Glendale Burger Shop

Restaurant · Elmwood

Glendale Burger Shop

Restaurant · Elmwood

1

13692 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

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Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by Eater - Lists + Maps
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null
Glendale Burger Shop by null

Highlights

Smash burgers, Parm fries, retro decor, friendly service  

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13692 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684 Get directions

glendaleburgershop.com
@glendale.burger.shop

$10–20 · Menu

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13692 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684 Get directions

+1 231 252 4200
glendaleburgershop.com
@glendale.burger.shop

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 23, 2025

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Traverse City’s Best Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes | Eater Detroit

"Anyone who whoops it up late-night should hit Glendale for lunch the next day. What started as a Little Fleet food truck is now a full-fledged diner serving one of the best smash burgers in the state. As charming as it is, skip the red mid-mod chairs and yellow laminate booths (the color of ketchup and mustard), grab that Diet Coke you are craving from the cooler, and belly up to the burger bar. Inspired by the Oklahoma onion burger (a Depression-era classic), the Junction features two smashed and crisped patties, caramelized onions, melty American cheese, and a generous heap of sliced pickles between a classic brioche bun. The Snake Bite, topped with fresh jalapeño slices and chile crunch sauce, might make you sweat." - Stacey Brugeman

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-traverse-city-restaurants-bars
View Postcard for Glendale Burger Shop

Stephanie Polakowski

Google
A fantastic smash burger!!! I highly recommend the Junction, two beautiful moist beef patties smashed in mustard, with pickles, American cheese, onions and a buttered Brioche bun. It’s heaven in your mouth. Don’t forget a side of indulgent Parm Fries, one order is plenty to share between 2 people! The lady at the register was very friendly. Presumably the owner does the cooking, she came out with our food, also very friendly. There’s lots of booths along the window, some tables and cool eclectic 50s diner feel decor. A nice soundtrack in the background- including the tunes of Jimmy Eat World. It was a steady flow of customers dining in and taking out while we ate, around 6pm on a Wednesday. There’s a side parking lot, too.

Nicole Gastelewicz

Google
The burgers were good, we had the The Temple & The Oliver. The Oliver was a bit too salty per my husband. The homemade onion dip was very good! The Parmesan fries were really good too.

Chuck Hoehn

Google
Outstanding smashburgers!! The olive sauce on the Oliver was great. I've had too many "olive" burgers with just a spoon of mayo and olives sprinkled on top. I like my burgers big, so I added two patties to mine. The burgers had the perfect crust like a great smash burger should. The parmesan fries are dangerously delicious!! I used my willpower to not get a second order. The restaurant has a great retro decor. When in Traverse City make sure you check them out.

Westin Tusk

Google
Nowadays, a lot of places are charging $16-19 for burgers that are designed to give off an ‘artisan’ or ‘craft’ vibe (think Taproot, Oakwood) while sacrificing the need to provide something substantial for that price point. A lot of times you’re left thinking “gee, I probably could have eaten (2) of those.” Glendale provides something the area has needed for a while - a damn good burger for $13 that also fills you up. Look at the photos - this is a mouth watering final product! Everything tastes really fresh, it makes a huge difference. The place is quick & clean, and the customers really love supporting the place.

Chris Glassman

Google
All you have to do is look at those pictures to know this place is UNREAL. We’ve been coming here for over a year and a half and it’s always amazing. My wife is vegetarian and this place does an impossible burger RIGHT. My hot take is I think the impossible burger is an even better smash patty here than anywhere else I’ve had in the world. They handle a rush extremely well, and despite the small shop and always busy we always can get a seat somehow. A MUST VISIT in TC

Jennifer Jensen

Google
Omg... this place! The burgers make you drool. The fries are amazing. The place has the cutest vibe. The service was exceptional and the prices are decent! A must go to if you are in the area. We will definitely be going back! Follow us @ mnjinthemitten on IG and FB

Linda Midura

Google
DELICIOUS!!! Had a Temple Burger (minus the cheese) and their regular fries—SO GOOD!!! The inside is very clean and atmosphere is basic hamburger joint, not elegant but enjoyable to be in. Prices were very reasonable, spent just over $10 for a very filling meal. Definitely recommend!

