Well hallelujah! Nick Fetherolf, the general manager of the Polaris Swensons has finally gotten Swensons returned to its former Akron area glory. Okay people. Start eating at Swensons! You wont be sad you did! Why???? Since my last written review, I've been to this location three times since this review. And let me tell you each of those three times everything has been perfect. The car cops are again actually running! They are supposed to do this. It ensures your food is delivered quick and timely no unnecessary long waits. This made me happy So happy. But what made me happier? They have finally got the right flavor of their signature burgers. A Swensons burger should have a little bit of sweetness to it. It did!!! The bun should always be fresh. It should have a little bit of butter grilled onto it. It should come out to you warm. It was. The lettuce should be crisp, green. It was! . There should be enough cheese on it to taste cheese. The cheese ratio was ideal. The past three trips this has been exactly what I have experienced. I was thinking it was a fluke, but its not. This manager has finally gotten things running sloothly. not only have the car cops run, but the burgers have been flawless, even down to the extra bacon, nice and crispy, but not overcooked and the grilled onions have been grilled perfect perfectly Color me impressed The staff at the Polaris location is excellent Big shout out to Owen the carhop that I had today. Thank you for helping me. I enjoyed my trip in. read more

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Service and food were GREAT!!! One of our favorite fast food places... Would recommend it to anyone!

So I never been to Swensons Drive in before, and don't know what to expect. I pulled up into the parking lot, and I was mistaken Drive-In and drive-through, I was driving around and like where the hell is the drive through window at? Finally I pulled in where the big menu sign, I just parked there, don't know what to expect. You know how you pull into Sonic Drive In; you press the red button and someone will take your order over the speaker? Well.. not here, so I'm like ooookay; I look around and see maybe a camera they see me parked here? How is this work?? I see a sign says "Turn on the light for service" at this time, some guy came up to me and put something on my windshield, asked me I'm ready to order. I'm like I don't know, I never been here before, how is this work? So if you like me, never been here before, this is how it work. If you been here before, you can skip this part. So there is a big parking lot, once you pull into a spot, you turn on your light, someone will come and help you, once you ordered, you turn your light off. Ah....now you know. I like the double cheese burger, this come with onion, pickles and mustard only, I like my burger with lettuce and tomato, add on is $.39 each topic, that's cool, large fries please. The guy is super nice, very friendly, he recommended something else with bbq sauce in it, I'm not into it, I just took the double cheese burger Now the burger is nothing special, is good, better than Mickey D or Burger King, Fries is a-okay, nothing special I won't go out my way to eat here, but if I have to pick Mickey D or Burger King or KFC, I will pick this spot for sure, you know what I mean. Food I giving it 3/5 Service is 5/5 The guy is super nice, and he actually run to the customers, I tipped him $2 cash, and the food I think came out like $9 and change, pretty affordable read more

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Local drive in chain, the food was just decent. Nothing fancy but they are open late and will satisfy your late night cravings. Service was super fast and attentive. Menu is basic but to the point. Got a cheeseburger, tots, and nuggets. For the price which is good the food was decent. Everything was hot and fresh and looked made to order which was nice. A good late night eats option. read more

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I had one double cheeseburger some fries, and TEEZERS. It was pretty good, and I will definitely recommend this restaurant to some of my friends because it has a different taste, I didn't come in contact with any of the employees because I ordered DoorDash. Food is decent for the price. read more

Swensons Drive-In - This is my cheeseburger without any bread. I'm not too fancy on eating bread, due to nutritional reasons. - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

First timer. Service was fast. Friendly. The cheeseburger and sauce were hot and yummy. I will come back and add a milkshake next time. read more

You just stay in the car and someone comes and gets your order. The menu is pretty extensive and not bad for the food prices as well. We got quite a bit and everything was delicious. I have never gone inside but they have that option as well. read more

great customer service from Emir And everyone else that helped out with our order. great food. Would definitely go back.

Just driving through and had always heard about the regional delicacy that is Swensons, so we had to stop! First off, loved the old school vibes and headlights ordering system....Plus I always love drive in spots in general. The guys working hustled around car to car and were pleasant. The sides were your normal fried things, not bad but not amazing. The potato teezers were really good but would've loved more spice. Chicken nugs were meh. Reading online, people really love the bologna sandwich so had to try that and the galley boy burger of course. The bologna sandwich was pretty tasty, but wasn't my favorite thing. The burger though, I really enjoyed and would absolutely get again. Something sweet about it (sauce? Bun? Meat?), but otherwise fresh and enjoyed the 2 sauces on it. I got a California (grape) drink to wash it all down! Glad I finally tried this regional institution and would go back if ever I'm around one again! Next time I'll need to get a shake though... read more

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We visited Swensons in Polaris and the service was amazing! Nathan, Owen and Hunter were quick, helpful and efficient! The food was amazing!

