Presenting the Burgers of Broadway

words and photos by Jason Shaffer

Come one, come all to downtown Broadway's entertainment district to experience six of the area's most delicious and crave-able burgers. This roadmap to burger bliss will take you down Broadway, where you'll find classic tavern burgers, mac-and-cheese-topped burgers, and everything in between.

Lorain may be known for pizza and pastelillos, but these eateries on Broadway are bringing their burger A-games. Over the past three years, Lorain has been blessed with a bountiful supply of new restaurants, cafés, and even a brand new bakery. We're going to visit five of these new eateries and one neighborhood classic to find out what kind of sizzling beef they're slinging. So won't you join me on this journey of mouth-watering, culinary delight?

Game On Lorain

301 Broadway—lower level

First, step into the Ariel Broadway Hotel to kick off this Lorain, burger-filled adventure. The newly remodeled hotel hosts two of our first destinations in this burger soirée. Let's head to the lower level of the hotel and check out Game On Lorain Sports Bar. Grab a cold pint of your favorite lager, order one of their stacked burgers, and enjoy a game of pool while they grill up your grub. Game On also has an awesome collection of modern pinball games, dart boards, video games, and wall-to-wall televisions. It's the place to be if you're a sports or video game fanatic. Recommendation: the Hangover Burger—it will fill your belly with gluttonous burger goodness.

Dodie's Dockside

301 Broadway—main level

Next, walk upstairs into the hotel lobby and transport yourself inside the fine dining establishment called Dodie's Dockside. Soak in the relaxed vibes, beautiful woodworking, and friendly atmosphere while your mouth waters as a parade of beautiful seafood dishes exit the kitchen. You can't go wrong with the grilled salmon or Dodie's famous lobster roll, but today you're here to crush their mouth-watering cheeseburger. Dodie's burger is packed with flavor and topped with arugula, tomato aioli, pancetta, egg, and white cheddar. This bombshell burger pairs wonderfully with an ice-cold IPA and a side of perfectly salty sea fries. Make sure to leave room for some house-made cannoli or a slice of sinfully decadent cake.

Borikén Juke Joint

401 Broadway—lower level

Travel two doors south to the beautiful Duane building and head downstairs to a cozy spot called Borikén Juke Joint. This little subterranean eatery is home to truly unique flavors and a creative and diverse menu. You'll find dishes like steak asado, Hawaiian-style marinated cod, collard greens, and even fried Cornish hen. But don't forget to stay focused—we are here for the burgers! Have Joe grill up a triple-decker with melted Gov'ment cheese and a side of salty, homemade potato chips. I recommend whatever double cheeseburger special they're grilling—your belly will be very full and happy afterward.

Union Town Provision

422 Broadway

Our next go-to is across the street at Union Town Provisions (UTP), an eclectic, full-service restaurant and café with an ever-evolving menu of carefully crafted comfort foods. Sip on a latté or a pomegranate Cosmo while enjoying their popular brunch menu and in-house bakery items. UTP has become famous for its fish sandwiches, full-flavor salads, and chicken and waffles. But again, we are here for the burgers. UTP's current menu has eight different burgers to choose from, which are ground fresh from USDA prime sirloin and served with fresh-cut fries. Grab the mac-and-cheese burger and experience comfort food bliss, or be daring with your tastebuds and devour the Danish blue cheese burger. Either way, save room for something from the pastry counter—the scones and macaroons are from heaven.

Scorchers Casual Eatery & Draft House

900 Broadway

Now we're going to take a stroll down Broadway to the corner of the 900 block and end up at the colorful corner bar Scorchers. This low-key bar and grill is a crowd-favorite place to chill out with friends over inexpensive drinks, familiar foods, pool tables, and a friendly atmosphere. Scorchers has the largest menu of everyone on this list. You can find fried gouda bites, pierogis, quesadillas, hot dogs, and pretty much anything else that fits in a fryer or on a grill. Their burgers are an old-school tavern-style stacked high with thick-cut toppings and melted cheese covering the big beef patty. Order a burger with a side of poppers, grab a cold craft beer, and you will be a very satisfied and happy person. Scorchers is the perfect neighborhood bar to grab some food, hang with friends, and have a fun night.

Broadway Mary's

939 Broadway

Our final stop is across the street at Broadway Mary's. This funky little place is known for its warm and fuzzy '70s vibe and Americana-style menu. Stop by for sweet and savory breakfast dishes, lunchtime soups and sammies, or come any time of the day to smash one of Mary's addicting burgers. Which will it be? The signature OooO Gurl burger with freaky deaky sauce; the Brothel Burger with braised short rib and mac and cheese; the Young Frankenstein with avocado, shishito peppers, jalapeños, provolone, and hot honey drizzle; The Mushroom Swiss burger; or the vegan-friendly Veg Out burger. Don't forget to add freshcut fries and loaded tots to your order! Broadway Mary's also has a full coffee menu featuring espresso drinks, flavored iced coffees, and tea. It's like hopping in a time machine and finding a comfy coffee shop that also houses a full, diner-style menu.

It's very exciting to witness all of the great eateries popping up all over Broadway. I hope this article inspires everyone to stop downtown and try each of these businesses out. Shopping and dining local is good for your soul (and tummy).