Allison Boomer

Google
We enjoyed our family meal- smash burgers, fries, onion dip &chips, chicken nuggets, and Italian deli sandwich. 10/10 really yummy!
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Tony M.

Yelp
Smashburgers? Yes, please. We stopped here for lunch and got some extremely delicious burgers and the Parm Fries were tasty and quite messy. Service is at the counter, mega friendly, and they deliver your order to the table. It's old school inside, and cozy, but we didn't have to wait for a seat at noon. The patties are thin, with a crispy halo, and awesome tasting. I highly recommend Glendale for your burger needs.
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Mark H.

Yelp
Good burger but there are better. Parm fries are a definite yes. Across from the bay. I know this is picky but some outdoor seats would be cool.
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Cecily W.

Yelp
It's a pretty small place with only a few places to sit, and difficult for a large group. When we got there, there was a long line, and most people were getting takeout. Only one person was taking the orders and serving the people dining in at the same time. As a result, even getting the orders in can take a while. The food is great though. Excellent smashed burger and fries are good too.
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oralia l.

Yelp
If you love burgers, this place is for you. This burger is a good size with. Double patty smash burger with lots of pickles and cheese. It was so good, we can't wait to go back. Price is good. Customer service was great. Quality was great. Highly recommend
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Montana L.

Yelp
Stopped in here for lunch. Was a busy place with limited seating. I ordered the Patricia burger and small fries. Both were delicious! The burger was seasoned well on top of Texas toast and paired well with a side of Hugo- similar to Thousand island. The fries were crisp and had a Good flavor. Will definitely be back!
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Michele B.

Yelp
I have talked about these burgers at least 6 times since our vacation ended a month ago. The Junction Burger is one of the best burgers I've ever had. It was juicy and filling and perfect. The mustard sear and plentiful pickles gave this burg such a punch, I wanted more. The shop is small and gets busy, but the staff does a great job filling orders quickly. It's worth the wait. We also tried the Parmesan Fries (yum!) and Onion Dip (double yum!)
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Maria P.

Yelp
Better than most, but not off the charts. Kitschy retro ambiance, brightly lit place with fun music. Pretty simple menu, love that. Fries are nice and hot, lightly battered and seasoned. Smash burgers are good, but messy. I wanted to love it, but I just like it. Can a smash burgers be good but still nothing special? There is a fair amount of burger competition in this town, so maybe because the bar is pretty high, I'm not super blown away? Friendly service, fair prices, fast turn around. Giving four stars for the overall experience. Not bad, better than average, but I'm a tough customer. 3 1/2 stars for the burger and fries, honestly. Try it for yourself though.
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Jacob S.

Yelp
Small shop on the edge of the city. Order at the counter type place. Seating is limited, so be prepared. Service was good. Food was excellent. I had the Laura which was smash patties, onions and a delightful horseradish sauce. Well seasoned meat and a soft bun. The fries were crisp and had a great crunch. Can't miss out on this one. As the sign inside said, "Love, peace, and burger grease!"
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Marin C.

Yelp
I just got fries. I don't eat cows. Fries were outstanding. I had the Parm ones. I could finish maybe 3/4 of it, definitely sized to share. Peace.
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Bob A.

Yelp
Local favorite. Divey vibe. If you like smash burgers,, you'll like The Glendale. Parking is a little tight, because there's a lot of customers. Seating is limited so you should be prepared to take your food to go. Service was good, friendly and efficient. However, be prepared to wait. There was a line the entire time we were inside. The person taking the orders also brings the food to you and buses the tables/counter. A nice selection of soda is available from the freezer. Definitely worth the visit if you're in Traverse City.
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Sonnet C.

Yelp
Stopped in to grab a sub before going on a hike. I got the Italian veggie and it was amazing! Very messy - so it didn't fit in my plans to throw it in my backpack and eat on the trail - but the messiness is what made it delicious so no complaints! Will definitely be back to try a plant based smash burger!
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Alexis C.

Yelp
Burgers are delicious. The ambiance is a total vibe. Would make for a cool movie scene to be shot
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Ana O.