Hadn't been here in years and we decided we wanted to treat ourselves and give them another try. Ordered food for the family online and selected a pick up time. Got there a few minutes early and they ran right out to our car. Told them it was a pick up order and they brought it out in less than a minute. They've never been that efficient! As we drove away, we started distributing the milkshakes and straws. All 3 of them were totally melted and weren't even cold. We really should've drove back and asked them to remake them, but we were already halfway home. I got the salad boy and fried mushrooms. It was like my burger had been under a heat lamp for a long time. The bun was shriveled, the lettuce was wilted, and the tomato was cooked. The tomato slice was like 1" in diameter and there was only a few thin slivers of onion. The side portions were really skimpy, too. The hubs and I decided we will never eat here again. $15 per person is a bit steep for fast food, and to be served such terrible quality was just unacceptable. We threw away $15 just on the melted milkshakes. What a waste!!! read more

I've been to multiple different Swensons and this one is by far the worst one I've been to. The food did not taste or look anything like any of the other locations. after eating here I got sick would not recommend this place. Find a different location! read more

First off they RUN to you! I've never seen an employee so quick-footed at any other fast food joint. These guys put the "fast" in fast food. Our carhop was polite, quick, and to the point. I was parked for less than 10 seconds before so. The area was very clean, the food was very thoughtfully put together. I would say for fast food the burger I got was easily an 8/10. The fries were just okay, they were hot but not my preferred type so a 5/10 seems fair. The shake was pretty good, didn't seem like it was made from syrup so that is a plus. I'd give the shake a 7/10. This place is worth checking out. read more

Always nice to eat here. Their staple burger might not be to everyone's liking but, the sweet savory mix hits the spot sometimes. Fast service and, nice and helpful staff. It's also a nice throw back to have an actual drive in. If you're in town, check them out. I suggest just a regular double cheese for your first stop read more

I had a first-time underwhelming experience here. Service: I learned about the turn on lights for service, so after being given a menu, I turned off my running daylights to review it. After deciding, I turned on my lights for someone to take my order. I waited several minutes even though there were plenty of workers standing around and only one other car in the parking lot. I even flashed my lights to no avail. Considering that the AQI (air quality index) was over 150, unhealthy, I couldn't turn off my car because that would mean I wouldn't get any service. I feel it's a bad business practice to make people keep their cars running for minutes on end. In fact, I was getting impatient and considered leaving but a server finally came. Food: I got a quarter pound burger, a side of fries, and a small peanut butter shake. For over $11.00 !?!?!? Wow, that's pricey! And when paying they ask for a tip !?!?!? No thank you. The burger was not properly seasoned. No salt at all. The only thing I could taste was the condiments. And it was small, like a junior burger. The fries were also not seasoned. They were just meh. The milkshake was delicious. That's the only redeeming aspect of my meal. I recently visited Texas where the Braum's offers a combo meal of a quarter pounder, fries, and a 16 ounce milkshake for way less than $11.00 and there are plenty of other burger joints that give a better experience than this one. In total I was there for over 15 minutes. They should offer combos, reduce the prices, and offer a drive-through option. read more

My friend decided to be a clown and ask for a milkshake with everything mixed together to see if it was possible. Lucas was incredibly friendly and actually felt like a friend. He then asked Andrew to make it and they both obliged. The milkshake was not completely awful. The rest of the food however, was spectacular. I have genuinely never gotten better service in my life. read more

Swensons Drive-In - My friends order - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This was our first time at a Swensons. The service was top notch--from beginning to end. The lights on/drive up for service concept was different, interesting, and yet effective. You can order to go or treat service; meals are eaten in the car. The food was hot and fresh, and customers have the option to customize. We ordered burgers and the fish basket. As a preference piece, the hamburger rolls/buns were too sweet for my liking. Other than that, it was a great experience. read more

