Flame-Broiled: Metro Detroit’s Best Burgers

By: Toni Cunningham | February 19, 2013
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During my short-lived time as a vegetarian, the straw that broke the camel’s back was my inevitable craving for a delicious cheeseburger. While my willpower may have faltered, it was with good reason. Metro Detroit has some tasty burger joints, and everyone has a favorite.

For me, it’s the Redcoat Tavern in Royal Oak, which I just recently discovered. The Original Redcoat Special Hamburger is the hot-ticket item, and if it isn’t the best burger you’ve ever had, let me know and I’ll give you your money back.

Coming in at a close second is The Burger Spot in Downtown Plymouth. The menu features “base model” burgers and daily specialties. There are vegetarian options too, like the Greek burger and black bean burger. I recommend the Applewood bacon, which everyone knows is better than regular bacon. Don’t forget an order of fries; they’re the best around!

I’ve never had anything besides a burger at Miller’s Bar in Dearborn, which is the way it should be. You can order it with or without cheese, pickles and onions, and a side of fries or onion rings. There aren’t any fancy toppings at Miller’s, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I suggest going elsewhere.

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Food Network fans will get a kick out of dining at Michael Symon’s Roast in Detroit. Belly up to the bar and sample one of the menu’s three decadent burgers, including the Roast Burger (with bacon, cheddar, fried egg, pickle and onion), the Rock City Burger (caramelized onion, bleu cheese and zip sauce) and the Symon Burger (fried bologna, pickles, onion, cheddar and special sauce).

If you enjoy eating a locally sourced meal, head to Burgrz in Royal Oak. The meat, produce and buns are all Michigan-made, so you can support the local economy while enjoying a great meal. Menu items include a Bleu Cheese Burger, California Burger and Fire Cracker Turkey Burger. There are also over 20 tasty toppings, so your options are endless.

Another great place for a regional (and seasonal) burger is The Root in White Lake. There, the menu is built around the seasonal availability of ingredients. Currently, the menu features a Char Grilled Burger made of grass fed beef, topped with roasted shallot aioli, lettuce, tomato, pickled onion and served on a house baked bun. Additional toppings to choose from include Michigan bleu cheese, Michigan white cheddar and Fried Michigan egg.

The menu at Toasted Oak in Royal Oak features a burger served one of my favorite ways—atop a pretzel bun. The appropriately named Toasted Oak Burger is topped with smoked red onion, roasted tomato, pinconning cheddar, garlic aioli and frites. If you’ve never had a sandwich on a pretzel roll before, you’re seriously missing out.

No matter how you top it, a burger from any of the aforementioned bars and restaurants will surely fulfill your burger fix. Enjoy!

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