This Michigan Burger Shack Serves Burgers That Taste Straight Out Of 1967
Step inside Bates Hamburgers in Livonia and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to 1967.
This Michigan burger shack has perfected the art of simple, juicy patties with perfectly toasted buns, keeping every bite classic and unforgettable.
Locals swear it’s the kind of burger that never goes out of style, drawing generations who crave that retro taste. It’s comfort, nostalgia, and flavor all stacked in one iconic sandwich.
Born In The Era Of Muscle Cars And Motown
Bates Hamburgers first fired up its griddle back when The Supremes ruled the radio and gas cost pennies per gallon.
Opening its doors in 1959, this Livonia landmark has stayed true to its roots, refusing to cave to modern food trends or fancy renovations.
Walking into Bates feels like stepping through a portal where avocado toast never existed and ketchup reigns supreme.
The place still serves up the same simple, delicious burgers that made it famous decades ago, proving that sometimes the old ways really are the best ways.
Smashed Patties On A Mountain Of Grilled Onions
Forget those thick, juicy gourmet patties you see everywhere. Bates takes a ball of fresh beef and literally smashes it into a pile of sizzling grilled onions on their flat-top grill.
This technique creates crispy edges while the onions infuse every bite with sweet, caramelized flavor. Some folks call them sliders, but that’s selling them short.
These thin beauties pack more flavor per square inch than burgers twice their size, and those gobs of onions? Absolutely legendary among regulars who wouldn’t dream of ordering them any other way.
Counter Service With A Side Of Nostalgia
Pull up a vinyl-covered stool at the counter and you’ll swear you’ve wandered onto a Happy Days set.
The steel-trimmed tables, the cramped but cozy carry-out vestibule, and the no-nonsense ordering system all scream authentic Americana.
There’s no table service here, no fancy ambiance, and definitely no pretense. You order at the counter, wait for your name, and grab your food when it’s ready.
It’s refreshingly simple in a world obsessed with over-complicating everything, and honestly, that’s part of the charm that keeps people driving across town for their fix.
Prices That Won’t Break Your Piggy Bank
In an age where a fast-food combo can cost fifteen bucks, Bates keeps things reasonable with menu items ranging from one to ten dollars.
You can actually feed a family without taking out a small loan, which feels almost revolutionary these days.
Multiple reviewers rave about the value for money, and honestly, where else can you grab multiple sliders, fries, and a milkshake without watching your bank account weep?
The affordability doesn’t mean they’re skimping on taste either. Every greasy, delicious bite proves you don’t need to spend big to eat well.
Breakfast Hours That Actually Make Sense
Not everyone wants to wait until noon to satisfy their greasy-spoon cravings. Bates gets it, opening at 7 AM Wednesday through Saturday so early birds can grab breakfast alongside their famous burgers.
Whether you’re coming off a night shift, heading to work, or just craving something hearty before tackling your day, they’ve got you covered.
Sundays and Mondays they open at 9 AM, which is still perfectly respectable for weekend warriors.
The extended hours until 10 PM on weekends mean you can cure that late-night burger craving without resorting to drive-thru disappointment.
Chocolate Milkshakes Worth The Brain Freeze
Among the sea of five-star reviews, one item gets called out again and again: the chocolate milkshake. Thick, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent, it’s the perfect partner to those salty, onion-laden sliders.
Reviewers absolutely love pairing it with chili fries for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo.
Made the old-fashioned way without any fancy ingredients or trendy add-ins, these shakes taste exactly like what you’d get at a soda fountain in 1967.
Sometimes simplicity really is perfection, especially when it comes to classic diner treats.
A Cult Following That Spans Generations
With 3,302 reviews and a solid 4.6-star rating, Bates has built a loyal fan base that borders on obsessive.
People who moved away from Michigan still make pilgrimages when they visit, dragging their kids and grandkids along to experience the magic.
One reviewer admitted coming back for 25 years straight. That’s serious dedication to a burger joint.
Sure, not every visit is perfect and some folks complain about wait times or inconsistency, but the fact that people keep returning speaks volumes about what Bates gets right more often than not.