The Telway

This place was 10/10 for what it is. It's a cheap burger/hotdog place with quick service. I came here with my daughter and her friend to grab a quick dinner after soccer practice, because I was craving what we call a "trash dog" - essentially just a good cheap hotdog. Telway did not disappoint. Though, I would personally recommend the hotdogs over the hamburger. Bonus points, they had the most delicious red velvet cheesecake!

Ordered food from Door dash. The onion rings were decent. The cheeseburgers were absolutely disgusting. Nothing like it used to be!!! The burger taste like cardboard

Date of Visit: 7/28/25 at 5:45 AM After working all night, I stopped in for a quick bite and ordered 3 cheeseburger sliders. I was surprised the worker already had 3 patties ready to go on the grill at such an early hour. I gave them the benefit of the doubt—maybe they get an early morning rush. Unfortunately, I was very wrong. The burgers were dry, crusty, and tasted like cardboard, as if they’d been sitting out for hours. What really disturbed me was the wet white rag she had draped over the burgers while cooking them—presumably to keep them moist. Not only is this completely unsanitary, but the rag looked like it had been used all day and night. It was porous, dirty, and a clear food safety violation. I took the burgers back, and to her credit, the worker remade them. But incredibly, she used the same filthy rag again during the second attempt—to “steam” the burgers. At this point, I was just disgusted. To make matters worse, the grill itself was filthy—covered in piles of old, burnt onions. It looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in hours, maybe longer. What really stuck with me was overhearing the employee complaining to the morning shift worker about only getting three hours of sleep due to a “pointless training meeting.” Honestly, if that meeting was about food safety, she clearly didn’t learn anything. Bottom line: If you care about hygiene, food safety, or just getting food that doesn’t make you sick—avoid this location, especially early in the morning. It’s gross, unsanitary, and run by people who clearly don’t understand (or care about) proper food handling practices. DISGUSTING. 🤢🤮

Best place for that midnight craving! Cheeseburgers hit the spot. Always the go to place for that nostalgic old fashion burger & fries.

Disappointed I’ve lived by Telway for 10 years I use to be a Brayz only guy today I waited for 25 mins for my food I’m always nice I always tip but I have come to realize if the daughter isn’t working the food is way under cooked out of my 3 items chicken sandwich, onion rings , and chili cheese fry the only thing fully cooked was the sandwich I love my Telway but something has to change

This place has been around since the beginning of time creating fantastic little grease bombs that will tempt your taste buds and send them into a fury of excitement. Fries are good too they also offer Coney dogs. But I couldn't tell you about them because I cannot not order little burgers every time I go. FYI you can order online and pick up at the window this will save you some time. But you'll have to call to figure out online ordering as I do not know the details.

Smaller burgers than some of the other slider joints. If you get a double it's like a single at Hunters. But still great taste. Fries are outstanding.

Tried calling the number but my cheese fries I purchased in addition to my other items were not in the bag. I also couldn’t get shredded cheese. Because I don’t have a vehicle it’s hard to say when I can come back up there. I will use this review as my proof along with my receipt. Update: was in the area on 7/30, one month later, called and told them about what happened and this review. They gave me the cheese fries and I’m updating the review!! So grateful to their commitment to quality service. Mistakes happen, so no worries about that. They were packed that day!

We came here late night after a concert and was surprised the line wasn't that long. We started inside the building, which meant there were only a few people ahead of us. The menu is pretty simple and they have a to-go special, which is weird because there is no inside seating (it exists, just not open). The special is for 4 hamburgers for $5.49. We ordered and waited about 10 minutes for our food. We ate in the car in the parking lot. I ended up getting a double cheeseburger and a regular cheeseburger. I also got cheese fries. Do you see a theme here? :) The burgers were great and way bigger and better than White Castle. I know they were made to order because there were only two workers there slaving away making htese special. The cheese fries were just ok though as it was slice of yellow cheese melted onto the fries, and it wasn't fully melted.