This place is pretty good. Right portion sizes. The hamburgers were good, the shrimp was a good size and the fried bologna sandwich was nice and thick. It's not a sit down place so don't let the internet fool you. You order from your car and you can eat in your car. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Menu - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I'm very glad to live close to Swensons because first and foremost, their sodas are superior to any other fast food fountain soda. If you know what I mean, you get it Service here is always faster than I'd expect, with employees whose politeness can only be rivaled by chick fil a. The food is consistently really good. I'd strongly recommend the potato teezers, which are like a cheesy tater tot with jalapeño and deep fried. Delicious but not spicy, even my kids like them. I alternate between a chicken sandwich and a cheeseburger, neither have ever disappointed. And since I was really anxious the first time I visited, if you're unaware of how ordering here works it's a lot like sonic. There's no drive thru, you park and they come to the car. Headlights on indicate you need help, off means you've been helped and are waiting on your food or are eating. They always walk you through topping options and flavors of sodas/milkshakes if you can't see the menu. You can pay with cash or card, and I noticed their card reader has a mobile pay symbol on it so I'm sure that's an option too. I always tip the full 20% because I heard they're classified as servers and they really are doing the same amount of work but sometimes in really crappy weather. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Menu posted outside - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I'm from the Akron area originally so whenever I went back to visit family, a stop at Swensons was always a must! I'm ecstatic that I can now get my galley boy fix right here in Columbus--THANK YOU! My go to order: - Galley Boy, add pickles and onion - Onion rings, broken and Cajun style - California read more

Swensons Drive-In - Galley Boy - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Service was a 10. Well spoken friendly kid was our carhop. Burger fries and potato puffs were fantastic. Sloppy joe was cold. Onion rings were fine, cherry and grape drinks were underwhelming - tasted like a weak seltzer. read more

Wow, I can't believe it's been 2 years since I last reviewed Swenson' Drive-in. But the lack of an updated review doesn't mean I haven't been enjoying Swensons. I first experienced Swensons when working in the Akron area over 25 years ago. I was thrilled when they opened a few Columbus locations a few years ago. As a self-confessed burger freak, I'm always looking for a great burger. Swensons might technically be considered a fast food place but it's not in the same league as your typical Mickey D's, BK or Wendy's. If you want a great burger experience, I urge you to try Swensons. You won't regret it. Go for the Galley Boy with fries and a shake. read more

I really have no idea what the hype is all about. I'd rather have Sonic. The only reason I tried this place out is because a friend from the Cleveland area swears by it, and every time I'd see him, he'd ask if I'd got around to trying it. I finally broke down. First, what is it with the lights? I'm still a bit lost on how this works. Do I flash at you? That just sounds naughty. What about daytime running lights. Do they never know when you're ready? Do they never know if you're ready to leave? The service here wasn't nearly as great as it had been hyped up to be. I dated a girl who worked at Sonic in high school (ok, actually two, who worked at rival Sonics, but I digress), and they at least pretended to care about the customers. The kids here looked bored and annoyed that I finally figured out the light trick and wanted to place an order. They looked even more annoyed at actually having to deliver it. I tried 4 different items from the menu to get a variety, and I found the food meh at best, and lacking seasoning. Maybe its an Ohio thing, maybe its nostalgia, but this is one band wagon I won't be jumping on. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Outside menu - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

A funny guy sprinted to my car at 11:45 at night. No clue how old he was, could have been 17 or he could have been 45. Hooked me up with a menu and told me to turn my car lights on when I was ready to order. I looked over the menu, turned on my lights, and the younger older fella sprinted out to my car faster than a greased mule on a water slide. I tipped this guy more then i usually tip a server in a restaurant. He deserved it whereas the owners of restaurants should probably just pay their workers. I had the main burger- forget what it's called, and a grilled chicken sandwich. Both great. read more

This place is amazing and I cannot even imagine why anyone would rate it lower. We have wasted $$ on other higher end Asian, Indian, Mexican and American food and what a great to be surprise to find this place -it made our day. Hamburger, fish, fries, onions rings, Cole slaw...Outstanding!! And there are very few places that can match their burgers! Love it. Wish they were in Florida and Texas. read more

I always try the new burger places that open up and usually I'm like "Meh.. it's a burger." Not so with Swensons. I had the Galley Boy and fell hard in love. I never would have ordered this thing if I had seen the ingredients beforehand - so don't look at what's on it. JUST TASTE IT. They nailed this one and it's already being imitated at many burger joints in Columbus (I'm looking at you, Goody Boy diner!) The Galley Boy is the most delicious burger I've ever tasted, hands down. I have no idea why it's so good - their special sauce is something I wouldn't ordinarily eat - but it's SO. GOOD. And the bun is lovely and soft and squishy, not your typical "looks nice but tastes like sawdust" burger bun. Along with the Galley Boy, get the potato Teasers (like jalapeno poppers but not as spicy and with less jalapeno, more potato). Also, if you're feeling especially gluttonous or need a treat, get the HOT FUDGE PEANUT BUTTER shake. It's not on the menu and it's the best thing I've ever tasted. One of the lovely sprinting Swensons runners told me about it. Enjoy! I'm super hungry now, just reliving my beloved usual fare at Swensons. read more

