Bobbing for foam burgers in a kiddie pool filled with ketchup is like deep-sea diving. "You can't see. You're just feeling around," says Drew Cerza, founder of the National Hamburger Festival. "It's really challenging." Held at Akron's Lock 3 Aug. 17 and 18, the annual event celebrates the claim that residents Frank and Charles Menches invented the hamburger in 1885 after substituting beef for the sausage patty sandwiches they were serving at New York's Erie County Fair. While others contest the burger's origins, Akron honors the Menches' creation with a hamburger-eating competition, best burger cook-off and bobbing for burgers contest. Last year, Christy Sinko, a second-grade teacher, plucked a record 21 hamburgers from the pool. "She actually wore high heels," says Cerza. "She got better traction and height." hamburgerfestival.com
Hospitality partners Jay Leitson and Izzy Schachner have transformed the former J. Pistone Market into a bright, 72-seat café serving fresh food, coffee and pastries from dawn to dusk. By Douglas Trattner
The Cleveland group behind STEAK and Jolene's Honky Tonk is partnering with founder Danny Grim to double down on late-night food and playful, camera-ready design. By Douglas Trattner
Opened by Melanie and Jeff Brunty beneath The Farmer's Rail, the new 80-seat spot pairs classic cocktails and house creations with hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and shareable plates. By Douglas Trattner
