12 Michigan Burger Joints That Locals Swear Are Statewide Famous For One Iconic Burger
Michigan’s got a way of doing burgers that feels personal, like every spot has its own story behind the grill. Locals don’t waste time on big chains because the real flavor comes from small joints that have been flipping patties for decades.
Some are tucked beside gas stations, others sit near lakes or downtown streets, but each has a burger worth talking about.
I’ve seen folks drive across counties just to get one bite, and honestly, once you taste it, you’ll see why Michigan keeps its burger favorites close to the heart.
1. Miller’s Bar, Dearborn
Since 1941, this no-frills spot has served the same simple cheeseburger that keeps generations coming back. The burger arrives on wax paper, still sizzling from the grill, with nothing fancy to distract from the perfectly seasoned beef.
You won’t find complicated toppings or trendy ingredients here. What you get is honest cooking done right, the way burgers were meant to taste. The place looks like it hasn’t changed in decades, and that’s exactly how regulars want it.
Cash only, limited seating, and sometimes a wait, but nobody complains.
2. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger, Ann Arbor
This Ann Arbor landmark lets you build your burger exactly how you want it, stacking as many patties as your appetite can handle. Students and locals have been lining up here for decades, shouting their orders in the chaotic but charming system they use.
The burgers are messy, delicious, and completely customizable. You pick your toppings, your number of patties, and watch as they grill it right in front of you. It’s loud, cramped, and absolutely worth it.
Don’t expect fancy decor or quiet conversation, just a really good burger.
3. Sidetrack Bar & Grill, Ypsilanti
They call it Our Famous Burger, and after one bite, you’ll see why the name stuck. The patty is thick and cooked with care, topped with fresh ingredients that complement rather than overpower the beef.
Located near the train tracks in Ypsilanti, this spot has a neighborhood feel that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. Regulars come in weekly, sometimes more, because consistency matters and Sidetrack delivers every time.
The service is friendly without being pushy, and the prices won’t break your budget.
4. Redamak’s, New Buffalo
Velveeta might sound unusual, but one taste of this burger will make you a believer. Redamak’s has been serving this creamy, melty version since the 1970s, and people plan their trips to New Buffalo around a stop here.
The cheese blankets the burger in a way that regular slices just can’t match. Combined with their perfectly grilled patty and fresh bun, it creates something special.
Locals know to arrive early during summer weekends because the place fills up fast. It’s casual, lakeside, and always satisfying.
5. Stella’s Lounge, Grand Rapids
Blue cheese lovers, this one’s for you. The Stella Blue burger comes stuffed with blue cheese right in the middle of the patty, so every bite delivers that sharp, tangy flavor.
Stella’s has a laid-back vibe that attracts everyone from college students to folks who’ve been coming here for years. The burger is messy in the best way possible, and they don’t skimp on portion size.
You might need extra napkins, but you definitely won’t need extra food. The staff knows their regulars by name and order.
6. Green Dot Stables, Detroit
Don’t let the name scare you off. The Mystery Meat slider is actually beef, and it’s become the most popular item on a menu full of creative sliders.
Green Dot took over an old stable building and turned it into one of Detroit’s most talked-about burger spots. The sliders are small enough that you can try several, but most people end up ordering extra Mystery Meat because it’s that good.
The seasoning is unique, the toppings are fresh, and the whole thing just works. Casual seating, fun atmosphere, great food.
7. Mercury Burger Bar, Detroit
The Local burger lives up to its name by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and suppliers. Mercury Burger Bar takes pride in supporting Michigan producers while serving up one seriously good burger.
The beef tastes fresher because it is fresher, and you can tell the difference. They’ve created a menu that balances creativity with classic burger sensibilities.
The Local isn’t trying to reinvent the burger, just make it better by using quality ingredients and proper technique. The space feels modern but welcoming, perfect for a casual meal with friends.
8. Schlenker’s Sandwich Shop, Jackson
Flat-top cooking creates those crispy, caramelized edges that burger purists love, and Schlenker’s has perfected the technique. This Jackson spot has been around since the 1940s, serving the same style of burger that made them famous.
The cheeseburger is simple but executed flawlessly. The beef gets a nice sear on the flat-top grill, the cheese melts just right, and everything comes together in a way that feels timeless.
You won’t find any gimmicks here, just solid cooking that’s stood the test of time. Quick service, fair prices, consistently good.
9. Telway Hamburgers, Detroit And Madison Heights
These little square sliders have been a Detroit tradition since 1944, and Telway knows how to make them right. The burgers are small, but most people order them by the half-dozen because one is never enough.
Grilled onions, a soft bun, and perfectly seasoned beef make these sliders addictive. The restaurants still have that vintage diner feel, with counter seating and quick service.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick lunch or satisfy a late-night craving. Simple food done well, every single time.
10. Redcoat Tavern, Royal Oak
Walk into this Royal Oak institution and order the Redcoat burger with zip sauce if you want the full experience. The sauce has a tangy kick that locals swear makes the burger unforgettable.
They’ve been flipping burgers here since 1975, perfecting a recipe that balances flavor without overdoing it. The beef is thick, juicy, and cooked exactly how you ask. Some people skip the zip sauce, but they’re missing out on what makes this burger legendary.
The atmosphere feels comfortable, not trying too hard to impress anyone.
11. Clyde’s Drive-In, St. Ignace
Up near the Mackinac Bridge, Clyde’s has been feeding travelers and locals since 1949. The Big C burger is their signature item, a hefty creation that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
This is old-school drive-in dining at its finest, with car service still available during summer months. The burger is big, messy, and delicious, exactly what you want after a day exploring northern Michigan.
Families have been stopping here for generations, making it part of their Up North traditions. The view, the nostalgia, and the burger all deliver.
12. The Brown Bear, Pentwater
This lakeside spot in Pentwater serves up the Bear Burger, a substantial creation that’s become legendary among locals and summer visitors alike. The burger is thick, juicy, and topped with a combination that just works.
The Brown Bear has that comfortable, rustic feel that fits perfectly in a small Michigan lake town. People come back year after year, often making the Bear Burger their first meal when they arrive for vacation.
It’s the kind of burger that makes you understand why people love this place so much. Good food, good location, good memories.