The Rail // Mall cuisine is dominated by teriyaki chicken, pretzel dogs, floppy pizza slices and monster cinnamon rolls. But thanks to restaurateur Mike Mariola, how we dine while shopping for designer duds just got a lot tastier. With his first burger spot at Summit Mall in Fairlawn, Mariola tapped into a crowd that likes to bask in their retail revelry with a juicy patty and frothy craft beer. In December, the burger king expanded his territory to include a two-story space at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted. Almost twice the size of the original location, this one has a prime position next to the new Regal Cinemas and a more extensive beer selection (think local brews from the Brew Kettle, Thirsty Dog and Fat Head's). One thing that hasn't changed is the proven menu of hand-formed, half-pound, Ohio-beef burgers. We fell for the Tourist ($9.50), a refreshing combination of avocado spread, spinach and red onion that's served with an addictive red pepper mayo. If you want something a little more decadent, opt for the 7th Heaven ($11.25). Loaded with Ohio thick-cut bacon, truffle butter and red onion jam, you'd think it doesn't get much more indulgent than this. Oh, but it does. Order a side of the truffle fries ($6.75), layered with shaved Parmesan, and you have a meal fit for a king.
The Rail, 400 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, 440-979-1979, therailburger.com
