As my friends know, I'm a self-confessed burger fanatic and am always on the hunt for the best burger in town. Years ago when I worked in the Akron area, I was a big fan of Swenson's Drive-in. This is an old style dine-in where you turn on your headlights and they run out to your car to take your order. You can either have it "to-go" or they can hang a tray on the side of your car and you can eat it there. Needless to say, I was really excited when it was announced that Swenson's was coming to Columbus (currently 2 locations - 1 in the Polaris area near Top Golf and one on Sawmill Road. I think a 3rd one is in the works). Well, it's been over 20 years since my last Swenson's Galley Boy burger and fries but it was as good as I remembered. They have other menu options including other burgers and chicken but I've always been a fna of the Galley Boy and that's all I've ever ordered - except for fries, of course, and an occasional old-school style chocolate milk shack. Swenson's gives a whole new meaning to fast food and should not even be thought of in the same vein as other traditional fast food joints. If you're looking for a great burger and fries -- SWENSON'S it is. read more

Easy access off Sawmill, or from Hard if you turn into the back entrance to CVS and cut through the lots. I'd been to Swenson's in Akron and didn't see why it was so loved. I mean, I get it, it was the place you went on a summer evening, and I love drive-ins. But it was nothing special. When I heard it was coming here I wanted to give them another chance, but then winter hit, and, well, I was hesitant. But I tried them out, on the first day of spring. Odd setup, with "lights on for service" (they remind you to turn them off so you don't drive away that way during the day) and guys running across the lot. Like, sprinting. I guess both of those are part of the fun? The menu is short: a few sandwiches and sides, a few drinks. I got the Galley Boy, of course, and some onion rings. The Galley Boy is a double cheeseburger. And I could stop right there. It's not bad, but it's nothing special. The sauces add a little flavor, true, but the burgers need some. They were thin and crispy, nicely done, but flavorless. The bun was pretty good. But, I mean, it's a cheeseburger. There are many better burgers in town. The onion rings were lukewarm. Other than that, they were fine: crispy, tasty. I got ranch for dipping, and it was pretty good ranch. This stuff is barely even "good not great." There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not the best ever, as so many claim. Yeah, it's an Akron institution. And I wish them well here. It's not bad food. But it's nothing special. The service setup is gimmicky. It is pretty cheap, which is nice, but it was kinda slow for a small burger. It reminds me of Lienenkugel beer. People were ecstatic when they started distributing it widely. "Oh my god, it's awesome! Glad you can finally get it here!" So, of course I tried it. And it's fine beer, but again, nothing special. I think you only want it when you can't get it, or have fond memories of it from your youth. And maybe I'm spoiled by all the amazing choices of beer (burgers, what have you) in this era, and in this area. I get nostalgia, and there are things I grew up with that I love, but I understand my bias. I tell people "I ate this growing up, and love it, and I know it might not be the best in the world, but try it and see what you think." I don't say it's the most amazing thing ever. Go, and relive your childhood. Enjoy it. Don't oversell it. I doubt I'll be back, to any Swenson's. read more

Stopped by and first thing a guy runs across the parking lot to give you a menu and take your order. Typical drive-in food. Ordered the double cheeseburger, catsup and onions. Cooked perfectly. The bun is premium bun compared to others, sweet taste to it. The burgers also were a little sweet also. Delicious!!! Also got fries which were nothing out of the norm. Onion rings we're extra crunchy, very tasty. Service is off the charts. Very friendly and went out of their way to make sure you have the best experience. Definitely will return. read more

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Just had my first experience at Swensons last night and like any first timer you're not sure what to expect. I was floored on how amazing everything and everyone was! I have to first start with the staff. They're incredible! The energy, the enthusiasm, the friendly dialogue was above and beyond anything I could've imagined. The lot was PACKED yet everything seemed to operate perfectly smoothly. All the staff worked as teammates and it was such a cool thing to see. Onto the food. I ordered the quarter pounder plus with everything + ketchup. It was amazing! However I think the items I enjoyed the most were the Potato Teezers which are potato bites with melted cheese and jalapeño. Very tasty! I also had the peanut butter fudge milkshake and it was one of the best shakes I've had in a long time! Skip your typical fast food burger joint and give this place a go. Better food, better service, better experience. You won't regret it! read more

