with everything + fried mushrooms all the way!
(4)
E O.
I was raised on Swensons as was my father before me. His father before him was raised on brisket, but that's besides the point. I can say the Swensons has the best fried burgers in Akron and perhaps all of Ohio. I say fried because these are not thick, beefy, pink-in-the-middle patties, but the burgers of the fast food eateries of yore. If you're not familiar with the small Swenson chain be aware that they are drive-ins, meaning that you sit in your car and the staff comes to you as alerted by your headlights ablaze. Naturally this system has caused some confusion in these days of daytime running lights. But the service does not wane. A double cheeseburger, fries, and a california to drink. Thank you.
(5)
Chris A.
This place is awesome. I'm here in Akron on a business trip from California. Comparisons between Swensons and In N' Out really aren't fair, as the food is very different and therefore not really comparable. I went for a galley boy burger, potato puffs (tater tots), and a seasonal special pumpkin shake. The burger was 2 patties, cheese, and "special sauce" that tasted like a sweeter, milder version of barbeque sauce with sweet relish mixed in. The burger had a unique taste that I can't really compare to any other burger that I've had, but it was certainly tasty. The tater tots were just standard tots, which is a good thing. The shake was very thick and had a great pumpkin pie flavor. I am going to be here in Akron for another week and will definitely try to go to Swensons at least one more time. For Swensons rookies, here's the procedure. Pull up into any available building-adjacent parking spot, and turn your headlights on. This lets the carhops know that you are awaiting service. When one of them comes to your window, ask for a menu, then turn your lights off. When you've made your selections, turn your lights back on and they'll come right back to take your order. You can choose to eat your food there (but you have to eat in your car) or take it to go. I assume that if you eat it there, they give you a tray or something. I took mine to go. I would estimate that the food took about 5 minutes to come out, and it was served in wax paper bags. Overall, I have nothing to complain about whatsoever. The food was great, the car-side service was great, and the price was great. In California everything costs more, but I paid $7.70 for a burger, tots, and a shake, and that's just stupid cheap.
(5)
Bridget K.
Like many of the other reviews the Galley Boy is one of the best burgers ever. I consider my brother to be very knowledgeable about burgers. The Galley Boy holds top rank in his book. The Salad Boy is the vegetarian equivalent. It ranks high in my family since we have 3 vegetarians. I follow my Galley Boy up with onion rings which are good along with a California(purple pop and sprite). It's definitely work the trip!
(5)
Saimah H.
These burgers are phenomenal! The Galley Boy just melts in your mouth, and paired with the potato teasers and a milkshake it is like heaven on Earth.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : Yes Caters : No
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
Adam E.
Just adding another 5 star for this place. If I ever left the Akron area this is what I would miss the most. Galley boy, fries, and a 16-ounce California every time I go. One of the best meals I can think of.
(5)David H.
This place is awesome. The prices are about half what you pay at a chain restaurant, and the burgers are twice as good.
(5)Tom C.
Best hamburgers and sides anywhere. Great service and value for the price. Highly recommend
(5)Kari F.
Galley Boy + Zucchini Sticks + Chocolate Malt = Happiness.
(5)Danny P.
Okay, I think I've found what sets Akron, or for that matter, Ohio apart from other towns is the fast food. They have a lot of it here...saw Steak n Shake..first one ever outside of Texas. But Swensons...est. 1934...in Akron(Their history on their website is the absolute worst I've ever seen. They just assume everyone knows where Hawkins Ave. is(It's in Akron)). Swensons is sworn by every Akronite I've met. I tried Skyway...and was truly impressed, and with Swensons...just as impressed. I had a feast I tell ya....especially after a strenuous spin class at Southside Gym. I had the highly recommended Galley Boy, Onion Rings, and Cheese Puffs(aka. tater tots). The onion rings are what Burger Kings wishes...consistently crispy and full of edible onion...not that cheap onion where you bite into it, and it slides out of the ring shaped fried crust. Possibly the best onion rings I've ever had. Tater tots...just like Sonics...so whatever. The burger...is one hell of a unique burger. It's a double cheese burger, and the sauce is a cross of barbque, relished, tangy ketchup sauce. Very little ketchup but that's what really sets this Akron institution apart. Quite an extensive milk shake menu too. If you're in Akron, you definitely need to stop by. Smokes the white castle cheeseburgers I had yesterday by a million miles!
