Review of Swenson's Drive in Restaurants in Akron, Ohio & Surrounding Area's!

My family and I were born and raised in Akron, Ohio. Unfortunately, my parents, (to my knowledge and recollection, anyway.) only took us out to eat once in a blue moon.

Once I became an adult, I was able to get out more and explore. It was 1984 when I was introduced to a drive in style restaurant known as "Swenson's." And with this introduction, came a sandwich my boy friend insisted I try. Before trying it, I wanted to know what was on it, and why it was so "awesome," in his own words.

There is a sandwich there known as the "Galley Boy." If you were ever in the military, you would know the Galley is the kitchen. My boy friend told me what was on it; this is where you will do what I did: the ingredients include tartar sauce and barbecue sauce. One doesn't think those two combinations should be together, until one tries the sandwich.

I did not order it; I simply grossed out, and said I would simply have a bite. And a bite, is all it takes.

It is not gross; it is the most wonderful taste you could imagine. Melted cheese, and fresh meat, and even home made bread that has a bit of a sweet taste to it.

The server when asked what was all on the sandwich, explained that it is a galley boy, and that galley means kitchen, "Therefore," she laughed, "Everything including the kitchen sink!"

Swenson's first opened in 1934 by Wesley "Pop" Swenson. Its original location was on South Hawkins. It was a very small building, and they produced a whole new taste, that made everyone keep coming back for more! This place must be good, if they are now celebrating 75 years of service!

Swenson's has several locations in Ohio. My favorite one, was the one in Cuyahoga Falls, where I made my discovery.

Once married, I pulled the same stunt as pulled on me, with my husband. He too, cringed and didn't want a sandwich of his own. But once he bit into mine, he took it from me, and ordered another.

They also make awesome fried mushrooms, onion rings, and tater tots. And my kids loved their grilled cheese, because they didn't skimp with the cheese the way the school lunch does.

If you are in a hurry, you can call ahead. But don't worry, even if you just drop in, the service is still hot and fresh and even fast! Now, they even do catering!

Here are the locations, along with that specific locations hours:

Swenson's Drive In Restaurant's:

North Akron
658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave.
(330) 928-8515

Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 1:30 am

Stow/Kent
4466 Kent Rd. (Rt. 59)
(330) 678-7775

Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:00 am to midnight
Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 1:30 am

Montrose
40 Brookmont Rd.
(330) 665-1858

Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:00 am to midnight
Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 1:30 am

North Canton
1558 N. Main Street
(330) 499-9494

Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to midnight

Jackson
5815 Wales Ave.
(330) 833-5454

Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to Midnight

Seven Hills
7635 Broadview Road
(216) 986-1934

Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:00 am to Midnight
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 1:30 am

As you can well enough see, the Swenson craze took off, and they have expanded a great deal. They started off small, and word of mouth put them on the map. People who know Northern Ohio, know of Swenson's.

Now they have their own web site, and on this site, they even sell their own memorabilia. You can also request a bumper sticker while at the drive in themselves. On the web site, is also their menu, the history, and locations, including a map to help you get there. Here is that link: http://www.swensonsdriveins.com/default.asp If you are looking for a job, that information is also available online. And, they DO want to know about your dining experience, even if it was bad, and that you can find in the "contact us" link.

I give Swenson's a perfect ten, and have for many years now.