Where to Find the Best Burger in Ohio

I’m not sure I’d limit this accolade to the best burger in Ohio. It’s the best burger that I’ve had in years – anywhere! If you know me, you’ll know that I’m not one to declare much of anything “The Absolute Best”. I’m not a person of extremes. Generally in my rating book, something can be good, even excellent or maybe below-par or disappointing, but I can count on one hand the times that I’ve gone to one extreme or the other to say something is the best or the worst. This burger was deserving of that label.

When was the last time you took a bite of a burger that prompted you to close your eyes, take a deep breath and savor every flavorful detail about it? Seriously. My mouth still waters when I think about it.

Location and Ambiance:

How did we find this scrumptious combination of flavors, you ask? We happened to be in Northern Ohio to visit extended family for a week. It was our last day on the Lake Erie coast. We were meeting cousins in Vermilion for lunch and had heard around town that The Pavilion Grill and Tavern had recently opened. For a town that hovers around 11,000 people, a new restaurant doesn’t come around very often, and we don’t get to this part of the country much, so we decided to try it .

Our group of 6 walked in a little before noon and we were seated promptly. There were about 8 tables in the room and 5 seats at the counter. (By the time we left the dining room was full.) There was also another dining room, but I didn’t have a chance to see how many tables were there. The room was decorated with rustic wood and vintage photos of the main street (State Route 6 – aka Liberty Avenue) where The Pavilion Grill and Tavern resides. 5542 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion.

Service and Menu:

Our server was friendly and helpful and brought drinks while we looked over the selections. She came back often throughout our meal to refill beverages and check on the food. On the menu, there was good variety, not the run-of-the-mill offerings and the lunch prices were reasonable. The burger menu description was straightforward enough.

“French Onion Burger – Steak Patty, topped with caramelized onions and mozzarella cheese on ciabatta bread.”

I’ve always liked French Onion soup and Patty Melts and this sounded like it was right up my alley. Although lately, I’ve been hesitant to order burgers at restaurants because I seem to have expectations of how they’re going to taste that are never quite realized by the meal. Despite my hesitation, I ordered the French Onion Burger and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Best Burger in Ohio:

When our food was served, the meat appeared to be at least a half-pound burger and so thick that I had to eat it with a fork. The chef later told me that the patty was ground filet and brisket. (That must be the secret. Mmmm.) It came dripping with mozzarella cheese and piled with perfectly caramelized, grilled and rendered onions and garlic on lightly toasted ciabatta bread. It even tasted like they’d added au jus or broth from French Onion soup, but it was probably just the onion/garlic/cheesy flavor combination. I also got a generous amount of fresh-cut fries (with the skin on) – my favorite kind.

The rest of the meal and conversation was a blur. My mind was fixed on that amazing burger. My only disappointment was that it was my last day in town, so we couldn’t go back for another one. So if you happen to be in Northern Ohio anywhere near Vermilion, please stop and have the French Onion Burger, and tell them Nancy from “Traveling with Purpose” sent you.

How to Get There:

The Pavilion Grill is located in the beautiful Harbour Town Historic District of Vermilion, Ohio. Originally incorporated in 1837, the citizens have successfully preserved this quaint, walkable downtown area, just steps from Lake Erie and the Vermilion River. It takes a few minutes to get there by car from Interstate 90 or Route 2, but you’ll find it well worth the detour. In fact, a scenic drive along Route 6 will bring all sorts of sweet surprises.

Did you know that you can get there by boat too? The restaurant is less than a block from the Vermilion River where it meets Lake Erie. You can find out more about Vermilion Guest Docks here.

Click below for Google directions.

Here are answers to some FAQs:

• Breakfast Hours: 8 am to 2 pm, Wednesday – Monday
• Lunch & Dinner Hours: Open Weds thru Sunday Noon to 8 pm
• First Time Restaurant Owners:
  • Jeremy Crawford – Chef
  • Joe Jesko – Business Manager
• Link to Menu
• Beer, wine, and liquor – yes!
• Catering: YES
• This location: Click map above for directions
• Other locations: The Pavilion Food Truck (first one in Vermilion) currently used for catering and events. Call to book for your next event.
• Website: Facebook page
• Questions? Call (440) 963-0157

Have you tried The Pavilion Grill? If so, what’s your favorite menu item?

You Might Also Like:

If you’re in Northern Ohio, here’s info on a couple of great places to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just about an hour from Pavilion Grill.

Looking for more great places to eat when you’re on the road? Here are more posts about some of my top picks for dining out.