22 Michigan Olive Burgers Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Know About
You know that feeling when you’ve stumbled upon something so ridiculously good, so incredibly Michigan, that you instinctively want to build a small, metaphorical fortress around it?
That’s precisely how I feel about the state’s olive burgers. For years, we Michiganders have quietly savored these briny, beefy masterpieces, our lips sealed, our faces innocent.
But the truth is, the secret is too good to keep entirely – even if the thought of a tour bus pulling up to my favorite greasy spoon makes my eye twitch. So, I’m reluctantly, very reluctantly, sharing a few… just don’t tell anyone I told you, okay?
1. Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shop – Lansing
Time stands still at this Lansing landmark operating since 1923. The vintage décor and counter seating transport you back to simpler days when a good burger was all you needed.
Their olive burger features a perfectly seasoned patty topped with their signature mayo-olive mixture that locals have been raving about for nearly a century. The olives are chopped fine enough to distribute flavor evenly but chunky enough to provide texture with each bite.
I remember my grandfather bringing me here after Little League games, claiming these burgers hadn’t changed since he was a boy – and that’s exactly how the regulars like it.
2. Olympic Broil – Lansing
Family-owned since 1958, Olympic Broil represents old-school fast food done right. Their drive-thru window sees constant activity from locals who know that patience pays off for these made-to-order treasures.
What sets their olive burger apart is the perfect ratio of tangy green olives to creamy mayo, spread generously on both buns. The patties get a distinctive char from their legendary broiler that’s been cooking thousands of burgers since the Eisenhower administration.
Pairs perfectly with their hand-cut fries and a thick chocolate shake for the authentic mid-Michigan experience that tourists rarely discover.
3. Dagwood’s Tavern & Grill – Lansing
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Dagwood’s doesn’t bother with flashy advertising. The locals pack this place based on word-of-mouth alone.
Their olive burger comes on a toasted brioche bun with a half-pound of fresh beef cooked to your preference. The olive spread here leans heavily on the green olive side with minimal mayo, creating a brinier, more robust flavor profile that olive purists consider the gold standard.
Back in college, my roommates and I would pool our last dollars together for these burgers after finals week. The bartender still remembers our order when I visit – olive burgers, extra olives.
4. Joe-Lee’s Crosswinds Café – Owosso
Small-town charm defines this Owosso favorite where regulars claim you can set your watch by when certain customers arrive for their olive burger fix. The diner-style atmosphere features aviation memorabilia nodding to the nearby airport.
Olive burger stands out for its buttered, grilled bun and the generous portion of hand-pattied beef. The olive spread here includes a secret ingredient that adds a subtle sweetness balancing the saltiness of the olives.
The cook prepares each burger as if she’s feeding family, often remembering regular customers’ preferences without them having to specify.
5. Peanut Barrel – East Lansing
College students might pack this East Lansing institution, but savvy locals know to visit during off-hours for the legendary olive burger. The outdoor patio becomes prime real estate during summer months when burger enthusiasts gather to enjoy their meal with a cold drink.
The Peanut Barrel doesn’t skimp on their olive spread – it’s piled high with perfectly chopped green olives mixed with just enough mayo to hold it together. The beef patty has a distinctive seasoning blend that complements rather than competes with the olives.
My first date with my wife was at this very spot, sharing an olive burger while trying to look cool in front of MSU upperclassmen.
6. Jon’s Country Burgers – Mt. Pleasant
This unassuming roadside stop has been serving Central Michigan University students and locals since 1957. The no-frills interior hasn’t changed much over the decades – and neither has their perfect olive burger recipe.
What makes Jon’s stand out is their commitment to quality basics: fresh beef smashed thin on a well-seasoned flat-top, creating those crispy edges burger lovers crave. Their olive spread incorporates both green olives and a hint of black olives for complexity.
The staff knows many customers by name and often starts preparing “the usual” when regulars walk through the door.
7. Tavern 109 – Williamston
Housed in a historic building in downtown Williamston, Tavern 109 elevates the humble olive burger to new heights. The warm brick interior creates a cozy atmosphere where locals gather to enjoy their signature creation.
Unlike most places that use standard mayo, Tavern 109 makes their olive spread with housemade aioli featuring roasted garlic and fresh herbs. The beef comes from a local farm and is ground fresh daily, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful patty.
When I brought my out-of-state relatives here last summer, they couldn’t believe they’d never heard of olive burgers before. Now they request to visit whenever they’re in Michigan.