It was lunchtime and I was on verge of being hangry, so I opted to stop at one of the first places I saw, while I was driving. Swensons Drive-In. It's reminiscent of. Sonic (if you've ever been). I wasn't sure how the process works (I know, I'm sure it wasn't rocket science), but all of a sudden a guy in a neon clad shirt sprinted up to my car window. Way to give me heart palpitations. To say I was caught off guard was a bit of an understatement. He handed me a menu and after looking at it, I opted for a small Diet Pepsi, a Galley Boy (their signature hamburger), and a side of fries. I did notice on the menu that it stated something about sprinting, so it's Swensons' thing. I was instructed to only turn my car lights on if I needed something. While I was waiting for my order, I was pretty entertained watching the guys and girls running up to car windows (I know, it's the little things). Ten minutes later a different guy sprinted up to my car with my order, hooked the tray to my window and I was ready to dig in. The Galley Boy was wrapped up in foil with a green olive tooth picked to the top of the burger. I unwrapped it and bit in. The true mark of a delicious hamburger is when I don't have to add ketchup (my personal opinion, because I'm normally the person that wants tons of ketchup on their burger). The burgers were perfectly thin, two pieces of ooey gooey cheese, pickles, and two different sauces. One sauce closely tasted like a certain competitor's "secret sauce," the other tasted like a mix between chili sauce, ketchup, and BBQ sauce. No additional ketchup was necessary. All the flavors worked well together and it was one of the best burgers I've had in a while. The cup my soda came in reminded me of the coffee cups you get at the car dealership when you're waiting on your car's oil change. It was pretty disappointing. I moved onto the fries. What a bummer. They weren't that warm and were rather bland. If I come back here, I'd pass on the fries. They weren't special. I turned on my headlights and another gentleman sprinted to my car (I was thinking to myself, how aren't they out of breath), asked me how my meal was and told me my total. $8.03 for my order (not bad). I paid with a card and was given the option of including a tip. I asked the guy if I could get a refill on my soda. Nope. No free refills. That rubs me the wrong way, but it wasn't the guys's fault. I'm giving Swensons a four because their burgers rocked, customer service was quick and pleasant. Pros: -Quick Service -Burger was delicious -Variety on the menu (they have everything from hot dogs, fish sandwiches, to sloppy joes, although I'm not sure how that would work eating a SJ in your car...) -Swenson team members literally run to your car Cons: -No refills -Fries were mediocre at best Tips: Order a larger size drink if you are older than the age of two. Be prepared for someone to run up to your car. read more

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I went here for the first time during lunch today and probably won't be back. It wasn't that anything was horribly wrong with Swenson's but more that nothing was remarkable. We pulled in and turned our lights on per the signage on the side of the building. The first thing we noticed was that the car hops RUN to the car like Mose chasing cars at Schrute Farms... #Awkward. She took our order and disappeared for 30 minutes. No drinks, no explanation, just a 30-minute wait. When the food came out, she apologized and explained that they were short-staffed in the kitchen. Who isn't right now, right? Understandable. The food itself was very meh. I got a small cheeseburger (except they call it a cheeseburg, which is inexplicably creepy to me) and a kid's-size caramel apple milkshake. The cheeseburger tasted like Wendy's old burger patties pre-rebrand. It was fine. The bun was kind of sweet, which was unexpected but not unwelcome. They only have American cheese, which wasn't a surprise but kind of a bummer nonetheless. The caramel apple milkshake was no bueno. Way, way, way too sweet. Do not recommend. read more

Hello, I have been meaning to post this review for quite some time. Maybe a month or two. I have spoken with a manager at the Powell location and advised I would go online and give a positive for Jordan. Not sure which location he is at now because last time I was at the Hilliard location I believe I saw him. Anyway -Jordan is the most positive person. If you come there once you feel like you have known him for years. Even when I have come there having a stressful day I leave feeling better because of his attitude. He is so sweet, personable, and professional - I remember he used to take my order maybe in 2020 then he disappeared, and is now back. Hopefully he will be around for a while this time- but if not he will be a wonderful positive employee no matter where he goes. Please give him a raise. Thank you. read more

