10 of the Best Burgers In The Detroit Area

In a city built on no-nonsense hard work, the humble burger is practically a sacred food group. Detroit and its surrounding suburbs are home to a fierce burger scene, ranging from century-old institutions that serve nothing else to modern, high-end bistros reimagining what a burger can be.

Whether you're looking for a simple, perfect cheeseburger on wax paper or a towering creation with gourmet toppings, here are 10 of the best burgers the Motor City area has to offer.

1. Miller's Bar (Dearborn)

• The Vibe: A legendary, no-frills institution. Don't expect a menu, a plate, or a bill—they serve burgers on wax paper and you pay on the honor system at the bar when you leave.
• The Burger: This is the quintessential "bar burger." A thick, juicy patty of ground-round, a slice of Velveeta cheese, a steamed bun, and a "communal" tray of pickles and onions. It's simple, perfect, and consistently ranked among the best in the country.

2. Redcoat Tavern (Royal Oak)

• The Vibe: A dark, old-school English-style pub that has been a local favorite since 1972. It's cozy, classic, and always packed.
• The Burger: The "Original Redcoat Special Burger" is the star. It's a half-pound of freshly ground beef, often served on a toasted sesame bun (though a pumpernickel-onion roll is a popular option) with shredded lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. It's a thick, savory masterpiece.

3. Vinsetta Garage (Berkley)

• The Vibe: A beautifully preserved 1919 auto shop turned into a sprawling, stylish restaurant. The garage-themed decor is as much of a draw as the food.
• The Burger: While they have several great options, the "Vinsetta Burger" is a must-try. It features two patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, McClure's pickles (a Detroit icon), bacon, and a house-made burger sauce.

4. Grey Ghost (Detroit)

• The Vibe: A sleek, upscale, and trendy spot in Brush Park known for its craft cocktails and inventive, meat-focused menu.
• The Burger: This is the "gourmet" burger of the list. Found on the bar menu, their double cheeseburger is made with a high-end beef blend, topped with sharp American cheese, savory bacon-onion jam, and pickles, all on a perfectly toasted bun.

5. Mercury Burger & Bar (Detroit)

• The Vibe: A lively, modern diner in the heart of Corktown, located right across from the old Michigan Central Station.
• The Burger: The "Topor" burger is a local legend. Named for a local journalist, this burger comes loaded with Hungarian hot peppers, grilled onions, a fried egg, and cheddar cheese. It's a spicy, messy, and incredible experience.

6. Frita Batidos (Detroit)

• The Vibe: A bright, fun, and fast-casual spot from Top Chef alum Eve Aronoff. It's a vibrant place specializing in Cuban-inspired street food.
• The Burger: The "Frita." This isn't a traditional American burger. It's a spicy chorizo-beef patty (or all-beef) topped with a pile of crispy shoestring fries, all tucked into a soft egg bun. Add a fried egg ("a Frita con Huevo") to make it perfect.

7. Basement Burger Bar (Detroit)

• The Vibe: A casual, fun joint with a "build-your-own" ethos. With locations in Detroit, Farmington, and Canton, it's a go-to for creative combinations.
• The Burger: While you can build your own, their "Junk Burger" is a sight to behold. It's a beef patty topped with chipotle mayo, bacon, caramelized onions, mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, crispy onion straws, and cheddar cheese sauce.

8. Royale with Cheese (Detroit)

• The Vibe: A Pulp Fiction-themed joint in the Cass Corridor known for its wildly creative and delicious burgers.
• The Burger: You can't go wrong, but "The Kruncher" is a standout. It features a beef patty, American cheese, jalapeño kruncher chips, roasted pepper chili queso, roasted corn, and a Cajun aioli. It's a burger with an addictive crunch.

9. Hunter House Hamburgers (Birmingham)

• The Vibe: A tiny, white-tile slider shop that's been a Birmingham landmark since 1952. It's an actual old-school drive-in experience.
• The Burger: The slider. These are classic grilled-onion-smashed sliders served with mustard and pickles on a steamed bun. The smell of the onions from the parking lot is iconic. You'll want to order at least three.

10. Green Dot Stables (Detroit)

• The Vibe: A beloved Corktown spot with a horse-racing theme, known for its unbelievably affordable menu of gourmet sliders and creative cocktails.
• The Burger: The "Cheeseburger Slider." While the menu is full of adventurous options (like the Korean or Fried Chicken sliders), their classic cheeseburger slider is a perfectly crafted two-bite wonder. At its low price, it's impossible to have just one.

This is just a tiny sampling of the many great burgers in the Detroit area. So, check out one of these spots next time you're in the mood for a burger. You won't be disappointed!