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I had no idea what I had been missing! A couple weeks ago my husband and I dined at The Rail Burger Bar at Great Northern Mall and to say that I ate the best burger that I have ever had would not be an overstatement.

With three locations throughout Ohio including, Fairlawn, North Olmsted and Canton,  The Rail specializes in 1/2lb burgers from 100% source-verified Ohio beef. In addition to this they offer up an impressive selection of Ohio craft beers and spirits. While The Rail offers a nice size menu of mouth-watering burger creations, you are encouraged to add or delete anything you want. In fact, you can even create your own.

Strongsville readers, you’ll be excited to hear that a The Rail is opening up their newest restaurant in your town this year. You’ll be able to enjoy the delicious Ohio beef burgers right in your home town!

The Rail offers a upscale dining experience with trendy decor yet a laid back atmosphere that is perfect for hanging out after work with friends or grabbing a bite with your family. With the red walls, hanging lights and fun decor, it’s a place that will make you feel right at home.

The Rail likes to keep it local. Not only is the beef from Ohio. but their three locations search for new ways to use local produce also. Since Ohio can’t grow most produce year-round, they are sure to use local produce when available. For instance, The Rail serves a hybrid lettuce called the Cleveland Crisp, developed and grown by a local company called Green City Growers. Items such as pickles and herbs are also from right here in the buckeye state.

When we eat a new restaurant, we love to try their appetizer specialties. The Rail doesn’t disappoint and offers some such as house made fried pickles and classic hummus.  On top of these regular items they also offer up monthly specials, which are sure to tempt you.

To try something completely different, we ordered the Gouda Mac ‘N Cheese Bites. These delicious nuggets are the perfect sized snacks which can be eaten in one quick bite or savored in two.  The are crunchy on the outside, yet ooey gooey and oh so cheesy inside.

When Chef Mike Hawks came to our table to share a few of his favorite Rail menu items, the Caesar salad was high on his list. Now being on a weight loss journey myself, I’m consider myself a salad expert. I’ve tried every type of salad there is EXCEPT The Rail’s Ceasar salad. This is not your typical salad. The Rail actually grills a romaine wedge and then tops it with shaved Parmesan, tomatoes and croutons. This salad was amazing and completely different from anything I’ve ordered in the past.

For the main course, I tried April’s special The Whistle Stop Burger. While I could have asked for a naked burger (no bun), I went all out and got it exactly how it was listed in the menu. This monster burger boasts Monterey Jack cheese, fried green tomato, roasted red pepper mayo, red onion and lettuce. I chose fries for my side and stole two onion rings from my friend. While we were told the burgers were fresh, I didn’t truly believe until I took my first bite. This was hands down the best burger I had ever eaten.

With a unique name of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Bacon Burger, my husband couldn’t resist. This burger is made with Ohio thick-cut bacon, pork shoulder, crispy wonton, and Rail sauce. He added sweet potato fries to top it off. This burger was huge but didn’t stand a change with my husband’s appetite. With so many different meats included, this “manly burger” is a must have for anyone willing to try.

After my large meal, I passed on dessert but my husband chose the delicious cheesecake with raspberry drizzle while my blogger friend chose the Watershed Bourbon pecan pie with Smith’s ice cream.  The portions were huge and definitely shareable.

One thing I absolutely love about The Rail’s desserts is that they are made right here in Cleveland.  The Rail discovered a pie maker at a local farm market and chose her to make all of their delectable treats. These desserts taste like they are homemade…because they are.

If you haven’t tried The Rail Burger Bar, you are in for a treat! Plan your next night out at The Rail and enjoy…you’ll thank me!