Who Serves the Best Burger in Michigan?
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Michigan is known for many unique culinary delights, including coney dogs, pasties, and Detroit-style pizza. But it’s also home to many great burgers — from classic offerings to unique twists that leave tastebuds tingling.
We asked Michiganders, “Where do you go for the BEST burger in Michigan?” The following is a list of some of the top burgers in Michigan according to Michiganders…
Clyde’s Drive In | St. Ignace & Sault Ste. Marie
In the summertime, no trip over the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seems complete without a trip to Clyde’s. With offerings like the 3/4-pound Big C burger, the taco burger, the pizza burger, and the zesty jalapeno burger, it’s easy to see why Pure Michigan named Clyde’s in St. Ignace as having the best cheeseburger in Michigan for 2023.
RELATED: Check out more awesome drive-in restaurants in Michigan.
Locals and visitors alike love going to Clyde’s for unforgettable burgers, and with so many options, every customer will walk away happy. Paired with a cold shake and a side of fries or onion rings, it’s the perfect way to start (or end) a UP trip.
Halo Burger | Multiple Locations
One of the nation’s oldest burger chains traces its origins back to Flint where the first burger was served from a “boxcar” wagon in 1923. Today, hungry customers can choose from nearly a dozen juicy burger options, including the half-pound Supreme Burger, a black bean burger, a Halopeno Burger, and the Olive Burger (a Michigan favorite!)
The burgers are the star of the show at Halo Burger, but the menu has lots of other Michigan favorites that are hard to pass up. Customers can also sink their teeth into a Boston cooler, a Flint-style coney dog, dino nuggets, Koegel hot dogs, and bumpy cake.
Brown Bear | Shelby and Pentwater
Brown Bear’s juicy, 100% beef burgers are delicious and have been in the running for Michigan’s best burger in recent years. The burgers are filling, the down-to-earth atmosphere reminds customers of their favorite sports bar, and the menu options are so good, that you may have to come back just to try every burger.
The offerings here include the Notorious Bear Burger (Brown’s Bear’s biggest burger and recommended for big appetites) with the works, the Mushroom and Banana Pepper Burger, the Nacho Burger, and the Dixie Burger, piled high with cheese, pulled pork, slaw, and gold BBQ sauce.
Casey’s Tavern | Ann Arbor
Since 1986, Casey’s has been one of A2’s best spots for a burger — which is quite a compliment considering all of the delicious eats in Ann Arbor. It’s been a perennial winner of the “Best Burger in Town Award,” but its menu also includes tasty desserts and vegetarian options.
Customers searching for a burger can choose options like the Over-the-Top Burger, with Tillamook cheddar, bacon, jalapeno chutney, a fried egg, and guacamole atop a burger on a brioche bun.
Those who want to customize their burger can choose a burger or a plant-based burger and up to three toppings from a list of 18 choices, including six cheeses, grilled items, and bacon.
Bergstrom’s Burgers | Traverse City
Some of Michigan’s best burgers can be found on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City at Bergstrom’s. This family-owned eatery makes burgers from scratch and has something for everyone on the menu, even kids’ meals.
Burger fanatics with big appetites can sink their teeth into a dozen options, including the Big Bergstrom (a 1/2-pound burger with aioli) or a Cow-Ahh-Bungga (a burger topped with cheese, grilled pineapple and pineapple aioli).
Other options include the Big Cherry Bomb (a burger topped with ground tart cherries, raclette cheese, aioli, and cherry bacon shallot jam) and the Big Great Northern (beef and buffalo topped with cheese, aioli, wild mushroom and leek duxelles).
Redcoat Tavern | West Bloomfield and Royal Oak
The home of the Original Redcoat Special Hamburger is also home to Metro Detroit’s top-rated gourmet burger, which means customers have no shortage of deliciousness to choose from.
The classic Redcoat Burger is a half-pound burger with tomato lettuce and special sauce on a toasted sesame bun. Customers also have plenty of space to modify their burgers with eight cheeses, five breads, six sauces, and plenty of other toppings.
Hungry visitors looking for something a little more upscale can try the Brasserie Burger, a half-pounder topped with caramelized onions, bacon, tomato, watercress, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard-mayo on a brioche bun — voted Metro Detroit’s top gourmet burger by the Detroit Free Press.
West Pier Drive-In | Sault Ste. Marie
The burgers at West Pier are so good that hungry travelers will go almost all the way to Canada to get them!
Nestled under the International Bridge next to the shipping channel at the famed Soo Locks, customers can visit West Pier to dig into favorites like hamburgers and cheeseburgers (bacon optional) and mushroom burgers. These juicy burgers are best enjoyed with fries or onion rings and a malt and it’s served car-hop style — the perfect Michigan drive-in experience.
Shamrock Pub | Utica
The drinks are cold and the food is delicious at this Metro Detroit pub — especially the burgers, so much so that it may ruin you for other burgers. After all, it’s hard to beat the combination of a good burger and a Michigan-made beer.
There are plenty of mouthwatering sandwiches on the menu, but you’re here for burgers and the Shamrock Burger doesn’t disappoint. It’s a 7-ounce, chargrilled patty topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo (cheese is optional).
