Detroit’s burger scene runs the gamut from smashed griddle classics to thick, chef‑y patties served next to craft cocktails. These five spots come up again and again when Detroiters get into heated arguments about who really does the city’s best burger.
1. Mercury Burger & Bar
Right by the old Michigan Central Station in Corktown, Mercury feels like a retro diner crossed with a modern beer bar. Neon sign, counter service, outdoor seating, and a menu that’s laser‑focused on burgers, dogs, and tots.
The burgers are griddled smash‑style—thin patties with crispy edges, often doubled up—with classic toppings or Detroit‑inspired twists. Favorites include patties topped with chili, fried eggs, jalapeños, bacon, or locally inspired sauces. Tater tots come loaded or plain, and the milkshakes (spiked or not) are worth saving room for. It’s very much a “this is what you crave at least once a month” kind of place.
2. Green Dot Stables
Green Dot is famous for its sliders, and yes, they absolutely count in Detroit’s burger conversation. The vibe is casual and slightly divey in a comfortable way—wood‑paneled walls, bar seating, and a long list of small, cheap sliders.
You order a bunch to share: classic cheeseburger sliders, fried chicken, mystery meat specials, and wild cards like Korean‑inspired or BBQ‑topped mini burgers. Individually they’re small, but together they add up to a very real (and very fun) burger experience. Locals love the price point, the variety, and the laid‑back feel.
3. Miller’s Bar (Dearborn, but a Detroit classic)
Miller’s is a no‑nonsense tavern that’s been turning out the exact same burger for decades, and locals will tell you it’s one of the purest expressions of a Detroit burger you can get. It’s cash‑only, no printed menus, and you pay on the honor system at the bar when you leave.
The burger is simple: a thick, juicy patty of ground beef cooked on a flat‑top, served on a soft, steamed bun with cheese if you want it, and a slice of onion and pickles on the side. That’s it. No crazy toppings, no towering stacks. Just beef, bun, and nostalgia. It’s the confidence of a place that knows it doesn’t need to do anything fancy to impress you.
4. Grey Ghost Detroit
Grey Ghost is a modern, chef‑driven restaurant in Midtown known for its cocktails and meat‑centric menu. It’s nicer than your average burger joint—this is a reservation‑worthy dinner spot—but the burger here is so good it has its own fan base.
The burger is thick, cooked to a perfect medium, and topped with sharp cheese, house pickles, and a deeply savory, umami‑rich sauce or onion component. The bun is sturdy and slightly sweet, and the whole thing feels engineered for maximum flavor. It’s pricier than a bar burger, but locals swear it’s worth it for the quality and execution. Fries come crisp and well‑seasoned, and a cocktail from the bar makes the whole thing feel like a proper night out.
5. Royale with Cheese
Yes, named after the Pulp Fiction line, and yes, they lean into the theme in a fun way. Royale with Cheese is a fast‑casual burger spot in Midtown with bright decor, a playful menu, and a focus on over‑the‑top, flavor‑bomb burgers.
Patties are smashed and griddled, then layered with things like mac and cheese, brisket, crispy onions, house sauces, and a mix of cheeses. There are also more restrained options, but the stacked, slightly ridiculous burgers are what people come for. Fries, loaded tots, and shakes round it out. It’s the place locals send friends who say, “Take me somewhere fun for a burger.”
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