Swensons Drive-In

Overview:

Swensons Drive-In, located at 1247 Boardman Poland Road in Poland, Ohio, is a beloved restaurant that has been serving delicious, freshly ground burgers for over 90 years. Founded by Wesley "Pop" Swenson in 1934, the drive-in continues to honor his dream of providing the best quality burgers to its customers. With a commitment to using only the finest ingredients, Swensons Drive-In is a must-visit destination for anyone craving a classic American burger experience. The restaurant offers a variety of popular dishes including their award-winning Galley Boy burger, crispy onion rings, and thick milkshakes. Swensons is open daily from 11 AM to 1 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 AM to 1:30 AM on Friday and Saturday. They also offer delivery and online ordering for pickup. Whether you're in the mood for a quick meal or a sit-down dining experience, Swensons Drive-In will satisfy your cravings.

The Food:

Galley Boy w/ Onion Rings

During my visit to Swensons Drive-In, I decided to try their signature burger, the Galley Boy. This burger features two freshly ground patties, melted cheese, and a unique combination of two special sauces: one similar to a tangy tartar sauce and the other akin to a savory barbecue sauce. The burger also includes pickles and is served on a soft, toasted bun.

While the Galley Boy was overall a tasty burger with fresh ingredients and juicy patties, I found the combination of the tartar and barbecue sauces to be a bit overwhelming for my taste. The tanginess of the tartar sauce and the richness of the barbecue-like sauce made the flavor profile a little too complex for me. Additionally, the bun was a bit flaky, which didn't hold up well with all the toppings, making it a bit messy to eat. Despite these minor issues, the burger was still enjoyable, and I appreciated the quality of the ingredients. Overall, it was a good burger, and I would consider customizing the sauces next time.

Xango

After enjoying the Galley Boy burger, I decided to indulge in the Xango dessert. Xango is a deep-fried cheesecake, often referred to as a cheesecake chimichanga. It features a creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in a crispy tortilla, deep-fried to perfection, and typically dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

I particularly liked how the Xango was crispy on the outside, providing a delightful crunch, while the inside was warm and chewy. The combination of textures made it a truly satisfying dessert, and the rich, creamy cheesecake filling was a perfect complement to the crispy exterior.

Service:

The service at Swensons Drive-In was top-notch. To get service, you just turn on your headlights, and a friendly carhop quickly comes out to help you. Our carhop was super nice and took the time to explain the entire menu since it was our first visit. His thorough and patient explanation made it so much easier to decide what we wanted to order. After taking our order, he brought the food out pretty quickly, which we really appreciated. Overall, his attentiveness and helpfulness made our dining experience at Swensons Drive-In really enjoyable.

Atmosphere:

Swensons Drive-In has a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of old carhops like Eat'n Park or Sonic. The small building's style contributes to the retro feel, making it a fun and unique destination. The massive menus are displayed on the outside walls, making it easy to see all your options and decide what to order. There are plenty of parking spaces around the building, so finding a spot is convenient. Combined with the efficient carhop service, this setup makes dining at Swensons a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Rating: Good |⭐⭐⭐⭐✩|

Overall, I would rate Swensons Drive-In 4 out of 5 stars, which reflects a positive experience. The nostalgic charm and retro feel of the place, combined with the efficient and friendly carhop service, made for an enjoyable dining visit. The food was fresh and flavorful, with highlights like the Galley Boy burger and the crispy, chewy Xango dessert. The large, easy-to-read menus and ample parking added to the convenience. However, the combination of the sauces on the Galley Boy burger was a bit overwhelming, and the flaky bun detracted slightly from the overall experience. Despite these minor issues, the visit was pleasant, and I would definitely consider returning.