Burger joints with a cult-like following in the Cleveland area

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Whether you want it thick, smashed or extra cheesy, finding a hamburger to sink your teeth into in Northeast Ohio is by no means a problem.

However, your stomach space is sacred. Which cheeseburger in the Cleveland area is actually worth all of those napkins? That’s where this list comes in. Here we wanted the best. We wanted the burgers people go back to over and over.

We asked FOX 8 viewers which hamburgers they thought were worthwhile. While many told us cheeky things like: “My home kitchen,” we also got a lot of McDonald’s, Five Guys and other national chain options. This list, which also pulled from internet reviews and our own hearts, features local only spots split into burger type. Also be sure to check hours before heading to any of these locales, as many are closed in the beginning part of the week.

Enjoy!

SMASH BURGERS
So hot right now, these smash burgers. As the name suggests, the patties are smashed to crispy thinness during the cooking process.

CleaveLand Grill
17024 Pearl Road, Strongsville
It’s a burger joint inside of a grocery and butcher shop specializing in halal food? Yes, and their smash burgers are, in a word, smashing. Reopening in Strongsville earlier this year after a fire at their Brook Park locale, people can now get their burger fix complete with sauce and cheddar cheese. They’ve also introduced a 6.4 oz. pub style burger.
COST: Single burger is $7 without fries, $9.99 with. Costs go up from there

Crowley’s
35647 Vine Street, Eastlake; 9378 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland
With two locations in the eastside suburbs, this new Irish-Croatian bar prides itself in being “unapologetically, unglamorous.” And while you can show up to watch just about any sport at any time, you’re really coming to Crowley’s for the smash burgers. They’re about as good as it gets.
COST: $12 for double smash burger, comes with fries

Doinks Burger Joint
15519 Waterloo Road, Cleveland
Nestled in the Waterloo Arts District, this smash burger paradise started as a COVID dream, and officially opened at its current location last summer. Of course, the OG burger won’t steer you wrong, but those who branch out to the Bonn Mi, Sweet Heat or other varieties will be well rewarded.
COST: $16 for variety of burger choices, side included

Eugene Kitchen inside BottleHouse Brewery
2050 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights; 13368 Madison Avenue, Lakewood
You have the choice of heading to Lakewood or Cleveland Heights for your fix of the Tinman Burger (double) or Tasty Burger (single), now exclusively sold at BottleHouse Brewery. Eugene’s got its start at the now defunct Ohio City Galley, that people are still clamoring for it speaks for itself.
COST: $14 for Tinman Burger, $13 for Tasty, sides separate

Good Company
1200 West 76th Street, Cleveland
The juiciness here is what burger dreams are made of. And for those who aren’t afraid of sodium, this burger is absolutely one of the best in town. Expect tender onions, pickles, lettuce and drippy American cheese in every bite.
COST: $15 for The Good One, sides separate

THICK BURGERS
These are your big boys, the ones as big as your head .

Annex Bar
36200 Pettibone Rd, Solon
After a huge renovation earlier this year, it’s important to know the Annex Bar in Solon is still offering up their well-known burgers. People drive far and wide for these dive-bar burgers, Paired with reasonable beer prices and a neighborhood ambiance. How big is that burger? Expect 2/3 pound of ground beef.
COST: Cheeseburger starts at $7.75, sides are additional

Heck’s
Located in Ohio City, Avon and Beachwood
The thing about Heck’s is you most-likely associate it with burgers, and for good reason. (But for those not in the mood for handhelds there are a slew of other delicious menu options.) But let’s get back to the burgers. Their classic Heckburger comes with a half-pound beef patty and all the regular toppings. Try other fun combinations like the BrieBerry Burger and the Hot Fire Burger when you want to branch out.
COST: Heckburger is $16, comes with fries and pickle

