"R" and I found ourselves in the North Olmsted area last weekend around lunchtime. We discussed a few restaurant options, but then suddenly
The Rail popped into my head. It was one of the restaurants that you, readers, had suggested for the
2014 To Dine Challenge that just hadn't quite made the list. I've heard that they have a good burger, so I was interested to try it. The Akron-based restaurant just opened a new location in the Great Northern Mall, so it made our lunch decision pretty easy.
It was easy to find, with big signage on the side of the mall, and plenty of free parking in the mall lot. There was ample seating available between the bar area, small lower dining room, and upper level. We were seated right away, and left with the decision on what burger to order.
A couple of the burgers sounded really good, so I had a hard time choosing. I finally went with the
Greenwich Pig ($9.50) with sauteed onions, bleu cheese, spinach, and rail mayo. I also added a side of the red onion jam.
This was hands-down the sloppiest burger that I've ever eaten. Things were just oozing out of the buttered bun, running all over my hands. It's one of those burgers that once you pick it up, you don't put it down. But, man, was it good.
"R" got the
Crouching Burger (Hidden Bacon) burger ($10.50) with thick-cut Ohio bacon and pulled pork on top of it, so it was a meat-lovers dream. I didn't dare take a bite.
We also shared an order of the
Sweet Potato Fries ($3.25) with a side of chipotle mayo (50 cents).
They were very crispy, not too greasy, and I enjoyed the dipping sauce. Worth the extra money.
Overall, I liked the look and feel of the restaurant/bar. It reminds me of B-Spot. A little "chainy" feeling, but they try to show their Ohio pride and farm-feel with the decor.
They also have a decent beer list, both bottle and draft. It seems like a great spot to pop into for a good burger and beer.
They will be opening a third location in Canton in March.
The Rail
4954 Great Northern Boulevard
North Olmsted, OH 44070
3265 W. Market Street
Akron, OH 44333
