8 Most Iconic Burger Joints in Metro Detroit

There are a lot of places to grab a burger in Detroit and the metro area. But what are the most classic “Detroit” burgers in the area? If you’re looking for more than your average hamburger, then make your way to one of these eight restaurants serving up Detroit’s most iconic burgers.

1. One Eyed Betty’s

Just like its name, One Eyed Betty’s in Ferndale is a restaurant you won’t soon forget. There’s only one burger on the menu here but it’s worth it. The “Betty Burger” comes slathered in melted sharp cheddar and garlic aioli, topped with pecan smoked bacon, and served on a brioche bun. Top your meal off with any beer or cider from their lengthy “Adulting” menu.

2. Taystee’s Burgers

Taystee’s Burgers in Dearborn will take you back in time with its Americana diner vibes. Burgers are what they do here and you’re going to have a hard time picking your order. Try a “Mac Attack” burger topped with mac & cheese bites and coleslaw on a brioche bun, the “Volcano” burger topped with jalapeno poppers and spicy mayo on an onion bun, or just try the classic “Taystee’s Original.” This is a great spot to grab a bite to eat before catching a drive-in move at Ford Drive In, where you can really keep the 50’s theme going.

Checker-Bar-Pop-Offworld-Burger

3. Checker Bar

Checker Bar, located in Cadillac Square in downtown Detroit, is a true Detroit original. There are six burgers on the menu, but first-timers should try the “Checker Burger.” The bar itself has been renovated with the history preserved. Head upstairs to play vintage arcade games as you wait for your burger to arrive!

4. Ale Mary’s Beer Hall

Ale Mary’s Beer Hall in Royal Oak is a gastropub and tavern that has literally won awards for its burgers… and for its seafood, beer, bourbon, and service. This is a spot that anyone can enjoy! Burger lovers should try the “Beer Cheese Burger” which was voted in the top 25 burgers in America by Men’s Journal. The burger comes with pickled red onion, applewood smoked bacon, and who could forget the beer-infused cheese? Finish up with a whiskey flight and you’ll see why this place is so popular.

5. Miller’s Bar

If you’re after award-winning burgers, then you’ll also need to stop at Miller’s Bar in Dearborn. Serving their famous no-frills, extra-juicy ground round burgers since 1941, Miller’s Bar has long been one of the most popular burger joints in metro Detroit. Most recently, they were named as a top 10 burger spot in southeast Michigan by Food & Wine Magazine.

6. Green Dot Stables

Green Dot Stables, in Corktown, is a Detroit burger classic with an Irish-American twist. With 22 sliders on the menu that are all less than $4, diners can mix-and-match from a quite eclectic variety of mini burgers. Want a tofu banh mi slider? They’ve got it. How about a PBJ burger? They have that, too. There is even a “mystery meat” option for those with more adventurous tastebuds.

 

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7. Basement Burger Bar

Basement Burger Bar in Farmington is very popular for its build-your-own menu. There are over ten options for protein patty, including American Bison, Ground Beef (never frozen), Wagyu Kobe Beef, Impossible Burger, and more. While waiting for your burger (or maybe while you’re digesting), head upstairs to 1UP, their new arcade bar.

8. Motz’s Burgers

There are a lot of good burgers in Detroit, but arguably the most iconic burger joint is family-owned Motz’s Burgers in southwest Detroit. Motz’s has been feeding Detroiters since 1929, and has used the same 100% beef patty recipe ever since then. If it works, don’t change it, right?