13 Michigan Burger Spots So Popular, Folks Don’t Mind Waiting All Afternoon
Michigan knows how to do burgers right. From Detroit’s legendary sliders to lakeside joints serving up juicy patties, the Great Lakes State has earned its reputation as burger heaven.
These thirteen spots have lines out the door for good reason—their burgers are so mouthwatering that waiting becomes part of the experience, and nobody complains about it.
1. Miller’s Bar
A Dearborn institution since 1941, this no-frills tavern serves burgers that make grown adults weep with joy. The secret? Hand-formed patties grilled to perfection with a crispy edge that’s downright addictive.
Locals swear by the cheeseburger topped with grilled onions, which arrives sizzling on a toasted bun. Cash-only policy and limited seating mean you’ll probably wait, but one bite explains why generations keep coming back.
The bar’s old-school charm adds to the appeal—it feels like stepping back in time. Regulars claim the atmosphere is half the experience, though the burger does most of the talking.
2. Hunter House Hamburgers
Birmingham’s beloved burger shack has been flipping sliders since 1952, and the recipe hasn’t changed one bit. These aren’t your typical burgers—they’re thin, crispy-edged beauties that pack serious flavor into every bite.
Order them by the half-dozen because one is never enough. The pickles and grilled onions cut through the richness perfectly, creating a balance that keeps customers hooked.
Weekend lines snake around the building, but fans wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else. The staff moves quickly, yet the wait still tests your patience—and your rumbling stomach absolutely doesn’t care.
3. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Ann Arbor’s most eccentric burger joint demands you know your order before reaching the counter—or face the wrath of impatient staff. This quirky tradition has become legendary among University of Michigan students and alumni.
Stack as many patties as you dare, then watch as they grill your creation to greasy perfection. The buns barely contain the meaty towers, and napkins become your best friend.
Blimpy’s moved locations but kept its attitude and quality intact. Lines during lunch rush can be brutal, yet the devoted following never wavers because these burgers earn every minute of wait time.
4. Sidetrack Bar & Grill
Ypsilanti’s railroad-themed hotspot elevates the burger game with creative combinations that sound wild but taste incredible.
Each burger arrives perfectly cooked and loaded with high-quality ingredients that justify the premium price. The buns hold up admirably despite the generous portions, preventing the dreaded mid-meal collapse.
Weeknight crowds fill every booth, and weekends require serious patience. Regulars recommend calling ahead for takeout, though eating these beauties fresh off the grill makes the restaurant wait worthwhile for most burger enthusiasts.
5. Motz’s Burgers
Detroit’s historic slider specialist has perfected the art of the crispy-edged patty that’s changed the local burger landscape forever.
Simple toppings let the beef shine—American cheese, pickles, onions, and nothing unnecessary. The technique matters more than fancy ingredients here, and Motz’s has it down to a science.
Limited seating means most folks take their orders to go, but even the takeout line stretches long. First-timers quickly understand the hype after that initial crunch gives way to juicy, beefy goodness underneath.
6. Telway Hamburgers
Since 1944, this Detroit-area chain has been serving square sliders that inspire fierce loyalty among locals who grew up on them. The steamed-onion aroma hits you before you even open the door.
These little squares might look unassuming, but they disappear faster than you can count them. Order a dozen and watch them vanish—the soft buns and savory beef create an addictive combination.
Multiple locations mean you’ve got options, though every single one gets slammed during peak hours. Late-night cravings bring crowds of all ages, from college students to grandparents reliving their youth, one slider at a time.
7. The Old Goat Tavern
Kalamazoo’s charming tavern pairs good vibes with seriously impressive burgers that tourists and locals both rave about endlessly. Fresh-ground beef gets formed into thick patties that cook up juicy and flavorful.
Creative topping combinations change seasonally, keeping the menu exciting for repeat visitors. The bacon jam burger has achieved legendary status, converting skeptics into believers with every bite.
Summer crowds pack the patio and dining room, turning quick lunches into hour-long affairs. Smart diners arrive early or late to dodge the rush, though most agree the burger’s worth whatever wait time you encounter along the way.
8. Mt. Chalet II
This Detroit neighborhood gem has been quietly serving outstanding burgers since forever, known mainly to locals who guard the secret jealously. Walking in feels like joining somebody’s family gathering.
The burger menu keeps things straightforward—quality beef, fresh toppings, and buns that complement rather than compete. Nothing fancy, nothing pretentious, just honest-to-goodness deliciousness on a plate.
Regulars have their usual spots at the bar, and newcomers quickly feel welcome despite the tight-knit atmosphere. Lunch rushes test the kitchen’s capacity, but the staff handles crowds gracefully while maintaining quality that keeps everyone coming back for more.
9. Redcoat Tavern
Royal Oak’s upscale tavern proves burgers can be both refined and ridiculously satisfying when done right. Premium beef blends and artisanal buns elevate the experience without crossing into pretentious territory.
The truffle burger draws particular attention, though purists swear by the classic preparation that lets quality ingredients speak for themselves. Either choice delivers flavor that justifies the higher price point.
Burger lovers willing to splurge find the wait and expense worthwhile—this isn’t fast food, it’s burger artistry worth savoring slowly.
10. The Burger Spot
Plymouth burger enthusiasts flock to this build-your-own paradise where customization reaches delicious new heights. Start with your protein choice, then pile on whatever toppings your heart desires.
Fresh ingredients and quality beef make even the simplest combinations sing. Adventurous eaters appreciate the endless possibilities, while indecisive folks might struggle with the overwhelming options available.
The open kitchen lets you watch your burger take shape, building anticipation with every flip and sizzle. Peak times bring substantial waits, but the made-to-order approach means everything arrives hot, fresh, and exactly how you envisioned your perfect burger should taste.
11. Laura’s Little Burger Joint
Small-town charm meets big-time flavor at this family-run spot where everyone knows your name after the second visit. Laura herself often works the grill, ensuring every burger meets her exacting standards.
Hand-formed patties get cooked with care and attention that chain restaurants can’t replicate. The love shows in every aspect, from the perfectly melted cheese to the toasted bun that somehow stays intact.
Limited hours and tiny seating capacity mean planning ahead is essential for burger success here. Locals consider the wait part of the ritual, chatting with neighbors while anticipating the homemade goodness that makes Laura’s worth every single minute.
12. The Outsider
This trendy West Michigan spot pushes boundaries with unexpected flavor combinations that somehow make perfect sense together.
The kitchen sources local ingredients whenever possible, giving these inventive burgers a farm-to-table credibility that appeals to conscious eaters. Quality shines through in every component, from the brioche buns to the hand-cut fries.
Hip crowds pack the modern space during prime hours, creating an energetic atmosphere that matches the adventurous menu. First-timers might feel overwhelmed by the creative options, but taking a chance on something unusual rarely disappoints at this innovative burger haven.
13. Redamak’s
New Buffalo’s legendary burger joint has been feeding beach-goers since 1975, becoming a summer tradition for generations of families. Sand-covered feet and swimsuits are perfectly acceptable attire here.
Massive burgers arrive loaded with toppings, requiring both hands and serious jaw strength to tackle properly. The portions match the lakeside appetite you’ve built up from swimming and playing all day long.
Summer lines stretch out the door and down the sidewalk, testing the patience of hungry vacationers. Locals know to visit during off-season for shorter waits, though something about eating these burgers after a beach day makes the summer crowds worthwhile despite the extended wait times.