3.5/5 so I'll round up to 4. I was craving sliders today and just saw a movie at the AMC up the street, so I decided to try out The Telway. I didn't know that they are takeout only, or at least it seems like it. When I pulled up, there were a lot of people hanging out in the parking lot, presumably waiting for their orders. You enter the little vestibule and either pick up your order or you can place one. I used GrubHub (directed from Google) to place my order and I thought the prices were pretty cheap - $2.50 per slider, $3.50 for onion rings. However, I think they might be even cheaper in person. I do have to dock a star for all of the gnats in the vestibule - a few got in my hair, which was pretty gross. That being said, I had my meal just now at home and it was pretty delicious. The sliders are not big by any means, I ordered two sliders and onion rings and only ate half the onion rings because I was full. So I probably would have been okay with one slider and onion rings. I would come back here again when in the area, I just wish there were less gnats.

Telway is that small place on the corner you always see and pass by but never decide to actually stop to smell the roses. Telway is a hidden gem that stays open very late at night and very inexpensive. Think White Castle but a little bigger, and I'm pretty sure cheaper. The service was quick and the employees were very nice. All I ordered was two cheeseburgers and a French fry. Cost me $5 and some change. The cheeseburgers came with onions and pickles and cheese ofc ketchup and mustard .One burger and a couple fries actually filled me up. It late night drunken food, high food, something new to try I will be back

Again went when it wasn't busy at all and all three women working were gabbing the whole time while one was half assed making my burgers. Barely any onion on any of them, unseasoned burger, no grease, and a pickle one every 3rd burger. Fries sucked too like they forgot about me ordering them while conversating and have me some half cooked ones. Kids these days really missed the great days and the legend that Telways once was. Even SAMS Club hot dogs are more consistent than Telways is anymore. Stop skimping and stop raising prices just because you can.

I was not a fan. The burgers had no taste, the fries were okay. It was very underwhelming. However, my little sister loves this place. But I swear the food is literally bread and grease. The inside seating area was closed when we went. It is carry out only. Turnaround for food was about 10 minutes. There was not a line when we were there.

This place seems to be glorified by all the locals. These locals must come from a time in America where nothing of quality mattered or maybe they're so caught up on those nostalgic days that they think this place is good. It's not. It's quite frankly hit garbage. Every single time I've been here (3 times) I've had soggy burgers with no flavor. The first time I ate here I had the runs. Both visits afterwards resulted in me throwing away the food because I couldn't stand putting it down. I really don't understand the hype about this place and can't believe that it's been open this long smh

I have ordered Telway burgers and fries for the office lunch before - around 20-30 people. I usually call the morning of and by noon they have the entire order ready. Service at pickup was great, staff were friendly, however they do not accept tips on a card, only cash! The office meal was reasonably priced for such a large order. Ambiance inside is cute, it's a small milkshake style bar- similar to Hunter house on Woodward. Would recommend eating the food there as burgers and fries never travel well.

Stopped here around 10 pm to grab a bunch of food. Great workers, truly fast food. Prefer this stuff over chains. Pick up only.

What happened to this place? I have been regular customer since the 80's. Working as a General motors Designer, Telway was the morning treat I would bring in for everyone to eat. I would buy 24-48 cheeseburgers every once in awhile and everyone loved them. I had relatives in from Mexico and picked up a few dozen one late night around christmas. The buns were bigger, the meat was smaller and full of hard gristle. They were so disgusting I was so embarrassed I dragged them 25 miles for this garbage. Even when I took off the top bun and folded it in half, it was a greasy mess that was the worst burgers I ever ate. I think they were 3.00 each but not sure. The chocolate shake was great but I will never go back again after 40 years of excellence unless they get back to the original burger they were known for. Shame on you for destroying a good thing. Talking to friends of mine, they said it went downhill after covid and nobody goes there anymore and stoop down to white castle because they are consistant and never mess with their recipe. Good bye Smell-way.

