Traverse City is known for cherries, wine, and Lake Michigan views—but locals will absolutely argue about burgers, too.
Between downtown pubs and roadside grills, these five spots come up constantly in “best burger in TC” conversations.
1. Slabtown Burgers
Ask almost any local and Slabtown will be one of the first names you hear.
It’s a laid‑back, order‑at‑the‑counter spot a bit off the main tourist drag, and it’s basically burger central for Traverse City.
Burgers are thick, juicy, and cooked to order, with a big menu of combos: bacon‑cheddar classics, mushroom‑Swiss, jalapeño‑pepper jack, and more.
You can go single, double, or beyond if you’re really hungry.
The buns are soft and lightly toasted, and the fresh‑cut fries are a must. It’s casual, family‑friendly, and feels very local even when there’s a line out the door in summer.
2. Bubba’s
Downtown, Bubba’s has a neighborhood‑bar vibe and a burger menu that keeps locals coming back all year. It’s the kind of place people hit after the beach, after work, or late at night.
Burgers here lean classic bar style: juicy patties, plenty of cheese options, bacon, grilled onions, and lots of sauces.
Their specialty burgers—often featuring fried eggs, jalapeños, or BBQ toppings—are popular, and you can grab tater tots, waffle fries, or onion rings on the side. It’s casual, loud, and exactly what you want when you’re craving comfort food.
3. Blue Tractor Cook Shop
Blue Tractor is a downtown smokehouse and bar that also happens to turn out one of the more “cheffy” burgers in the city.
The burger typically features a thick patty (sometimes blended with brisket or short rib), sharp cheddar or smoked cheese, house pickles, and special sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
Many locals like to add bacon or even a bit of pulled pork for a true BBQ‑burger mash‑up.
Pair it with their mac and cheese, fries, and a house beer and you’ve got a very Traverse City take on comfort food.
4. Sleder’s Family Tavern
Sleder’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Michigan and feels like stepping back in time—wood paneling, mounted deer heads, and a very old‑school tavern vibe.
Their burger is nothing flashy, just done right: a hand‑formed patty grilled to temp, American or Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a toasted bun.
It’s the “classic tavern burger” locals grew up with, and that nostalgia plus the cozy atmosphere make it a favorite.
5. Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery (Old Mission Peninsula)
A short drive from town, Jolly Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula is technically more brewery‑and‑pizza focused, but the burger is a standout.
You usually get a thick, juicy patty made from quality beef, topped with aged cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a tangy house sauce on a soft, toasted bun.
The setting—water views, rustic building, and great beer—does a lot of the heavy lifting, but locals will tell you the burger itself is absolutely worth the trip, especially paired with one of their sour ales.
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