8. Richie’s Coffee Shop – Hastings
Morning regulars at this Hastings diner know the best-kept secret isn’t on the breakfast menu – it’s the olive burger served starting at 11am sharp. The tiny kitchen produces big flavors in this community hub where everyone seems to know each other.
Richie’s takes a unique approach by grilling their olives briefly before mixing them into the spread, intensifying their flavor. The burger comes on a sesame seed bun with a slice of Michigan-made cheese that melts perfectly into the olive mixture.
The owner still works the grill most days, chatting with customers while flipping burgers with the precision that comes from decades of practice.
9. Clyde’s Drive-In – St. Ignace
Perched near the Mackinac Bridge, Clyde’s could easily be dismissed as a tourist trap. Locals know better, heading here in the shoulder season for the best olive burger with a million-dollar view. The vintage car-hop service adds nostalgia to the experience.
lyde’s olive burger features a full half-pound patty – far larger than competitors – topped with a chunky olive spread that doesn’t shy away from bold flavor. The toasted bun somehow manages to contain this glorious mess without falling apart.
Folks from the UP (Upper Peninsula) cross the bridge just for these burgers, which speaks volumes in a region known for serious winter driving conditions.
10. The Side Door Saloon – Petoskey
Locals joke that the nondescript entrance to this Petoskey institution is intentionally hard to find to keep tourists away. The rustic northwoods interior feels like a cabin retreat, complete with mounted fish and vintage signs.
Burger arrives open-faced, showcasing the generous portion of their house olive mix atop a thick, hand-formed patty. What distinguishes this version is the hint of blue cheese mixed into the olive spread, adding unexpected depth.
The bartender told me they briefly considered removing it from the menu years ago and nearly faced a local revolt. Now it’s protected as an unofficial Northern Michigan historical treasure.
11. The Lewiston Hotel Bar And Grill – Lewiston
Snowmobilers and hunters have been refueling at this historic Lewiston establishment for generations. The century-old building’s worn wooden floors tell stories of countless locals who’ve made this their regular haunt.
Recipe hasn’t changed in 50+ years, featuring a special blend of olives that includes both Spanish and domestic varieties for a complex flavor profile. The patty gets a generous shake of their house seasoning before hitting the well-seasoned flat top grill.
I once drove 45 minutes out of my way during a snowstorm just to grab one of these legendary burgers. The bartender simply nodded knowingly – I wasn’t the first to make such a pilgrimage.
12. Lil Bo Bar and Restaurant – Traverse City
While tourists crowd fancier downtown Traverse City eateries, locals slip away to this neighborhood spot for an olive burger that puts the cherry capital’s culinary scene to shame. The unpretentious bar atmosphere keeps it real with decades-old decor and loyal regulars.
Lil Bo’s olive burger features a perfectly charred exterior while maintaining a juicy center. The olive spread here has a higher ratio of olives to mayo than most places, creating a more pronounced olive flavor that true fans appreciate.
Signature waffle fries make the perfect companion, especially when dipped in extra olive spread – a move the servers will happily accommodate if you ask nicely.
13. Keyhole Bar And Grill – Mackinaw City
Located just blocks from Mackinaw City’s main tourist drag, the Keyhole serves as a refuge for locals seeking authenticity amid souvenir shops. The nautical-themed interior reflects the community’s deep connection to the Great Lakes.
Their olive burger stands out for its perfect structural integrity – even with the generous olive topping, the burger holds together until the last bite. The secret lies in their specialized bun, lightly hollowed in the center to create a reservoir for the olive spread.
A server once told me they sell more olive burgers to Michigan residents than all other menu items combined, while out-of-staters typically order more conventional options.
14. Michigan House Café And Red Jacket Brewing Company – Calumet
History seeps from the walls of this Upper Peninsula landmark housed in a building dating back to the copper mining boom. The original tin ceiling and massive bar transport diners to the 1800s while enjoying thoroughly modern flavors.
Burger pays homage to both Michigan’s food heritage and the region’s mining past – it’s a substantial meal featuring a half-pound patty topped with a house-made olive spread incorporating pickled vegetables inspired by the pasties miners once carried.
Pair it with one of their drinks for the full experience that makes UP residents proud of their culinary traditions.
15. Dairy Grill – Charlevoix
Summer homes line nearby Lake Charlevoix, but you won’t find many tourists at this cash-only local institution that’s been serving the community since the 1950s. The walk-up window operation maintains its retro charm while consistently delivering olive burger perfection.
What makes their version special is the butter-basted patty that adds richness to complement the briney olive spread. The soft, steamed bun absorbs all the flavors without falling apart – a crucial element for olive burger success.