(4)Laura R.
Amazing. Amazing. Chocolate peanut butter milkshakes are delicious. Burgers are top notch. Best restaurant for a quick bite and nostalgia if you're good letting your waste line suffer for the day. And the service is great.. Kids run so fast and always get the orders perfect. Love! Bring all my out of town guests here.
(5)Vincent M.
Save yourself some time and grab a bite to eat at Steak 'N Shake across the street.
(2)Kevin Alexander M.
Tips to a mind blowing meal at swensons. 1. Order a Galley Boy 2. Order the potato teasers with ranch to dip 3. Order a large California grape drink to wash it down. 4. Consume and experience nirvana ...Lebron James brought this burger on the letterman show for a reason. If its good enough for arguably the best basketball player in the world (traitor or not) then its good for you too. I get the same 3 things listed above every time and will continue to do so for a very, very, long time. (They also do doggie burgers if you bring a furry friend with you)
(5)Dustin S.
Well, I am in Akron as I type this for business. I live a little ways away (45 to 50 mins away). When I travel out of my immediate area I like to dine on places that are unique to that city, and I came across Swensons last night. I pulled in with my family, and immediately saw that the experience was going to be different when the waiters were booking it from car to car in their uniforms. One of the waiters came up to me and asked me what I was interested in trying (and since I never been here) I asked for a menu. To signal I was ready I was supposed to turn my car in the opposite direction. I was intrigued at this point to the whole being waited on in your car vibe that seems to be a nostalgia of a different time in America. I was amazed that these guys were running so fast in the heat, and was very impressed at their speed to boot. Now I ordered the Salad Boy with everything, my fiance' ordered a Cheeseburger with everything, and a couple cheese burgers with everything for my daughters. The drinks were 3 lemonades and a pineapple shake. We got our order in a descent amount of time (not McDonald's fast, but if you want burgers that taste like cardboard then go to McDonald's then). The burgers my fiance and daughters ordered were delicious, and my daughter tore it apart in a hurry. My fiance said that her burger was moist and delicious.....BUT when I bit into my Salad Boy I honestly lit up with amazement at the flavors I experienced on this burger. I can't put my finger on the sauces they use, but I think it could have barbeque and Mayo somewhere in there..... When my fiance tried a bite of mine we were settled that we were going to be getting it again, and we did get it again today; except this time she ordered a Salad Boy as well. We got fries this time, and they were plump and hot off the fryer. The only bad experience I had was that I can't eat here regularly, because I live 45 mins away from here. Akron had better be aware of how lucky they are to have this slice of Americana in their back yard.
(5)Kit L.
What can you say about the number 1 burger place. New trendy burger places come and go. Swenson has stayed the test of time. How many places can say they have served 4 generation. You got your license Swenson was one of the places you headed to. I recommended everything on the menu.
(5)Anthony R.
THEY RUN OUT TO YOUR CAR. Not a jog...a SPRINT. Got the olive-garnished galley boy...squirting full of sauce. Patties are small, bun looks like it got punched in the face and the fries are crisp and greasy. Overall good, although my dining partner insists they've lost their magic. For me it was classic america.
(4)Steve C.
Quite simply AMAZING! Order a Galley Boy, eat and repeat! Service is great! Burgers are the best. This is an Ohio treat that my Ohio family that I married into kept from me for 23 years. I can't wait to return!
(5)Captain E. O.
Meh. It's local McDonald's food. Nothing special. It's cheap and a local business. Nothing else. Those who rave for it only live here in small town mentality-land, and have not experienced anything else.
(3)Kelly D.
Any burger - any food for that matter - that causes me to get a look of shock on my face followed by an "Oh. My. God." after my first bite gets five stars. Period. I was driving through the Akron area and found Swenson's on Yelp. I was skeptical because I'm not a diehard burger fan, but I've learned to respect the Yelpers. So...I got the Galley Boy and the onion rings. Like the other reviewers said, right when I pulled up a kid sprinted - SPRINTED - to my car to take my order. Then he sprinted back inside. All of the staff - teens - were sprinting here and there. No strolling around or texting or chatting. Since going to this place a month ago I have started adopting a vegan diet. But at the risk of being judged by fellow vegans, I have to admit, if I'm near Akron? I'm getting a Galley Boy.