Been awhile since I had a burger this bad. The meat tasted like it had sugar or something that made it sweet. Maybe it was the onions? Bun was burned and looked like it was made by someone very angry. Fries managed to taste burned yet under cooked at the same time. Service was good but product was awful. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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As a Northeast Ohioan, I grew up on Swenson's. It was the place my parents would take us for a treat as kids. Heck, I even took my husband to Swenson's on our second date! That's why I was extremely excited to hear that it was coming to Columbus, and made a slight detour on a recent trip just to see if it measured up. I pulled in and was pretty much instantly greeted by a server. Without even thinking I made the first order that came to mind: single cheeseburger with everything, fries and a hot fudge shake. After ordering, it took about 15 minutes to get my food. I couldn't really remember what the fries were like, and they were the weakest part of the meal. They were served hot and crisp, but seemingly unseasoned. Salt packets were provided but in my opinion it's too late by the time they are served to get anything to stick to them. Still a great ketchup vehicle regardless. The burger and shake, however, were straight out of my memory. The cheese was perfectly melted, the bun both soft and a bit crackly, and the burger had the right combination of mustard, onion and pickle. The shake was rich and sweet. The perfect cap to my meal. I'd have to go back to Akron to confirm my suspicions completely, but this location does capture the Swenson's experience. I would certainly stop again! read more

Swensons Drive-In - Menu - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We decided to make a.late trip out for dinner. We forgot to get something out, so we wanted to all go to Swenson's this time. There's a good selection on the menu and they have good drink and shakes. I got the Galley Boy burger, fries, grape flavored ginger all and the hot Dog with coney sauce. The hot Dog was the best part of my meal. The fries after a bit just tasted of grease, so not sure if they just changed the oil? Do wish they still had cheese sauce for the fries. My poor burger was smashed and the cheese everywhere. But, they were oddly busy this late at night. My poor son had 1 small sad piece of bacon on his burger. But,.he loved the fries. The young man waiting on us was nice, talkative and very helpful. And boy these guys hustle! read more

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Andrew was great really friendly such a dog overall at this never been here before and i had a great experience right off the bat just purely because of this guy but yeah place is great. read more

Prices are ridiculous! The milkshakes are too thick. The only thing that was good was to fish. Tips are definitely not deserved! And they left this outside in the cold..... prices need to be on the menu, so you know what to expect.When paying. read more

First time here. Great experience. Mallory was fast and personable. Will definitely return for another burger soon.

I live in Kansas City now, but discovered Swenson's one day after taking my then one-year-old son to Akron Children's Hospital finding out he had Juvenile arthritis. I had just discovered Yelp and was looking for some comfort food to take our mind off of the pain of hearing his situation. I saw on the review that it would be a mistake not to order the galley boy and a mint whip. My family and I were living just under an hour away from the nearest Swenson's but would frequently find a reason to go to Akron to get my fix. While visiting family in Ohio this last weekend, I saw a sign off of the highway that they now have locations in Columbus. I almost caused a wreck from my excitement and pulled off the highway at the Polaris location off of 71. The service was just as I remember, excellent. The galley boy was great but the mint whip, which is like a milkshake (Pistachio, Ginger ale, mint flavor, was a less than the magic I recall from the Akron locations. Either way, I would put the galley boy above any fast food burger I've ever had in my life. Two patties, barbecue sauce, tartar sauce, cheese, and an olive, which this location sadly forgot. read more

Swensons Drive-In - The Galley Boy - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We love this little throw back gem. Peanut butter chocolate shake is a go to and the Swenson sauce is great!

Dangerous comfort food ahead. Did you know that Swensons has online ordering? They sure do! Order online, choose a pick up time, and pay. It's that easy. I am in love with the Potato Teezers w Cajun spices & the hot dog w coney sauce. Yum!! Order - 2 fried bologna, fried chicken filet, potato teezers, 2 hot dogs w coney sauce, grilled cheese, and fried zucchini. My order was ready to go and brought out to my car as soon as I pulled up and told them my name. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Fast Food Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Got the Galley Boy, unsweetened iced tea and Onion rings. All were excellent. The service was perfect, very attentive. I will be back!

The first time I went to Swenson's was in Northeast Ohio in 2014, but very happy they are in Columbus and very happy to support an Ohio business. Two of my friends and I had the Galley Boy; I had it with Bacon and Grilled Onions, first friend had it with Bacon, and other friend had it simple Galley Boy. The Galley Boy is a double cheeseburger with 2 special sauces with their barbeque sauce and tarter sauce. We had the Onion Rings and Fries. Loved the Rings and Fries. Milkshakes were delicious; I got it with Oreo despite it was not the menu while my friends just had the Vanilla milkshakes. It was a great dinner and eating in the car, I was expecting a tray on the car like other drive-in's did and do. I will be back to Swenson's again with friends who drive. I love Swenson's. read more

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