Yelp
Second attempt to get in and finally had success. Pack your patience but worth the wait. Delicious burgers and fries.
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Jennie L.

Yelp
WOW! This place is beyond quirky, fun and unique! My friend and I saw a TikTok about this and had to give it a go! Well, we went to Heaven, if that's possible with a burger shop! It's this little building heading North out of Traverse City! The staff were very friendly, inviting and so helpful! The burgers-NO WORDS but YUM! So good! And the Parmesan fries, if you don't get them you are not smart, I won't use the 'D' word, they are delish! Do yourself a favor and try it the next time you are in the area, you won't be sad! Also the pop, it's local and you can buy it at Tom's Supermarket just down the way!

N W.

Yelp
Excellent service, diner like atmosphere, order at counter, take a seat. The pastrami, the temple, double cheeseburger, parm fries, ALL Excellent!
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Alycia C.

Yelp
Awesomely unique little local burger shop just off the main road. Was able to get a delicious Pimento smash burger with a gluten free bun and tasty Parmesan GF fries. Great seating and tons of unique ambiance. The cashier was really helpful and cheerful.
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Jonathan A.

Yelp
Great vibes and great burger !!!! Shakedown and heiiebfbfbfbf - not sure if this 85 characters? Yelp !
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Lisa A.

Yelp
Service is great, very nice folks. Very clean, family oriented, great atmosphere. Not a huge menu just right everything on it is very good. Give it a try, we recommend it!!!! community

Ned O.

Yelp
Perfect little burger shop that does smash burgers well. I got the patty melt. It was bomb. Same with the Hugo sauce on the side. The fries are really good too. Everything was nicely seasoned and quality. I'll definitely come back to try the sandwiches and other burgers. Wish they had more sides like onion rings or tots tho.
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Su Y.

Yelp
Very thin paper like smash burger. A whopper or Big Mac is 100 x better! Sorry - I wanted it to be better.
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Austin B.

Yelp
Best burgers in all the lands and possibly the entire universe. If you haven't had a junction your life is incomplete and probably a little sad.

Lisa G.

Yelp
Food took about 20 min, though I think it's because they weee waiting on fries. The fries were top-notch - well-seasoned but not overly so. I had the Oliver and my husband had the pastrami. I was expecting mine to be salty from the olives, but I found it to be a little overwhelming for my taste.

Dick E.

Yelp
Food was good but not the hype I expected. Service was very fast. Nice little spot just a little off the strip.

Katryna F.

Yelp
Well, this isn't exactly a rating regarding experience on food service or ambiance - we drove almost 4 hours to try this place out just to get here with a note on their door saying closed for a private event. Needless to say we were bummed. Perhaps another day.

Sher E.

Yelp
Biggest and best smash burgers we've had. Very reasonable prices for the area. We had 2 of the Junction burgers and a small order of fries Fries also perfectly seasoned. Place was super busy but food came out fresh and hot. This is now a regular spot for us. Keep up the good work.

Barry G.

Yelp
I've tried to go twice in last month and line was 10 deep. I'll keep trying because their burgers are heaven but they need help

Ava K.

Yelp
So so so good! Our new favorite go to! Service and atmosphere are great abd burgers are phenomenal. Definitely the best burger in traverse city.

Steve D.

Yelp
Excellent burger! Very busy place and limited seats. They serve impossible burger pattys here as well. Don't forget the sauce!
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Emily G.

Yelp
Yum! Great burgers and sandwiches but the highlight was the parm fries. Loved the decor and vintage/retro vibe

Roberto M.

Yelp
Great add on to their food truck location. This place is a contender for top burger in TC. I had the Oliver: smash patty, olive pimento sauce (a lot of it) Swiss on a brioche bun. I made it a double. Awesome burger. I will be back to try the other burgers.
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Robert D.

Yelp
Best smashed burger ever! Excellent fries! Place is spotless, service great. Family business and it shows! Recommend to all!

Dante B.

Yelp
This place is absolutely amazing! The food was great, very inexpensive and great portions. There was one lady taking orders, delivering food, and cleaning. She did great despite the large workload she provided great customer service. I will definitely be coming back!