(5)Stephen R.
really good burgers good milkshakes. Stay away from the onion rings the nasty. Reminds me of Burger Kings. Only if they had hand breaded onion rings they be really good.. Too much crunch nana onion
(3)Chris S.
This is just a great family and friend hang out. The food is amazing and very reasonable. My family and I after a baseball tournament went and we loved the way the staff run to your call every time you want to Order. The shakes rock and the specialty burger was spot on. My wife loves the fried Bologna sandwich.
(5)Chris B.
Great burgers at good prices with exceptional service. What more can you ask for? A northeast Ohio institution, Swenson's is the epitome of the classic American drive-in. Pull up, turn on your lights and a car hop will run (yes, run!) to your door within seconds. Try the Gallery Boy (with two different special sauces) and zucchini fries. Doesn't get any better!
(5)Carlos E.
For the love of God, don't order the scissors. I had to try this place after the rave reviews it received from, well everyone. I have to say I was not disappointed. Every state has a chain burger joint it claims is the best. While Swensons isn't my all time fav, it certainly is quality My first visit I had the galley boy, all the way. To give you an idea, it's like a chili dog had an affair with a cheese burger and you get to eat their offspring. Maybe I'm crazy talking about eating burger babies, but man it was delicious. It gets the unique flavor from a BBQ like sauce they generously apply. Couple that with made to order fries and onion rings, son you have yourself one tasty triple bypass. You will find yourself thinking about Swensons hours after eating. It may be the acid reflux, it may be BBQ hamburdog onion burps. In either case... BAM, you've been Swensoned!
(4)Eric Y.
This Akron icon did not disappoint. You pull up and someone is there even before you put in in park. You order and go or order and eat, all in the parking lot. Headlights on - gets you a server. Fast. These kids sprint to your car. I accidentally turned my lights on a couple of times and whoosh, some kid is racing out to the car. Food comes out on tray that clips to the inside of the door.. So this place is famous for the Galley Boy burger - they claim it to be America's best cheeseburger. Had to try it. It's two patties, yellow cheese, and two kinds of sauce. A BBQ sauce is on the bottom and a mayonnaisey-sweet pickle relish sauce is on the top. It's all placed on fresh toasted brioche bun. This burger is all about the sauce. There's sauce oozing into and out of every nook and cranny of this thing. I'm like, "where's the beef?" That being said, it is a tasty mess. For about $3, there's money left in my wallet for a Lipitor. Is it America's best? No. Worth trying? You bet. This place has some other old-school stuff too ... Fried bologna sandwich! I thought people only made that at home. Shakes, malts - 18 flavors! Phosphates - sound bad for you but actually it's just old tyme word for soda. We need more places like this - quirky and full of local flavor!
(4)Hank's Dad R.
I hadn't been to a Swensons in over ten years until yesterday, and am glad to see it has changed little. Comparing Swensons to the big three hamburger chains isn't fair, as Swensons is genuinely good food versus the processed garbage the chains try to pass off as food. In particular we loved the onion rings and milkshakes. And it's a delight to watch the car hops work! These kids very literally run in getting to the cars, at times competing to see who gets there first. It's wonderful to see how management finds kids with such excellent work ethics.
(4)Michelle C.
Do you like In 'N Out? Do you like Shake Shack? Then you will LOVE Swensons! Again. This chain needs to take over the world. Better than In 'n Out (king of the west coast) and better than Shake Shack (king of the east coast). Swenson's should spread its love to both coasts. They are missing out. Galley boy + potato teezers + milkshake
(5)Liz R.
Swensons is the kind of place where locals wax historical poetic, and an outsider like me thinks it's 'good'. I went with the Galley Boy, some onion rings and a chocolate peanut butter shake. All 'good'. The burger had two sauces - neither sauce was woohoo to me.
(3)Rick M.
It's Swensons! Galley Boy, Onion Rings, Hot Fudge Shake! Brought right to your car. It doesn't get any better!
(5)Patrick P.
