12 Hole-In-The-Wall Michigan Burger Joints Serving Double Cheeseburgers Locals Swear By
Michigan isn’t just about the Great Lakes and cherry pie, it’s also a hidden paradise for burger lovers. Scattered across small towns and city side streets are humble, no-frills joints where the griddles have been sizzling for generations.
These aren’t your fancy gastropubs or chef-driven burger labs, they’re the kind of spots where regulars know each other’s orders and napkins come in stacks, not rolls.
From juicy, double-stacked patties dripping with cheese to perfectly toasted buns that barely contain the flavor, these hole-in-the-wall treasures are pure Michigan comfort on a plate.
You might come for one burger, but don’t be surprised if you leave planning your next weekend road trip around the next bite.
1. Miller’s Bar
Since 1941, this Dearborn institution has been slinging burgers that taste like a time machine to simpler days. The walls are covered in vintage photos, the booths have seen generations of families, and the burgers? They’re nothing short of legendary.
What makes Miller’s stand out is their commitment to doing one thing exceptionally well. Each double cheeseburger gets hand-formed patties cooked on a well-seasoned griddle until the edges crisp up perfectly. The cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating that gooey goodness everyone craves.
Locals will tell you to order yours with everything, but note that Miller’s remains strictly cash-only, with payment handled via their longstanding honor system.
2. Motz’s Burgers
Motz’s has been a Detroit staple since way back, and they’ve mastered the art of the smash burger before it became trendy on Instagram. Walking in feels like stepping into your grandpa’s favorite haunt, complete with counter seating and no-nonsense service.
Their double cheeseburgers feature thin patties smashed onto a scorching griddle, creating those crispy, lacy edges that burger enthusiasts dream about. Topped with melted cheese that drips down the sides, these beauties pack serious flavor despite their modest size.
Pro tip: order multiple because one is never enough. The onions are grilled to caramelized perfection, adding sweetness that balances the savory beef wonderfully.
3. The Telway
With locations scattered around metro Detroit, Telway has been feeding hungry Michiganders since the 1940s with their signature square sliders. These aren’t your average burgers—they’re small, mighty, and dangerously addictive.
Order a double cheeseburger here and you’ll get two of their famous sliders stacked with cheese, pickles, and onions on soft steamed buns. The patties are thin and cooked until they develop that irresistible crust that sticks to the bun in the best way possible.
Open 24 hours at some locations, Telway has saved countless late-night cravings. The prices are wallet-friendly, making it easy to order way more than you planned!
4. Bates’ Burgers
Bates’ has been a Livonia treasure since 1955, operating out of a tiny building that proves size doesn’t matter when you’ve got flavor. The menu is refreshingly simple: burgers, fries, and drinks—no fancy stuff, just honest food done right.
Their double cheeseburgers are hefty creations featuring two quarter-pound patties cooked to order. They claim to use fresh beef, and you can taste the difference in every juicy bite. Fresh vegetables and soft buns complete the package without overshadowing the star attraction.
Expect a wait during peak hours because good things take time. Grab a picnic table outside and enjoy your burger Michigan-style!
5. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Ann Arbor’s most eccentric burger joint doesn’t coddle customers—ordering here requires knowing the lingo, or you’ll get schooled by the staff. But that gruff charm is part of what makes Blimpy Burger a beloved institution among University of Michigan students and alumni.
Build your double cheeseburger from scratch, choosing everything from patty size to toppings. The griddle stays busy all day, churning out sizzling burgers that smell absolutely incredible. Grilled onions are practically mandatory here, adding caramelized sweetness that complements the beef beautifully.
Cash only, limited seating, and an attitude that says take-it-or-leave-it. Locals wouldn’t have it any other way!
6. Schlenker’s Sandwich Shop
Schlenker’s keeps things old-school in the best possible way, serving up burgers that taste like they’re straight from a 1960s backyard cookout. The atmosphere is unpretentious, with worn tables and friendly faces behind the counter who remember regular customers’ orders.
