Picture this: Swenson's was born in 1934, founded by none other than Wesley T. 'Pop' Swenson himself. The original joint was nestled in Akron, Ohio, where the Swenson's secret sauce recipe was concocted, a family secret that remains unchanged till date!
Now, let me tell you about the Galley Boy, a sublime double cheeseburger slathered with not one, but two secret sauces, crowned with a green olive and served on a beautifully toasted bun. It's not just a burger—it's a masterpiece. One of the sauces is a staple with all their burgers; a tantalizing blend of mayonnaise, pickle relish, dill weed, mustard seed, salt, pepper, and parsley. The second sauce, aptly named the Swenson's Special Sauce, is the privileged topping on any double order, Galley Boy included.
Swenson's doesn't pull any punches when it comes to a hefty menu. It's a maze of heavenly burgers, sandwiches, soups, potato teezers (super intriguing, right?), milkshakes, and more. Fear not, though; I've got your back and will walk you through the bestsellers:
- Swenson's Cheeseburg: You get to pick your cheese on this hamburger, which creatively features onion rings on top! An epic surprise.
- Swenson's Chili Cheese Fries: A mountain of fries swimming in cheese and chili. Lovers of spice, this one's a dream come true.
- Swenson's Double Double Burger: Two layers of meaty juiciness, two slices of American cheese, and a dollop of mayonnaise. A must-have for hardcore burger fanatics.
- Swenson's Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich: This bad boy just screams satisfaction. It comes with an added zing of a fruit salad on the side. Just trying to keep it balanced! Also, word on the street is their soup is to die for.
Tipping or Not Tipping at Swensons—That is the Question
You might contemplate tipping the hardworking car hop who delivers deliciousness right to your car. Well, tipping isn't an obligation but it's always welcomed. They do hustle a lot during the busy hours!
The Mysterious Xango Dessert at Swensons
Ever heard of Xango? No worries, you're not alone. It's a mouthwatering cheesecake dessert, enveloped in a buttery, flaky pastry tortilla. The cheesecake here is a real showstopper with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract whipped into a creamy concoction. Rolled, fried, brushed, and dipped in a sugar crystal coat, just to be served with whipped cream and berries. Indulgence redefined.
The Quirky Drink-Naming Tradition at Swensons
Fun fact, friends: The drink names don't depict the states they're representative of, like a California shake or a Texas coffee for instance. They're actually in alphabetical order with a hint of each state (A for Alabama). Interesting, right?
Swenson's—A Home-Grown Affair
Swenson's carries the heart of Ohio and is very proudly an Ohio-based restaurant. It has built its legacy over more than 70 years of existence! With multiple locations in Akron and surrounding areas and a single, rebel outpost in Indiana, Swenson’s hasn’t spread much far off from its home.
Have it Your Way—In-Car or Outdoor Seating Available at Swenson's
You can enjoy your meal at Swenson's the way you like— in your car or at one of the outdoor picnic tables. Whichever route you choose, the charming car hop will deliver the food to you. There's also a covered patio area if you're seeking a more formal sit-down dinner experience.
Wake Up Your Taste Buds with Mint Whip from Swensons
Need a refreshing wake up to your taste buds? Order a Mint Whip: a blend of mint, ginger ale, and vanilla ice cream. Trust me, you won't regret this.
Meeting the Salad Boy at Swensons
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, meet the Salad Boy, Swenson's Veggie burger—nestled in a toasted bun with not only the standard ketchup and mustard, but also filled with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and cheese.
Spicing Up with Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Bites at Swensons
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to go off the beaten path, Swenson’s Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Bites should be your next stop. Think breaded, deep-fried mac and cheese balls served with a side of sweet honey mustard sauce. Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, with a tangy dipping sauce. These bites are perfect for sharing--or not. Because who can blame you if you don’t want to share these gems?
Dinner Staples at Swensons
Swenson's has your dinner sorted. With options like a scrumptious Shrimp or Fish Dinner served with fries and coleslaw or a light Snack of Chicken or Shrimp with a side of fries and coleslaw; you're spoilt for choices. The cherry on the top—pun intended, is the unmissable Chicken Finger Dinner that comes with fries, coleslaw, and a choice between a cherry pie or an ice cream cone. Yep, you heard right.
Pros
- Abundant menu selection, almost everything is delicious.
- Unique and tasty secret sauces!
- Historical restaurant with charm and character.
- Offers both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements.
Cons
- Can get very busy at peak hours, leading to longer wait times.
- May be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors to choose from extensive menu.
- Not many healthy, low-calorie options on the menu.