HopCat | Multiple Locations
HopCat’s famous cosmic fries get a lot of publicity, but the unparalleled beer selection and the burgers aren’t half bad either — in fact, they add up to make one heckuva meal.
HopCat’s extensive burger list ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy. It includes a classic double cheeseburger, a plant-based burger, and a BYO burger option.
HopCat’s custom creations include delicacies like the Stella Blue (two patties topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, and haystacks), the Hangover Helper (patties topped with bacon, a hash brown patty, a sunny side egg, cheese, and garlic aioli) and the Rodeo Clown (patties topped with cheese, fried jalapenos, BBQ sauce, brisket, and cheese sauce).
Crunchy’s | East Lansing
This East Lansing hangout is a favorite among Michigan State University students craving a burger and beer. The extensive burger list includes the famous Bacon Avocado Burger (a 1/2-pound burger topped with the works, including avocado, bacon, and mozzarella cheese).
Hungry customers can also choose the Famous Crunchy Burger (a local favorite) — a 1/2-pounder topped with the works, the Brat Burger (looks like a burger, tastes like a brat), the Patty Melt, and the Breakfast Burger (topped with an over medium egg and maple syrup aioli).
Dagwood’s Tavern & Grill | Lansing
Dagwood’s has been a Lansing institution since 1947, serving up delectable burgers alongside ice-cold beer. The menu is simple, but when you’ve served burgers for more than 75 years, you’re doing something right.
Customers can choose a hamburger, olive burger, or veggie burger and make it deluxe by adding lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Bacon, cheese, and extra patties can be added too for a price. The burgers pair perfectly with favorites like chili cheese fries, chili, onion rings, or even sweet potato tots for an unforgettable meal.
Charlevoix Dairy Grille | Charlevoix
For more than 50 years, Charlevoix Dairy Grille has been a favorite near the Lake Michigan shoreline for residents and out-of-town visitors alike.
Customers of all ages can order the perfect burger to match their appetites with junior, 1/4-pound, and half-pound options, including the 1/2-pound Wahoo burger. With a variety of fried sides and classic ice cream treats to choose from, no one leaves Charlevoix Dairy Grille hungry.
The Gnarly Heifer | Whitehall
The Gnarly Heifer is more than just a burger joint, but there’s no denying the burgers here are delicious.
Customers can choose from options like the Shroomlicious mushroom burger, the classic Olive Burger, the Rowdy Rancher (patties topped with a fried egg, a potato patty, pepper jack cheese, and gnarly sauce), the Bigfoot Bait (patties topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and gnarly sauce on grilled rustic bread ).
Make sure to check the Gnarly Heifer’s Facebook page for weekly burger features.
Big Dip Burgers | Walled Lake
Opened in May 2020, Big Dip is a relative newcomer on the Michigan burger scene, but it hasn’t taken long for its reputation for delicious burgers to spread.
Hungry customers can keep things simple with a Big Dip Burger (loaded with the works) or order a specialty burger (and there are nearly a dozen options).
Speciality burgers include Jake’s Hot Mess Burger (topped with two cheeses, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, onion straws, and two sauces); the Philly Burger (a loose burger topped with Swiss cheese, onions, and mayo); and the Albuquerque Burger (topped with Big Dip Sauce, pepper jack sauce and green chilies).
Save room for hand-dipped ice cream or soft-serve custard after your meal!
Schubergs Bar & Grill | Big Rapids
Schubergs has been a West Michigan favorite since 1933 with locals and out-of-towners gathering to indulge in scrumptious, 1/3-pound burgers and a menu with nearly two dozen burger choices.
The Original “Schu-Burger” is a favorite among fans of classic burgers, especially when served with everything.
Those with more adventurous palettes can dig into delights like the Godfather “Schu” (asiago cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo, and balsamic vinaigrette; Da Super Super Yooper “Schu” (a bratwurst patty with American cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, & brown mustard on a pretzel bun); and the Curd Burglar “Schu” (deep fried cheese curds, bacon, lettuce, tomato and Frank’s hot ranch on a pretzel bun.)
Honorable Mentions
With so many great places to enjoy a burger in Michigan, it’s hard to cap the list at just 15. Here are a few more places Michiganders said they enjoy getting a burger:
Tally’s Log Cabin Bar | Lewiston
Farmer’s Home Tavern | Hemlock
Motz’s Burgers | Redford
Lov-a-Burger Fries & Shakes | Chesterfield
Port Hope Hotel | Port Hope
Hamburger Mikey | Muskegon
Daly Drive-In | Livonia
Chick Inn Drive In | Ypsilanti
Michigan’s Best Burgers
Whether you’re looking for a classic burger at a drive-in or a gourmet burger in a sit-down restaurant, the best burgers in Michigan have flavors to satisfy every tastebud. From towering half-pound burgers to specialized creations designed to surprise the palette, each of Michigan’s best burger spots has something unique that makes them a must-visit destination for a classic comfort food staple in the Great Lakes State.
Did we miss mentioning your favorite place to get burgers in Michigan? Tell us in the comments!
