The Best Detroit Burgers

If you’re looking for the best burgers in Detroit, you’ve come to the right place!

Burgers are easy to love, which is why they are so popular. The combination of a juicy ground beef patty and a fresh, fluffy bun functions as the perfect canvas for a culinary adventure.

The possibilities are endless, whether the patty is topped with American cheese, kimchi, or jalapenos.

You can get a burger almost anywhere in Detroit and the surrounding area. However, where are the most classic “Detroit” burgers in the area? The following ten Detroit restaurants serve up some of the city’s most iconic burgers if you’re looking for more than your average hamburger.

Visiting Detroit? Check out our other guides:

Mercury Burger Bar

2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit // +13139645000

Mercury Burger Bar is the only diner in the entire city of Detroit with a mid-century modern theme.

Summer months are the best times to sit outside and eat food on one of the colorful tables.

A variety of authentic Detroit burgers can be found at Mercury Burger Bar. There are 15 different sliders, such as the Southwest with a chorizo slider, jalapenos, Munster cheese, tortilla strips, and more, and the Cadillac Ranch with pulled pork.

Vegetarians and those who want lighter meals will be happy to find they also serve sandwiches and salads.

Also, don’t forget to get a milkshake. There are marionberry pie, strawberry shortcake, and chocolate peanut butter crunch flavors.

Green Dot Stables

2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit // +13139625588

There’s nothing quite like slider-style burgers and craft beer at Green Dot Stables. The great thing about their slider menu is that they are all around $4, so you can mix and match different mini-burgers.

A cheeseburger is everyone’s favorite meal, but for those seeking adventure, the Mystery Meat is a must-order. There were also specialties like kangaroo burgers, salmon, wild boar, elk sausage, and even shark.

You can eat in or take out at Green Dot; order online or over the phone. And they also offer patio seating.

Grey Ghost Detroit

47 Watson St., Detroit // +13132626534

It is a true gem when a restaurant serves steak and burgers, and Grey Ghost fulfills this description. Their Dry Aged Cheeseburger combines aged beef with bacon jam, smoked cheddar, and hot mustard on a toasted bun.

There’s no doubt this burger is an upgrade from the typical burger stand meal. Still, the preparation is classic, with two griddle patties layered with American cheese, chopped lettuce, and a special sauce with mayonnaise and onions.

The whole experience is elevated when you add an egg. You can order a burger to go or get a kit to cook it at home. The restaurant is currently open for dine-in and patio service.

Honest John’s

488 Selden St., Detroit // +13138325646

Stop by this Detroit institution for a classic bar burger at its finest. Honest John’s offers a great cheeseburger with all the fixings.

The classic 100 percent ground chuck burger is served with a side of fries and your choice of cheese, or indulge in their gourmet barbecue bacon, cheddar burger.

A favorite late-night eating place in the city, it’s open until midnight. Currently, Honest John’s offers outdoor dining and carryout and indoor dining.

Royale with Cheese

4163 Cass Ave., Detroit // +13133153014

From Royale with Cheese, which is located in Midtown and has indoor seating, you can walk to the Detroit Institute of Arts and other museums.

This Midtown restaurant has become famous for its Detroit burgers, both for the great vibe and the “uniquely Detroit” creations.

Some of their burgers come with creative toppings, such as the Mia Wallace burger, embellished with candied turkey bacon, mesquite barbecue chips, roasted corn, poblano peppers, melty cheese, and honey-ancho barbecue sauce.

Indoor seating is available at the restaurant, and orders may also be placed by phone.

Food Exchange Restaurant

8451 Harper Ave., Detroit // +13135795616

There’s a perfect place for you. The name is Food Exchange, and it is located on Harper Avenue. You must be thinking – another burger joint? Of course, but trust me on this. It’s unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted.

They operate a burger joint where only the finest ingredients are used, like 100 percent ground beef raised without hormones and antibiotics, baker’s potatoes, whole wheat buns, or Texas toast, and shredded lettuce/tomato/onions. Additionally, vegetarian options are always available.

They are known for their 12-ounce patty topped with American and Swiss cheese, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, along with corned beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayonnaise. It can be shared with a friend, and it is available for takeout or delivery. Tops the list of the best Detroit burgers.

Central Kitchen + Bar

660 Woodward Ave. #4A, Detroit // +13139639000

This lively gastropub is located in the heart of downtown Detroit. This restaurant serves delicious food, wine, and cocktails in a friendly, down-to-earth setting.

You’ll find wood-grilled fish and steaks as well as imaginative salads here.

When it comes to hamburgers, there are many different tastes. Some prefer grilled burgers, others broiled, and others with fries on top.

However, if you enjoy mushrooms on your burger, you might really enjoy their Detroit burger. The burger features roasted wild mushrooms with gruyere, zip sauce, and brioche buns. Downtown city vibes are also a part of the experience.

Marcus Hamburgers

6349 E. McNichols Rd., Detroit // +13138916170

Marcus Hamburgers has belonged to the same family since 1929; it is one of the best dive restaurants. They serve gourmet burgers in hotdog buns.

I went to Marcus for lunch and got the double burger with bacon along with cheese and bacon fries. Everything about it was superb.

You notice the distinctive decor as soon as you walk in. The walls of Marcus are covered in old newspaper clippings of famous performers who have visited over the years, giving it a historic feel.

There are also countless photographs on the walls of celebrities who have visited the venue before, such as Jay Leno, Eminem, and Ellen Degeneres.

I would highly recommend this restaurant if you want to try something different yet delicious!

Checker Bar

124 Cadillac Square, Detroit // +13139619249

The Checker Bar is an iconic Detroit landmark and a must for any burger lover visiting the city. It is located in downtown’s historic Cadillac Square neighborhood and offers award-winning burgers and sides during lunch and dinner.

A vintage arcade, which can be found upstairs, pays homage to the building’s past as a bowling alley from the 1930s.

It gets its name from its classic “Checker Burger” – a 100% all-natural beef patty with a buttery brioche bun and pickles, cheddar cheese, and cabbage.

Their burger’s recipe is top secret, according to the website. You should also try the checkerboard fries – waffle fries topped with melted cheese and bacon bits. They are amazing!

Basement Burger Bar

1326 Brush St., Detroit // +13138183708

Build-your-own menus are very popular at Basement Burger Bar. You can choose from more than ten protein options, including American Bison, Ground Beef (never frozen), Wagyu Kobe Beef, the Impossible Burger, and more.

It is an underground burger joint that offers customizable burgers, though they do have some house specialties such as the Bandwagon Burger with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, onion rings, and a sunny-side-up egg.

Meanwhile, head upstairs to 1UP, their newly opened arcade bar, while you wait for your hamburger (or maybe while you digest it). Of course, you can dine in or carry out and order online too.

Summary About the Best Detroit Burgers

As home to two of the most popular food festivals in the country and known as the unofficial burger capital of America, it’s clear that Detroiters love their burgers.

Fortunately for everyone, Detroit isn’t lacking in top-notch burger joints. From hole-in-the-wall spots to upscale restaurants and everything in between, there is a burger location for every occasion and menu in metro Detroit.

When you visit Detroit next time, make sure you arrive with an empty stomach and an appetite to munch on some Detroit burgers!

Visiting other cities in Michigan? Check out our foodie guides to the following cities:

Which of these Detroit burger restaurants will you try first? Let us know in the comments section below!

Igor Jovanovsky

Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever

The Best Detroit Burgers | 10 Must-Try Burgers in Detroit Michigan

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