After a month of voting, readers have named their favorite burger joint in the city.
The 2026 Beacon Journal bracket winner for best burger in Akron is Swensons.
Swensons won against Bob’s Hamburg, pulling in 1,396 votes against Bobs’ 1,022.
The beloved restaurant emerged as a clear fan favorite early in the Beacon Journal’s March Madness-style competition, easily beating out every restaurant it was paired against through four rounds of voting.
Swensons President Jeffrey Flowers attributes the restaurant’s ongoing success to its employees first and foremost.
“We have our tremendous curb servers out here who are out here really creating those connections, really bringing hospitality,” Flowers said. “You can have the best products in the world, but without the service, hospitality and consistency, that’s really how it all comes together. We are thankful.”
The drive-up joint has gained massive popularity since opening in 1934. Its Galley Boy creation, adorned with an iconic green olive pick, has garnered enough demand for the restaurant to open nearly 25 locations around Ohio.
In October 2025, Swensons landed a spot at Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the Galley Boy, Potato Teezers and other goodies are served during events. There is also an in-arena promotion where whenever the opposing team misses two consecutive free throws, fans will receive an offer to redeem Potato Teezers at any local Swensons the day after the game.
It’s also a big fan favorite of many Akron celebrities, including LeBron James and Larry Nance Jr.
“It’s a celebration of the connection we have in the community in Northeast Ohio,” said Charles Craig, senior vice president of culinary at Swensons. “It’s just a great way for people that are coming to visit to see a game, and now all of a sudden, they get to experience something that’s really true to the culture of NEO, see a little taste of a local favorite and hopefully bring back that excitement to their community.
“Who knows − one day Swensons may be past Ohio. I’d love to have some fans already there.”
Craig and Flowers both believe the restaurant’s success comes from not only the community, but also keeping ingredients the same, having the same passion throughout the years and really caring for the products.
“To do that day after day, year after year, decade after decade, that’s really what creates those deep-rooted community connections,” Flowers said.
To find Swensons near you, visit their website, swensonsdriveins.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Readers crown the best place to get a burger in Akron. Check out who won
Reporting by Alisson Toro-Lagos, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