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The drive-in and dine in the car is an experience. You have the option to get your delicious food to go. Location: on the East side of the road. Parking is on the sides and front of the restaurant. Menu: a lot of variety. Something for everyone. The milkshakes- peanut butter/hot chocolate and the strawberry/ banana were delicious. The bologna sandwich with the grilled onions was delicious. Staff: enjoy their job. The sure get a workout. Connor, waited on us, professional, knew the menu very well and gave us informative recommendations to our inquiries. read more

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YUM. You can't go wrong, unless you don't order anything. We got a filling meal for 2 people for under $20, including burgers and sides. The onion rings are amazing!! Honestly I would skip the fries. Pro tip: get the hot fudge milkshake. It's one of my favorite kinds and they do a great job with it here. You don't have to stay and eat at your car - you can also order to go! I will say it stresses me out a little that the staff is required to literally run to your vehicle (even if it means running into parking lot traffic). It makes me feel pressured to order/make decisions/eat faster. read more

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My kids loooove this place. Their poppers are amazing. For me their hamburgers are so so, but the rest of the family enjoy them and ask for them often. I like really their shakes. Some of the best in town. You'll wait longer than at a fast food place, but the flavors and quality is better. read more

Had the best meal and service! Will was amazing. He was the only server and was a pro! At making sure we were all taken care of! Highly recommend Swensons and Will ! read more

So I keep coming back. They're fast. They're consistent. It's not McDonalds or Burger King. They have get to have the kind of fuck ups I've had at fast food joints. I've come when it's slow, I've come when it's busy. And they're attentive every time. Yes, they aren't the best burgers in the world. But they're good. And the tato teasers (poppers, whatever) are delicious. It's worth a shot, and it is a tasty burger. read more

You had me at tots. Tater tots. I first visited a Swensons Drive-In in Akron, Ohio and was so happy to find them opening a few locations here in Columbus. I stopped by the Sawmill road location to order and take home lunch for my son and grandchildren. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was relieved to easily find a parking spot. The menu is easy to read from the car but I was given a paper version to negotiate the kid's orders from the backseat. We ordered cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets "and tater tots for everyone" along with 2 drinks for the kids. The order was fast - less than 10 minutes and was still warm when I reached home (a bonus). The total bill for a large meal for 4 people was just around $20. Did I mention the tater tots are kind of amazing? That perfectly fried version of a potato - extra crispy on the outside and pillowy / tender on the inside. I also really like their burgers - it's the hand-pressed version that is cooked on a griddle. Delicious. read more

In the tradition of the old drive up restaurant with car-hops, Swenson's is new to Dublin/Sawmill in late 2018. The menu boasts of the Galley Boy, their cheeseburger with two "special sauces," the Hamburg or Cheeseburg (not BurgERs), chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and an unexpected egg salad, Sloppy Joe or Ham sandwich. Sides include things you'd expect like fries & onion rings, and a few items to liven up the menu like potato teezers--a potato, cheese & jalapeño combo, or fried zucchini. Back into the outer spaces FACING the building, or pull in at the building' curb, turn on your headlights and a car-hop comes running. A card under your wiper shows waitstaff which cars have been attended as new vehicles pull in. Lights off while you review the menu, lights on when you're ready to order or need something else, like dessert or to pay. Service is fast and friendly. Food is good for quick service. Like from the 1950s, the tray can hang from your window or door, or if the weather says "windows up," bring it inside. It was surprising that about 10 percent of the patrons can't read or ignore the signs that request you to park facing the building. It's tough to see your headlight if they are facing the opposite direction! I worry about the car-hops, as they dart out between cars. Granted those who are driving should be crawling around the building but a saw some close calls. With a tray full of food and an eye on quick service, the wait staff is NOT looking for moving cars. Rain, shine, hot and humid or snow, the staff is running car to kitchen and back... not sure if they get health insurance but they need it... so tip generously! Pay by card in your car with a portable credit terminal, or pay with cash and watch your car-hop take another run inside for cash and change. Environmentally friendlier than the drive-through, shutoff your engine and the service comes to you. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Exterior - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio

I really wanted to like it. I remember a Swensons over near Eastland Mall in the 90's and have had the one up in N.Canton as well. My wife loved it, but for me...it wasnt worth a repeat visit, I had the signature burger "The Galley Boy" and I also tried her burger, which had all the standard toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, ketchup - note that lettuce and tomato were extra). All i could taste was greasy bun. The bun was nicely toasted, but both burgers were terribly dry...again, just tasted bun. If i were to rank burgers, i cant think of another 'fast food' burger that I would rate any lower. Again, wife loved it and said it wad just like the N.Canton location Service was superb, the folks working there were literally running between cars, they earned the largest star of all, they were easily 4/5 stars. You get a lot of false positives when your car has automatic lights that cant turn all the way off, still the servers figure it out. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Burger Menu - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio

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Quick, fun, delicious stop! Kids love coming and I love the veggie burger and potato teezers! Milkshakes are delicious too!