Families have been passing down the tradition of Dairy Grill olive burgers for generations. My neighbor remembers his grandfather bringing him here for his first olive burger in 1968.
16. O’Brien’s Deli & Burgers – Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids locals debate many things, but they agree that O’Brien’s serves the city’s definitive olive burger. The unassuming strip mall location belies the culinary treasure inside this family-owned gem.
Unlike competitors who chop their olives fine, O’Brien’s leaves them in larger pieces, creating pockets of intense olive flavor throughout each bite. The beef is a special blend from a local butcher, ground fresh daily with the perfect fat content for maximum juiciness.
Regulars know to request their “kitchen sink” variation that adds crispy bacon and sharp cheddar to the classic olive burger for an indulgent twist on the Michigan staple.
17. Mr. Burger – Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids institution has multiple locations, but locals know which specific outpost makes the best olive burger (hint: it’s the original on Lake Michigan Drive). The vintage signage and no-frills interior focus attention where it belongs – on the food.
Mr. Burger’s olive spread achieves the perfect consistency – neither too chunky nor too smooth – allowing it to distribute evenly across the patty. The burger comes wrapped in paper that contains the juicy goodness while you devour it.
Funny how I never appreciated these burgers growing up in Grand Rapids. After moving away for college, this became my first stop whenever I returned home – a taste of Michigan you simply can’t find elsewhere.
18. Beechwood Grill – Holland
While tourists flock to downtown Holland for tulips and Dutch kitsch, locals head to this neighborhood spot for an olive burger that breaks all the rules in the best possible way. The warm, contemporary interior creates a comfortable setting for serious burger enthusiasts.
Beechwood’s twist involves smoking their beef patties over cherry wood before finishing them on the grill, adding a subtle dimension most olive burgers lack. Their house-made olive spread incorporates roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky meat.
The owner developed this recipe after traveling throughout Michigan sampling different olive burgers, then combining his favorite elements into what many consider the perfect evolution of this regional classic.
19. The Buck Burgers & Brew – St. Joseph
Situated near Lake Michigan in charming St. Joseph, The Buck attracts locals year-round while summer tourists remain oblivious to the olive burger masterpiece served inside. The modern gastropub atmosphere elevates the dining experience without pretension.
Their olive burger features premium ingredients including locally-raised grass-fed beef and artisanal buns from a nearby bakery. The olive spread incorporates three varieties of olives and a hint of lemon zest that brightens the entire flavor profile.
The craft drink selection provides perfect pairings, with servers knowledgeably suggesting which Michigan brew will best complement the rich, briney flavors of their signature burger.
20. Clementine’s – South Haven
Hidden in plain sight among South Haven’s touristy waterfront restaurants, Clementine’s historic building houses a local secret – the olive burger that beach-goers overlook in favor of flashier fare. The Victorian-era architecture provides a unique setting for this Michigan classic.
This version features a proprietary blend of ground chuck and brisket, forming a juicy patty that stands up to the substantial olive topping. The spread here leans into the mayo side, creating a creamier experience that mellows the olive brine.
During a summer job in college, I worked nearby and ate here weekly. The bartender would have my olive burger started before I even sat down – that’s the kind of local treatment that makes these places special.
21. Full Moon Bar & Grill – Riverview
Downriver locals have kept this Riverview gem under the radar for decades. The unassuming exterior and classic bar ambiance hide a kitchen that produces what many consider Southeast Michigan’s definitive olive burger.
What sets Full Moon’s version apart is their commitment to the fundamentals – a perfectly seasoned flat-top grill that hasn’t been replaced since the 70s imparts a distinctive flavor to the hand-formed patties. The olive spread features a touch of horseradish that adds unexpected complexity.
Regulars know to order the “full moon” version that doubles both the meat and olive spread for a messy but magnificent experience that requires extra napkins and zero regrets.
22. Stella’s Lounge – Grand Rapids
Beneath the hipster vibe and vintage arcade games, Stella’s harbors a secret weapon – an olive burger that satisfies both traditionalists and culinary adventurers. The dimly-lit interior creates an atmosphere where locals can enjoy this Michigan classic away from the downtown tourist crowd.
Stella’s puts a modern spin on the olive burger with stuffed patties – the olive mixture is actually inside the beef rather than on top. This innovative approach ensures olive flavor in every bite while minimizing the structural issues that plague conventional olive burgers.
The kitchen staff perfected this technique through countless iterations, creating what Grand Rapids Magazine readers voted the city’s best burger three years running.