Wow! I got exactly what Kevin suggested. The potato teasers were pretty rich but good. The burger tho, oh my! Not sure I can ever eat another burger again as it won't compare.
(5)Jeff D.
There is a reason that there is a consistent 5 star rating here. THIS PLACE ROCKS! Swensons offers everything that you could want in a drive-in experience. For one the food is delicious. My order consisted of a Gallery Boy (cheeseburger with 2 special sauces), onion rings (Oh my God), and a peanut butter milkshake. Everything was delicious, especially the onion rings. Their prices are very reasonable-I think I paid $8 for everything. However, one of the best things about this experience were the servers. As soon as I pulled up, they were out there asking me what I wanted to eat. They were quick to bring the food and quick to bring the check. Well done Swesons. You have earned your five stars.
(5)Jillian M.
ALWAYS AMAZING! Staff is always friendly! I think I may go get some today!
(5)Craig L.
Swenson's has the best fast food burger I have ever had. The Galley Boy is a flavor fiesta in your mouth which I imagine gives a high similar to hard drugs. Actually, there very well may be cocaine in the burgers because after I have one I experience pure ecstasy. Or is that X? Drug lingo aside, the Galley Boy is the shit. With its two secret sauces melding magically in a myriad of masterful ways. My order every single time. 2 Galley Boys Onion Rings California (a Grape drink) No joke. I quite literally took a road trip up to Akron from Columbus while I was in college for the Sole Purpose of getting Swenson's burgers. It really is that good!
(5)Nicole Y.
Something is addictive about the slight sweetness of their burgers and the gooey velveeta cheese; it's just amazing!! And everything is cooked to order so the food is always fresh, unlike most fast food. And sitting in your car takes me back to being a kid, going to A&W Root beer drive ins.
(5)Steve H.
This place has been around for 80 years now. Its the best in the city. Drive-in, car hops (that still run!) And great food. Kevin makes great suggestions but you can't go wrong with anything you order. I would suggest a double cheeseburger (MKOLETMAYO) with French fries (crispy) and a milkshake! Favorite place in the world! YUM!
(5)Cassandra S.
Great service! Delicious food! This was our first time here passing by and we enjoyed it! Quality food for take out and the steak was delicious! The choice of different flavors for milkshakes is fantastic! Def one of my first choices if heading for some take out food! Great knowing our first time was here at one of the first places this chain opened up at! Here, you pull up in your car, flick your lights on and the waiters come running to your car to take your order and you have the choice between eating in your car with a tray or take away, I was surprised a place like this existed. Great job to the boys who run around serving, for their quick service and never to be seen walking when taking orders! Keep up the great work! :) proud to see young people with this work ethic!
(5)Jeanne G.
I moved from Ohio years ago and this is always my first stop when I come home. I like to think of this as the "In-n-Out" of Ohio. The Galleyboy was just as I remembered!
(4)Nick M.
The only thing good here is the Florida.. The cheeseburgers are crap... Wish there was a in-n-out over here :(
(1)Brad B.
Great, fast, and delicious drive in! The car attendants still run to the cars and extremely attentive!
(5)Erin W.
An Akron classic. From here or not, you will most likely love it! You can never go wrong with their award-winning Galley Boy- I'm usually picky when it comes to burgers but I love this burger! They have an array of different milkshake flavors- all of which are superb as well. Overall, if you're looking for a classic burger and milkshake meal, I recommend Swenson's!
(5)Kevin S.
