Between the Buns: A Flavor-Fueled Journey Through Detroit’s Burger History

Story by Amber Ogden

Are you looking for the best burgers in The D?

You hear the sizzle from the griddle and smell onions caramelizing, a scent that fills the air and pulls you closer. Detroit’s story comes through its food. You can taste the city’s resilience in deep-dish pizza, feel its spirit in a Coney dog, and sense its history in a bumpy cake. But if you really want to understand Detroit, from factory workers to today’s tech crowd, you have to look at the burger.

Detroit is known for its pizza, but the burgers deserve just as much attention. Classic 1950s sliders sit alongside wagyu burgers at new places. I went looking for the best burger spots in Metro Detroit, hoping to find not just great food, but also the stories, pride, and people behind each burger.

Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, let this be your guide. We’re about to start a food journey that feels a lot like home.

Mercury Burger Bar Corktown - Credit: Brayan Gutierrez
The Originals

Motz’s Burgers (Southwest Detroit)

To know Detroit today, you need to know its past, and Motz’s Burgers on Fort Street and Green is the perfect place for that. Since 1929, it’s welcomed workers, families, and slider fans. Still located in an original White Castle restaurant, Motz’s has become independent, earned a name for itself, and has stayed open through tough times, always serving up hot burgers.

Walking into Motz’s feels like entering Detroit’s past. The smell of caramelized onions fills the air, sweet and savory, and it stays with you. That scent tells you you’re in the right place.

Motz’s stands out by keeping things simple and doing them right. Their classic slider uses fresh, never-frozen beef, smashed on a griddle that’s been used for decades. Onions are pressed into the meat, making a crispy but tender crust, all served on a soft, steamed bun.

What truly sets Motz’s apart is its sense of tradition. The staff greets regulars by name and asks about their families. In a world always looking for the next trend, Motz’s reminds us that the best things are often the ones that have always been there.

Local Tip: Don’t hesitate to order the "Double." The balance of meat, bun, and onion is just right. While they now accept cards, paying with cash still feels like the best way here.

The Vibe: Old-school diner reminiscence with a heavy dose of Southwest pride.

Elmer’s Hamburgers (Detroit Westside)

On West Chicago Boulevard, you’ll find Elmer’s Hamburgers, a place that’s served the Westside since the 1950s. It’s more than a restaurant, it’s a neighborhood anchor.

Elmer’s looks simple and classic from the outside, the kind of place where the food speaks for itself. Inside, it’s like stepping back in time. The decor has barely changed in 70 years, and the original counter and stools are still there. The saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" fits Detroit’s spirit perfectly.

A customer in line told me he’s been coming here since he could see over the counter. "My dad brought me here, and now I bring my son," he said, watching the cook flip patties with practiced skill. That’s what Elmer’s is about: legacy.

The burgers here are real sliders: small, tasty, and easy to eat. They’re not fancy, just a good lunch, done right. The patties are thin, topped with American cheese, and the mustard gives a sharp kick. It’s honest food made by people who care about their neighborhood.

Local Tip: This is a place where you want to grab a sack of burgers to go. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a park picnic or a late-night crave session.

The Vibe: A genuine 1950s neighborhood hub where community comes first.

The Icon

Miller’s Bar (Dearborn)

You can’t talk about Detroit burgers without mentioning Miller’s Bar on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. With its dark wood paneling, this legendary spot feels like a well-known secret.

Miller’s became nationally famous when Jimmy Fallon called their burger the best he’d ever had. The "Fallon Effect" brought in many tourists, but locals have considered Miller’s the top spot since 1941.

Miller’s is all about simplicity. There are no menus; you just order a burger, with or without cheese, some fries, and maybe a beer. The burger comes on wax paper, making the meal feel straightforward and hands-on.

The burger patty is thick, juicy, and cooked well, served on a soft, simple bun. Miller’s stands out for its "Honor System": after eating, you tell the bartender what you had and pay. This trust between business and customer feels rare and reminds us of a time when integrity mattered.

Local Tip: The pickles are served on the side. Do not ignore them. Their crunch provides the necessary texture contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth beef.

The Vibe: dimly lit, no-nonsense, and famously trusting.​

The Soul of the Market

Cutter’s Bar & Grill (Eastern Market)

To experience Detroit’s energy, visit Eastern Market on a Saturday. To taste it, try Cutter’s Bar & Grill on Orleans Street. Cutter’s is a classic dive bar where locals and visitors gather over cold beers and big burgers.

Located in the heart of the district, Cutter’s serves very fresh meat—beef likely ground just blocks away. They’re known for stuffed burgers, which turn the cheeseburger inside out.

I sat at the bar, watched the Pistons’ game, and ordered their stuffed burger with cheddar and bacon. When it arrived, it was huge. This isn’t a slider; it’s a meal that takes some planning. Cutting into it revealed melted cheese inside. The beef had a nice char, showing the cook’s skill with the grill.

Cutter’s shows the "Detroit Hustle." It’s straightforward, lively, and welcoming. It’s the sort of place where you can meet someone new and leave with a friend and a full stomach.

Local Tip: While the stuffed burgers get the glory, the "Butcher's Choice" steak sandwiches are the sleeper hit if you ever manage to stray from the burger menu.

The Vibe: High-energy, carnivorous, and quintessentially Detroit.