Worth the hype: no. Best burger around: nah. Better than steak and shake: Absolutely, not! Let's just say my expectations were very high for Swensons. Since we found out it was coming to Columbus I've had SO MANY PEOPLE tell me how awesome this place was. My expectations were not met. Let's rewind to last week. My mom stopped by Swensons to grab lunch and when I asked her how it was her face turned upside down. The best part to her was the olive on top of the burger. She actually complained of a stomach ache after eating it... Back to today. The service is awesome. The workers are sprinting all over the place servicing people as soon as they pull in! She gave me a menu and told me to hit the my lights when I was ready. I ordered the regular Galley Boy. Keep in mind nothing comes on the burger but meat, cheese and their 2 sauces so I beefed it up with some lettuce, tomato and onion. I also ordered some fries. Very basic meal. I was not impressed. The fries were subpar and this is coming from someone who loves a potato no matter how you slice it, dice it, and cook it. They were a thicker fry but they were pretty bland which made me upset that I didn't choose the onion rings. The galley boy. I don't know why but it just didn't scream out AMAZING to me. Tasted like a regular burger with some BBQ sauce. It has NOTHING on a Five Guys burger. Fast food wise, I'd choose steak and shake over it! I will return for the simple fact that there is so much on the menu that I want to try like the shakes! But I definitely think this one has some work to do before it's on Akron's status! read more

Swensons Drive-In - Menu - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio

People in NorthEastern Ohio are probably already aware of Swenson's as I guess they are something of an institution. Despite existing in multiple locations for 84 years, I only recently heard of them while listening to Patrick Carney's(drummer for the Akron, OH band The Black Keys) SiriusXM show Sirius Boredom. I later found out a location was opening on Sawmill Rd in Powell, just passed the Max & Erma's. IMPORTANT NOTE: Swenson's is a drive-in... not a drive-thru... not an eat inside restaurant, but a true-to-form throwback to the roadside drive-in's and root beer stands that have nearly vanished from the midwest. Think of it like Sonic but way more authentic. There is no speaker box to communicate through like there is at Sonic. People... actual people sprint out to your car with a windshield placard and take your order after handing you a menu. Another interested quirk is that you pay after you eat. Food is brought out on a metal tray made to attach to your door. The tray has no protective surfaces, so I would advise against actually hooking it to your door lest you want your car door scratched all to hell. They handed me mine through the window. If you don't intend to eat there, they bring out your food in a bag. They're primarily a 'Burger Joint', although they have several items that you just can't get at any other restaurant like Fried Bologna, Roast Pork, egg salad, and Sloppy Joe's. Their famed sandwich is the Galley Boy, which appears to be very similar to Frisch's Big Boy. It's a double cheeseburger dressed with 2 special sauces and an olive tooth-picked to the top. My order was for a Triple Cheeseburg(this is how Swenson's spells it) with ketchup and mayo. I like to keep it simple. To go with it, I got some french fries as well as an item I've never seen before... Potato Teezers. These are shredded potato mixed with cheese and diced jalapeno that is shaped like a jalapeno popper, breaded, and fried to a golden brown. The fries were straight forward and good. They weren't crazy thin or natural cut, but more like Wendy's old fries or the fries at Kewpee in Lima if you're familiar. The Potato Teezers were great! They had just a little spice and the potato kept them hot and stopped the cheese from oozing all over like you get from a jalapeno popper. Both the fries and Teezers were served in old school wax bags; semi-translucent with the Swenson's logo in red. The 'Cheeseburg' was a thin smash style set of three patties cooked to order and served wrapped in wax paper that was wrapped in foil. The bun was a soft bakery roll and the sliced cheese was American, but had a bit of sharpness to it, almost as if this cheese had a bit more cheddar in it's mix and was more dense. There was so much more to try that you can return multiple times or go with a group of friends, order everything and share. This would be the perfect stop if you were road tripping in a big van. Either way, you owe it to yourself to go. read more

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Nathan was my server and he was quick and kind! Will return soon!:) nice service all around!

