Chad Murphy, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·4 min read
The hamburger. A humble sandwich that's an endlessly customizable American icon. Want some bacon on it? Sure; how about an egg, too? Or maybe some onion rings on the patty instead of just onions.
And everyone has their favorite place for a burger, too -- from fast food to the local diner, or maybe something fancier at a sit-down restaurant.
According to Reader's Digest, the best hamburger isn't always where you would think -- it might come from the corner gas station. But the publication is here to help with its "The Best Burger in Every State" listing.
Here's what burger joints Reader's Digest has as the finest in Ohio and neighboring states.
What's the best burger in Ohio? The Galley Boy burger at Swensons Drive-In
Here's what Reader's Digest has to say about the Galley Boy at Swensons Drive-In:
"You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in Ohio who hasn’t tried a Galley Boy from Swensons Drive-In. This double-patty burger is served on a buttery toasted bun with cheese and two secret sauces. Though the popular drive-in (with multiple locations across the state) has never shared what exactly those secret sauces are, they best resemble tartar sauce and barbecue sauce. The burger is finished off with a signature olive on a toothpick for a recognizable flair."
Founded in Akron in 1934, Swensons has spread across Ohio and into Indiana.
The restaurant has six locations in the Akron-Canton area, six in Greater Cleveland, five in Columbus, two in Cincinnati, one in Youngstown and one in Indianapolis.
In Indiana? Bru Burger Bar is best
Here's what Reader's Digest has to say about Bru Burger Bar:
"With nine locations in Indiana, plus extra in Kentucky and Ohio, Bru Burger Bar is a convenient place to stop when you’re in the Midwest. Featuring a signature grind of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, plus locally sourced produce (some even grown in Bru’s own greenhouse), the chef-crafted burgers will have your mouth watering in no time. Cheese lovers should look out for the Garlic Three-Cheese, a combination of Swiss, American, mozzarella, roasted garlic, and truffle aioli that makes for a decadent dining experience."
In Ohio, the restaurant has locations in Cincinnati, Montgomery and Westerville (north of Columbus).
Kentucky's best burger? Mussel & Burger Bar
Reader's Digest writes:
"Located in Louisville is Mussel & Burger Bar, featuring 15 different burgers made with 100-percent-certified Black Angus beef, ground in-house daily. Try the decadent Southern Bell topped with pimento cheese, rémoulade sauce, and fried green tomatoes—it won’t disappoint. Breakfast lovers will gravitate toward the BBB, stacked high with a fried egg, maple-glazed pork belly, caramelized onions, aged white cheddar, and maple syrup aioli, all on a house-made bun."
Miller’s Bar takes the top spot in Michigan
According to Reader's Digest:
"Just outside of Detroit is Dearborn, where Miller’s Bar has been grilling up some of the best burgers in town since 1941. Made with a special blend of meats and topped with a thick slice of Velveeta cheese, burgers here are served “commando style” on wax paper with a side of pickles and white onions. Place your order and pay at the bar counter (cash only) by the honor system, then get ready to dig in."
Pennsylvania's primo burger comes from Burgatory Bar
What Reader's Digest writes about Burgatory Bar:
"Head to one of Burgatory's Pittsburgh-area locations for a specialty burger. Get ready to Meat Your Maker with one of the most popular options, a dry-aged Wagyu beef patty with a sweet onion crust, topped with aged Gruyère cheese, roasted tomatoes, organic field greens, and truffled shallot aioli. Or try making a custom creation from the expansive selection of toppings. While you’re there, wash down your burger with a specialty milkshake to round out the experience."
In West Virginia? Fat Patty’s is the place to go
Reader's Digest writes:
Head to one of the three Fat Patty’s locations in West Virginia (there’s also one in Ashland, Kentucky) for a tasty selection of starters, build-your-own pizzas, and, of course, burgers. Keep it simple with the Patty Burger, or try a slightly more adventurous fan favorite, the Raspberry Popper Burger. The latter starts off with a fresh beef patty and is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, cream cheese, sautéed jalapeños, and the signature Fat Patty’s raspberry melba sauce for a sweet-and-spicy finish.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ohio's best hamburger comes from Swensons Drive-In, says Reader's Digest
