Swenson's Drive-in

I’m “just a kid from Akron” and definitely as successful as the man who made that phrase famous (referring to LeBron James here, and definitely am kidding). I digress. As a kid from Akron, I grew up with a popular drive-in diner called Swenson’s where they sling burgers, fry a bunch of sides, and fill you up with endless milkshake flavor combinations. You drive your car up to the building, turn on your lights, and watch as the servers literally run to your car to take your order.

Swenson’s is most famous for their Galley Boy burger which features two smashed beef patties and cheese on sweet fluffy buns with a combination of two special sauces that live in the BBQ and tartar families. I personally prefer a traditional double cheeseburger “with everything” (dill pickles, mustard, and onions). As for sides, go for the popular potato teezers with a blend of cheese and mild jalapeños or the fried zucchini. Dip things in ranch if you’re into that sort of thing. Swenson’s also features three specialty soft drinks: California (grape), Florida (orange), and Ohio (cherry); I love the California with fizzy grape soda and lemon, but admittedly have not tried the others.

Whatever you decide as you sit cozily in your car eating your grease, don’t leave without ordering a chocolate peanut butter milkshake. You can find Swenson’s Drive-in at 7490 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016, ironically located at the site of a former FirstMerit bank - hopefully this Akron original can survive the city because I’m excited to have a little piece of home in Columbus.