Not sure what all they hype is about. I wasn't terribly impressed. I thought it was fun seeing the runners come out to take orders. Was worried for their safety though, especially at night. The food was only meh. I got the fish dinner and a chocolate milkshake. Our car also ordered a shrimp dinner and cheeseburgers. The fish reminded me of what my mom fed me during the summer - grocery store fish sticks. The chocolate shake was decent. We waited a long time for our food and the metal tray couldn't mount to out F150, so it kind of ruined the experience for us. Oh well. read more

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I really liked the speed of service. The onion rings were cooked crispy and very tasty. I only had a cheeseburger but the meat was not greasy, the bun will come smashed that is the look. My favorite was the shake--nice and thick. I got the peanut butter shake, although you can mix and match shake flavors read more

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Wanted a sandwich and some soup so I ordered a cheeseburger and a vegetable soup.otder was ready when I arrived and brought to me without delay.when I got home,everything was correct with my order and was some of the best vegetable soup I ever had read more

Tried the grilled cheese and loved it! They have mastered a classic! The experience was made even better with their fast and friendly service. Still one of my favorite places! Keep up the good work Swensens Dublin team read more

I haven't been to Swensons Drive in and several years. The service was okay, the food wasn't good at all. The ambiance was okay.

I had hoped to enjoy our first stop at Swenson today? We pulled in at 1:30 this afternoon on our way through town. Our car hop came to our window took our order and the car next to us. A few minutes later our car hop returned to say that we would have to wait 20 minutes for an order because the manager said a big order was moved ahead of us! We talked to the manager who was not sorry so we left! The car next to us also left, very disappointed! We went to Burger King instead! Order was out immediately! Poor management and staff training! read more

I visited this place to see what all the rave was. I am all about the classic hamburger joint. So I was quite excited to check this place out and see what it was all about. I enjoyed the throw-back service with the server coming to your vehicle and taking your order and then later placing your meal on the side of your car window for you to have access to it. When I arrived, I was concerned that I wasn't going to find a place to park because there were so many people. I was, however, pleasantly surprised that I was able to get a spot. The service here is so expedient and thorough. Turn on your headlights to get assistance and then turn them off once they take your order. That's it pretty much. With that being said, the servers were so kind, quick, and accurate. They answered my questions when I needed them to and did in such a fast way that it made my head turn. Now for the food. It was okay for the most part. I am not the type of person that enjoys sweet food unless it's a dessert. The reason why I say this is because the burgers were shockingly sweet. It threw me off. It was cooked perfectly, and the toppings were adequate. My fries were good. I do, however, like a little seasoning on them, though, but they were prepared to perfection. The specialty drinks are incredible, so I would suggest that you for sure try those. All and all, I would suggest that you check this place out if not just for the food but for the experience. Take your kids there to experience some back in the day food fair. read more

I enjoy watching them hustle around outside. A new version of sonic. The food comes out hot. We get Burger, grilled chicken, chicken nuggets, sloppy joes. Its a place i would stop by if I waa hungry. I also love how if I need to add anything just flip on my head lights and they show up so quickly. Over all its a good drive in place. read more

When you order burgers all with the same 4 toppings, you check your receipt and your order is noted correctly, and you get home and find every burger has the wrong toppings. Brilliant. read more

Had to take a drive to Columbus Ohio... just need to move closer to West Chester Oh.. I had been to Swenson's in Akron Ohio.. had the burger there.. Omgosh! Had never tasted a burger that melts in your mouth, I missed it.. where did my burger go.. The only place I would drive that far, for. One of the best.. Swenson's you knocked this one out of the park! Fries and shakes are also good.. onion rings great! Great job fast on service they bring out to you.. just like the old fashion car hops.. read more

Stop microwaving the buns !!! Buns are dry, cracked unappetizing. This is my 3rd complaint.

