From century-old slider counters to chef-driven smash patties, these Detroit originals deliver serious flavor without the corporate gloss. Come hungry, bring cash where needed, and taste the Motor City’s burger soul.
Best Burgers in Detroit (2025)
10 Places
From century-old slider counters to chef-driven smash patties, these Detroit originals deliver serious flavor without the corporate gloss. Come hungry, bring cash where needed, and taste the Motor City’s burger soul.
Grey Ghost Detroit
Chophouse restaurant
The city’s most talked-about double cheeseburger anchors this refined Brush Park spot from Four Man Ladder Hospitality. Resy and Eater Detroit praise its straightforward build, top-tier beef, and house dill sauce. Order at the bar for a true local vibe.
Mercury Burger & Bar
Hamburger restaurant
Corktown’s retro diner-bar slings 15-plus burgers, boozy shakes, and poutine tots. Frequently highlighted by Thrillist and Eater Detroit, it’s a lively pregame stop with Detroit nods like the Topor pepper–topped specialties and the Juicy stuffed with cheddar.
Green Dot Stables
New American restaurant
An equestrian-themed institution where $4-and-under sliders rule—cheeseburger, Korean, coney dog, and the famed Mystery Meat. Hour Detroit readers and Eater Detroit regularly endorse it for variety, value, and a scene that feels quintessentially Detroit.
Motz’s Burgers
Fast food restaurant
Since 1929, this Delray counter has griddled oniony sliders that define Detroit burger nostalgia. Featured on Eater Detroit’s burger map and beloved by local critics, it serves lunch until the fresh beef runs out—cash-friendly, no fuss, all flavor.
Miller's Bar
Bar & grill
A Dearborn legend for seven decades, serving wax-paper–wrapped ground round on the honor system. Hour Detroit and local TV critics regularly cite it among metro Detroit’s best. No frills, big flavor; bring cash and order it medium with frings.
Second Best
Bar
From the Grey Ghost team, this lively Midtown hangout turns out a craveable smash burger patty melt on sourdough. Eater Detroit and Hour Detroit call it a go-to bar bite—unpretentious, quick, and ideal before a show or game.
Bronx Bar
Bar
A Cass Corridor standby where locals swear by the hefty burger on griddled ciabatta. Frequently recommended by Eater Detroit and praised by Detroiters for late-night character, jukebox vibes, and one of the city’s most satisfying bar burgers.
Telway Hamburgers
Hamburger restaurant
This tiny, cash-only counter has slung bagfuls of sliders and strong coffee for generations. Eater Detroit and Thrillist keep it on the must-try list for its 24-hour aura, retro charm, and the cheapest legit burgers in town.
Sonny's Hamburgers
Hamburger restaurant
Northwest Detroit’s family-run slider shop, going strong for 50-plus years. Praised by locals for smashy, hand-formed patties, grilled onions, and old-school prices. A community favorite that still tastes like Detroit’s west side.
Bar Pigalle
French restaurant
A French cocktail bar with a cult-favorite bar-only burger: thin patties, American cheese, dijonnaise, and crisp lettuce on brioche. Covered by local critics, including ClickOnDetroit, it’s polished but playful—order at the bar for the full experience.