If you've visited The Rubber City, or stayed with friends, or lived there, or were born with tire treads instead of finger prints, you know about Swenson's, and you know about Skyway. There are only two possibilities, for your drive-in burger, fry, onion ring and shake addiction, and, usually by birth, you already know where you stand. "Dad, could we go to..." It was either Swenson's. OR... it was Skyway. Nobody, and I really do mean nobody, said, "Hey, instead of Skyway, let's give Swenson's a try tonight, huh?" You would be drawn, quartered, and forced to sing the Michigan fight song, while slathered in Aqua-Velva and left to fend for yourself at a picnic table outside a Lawson's store. So, I was born into a Skyway family. That was it, you didn't have a choice. Then, that Galley Boy popped up out of the alley, whispering, "Here. Taste this... the first one's free... come on. TRUST me..." It was all over. The hook was set, the line tightened, and the only thing left was the carhop reeling me in, ready for my weekly Galley Boy, bowl of chili, tall cola. Damn. I just ate there about four hours ago, and if not for the snow, I'd drive right back there now. (I nearly took a star off for the unbelieveably feng-shui-challenged location of this place. It looks like they lost the lottery when the retail space was doled out in the Great Montrose Money-Sucking Strip Mall Megachurch From Hell. They at least have a few pine trees in the parking lot, but it is pretty damned awful. I don't think that's really Swenson's fault, so I left all five stars.) (I had to update this review: Wax bags. They hand you your "to-go" food in WAXED bags. How perfect is that, on a scale of one to PERFECT? When was the last time anyone handed you food in waxed paper? Were you listening to the latest hit from Frankie and Annette? Were you helping your Dad dig the Cold War bunker? Dig that waxed bag. That's just so, so... SwenSATIONal.)
(5)Bill S.
Heard that if you are in town, that you just HAVE to try Swensons. Have the Galley Burger which was good as were the fries. Also tried the Chocolate shake which was not very good. Service friendly, fast and entertaining - overall a fun place to try, but didn't blow me away.
(3)Roger G.
If you haven't tried their Ribeye Sandwich, you HAVE to. We already know they have awesome burgers. I really can't think of anything I've had there that wasn't AWESOME! Oh, and don't get me started on the milkshakes...
(5)Brian H.
Great burgers...skip the fries and get a shake instead.
(5)Elizabeth W.
The best burgers pretty much anywhere for a great price! The galley boy is to die for!
(5)Kenny Y.
I found myself in Akron the other day, and of course, every time I visit a new city, I do a quick yelp search for restaurants. So I search for Akron. Restaurants. Highest Rated. #1... Swensons Drive In? What? A burger place? I'll pass. #2. Some Mexican place. #3. Swensons Drive In. Eh? I'd have to say, my fellow yelpers are correct about this place. You park your car and turn on your lights, and the servers run over and take your order. I had the Galley Boy with onions, the fried mushrooms, and the Florida (orange juice and ginger ale). Came out to 6 bucks. Tasted fantastic. It's all in the sauce. I've been to Five Guys and B-Spot. This blows them both out of the water. Oh, and this doesn't mean anything to me, but my girlfriend, a SoCal native, told me that it tasted like In-N-Out Burger. I think that's good? So If you're ever in the area, check it out. It's worth the trip.
(5)Bradley D.
First impressions: the waiters literally sprinting from car to car was simultaneously hilarious and unsettling. The food is a good deal for the amount you get, but pretty typical tasting for drive-in food. It was unanimous almost us, though, that the shakes were pretty tasty. Service: ***** (although it made us nervous) Food (quality): *** Food (quantity): **** Shakes: ****
(4)Aaron L.
Galley boy, potatoe teasers w/ ranch, and an extra large Strawberry Mt. Dew or peanut butter shake, you're welcome.
(5)Crystal S.
Hops are attentive and run. Galley Boy is the best burger I have tasted. Shakes are delicious. Love it.
(5)Jeremy B.
I am an Akron native, now in Cincinnati, and am so blessed at how much better the food is here. But there is one place that I miss, because it simply has no rival down here, and it is Swenson's. I have been known to make the twenty minute drive from home to Swenson's just for their burger, and it's without hesitation. Their burgers overall are amazing, but if it's your first time, you have to get their signature galley boy. It's two patties with two sauces(a barbecue-ish sauce and a tarter-ish sauce) and the combo is killer. I like to get that and potato teasers(poppers, basically) and a grape milkshake. Their shakes are fantastic, but I can't get past the grape one. I did try a mint-chocolate one last time though and it rocked my world. I unfortunately will be even further from Akron when I go to Spain, therefore unable to eat Swenson's, and I will honestly miss this place whenever I want a burger.
(5)Emily F.
Awesome food, excellent service, great prices. Try Galley Boy burger, fish sandwich, and vanilla shake. Shake was thick and delish!
(5)Bryan V.
