Small Bites, Big Flavors: Best Sliders In Metro Detroit

August 15, 2024
pulled pork sliders from basement burger bar

Photo courtesy of Basement Burger Bar

Sliders, those small but mighty burgers, are a beloved staple around Metro Detroit. Perfectly sized for snacking or for creating your own multi-flavor feast, sliders are a delicious way to enjoy the classic burger experience on a smaller scale. Whether you’re looking to keep things simple or prefer more adventurous toppings, these local spots are serving up some of the best sliders around…

HUNTER HOUSE HAMBURGERS

35705 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham

A true Metro Detroit classic, Hunter House Hamburgers has been serving up mouthwatering sliders since 1952. Located in Birmingham, this iconic spot is known for its juicy, griddled burgers topped with caramelized onions, and pickles, all served on a soft steamed bun. You can add on extra patties, bacon, chili, jalapeños, and even onion rings to top off your sliders. Hunter House keeps things simple and traditional, focusing on quality and flavor. Their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients is key, as their baker, butcher, and pickle maker are all based in Detroit. Don’t forget to pair your sliders with a shake and some loaded fries. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or a late-night snack, Hunter House delivers a nostalgic and satisfying slider experience.

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BASEMENT BURGER BAR

1326 Brush Street, Detroit

42452 Ford Road, Canton

33316 Grand River Avenue, Farmington

For those who like to customize their burgers, Basement Burger Bar offers a build-your-own experience that’s hard to beat. “Burgers made to order, the way you want it, the way you like it,” describes Marketing Manager Bridget. As for sliders, each location has six options to choose from, and each order comes with three mini sandwiches. The original sliders are topped with sharp cheddar, grilled onions, and smoked barbecue ketchup, while the chicken parmesan has a chicken tender, marinara sauce, and parm cheese. Others include pulled pork, barbecue chicken tender, gyro, and Falafelicious, a vegan option with hummus and tomatoes. Add on a side of beer-battered fries or crispy tater tots to pair perfectly. 

barbecue bacon sliders from basement burger bar
Photo courtesy of Basement Burger Bar

MOTZ’S BURGERS

7208 West Fort Street, Detroit

27010 Plymouth Road, Redford

Motz’s Burgers is another long-standing favorite, known for its no-frills, old-school approach to sliders. Established in 1929, this small diner has maintained its reputation for serving some of the best sliders in the city. Even though Motz’s isn’t its original name, over 90 years of serving sliders speaks for itself. Each slider is made with fresh beef, cooked on a seasoned griddle, and topped with grilled onions, mustard, ketchup, and pickles. The simplicity of Motz’s sliders allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through, making them a must-try for any burger lover. Make sure you order the crispy onion rings or fries for a side to go with these. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, Motz’s Burgers offers a taste of Detroit’s rich culinary history in every bite.

SIDECAR SLIDER BAR

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Sidecar Slider Bar takes the art of the slider to a whole new level. This popular eatery offers a wide variety of gourmet sliders that are as inventive as they are delicious. The menu includes standouts like the Breakfast (fried egg, bacon, American cheese, and bacon-onion jam), 9-1-1 (blackened patty, pepper Jack cheese, habanero popper, and habanero aioli), and Portabella (fried goat cheese, tomato, arugula, and balsamic reduction). Each slider is carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors, making Sidecar Slider Bar a must-visit for enthusiasts of these mini burgers and sandwiches. As for sidecars, or the sides, choose from options like pickle fries, cheese curds, sweet potato fries, and more. The modern and welcoming atmosphere of the bar, combined with a great selection of craft beers and creative cocktails, makes it a great spot for both lunch and dinner.

LITTLE BROTHERS BURGERS

201 West 4th Street, Royal Oak

28840 Harper, St. Clair Shores

Little Brothers Burgers has been delighting Metro Detroit with its sliders for years now. “We have been in business for 15 years and recently opened our second location in St. Clair Shores. We also love serving our sliders and spicy chicken sandwiches to our guests out of our mobile food truck at events throughout the summer,” says owner Boris Bozinovski. Little Brothers is known for its flavorful sliders, offering its classic beef options in various combos and multipacks, as you’ll want more than one. The sides here are also delicious, ranging from fried ravioli and cheese sticks to chili cheese fries and more. Order a sweet frozen custard dessert at its St. Clair Shores location or a shake at either. It’s the perfect way to conclude a simple slider meal. 

three sliders and fries from little brothers burgers
Photo courtesy of Little Brothers Burgers

GREEN DOT STABLES

2200 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit

Green Dot Stables has earned a cult-like following for its unique and ever-changing menu of sliders. This quirky eatery offers an array of creative slider options (almost 2 dozen options), from the classic cheeseburger to more adventurous flavors like the Korean, with peanut butter and kimchi, the Coney Dog, or the Tofu Banh Mi, which features cucumber, pickled veggies, and housemade vegan Sambal mayo. They offer changing mystery meat sliders, occasional weekend specials, and more to keep things fresh. With its laid-back vibe and eclectic offerings, Green Dot Stables is the perfect spot to explore the fun and flavorful side of sliders.

THE EMORY

22700 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale

The Emory is known for its commitment to quality and locally sourced ingredients, and its sliders are no exception. The Emory offers a selection of craft cocktails, small plates, and sliders that showcase their culinary creativity, including their Chipotle Honey BBQ, Emory Turkey, and the WAB, with cheddar, crispy onions, barbecue sauce, and jalapeño bacon jam. There are a couple of options with plant-friendly ingredients too, like the Oscar, with a Beyond patty, vegan cheese, spinach, guac, and a sun-dried tomato walnut spread. The Emory’s relaxed yet trendy vibe makes it a perfect spot for a casual night out or a quick bite during the day. Paired with one of their draft beers or signature cocktails, these sliders make for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on August 2, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.

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