It is exactly what you want, when you want it. Very comparable to an elevated white castle. Super quick and friendly service, but you cant eat inside as of June 2024. Perfectly happy to carryout. Great greasy grub spot, will come again.

Open all the time, good selections but limited later at night, price is really hard to beat too! Food was bussin overall and cheap would go again 100%

Burgers are never hot, always soft falling apart and steamy. Tastes like the food was made hours before hand and kept in a warmer until someone shows up to take it.

One of the reasons I love Yelp is the advertising. It reminds me to Yelp about businesses that I frequent but haven't reviewed. The Telway definitely deserves a shout-out! The soft burger bun, the melty cheese, the beefy smashed patty, and those onions! These burgers truly beat out many of the gourmet burger restaurants popping up. These burgers are amazing and are super cravable. I can eat them any time of day. They are inexpensive, so appropriate for any budget. The Telway also offers other menu items, but honestly, I'm so in love with the cheese burgers. Aside from fries and soda, I'm not sure what they offer. Haha! Do yourself a favor and try these nostalgic iconic smash burgers. You won't regret it.

I love that they are open late when everything around them are closed. Last week I ordered a crispy chicken sandwich, French fried and 4 sliders without cheese. The chicken sandwich was so hot and crunchy and so were the fries.... Delicious... the sliders were kinda old - I saw them sitting out and they just weren't as amazing as they usually are. Overall- this place is good and satisfying when you want to eat bad but not at a chain fast food joint.

The Telway is a historic 24-hour greasy spoon in Madison Heights. There is another Telway in Detroit that I have never been to, but it is on my list of restaurants to eventually visit. I would come to this restaurant when I was a kid. Back then the burgers and fries were significantly cheaper, under $1.00! As with everything these days, the prices are now inflated albeit still affordable. The chicken sandwich without cheese is $2.85. The fish sandwich without cheese is $2.45. Cheese is an additional .20 cents. French fries are $1.49. A hamburger/slider is $1.20. Yes, it all sounds pretty cheap, but the size of the sandwiches and a side order of fries are very small. Maybe the size of a child's happy meal. The chicken sandwich with cheese was good but there wasn't really anything in it other than a large topping of mayonnaise. The same with the small bag of fries. If you are hungry or have a large appetite you will need to buy at least 2-3 sandwiches and fries. See how the price can add up very quickly? The taste is better than a typical fast-food restaurant but the wait will be longer during lunch and dinner hours. The service is friendly but a bit on the slow side.

The Sliders are great as always for the price, can't be beat and always get grilled onions with cheese

Doesn't look like much, but has consistently good sliders at decent prices. Definitely easier to call in and place an order. We've been pleased with everything we've gotten from the telway.

Telway is an absolute staple to the northern Detroit suburbs area. They have been making their food the same way for decades, and not only do they do a great job, they scratch a specific itch that sometimes not even White Castle can fulfill. On the outside, it would appear to be like any other slider spot, but the inside is what counts. They have a relatively expansive menu that will hit the spot for any late-night cravings. Even if those cravings arise at 4:15am. If I come here in the wee hours of the night and order 10 burgers, Telway grants my request with a smile on their face, and does so with a level of professionalism and grace that cannot be achieved by certain other restaurants. The other restaurant in question is the Macdonalds on Washtenaw Road in Ypsilanti Michigan. That place is a hellscape, and in 2016 they wouldn't prepare 10 Big Macs for me at 4:15am because they said they could only make breakfast. Crazy how they lose their ability to cook the same burgers the same way just because the time on the clock is different. If only they had a fraction of Telway's power. Imagine working in a burger place and not being able to produce your flagship sandwich because of the time, even after an attempted $10 bribe from a dear patron. At any rate, this isn't something you have to worry about with Telway, come here instead and forget about that dusty Macdonalds in Ypsilanti.