So this is an Akron tradition, thus I had to try. Maybe the build-up was too much, but I wasn't overly impressed with the burgers. They were greasy, but a significant upgrade over normal fast food. However, I don't tend to eat fast food, so I was comparing to other restaurants known for their burgers and swensons just doesn't measure up. If I was in a rush, I'd eat it again. But I'm not going out of my way to get swensons despite the pleas from the masses in Akron that claim these are the best burgers ever.
(3)Hannah B.
I am now a fan of Swensons. I ordered a Salad Boy, which is a veggie burger. It was absolutely amazing. I also had a peanut butter milkshake. It was extremely enjoyable. I will definitely be going back to Swensons.
(4)Zach B.
You gotta get the Galley Boy! Their shakes and onion rings are great too! Fast service right to your car!
(5)Colin M.
Swenson's, My rose in a world of pachysandra. The virgin in line at the abortion clinic. The sweetest brown sugared meat ever to slide between two buttered buns, You are my calling. Swenson's, How is your cheese so melty? Your shakes so thick, Your rings so crisp, And your teezers but a suckle of heaven's starch. Swenson's, Your servers so bronzed and handsome, Inexplicably eager to serve me, Not that I'm complaining. Hot damn, you complete me. Swenson's, You've been so good to me. Never chained out of Northeast Ohio, Never selling out, Like a good punk band, but fatty and delicious. Swenson's, Born and raised in your tradition, I am your Galley Boy. Swenson's, I'm holding out for you. You've got my first name and phone number. MENU: swensonsdriveins.com/men…
(5)William T.
Living in LA now...and everytime I come home I just have to go to Swensons! It's still has the best burgers anywhere. Double cheeseburger with everything + fried mushrooms all the way!
(4)E O.
I was raised on Swensons as was my father before me. His father before him was raised on brisket, but that's besides the point. I can say the Swensons has the best fried burgers in Akron and perhaps all of Ohio. I say fried because these are not thick, beefy, pink-in-the-middle patties, but the burgers of the fast food eateries of yore. If you're not familiar with the small Swenson chain be aware that they are drive-ins, meaning that you sit in your car and the staff comes to you as alerted by your headlights ablaze. Naturally this system has caused some confusion in these days of daytime running lights. But the service does not wane. A double cheeseburger, fries, and a california to drink. Thank you.
(5)Chris A.
This place is awesome. I'm here in Akron on a business trip from California. Comparisons between Swensons and In N' Out really aren't fair, as the food is very different and therefore not really comparable. I went for a galley boy burger, potato puffs (tater tots), and a seasonal special pumpkin shake. The burger was 2 patties, cheese, and "special sauce" that tasted like a sweeter, milder version of barbeque sauce with sweet relish mixed in. The burger had a unique taste that I can't really compare to any other burger that I've had, but it was certainly tasty. The tater tots were just standard tots, which is a good thing. The shake was very thick and had a great pumpkin pie flavor. I am going to be here in Akron for another week and will definitely try to go to Swensons at least one more time. For Swensons rookies, here's the procedure. Pull up into any available building-adjacent parking spot, and turn your headlights on. This lets the carhops know that you are awaiting service. When one of them comes to your window, ask for a menu, then turn your lights off. When you've made your selections, turn your lights back on and they'll come right back to take your order. You can choose to eat your food there (but you have to eat in your car) or take it to go. I assume that if you eat it there, they give you a tray or something. I took mine to go. I would estimate that the food took about 5 minutes to come out, and it was served in wax paper bags. Overall, I have nothing to complain about whatsoever. The food was great, the car-side service was great, and the price was great. In California everything costs more, but I paid $7.70 for a burger, tots, and a shake, and that's just stupid cheap.
(5)Bridget K.
Like many of the other reviews the Galley Boy is one of the best burgers ever. I consider my brother to be very knowledgeable about burgers. The Galley Boy holds top rank in his book. The Salad Boy is the vegetarian equivalent. It ranks high in my family since we have 3 vegetarians. I follow my Galley Boy up with onion rings which are good along with a California(purple pop and sprite). It's definitely work the trip!
(5)Saimah H.
These burgers are phenomenal! The Galley Boy just melts in your mouth, and paired with the potato teasers and a milkshake it is like heaven on Earth.
(5)