Lately, there has been a big push toward supporting local businesses, and Clevelanders are more than happy to do so, especially when it comes to delicious food, but there is one old-fashioned drive-in restaurant from the Akron area that has slowly grown up into Greater Cleveland, and it’s redefining fast food as we know it.

Welcome to Swenson's Drive-In, a flavorful addition to the University Heights neighborhood.
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This Akron-based restaurant can now boast of eight restaurants, a food truck, and exponential growth since Wesley Swenson started selling burgers out of his station wagon at Buchtel High School.
This delicious drive-in is known for its incredible burgers.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
The Galley Boy (and its vegetarian counterpart, the Garden Boy) are award-winning burgers that are bursting with flavor. Each creation is topped with two top secret sauces, and your taste buds will notice immediately that this is no ordinary burger.
The handcrafted milkshakes, which can be customized to suit your palette and personality, are heavenly.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
There are 18 standard flavors and a few seasonal concoctions on the menu and flavors can be mixed and matched to create an unforgettable meal.
Swenson's is community-oriented, opting for face-to-face interaction in place of the common drive-through speaker.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
Their servers are all smiles and have infectious energy as they buzz (or, more accurately, run) from car to car and back into the kitchen.

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When your meal comes out, it mounts to your window, allowing you to dine in the comfort and privacy of your personal space.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
When you pull in, you park and flick your lights on whenever you're ready for service. A server will come to your window to assist with the decision-making or offer suggestions, guaranteeing a flavorful experience.
Their menu features so much more than burgers.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
They also offer seasonal options and twists on all-American classics that will pique the interest of your taste buds, and they'll be craving more even after your tummy is full.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
Since the business began in 1934, Clevelanders have had to travel to indulge in the flavors of Swenson's.
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
But now we have our own!

The flavors of this charming drive-in have captured the hearts of locals for generations, but until recently, indulging in the flavors of Swenson’s required a lengthy drive. Now that it’s right in our backyard, a visit is definitely in order!

You’ll find Swenson’s Drive-In’s University Heights location at 14510 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 12 a.m on Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

To visit another iconic eatery that locals love, check out this amazing grilled cheese restaurant.

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