The Modern Classics

Olin (Downtown Detroit)

Detroit’s food scene has expanded, with new restaurants that mix style and substance. Olin on Grand River Avenue stands out. It’s not just a burger spot, it’s an American-Mediterranean brasserie with a tiled interior, open kitchen, and a great atmosphere for a date night.

Why include Olin? Because among the paella and tapas, there’s a burger that quietly stands out.

The Olin Burger is all about balance, not size or gimmicks. It uses a custom blend of brisket and short rib for a deep, beefy flavor. It’s topped with a house-made creamy, tangy sauce, aged cheddar, and crisp pickles. Add bacon if you want to be a little extra.

Eating a burger at Olin feels refined. You might enjoy a craft cocktail, like one with gin and elderflower, while jazz tunes play. It shows Detroit’s dining scene can be both casual and polished without losing its character. Even a "fancy" burger here is a little messy but made with care.

Local Tip: Order the patatas bravas as your side instead of standard fries. The spicy tomato sauce pairs unexpectedly well with the burger's richness.

The Vibe: Cosmopolitan, airy, and effortlessly cool.

Grey Ghost Detroit (Midtown)

In Midtown, Grey Ghost offers a different take on the gourmet burger, earning a loyal following. Named after a legendary Detroit River pirate, it’s known for its butchery and precise cooking.

Local chefs often say the Grey Ghost cheeseburger is their favorite meal after work, and it’s clear why. It has two patties and is usually topped with an egg. The yolk adds a rich sauce that mixes with the cheese and the charred meat.

The atmosphere is dark and cozy, perfect for Detroit’s long winters when you want a hearty meal. It’s comfort food at its best.

Local Tip: The cocktail menu here is one of the best in the city. Ask the bartender to pair a drink with your burger; they rarely miss.

The Vibe: Moody, meaty, and precise.

The Suburban Legend & The Corktown Revival

Redcoat Tavern (Royal Oak)

Just north of 8 Mile in Royal Oak, you’ll find the Redcoat Tavern. It feels like a British pub with a 1970s Detroit vibe. The lighting is dim, the booths are deep red vinyl, and even if the wait is long, it’s worth it.

Redcoat is known for thick, half-pound burgers. It’s the spot for people who like their meat rare or medium-rare and trust the kitchen to get it right. The "Redcoat Special" sauce is a secret, creamy, and tangy sauce that many have tried to copy without success.

Redcoat has been around for years. Families come for Sunday dinner, business deals happen over martinis, and friends meet in cozy booths. It shows that Detroit’s burger culture brings the whole metro area together.

Local Tip: The onion rings are non-negotiable. They are massive, battered perfection. Also, try the "Brasserie Burger" with bacon, caramelized onions, and watercress for a slightly more upscale twist on the classic.

The Vibe: classic pub, dark and cozy, a local institution.

Mercury Burger & Bar (Corktown)

Back in the city, walking distance from the restored Michigan Central Station, you’ll find Mercury Burger & Bar. Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, has changed a lot in the last decade, but Mercury remains welcoming and steady.

The menu features Detroit-inspired flavors, like the "Southwest" with chorizo and jalapeños or the "Eastern Market" with corned beef and kraut. The best part is sitting on the patio in summer, looking at the train station and enjoying the lively neighborhood.

The burgers are creative and come with a bit of Corktown history. It’s the perfect stop before a ballgame or after touring the station.

Local Tip: Save room for a milkshake. They use genuine custard and offer flavors like Hummer (rum and Kahlua), strictly for the grown-ups.

The Vibe: energetic, historic, and buzzing with new Detroit energy.

The Hidden Suburban Gems

Mason’s Bar & Grill (Livonia)

Here’s a hidden gem: Mason’s Bar & Grill in Livonia. It’s easy to miss, but you shouldn’t. Open since the 1940s, Mason’s is a true dive bar in the best sense.

The burger here stands out for its toasted onion roll, adding a savory flavor. The "Mason’s Famous Bar Burger" is simple, affordable, and tasty. The wood paneling shows years of good times, and the place feels like a local secret.

Local Tip: It’s cash only (or at least it was for a long time, check before you go), and the service is no-nonsense. Respect the process.

The Vibe: The ultimate suburban hideaway.

Geneva’s Burgers (Eastpointe)

Across 8 Mile in Eastpointe, Geneva’s Burgers has been serving burgers since 1954. Ordering at the window feels like visiting a classic 1950s diner.

Geneva’s is known for great value. It’s simple, friendly, and nostalgic. The best pick is the sliders, small and square, loaded with grilled onions. They have that classic diner taste that reminds you of late nights and simple pleasures.

They offer curbside service and a simple menu, but the friendly staff, especially servers who treat everyone like a regular, make the food even better. This place shows you don’t need fancy ingredients for a great burger, just a hot grill and some care.

Local Tip: Go for the "5 Burgers" deal. It sounds like a lot, but they are sliders, and trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one.

The Vibe: Pure 1954 nostalgia, friendly, and fast.

Driving home after this burger tour, with the Detroit skyline behind me, I realized these restaurants offer more than just food. They offer a sense of belonging that feels like home. Whether you’re at Motz’s, trusting the honor system at Miller’s, or enjoying a cocktail at Olin, you’re part of Detroit’s story. The city’s burger scene reflects Detroit: diverse, historic, sometimes gritty, but always welcoming.

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