Cheeseburgers here come loaded with fresh toppings and cooked with care that shows in every detail. The patties have that perfect char on the outside while staying juicy inside, and the cheese melts into a gooey blanket of deliciousness.
Don’t rush your visit—this is the kind of place where eating is meant to be enjoyed, not inhaled. Pair your burger with their crispy fries for the complete experience.
7. Nonla Burger
Kalamazoo got a flavor explosion when Nonla Burger opened, bringing Vietnamese-inspired twists to classic American burgers. The space is cozy and modern, attracting adventurous eaters looking for something beyond the ordinary double cheeseburger experience.
Their take on the double cheeseburger incorporates unexpected ingredients like pickled vegetables, special sauces with Asian flair, and perfectly seasoned patties that bridge two culinary worlds. Each bite delivers familiar comfort with exciting surprises that keep your taste buds guessing.
The fusion approach might sound weird, but locals swear it works brilliantly. This spot proves that hole-in-the-wall doesn’t mean boring—sometimes it means boundary-pushing deliciousness that becomes your new obsession.
8. Hamburger Mikey
Mikey’s proves that you don’t need a dining room to serve outstanding burgers—just a walk-up window, a hot griddle, and serious dedication to quality. Located in Ypsilanti, this tiny spot has built a cult following among locals who appreciate straightforward, delicious food.
The double cheeseburgers here are no-frills perfection: two beef patties, melted American cheese, and your choice of classic toppings on a soft bun. Everything tastes fresh because it is, and the prices won’t make your wallet cry.
Summer visits mean eating outside, but that’s part of the charm. Order at the window, grab your burger, and find a spot to enjoy pure Michigan burger bliss.
9. Don’s Drive-In
Up in Traverse City, Don’s has been serving burgers and maintaining that classic drive-in vibe that makes you want to roll down your windows and enjoy the summer breeze. The nostalgia here is thick, but the burgers are even better.
Their double cheeseburgers come dressed with Don’s special sauce, a tangy creation that’s become legendary in northern Michigan. The patties are cooked fresh, the cheese melts perfectly, and everything comes together in a gloriously messy package that requires extra napkins.
Visit during cherry season and you’ll understand why this place is a local treasure. The combination of great burgers and small-town charm is unbeatable.
10. West Pier Drive-In
Situated where you can smell the lake breeze, West Pier has been a summer tradition for families seeking burgers and good times. The setting alone makes it special, but the food keeps people coming back year after year.
Double cheeseburgers here are substantial, featuring thick patties that don’t skimp on flavor or size. The cheese blankets everything in gooey goodness, while fresh toppings add crunch and brightness. Optional bacon takes things to the next level if you’re feeling indulgent.
Grab a picnic table with a view and watch boats pass by while demolishing your burger. This is pure Michigan summer encapsulated in one delicious meal that locals guard like a secret treasure.
11. Clyde’s Drive-In
Way up in Sault Ste. Marie, Clyde’s has been flipping burgers for locals and tourists exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The drive-in atmosphere transports you back to simpler times when a great burger and friendly service were all you needed.
Their double cheeseburgers feature perfectly seasoned patties cooked with expertise gained over decades. Grilled onions are a popular add-on, bringing sweetness that complements the savory beef and melted cheese beautifully. The buns stay soft yet sturdy enough to contain all that juicy goodness.
After exploring the Soo Locks, refuel here with a burger that reminds you why simple food done well never goes out of style.
12. Taystee’s Burgers
Taystee’s keeps the burger tradition alive with recipes and techniques that haven’t changed in generations—because when you’ve got something this good, why mess with it? The name says it all: these burgers are seriously tasty.
Double cheeseburgers arrive hot off the griddle with that perfect sear that locks in flavor. American cheese melts into creamy perfection, while pickles and onions add tang and crunch. The buns get toasted just right, adding textural contrast that elevates the whole experience.
Regulars have their usual orders memorized by the staff, creating that neighborhood feel that chain restaurants can’t replicate. Stop in once and you’ll understand why locals keep this place packed during lunch rush.