Best food for if you're high or come home from a late shift. It's cheap. it tastes good and it's taste good and its grease it does everything it's meant to do.

when I went to The Telway. I was blown away that a burger costs under $2! if I get a burger,fries,and drink. it's only a couple dollar. you should try. also, if your going to eat their, consider getting 2 burgers because they are like sliders

Want to recreate 1950's blue collar lunch counter nostalgia? The Telway will help fill that Norman Rockwell style all American feeing! Not only can you walk up and grab a bag o burgers or coneys at the window, which is still pretty cool, but you can then go fill a prescription at CVS, which is across the parking lot. I guess that's still cool?? I for one love this, makes me think I am working the line, manufacturing brake pads. "Truth is, I make car parts for the American working man because that's who I am and that's who I care about!" Ray Salinski - Tommy Boy Just make sure the guarantee is on the box...

Best sliders in town if you ask me. Prefect location and always on point with the food.

I would visit this place again. Food was good. Service is not the fastest but it was crowded and there were a lot of people. Cool old building. Open when everything else was closed.

Fresh pattied burgers and thick as a brick shakes add some crispy fries and you have what you need for the cravings. Ask about dessert; they have some good treats! Fast service and carry out atmosphere you can't go wrong when going home hungry and have absolutely zero desire to cook. So treat yourself and your family to a sack of burgers and fries and don't forget the milkshake! Cheeseburger SlidersTelway BurgersTelway Sliders

My first time here as I've always associated sliders with White Castle and White Castle with gastronomic disaster. It's a small spot, but the best thing is obviously that it is open 24 hours. This could have been useful information in my youth when I often settled for the taco Bell as my late night food grab on the way home from festivities. So no bells and whistles when it comes to the aesthetics, so let's hope the best for the food right? Well damn right. Had a cheeseburger and a footlong chili dog and it was amazing. Granted the level of starvation might have effected my full judgement, but why this spot is not elevated on local lists I don't. The chili was delicious and the hot dog crisp to the bite. The cheeseburger was more standard, but also very good. My entire bill was under $4. Crazy. Coming back for sure. Loved this spot.

Apparently they decided to change the hotdogs they use. Think they switched to some beef of some sorts. Been going there over 30 years. Now I can't get the dogs. Unreal.

Great burgers and fries!!! The milkshake was huge and delicious. Telway never fails to amaze my stomach!

Food is always delicious. I've been going to Telway since I was 14,16 and I'm 44 yrs old. Quality has not changed at all.

Love it. If i am in Madison Heights ai tried to get there. Love the burgers and coneys!

Definitely one of the BEST cheeseburgers around. It's a destination spot when we're on this side of Madison heights. Try the coney dog n fries too. Everything is delicious

If you are looking for one of the best slider joints in the area, this is it! Small space that makes some greasy, delicious sliders. Their prices are unbeatable and while the fries were only okay their onion rings were great! The cheeseburgers with everything on them were perfect and hit the spot. The Telway is up there with Hunter House for me! Definitely worth a visit!

Great food. Best place to get food from. Best service in Madison Heights. Best servers. Super nice and friendly

great service, consistent food, polite staff members. Great place for your midnight snack

Unfortunately no pictures for this one since I was in a rush, but definitely wanted to at least leave a quick review. This place is pretty good! Glad I was shown this by a friend. Not only was the food prepared fast, and tasty, but they're also open 24/7. This makes it ideal for those random cravings of greasy goodness in your tummy (not so ideal if you're super health conscious though).

My boyfriend loves Telway. Every time we pass it he wants to get Telway burgers. He gets like 2-4 and stuffs them in his face.

Strictly old-school greasy spoon that being a good thing I I strictly do burgers because if I really want a real coney I'm going all the way downtown American/Lafayette.