Rounder’s Lounge
9175 Mentor Ave, Mentor
You know when a burger comes out with a knife stabbed into the middle, it means business. And that’s what you get at this strip mall dive bar, an absolutely gigantic burger (1/3-pound patty fresh made with Montreal Steak seasoning, with so many topping selections) that absolutely surprises.
COST: Burgers start at $7

Sammie’s Bar and Grill
498 South Ave, Tallmadge
When you start thinking about where you can get the biggest burger around, Sammie’s has to be top of mind. All beef burgers come with 9 ounce patties — that before the heaps of toppings you can get, including mac and cheese and mushrooms depending on your “burg” selection.
COST: $16.49 for Sammie’s Burg, fries included

OLD SCHOOL
These are the burgers that have been the same for decades and decades and decades … and you wouldn’t want it any other way

Bob’s Hamburg
1351 East Avenue, Akron
Who needs a hamburger, when you could have a hamburg? One Akron staple that’s been around forever (1931) is Bob’s Hamburg, and of course they serve up hamburgers and cheeseburgers more than worth your stomach space. Those not looking for burgers can also get in on their breakfast served all day.
COST: Single hamburg starts at $5.50, sides not included

Cameo Grill
809 Erie Street South, Massillon
Those with a passion for the Massillon Tigers are especially well acquainted with the Cameo Grill, which has been around since 1944. But their Original Cameo Burger pulls in people from all over Northeast Ohio. It’s 1 pound of meat with ketchup, mustard, relish, pickle, pepper and onion.
COST: Original Cameo Burger is $11.50, sides not included

Gunselman’s Tavern
21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park
People come back to Gunselman’s again and again for their patio and lived-in feel (it’s been around since 1936 after all). But their award-winning big burgers are especially beloved. The freshly-ground burgers, can be eaten with any number of juicy toppings.
COST: Plain Jane Burger is $11, comes with fries

Midway Oh Boy
6620 Lake Ave Elyria
Making stomachs happy since 1953, the restaurant calls their Oh Boy Burger a culinary icon, touting their secret sauce as one of the reasons for their success. Bite into this bad boy and it’ll take you back to how burgers used to taste. Also good to know: For a certain price point, this burger stand will deliver.
COST: Oh Boy Burger is $6.75, sides not included

Swensons Drive-in
Multiple Northeast Ohio locations, but it all began in Akron
Around since 1934, Swensons says its Galley Boy burger, featuring two special sauces, two patties and melty cheese, is “America’s Best Cheeseburger.” And honestly, who are we to argue? Remember: LeBron James isn’t wrong: it’s always right to want a Swensons burger. Especially because they’re thankfully open late.
COST: $4.95 for the Galley Boy, sides are separate

Whitey’s
3600 Brecksville Rd, Richfield
Doing the good burger work since 1953, Whitey’s offers up big, big cheeseburgers. Often packed with people, their burgers are well worth the wait. Note that the Maggie, which comes with mushrooms and onions is a fan favorite. Those with any extra space should also dip into the establishment’s famous chili.
COST: Cheeseburger starts at $9.49, sides are separate

TAVERN BEAUTY
These spots have a staying power that’s hard to emulate.

Johnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Avenue, Cleveland
This tucked-in-an-alley spot is indeed little, unlike their burgers. Upon ordering, expect those half-pound patties to come out to you char-grilled and with only the most necessary of toppings. Located underneath the upscale Johnny’s Downtown, the Little Bar has been providing a shot-and-a-beer oasis since the 1970s.
COST: $8.75 for the Little Bar Burger, sides are additional

Winking Lizard Tavern
Many locations throughout Northeast Ohio, but first one opened in Bedford Heights in 1983
FOX 8 viewers told us over and over again, this is their go-to spot for consistently delicious burgers. And with that neighborhood vibe, no mater which location you enter, it makes sense people can’t get enough. These thick and well-seasoned burgers come with all sorts of toppings, depending on your mood, and can be washed down with a huge selection of beers.
COST: Cheeseburger is $12.50, comes with fires

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