Slider Paradise: A Guide to Metro Detroit's Old School Burger Gems

Story by Michelle Martin

Detroiters love a good slider. The small grilled burgers that are big on flavor can be found in equally small, but legendary burger joints throughout metro Detroit.

Be sure to try a traditional slider, topped with grilled onions, ketchup, mustard and pickles, along with other burger favorites. Craving a slider? Here’s where to find them.

Motz’s

With two locations – one on Fort Street in Detroit and another in Redford – Motz’s has been famous for its sliders for more than 90 years. The burgers are made with 100% fresh beef and served on Michigan-baked buns.

What to try: a cheeseburger, topped with caramelized onions, ketchup, mustard and pickles, and a slice of bacon.

Brayz

It’s easy to find Brayz – there’s a giant donkey on the roof. The small Hazel Park burger joint has been frying up sliders for generations.

What to try: the Belly Buster, a half-pound burger with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, Thousand Island and American cheese.

The Telway

The Telway on Michigan Avenue in Detroit has been in business for almost 80 years, serving sliders and other greasy-spoon favorites. There is also a location in Madison Heights.

What to try: a double cheeseburger with extra onions.

Travis Coffee Shop

This small St. Clair Shores diner is known for its sliders and breakfast offerings. Larger burgers are also on the menu.

What to try: the Mr. 5 x 5, a 1/3-pound burger served on a sesame seed bun.

Hunter House

Birmingham’s Hunter House has been a go-to burger joint since the 1950s. The burgers are topped with sweet onions, American cheese and served on steamed buns.

What to try: the Robcat Honey Burger, a double cheeseburger topped with bacon, barbecue sauce and onion rings.

Elmer’s Hamburgers

This westside Detroit favorite has been serving sliders since the 1950s. There are also turkey burgers for those who would like to have something a bit lighter.

What to try: Elmer’s Special, a pack of six hamburgers or cheeseburgers.

Carter’s Hamburgers

Carter’s has been serving sliders in Dearborn Heights since 1948. The burgers are served the traditional way – with grilled onions, cheese, ketchup, mustard and pickles – or deluxe with lettuce and tomato.

What to try: Carter’s Big Burger, a ¼-pound patty with lettuce, cheese and special sauce.

Bates Burgers

This family-owned restaurant has locations in Livonia and Farmington Hills and has been known for its burgers since 1959. Hamburgers and cheeseburgers, along with double burgers and double burgers, are a local favorite.

What to try: the chiliburger, topped with all-beef chili.

Greene’s Hamburgers

Greene’s Hamburgers has been a Farmington Hills staple for more than 65 years. Along with burgers, double burgers and triple burgers, Greene’s also serves veggie burgers.

What to try: the triple cheeseburger with extra pickles.

Sonny’s Hamburgers

For more than 50 years, Sonny’s Hamburgers has been serving sliders from its Detroit location and, more recently, from food trucks. The menu includes small, large and double burgers and cheeseburgers.

What to try: a double cheeseburger with mayo.

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