Price fits the size of the product you might think it's eh when you see the size of the burgers and sides of fries but the quality is worth it. Just order the extra burger and you won't be disappointed read more

Decided stop at this place before going to the zoo lights! I would recommend! One of the workers will come out to your car to take your order. I got a bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. Burger had good flavor and the onion rings had a good crunch! Burger was kind of small but you can order double or different size burger if you're hungry. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Bacon cheeseburger- plain - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio

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My experience was great! Nathan was my server and he was just absolutely immaculate. He got my food very quickly, answered all questions clearly, and was very sweet!! read more

Amazing! The service and food are great, especially for fast food. I recommend the burger or sloppy joe

This is a favorite of mine for years. GALLYBOY. Get it. It's so good it'll keep you coming back for more. Pro tip- the fries aren't worth it. Go for the potato poppers or onion rings they are super delicious. For drinks. I strongly recommend California or the Ohio, they bring me back to the days when you'd mix all the sodas together. But they manage to make it work . Go enjoy. And get the gift cards around Christmas they do cute tokens and it's a great gift. read more

Swensons Drive-In - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio

First timer at Swensons! The potato teezers with the jalepeño inside was AMAZING- one of my new favorite fast-food menu items. The chocolate shake was a lil too thick but the flavor was awesome. The only star lost was for the long wait time! The servers were very nice though and apologized for the wait! I will be back forsure!!! read more

Swensons Drive-In - potato teezers - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio

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Another great visit to Swenson's. Had Nathan as our server, our galley boys were delicious as always, and the service was cheerful and friendly. read more

The staff is very friendly food is amazing and best part is you don't have to get out of the car!

My second time back at Swenson's was even better than the first! The Galley Boy burger was very filling and their shakes are sooo delicious, definitely recommend. Drive-In aspect felt very nostalgic and had great service! Will be back again. read more

Swensons Drive In, (not to be confused with Swensens, the ice cream restaurant), has been around since 1934. They recently opened this location on Sawmill road. It has easy access from the heavy traffic on Sawmill. Pull up into an outlined parking spot. Car hops circle the parking area constantly looking for newly arrived patrons or those with your lights on. To signal for service, whether you are ready to order, need assistance or wanting to cash-out, simply turn your lights on. They will ask you to turn off your lights when not needing service so as not to confuse or delay the car hops. Car hops sprint like crazy around the building, always busy. The menu is posted on the outside building walls, but the car hop can provide a copy to read as well. They specialize in burgers, but have quite a few other sandwiches to choose from. Some of them include egg salad, fried bologna, hot dog, sloppy joe, grilled chicken, grilled cheese and more. I've ordered their half pounder burger, tots and strawberry milkshake. Great taste. Burger was a greasy, however. The tots and milkshake were awesome!! Been back a couple times since and likely will return when I crave a quick burger. read more

The northeast Ohio Drive-In institution has finally come to central Ohio! For some reason, this location is never as busy as the ones in NEO. Maybe it's like "Cincinatti" chili never really caught on north of Columbus.... In any case, the concept is a throwback to the 50's drive-in diner days, even with the uniformed car hops that take your order and deliver your food. My go-to meal for all of my life has been the bacon double cheeseburg (note the spelling) plain. Swenson's combination of two fresh patties, american cheese and thick smoked bacon on their sweet buns needs no other condiments. You really can't go wrong with any of their meals, but the burgers are what makes Swensons so famous that LeBron James always hits it up when he is back in his home state! I also am fond of their fried mushrooms. My wife loves their potato teasers (fried tater tots). Finally, no trip to Swensons would be complete without a "California" drink, which is tonic water and grape soda flavoring. There is a variation called a "Florida" which is made with Orange soda instead of grape. You can't wrong with these unique treats! read more

food here is absolutely incredible and the service was second to none. The ambience is the inside of my car and since I bought it, I do like it the bonus points. read more

First time here and it was such an experience. I had no idea Swensons was a drive in only place. The place looked big enough to have indoor seating, but I was wrong. They come out and take your order and bring a tray to latch on to your side window. Very interesting concept. I thought they would be serving everything on to lap trays. As for their food, it was pretty good. Their sauce was hearty and their sides were solid. The whole experience of dining in my car isn't something I would necessarily do again. I like eating at a table and having lots of space. The food was good so when I come again, I would probably be taking my food to go. read more

Swensons Drive-In - 3 Galley boys, onion rings, and fried zuchinni - Burgers Near Me - Dublin, Ohio