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Photo courtesy of Basement Burger Bar
Some burgers are convenient, and some are worth planning your day around. Across Metro Detroit, these six spots have built real followings by doing something distinct on the bun, whether that means a classic slider, a dive bar staple, a stacked specialty creation, or a burger tailored exactly to your taste. Check them out:
Checker Bar
124 Cadillac Square, Detroit
Checker Bar offers a burger that lands with the kind of confidence that does not need much explaining. Marissa Fisher, General Manager, says it best: “Checker Bar keeps it simple—and that’s the point. A proper Detroit dive burger: griddled local beef, soft potato bun, crisp onion, pickle chips, and just enough lettuce to keep it honest. No gimmicks, just the kind of burger you think about the next day, served in a nostalgic space that still feels like old Detroit.” Amongst pool tables, arcade games, and great energy, you’ll find a menu filled with NY-style pizza, apps like Lava Balls and Checker Pasta salad, The Checker Burger, and the Checker Double Burger for double the patties.
Grey Ghost Detroit
47 Watson Street, Detroit
Grey Ghost has earned its place as a go-to for diners who want a meal that’s elevated but also a staple. The restaurant’s warm, low-lit room gives dinner a sense of occasion, and the menu invites you to settle in with cocktails, starters, and a full evening out. Its specialty burger (topped with an egg) carries the same confident style, delivering a rich, satisfying bite that has become part of the restaurant’s identity, perfect for those with a seat at the bar. For those who want that signature burger more often, Little Ghost in Ferndale offers the Grey Ghost Burger daily in its more casual setting.
Taystee’s Burgers
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
Taystee’s Burgers goes big, and that is exactly why people seek it out. The spot has built buzz around bold combinations, loaded builds, and a menu that treats the burger as something to fully commit to with over a dozen options. Every order feels designed for maximum impact, with towering stacks, big flavors, and a style that leans unapologetically into food comas. Mac Attack is topped with Mac N Cheese bites and coleslaw, Taystee’s Hawaiian has grilled pineapple and onions, and the Cool Ranch Supreme is topped with Doritos for an excellent crunch. The Pizza Burger really switches things up with pizza sauce, mozzarella sticks, and a pretzel bun, while the Breakfast Burger takes a turn with a fried egg and two grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun. For Metro Detroiters who love their coneys, you’ll have to try the Detroit Style Coney Burger, topped with hot honey, chili, fresh onions, mustard, cheese, and Better Made Potato Chips. Pair with some loaded fries (there are quite a few options), jalapeño poppers, or Mac N Cheese bites for an extra cheesy experience. When the craving is for something messy, filling, and impossible to ignore, Taystee’s makes a strong case fast.
Motz’s Burgers
7208 West Fort Street, Detroit
27010 Plymouth Road, Redford Township
18714 Eureka Road, Southgate
Motz’s Burgers brings history to the table along with its sliders, and that history is not just for show. Supervisor Michael M. explains, “Our Detroit location has a history dating back to 1929, serving delicious fresh beef sliders ever since. We use fresh beef each morning, locally baked burger buns, and farm-fresh dairy from Michigan farms for our milkshakes. There are currently 3 locations. The main HQ location [on] Fort Street [in] Detroit, plus two franchised locations.” The menu is super simple, but it keeps Metro Detroiters coming back for more. Pick your sliders (hamburger, cheeseburger, or double patty versions), or go with a staple Chicken sandwich with spicy mayo and pickles, or the Fish sandwich with cheese and tartar sauce. As for sides, pick from shoestring fries or onion rings, and wash it all down with a milkshake (vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate choices). It may not have all the frills of crazy toppings, but being in business for almost a century is no joke.
Hunter House Hamburgers
33900 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham
Hunter House Hamburgers has been grilling up sliders since 1952. Boasting local ingredients, Hunter House Hamburgers’ butcher, baker, and pickle maker are all based in Detroit. Sliders come topped with caramelized onions and dill pickles on a steamed bun, with extra toppings like bacon, chili, jalapeños, or onion rings available. Other handheld choices include the Robcat Honey Burger (bacon, barbecue, and onion rings), patty melts, classic grilled cheese (with ham as an add-on option), and loaded dogs. Sides are simple but are go-tos, like fries, tater tots, and onion rings, with options to load them up. Finish it with a classic shake or float for a time-tested treat.
Basement Burger Bar
33316 Grand River Avenue, Farmington
42452 Ford Road, Canton
1326 Brush Street, Detroit
Basement Burger Bar puts customization front and center, giving diners plenty of room to build the burger they actually want. Bridget, Marketing manager, describes it this way: “Burgers made to order, the way you want it, the way you like it. Build your own burger concept with many options to choose from, including vegan options.” That flexibility gives this spot its energy, whether someone is after a straightforward cheeseburger or a more layered combination with extra toppings and a side of fries to match. Boasting 1.5 trillion possible burger combinations, you can pick anything from nacho cheese and tzatziki to peanut butter, fried pickles, dried cranberries, or green olives. The menu’s range keeps the experience easygoing while still delivering the kind of burger people will drive back for.
These are the burgers that turn a craving into a destination across Metro Detroit. Each one has a distinct kind of flavor that makes the mileage feel like part of the experience.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 29, 2016.