Oh Telway, my favorite slider joint in Michigan! Once I see the little hut on the corner of the street, I just can't help but smile. Once out of the car, that beautiful sexy scent of onion rings lingers, reminding you to have zero regrets and to be sure to get an extra order of onion rings. Their sliders don't make me feel as gross as they did before, maybe because I limit myself to 2-3 per sitting instead of 6-10. Feel like the buns got bigger but not a problem for me. Their coney dog was better than I remembered, maybe I haven't had a coney dog in a while but I was happy. The inside still isn't open due to covid and the order area only allows 2 people at a time so there is likely a wait. If there isn't a line, better put your order in quick because there will be!

An after Detroit tiger game, snack. Covid restrictions still apply ! Only 2 at a time inside to order. Then you wait under a tent in parking lot, until they hold ur name up in the window, for pickup. Forget how much larger burgers are than White Castle. Went with 1 burger, 1 coney dog and piggishly enjoyed ever bite. A LONG time neighborhood classic !

This place is unreal. I'll be telling my friends about it for weeks. They just don't have spots like this in New York. It's basically a shack in the middle of a CVS parking lot that cranks out burgers for $1.15 or something like that. Fries, shakes, coneys, you name it - nothing on the menu is more than like $3. You can get a quick bite for just a few bucks or, if you're as hungover as we were on Saturday when we went, you can get a massive, disgusting meal for under $10. Did it cure my hangover? Absolutely not. Definitely made me feel worse. But god - this place is a gem. Service was bizarrely friendly and the food was greasy and delicious like I wanted. If I lived in the area I would absolutely treasure The Telway.

I doubt they'd remember now but years ago me and two friends walked in there after walking for quite a few miles (I believe from clawson, the city over). We only got fries and a small drinks but we had only two bucks. So they just covered the whole meal and that they just wanted to see us be safe n not be hungry etc. we'd left and I hadn't thought much of it until recently.

Great food great people love this place. Would eat here all. The time great prices kids go crazy over the food

Best of the best, really good food for the price. This a staple for me. A good classic slider & fries joint.

Best sliders ever. I've been eating here since the 60's. I'm retired and living in Las Vegas now, but every trip "back home" requires a Telway stop. I always get the same order. 2 double cheese and a bowl of chili. Thank you Telway for staying the same. Many great memories of 3am slider runs, and there were MANY..!!! Nothing has changed but the prices. But that's expected and nothing to complain about. John Combs MHS class of 73

Not from MI, read some reviews, went at about 2am when I couldn't sleep and just wanted a snack. Superior to White Castle in every way. The burgers etc are small but they are GOOD! Worth the little trip over, recommend for a cheap late night snack, 2 was plenty to satisfy me!

Not a whole lot of places offer up Coney Dogs and Sliders at 4:30am in these parts anymore, so I decided to swing by here. I had the Coney Dog special with fries and it was great! The dogs had a nice snap to 'em and the chili was pretty good too! My only complaint is that the dining area was still closed off, but that didn't affect my experience too much.

Sliders are just like you want them to be. Good chili dogs as well. Don't eat too many.

Great Burgers like the " Old time Diners! Owner beyond Accommodating. Great service every-time Milkshakes! Pie! Something for Everyone..

This place is the spot. It's old school, it's greasy, and filled with characters. Not to mention that their burgers rock, and there isn't any other place that you can get a Coney dog quite like this one. Deep fried dogs, with chili sauce. I am however a little disappointed that they have changed their packaging to the styrofoam. They used to have them on the paper boats shoved in a paper bag and it made it messy and delicious. Their burgers have always been a staple for all bargoers and definitely craved by many many families. They keep the place clean, and they are always ready to take your order. Definitely no lazy people work here. Check it out

Cheap yummy sliders, coneys, chili dogs, and chocolate shake. Food was served within 5 minutes and service was very friendly and fast. The women working were keeping the place clean, and wearing gloves when appropriate. Our meal was under $16 for a chocolate shake, coney dog, 2 chili cheese fries, 4 cheeseburgers, and a coffee. You can't beat that! We will definitely be back!