The 7 Best Burger Joints in Detroit

Telway Hamburgers

Open 24/7 and constantly selling burgers and donuts, the white shack that is Telway Hamburgers is universally known for their sliders. This place has been open for over a handful of decades, and the sliders, fries, and coffee haven’t changed. Whether eating lunch or coming in for a late-night ordeal, Telway provides the standard sliders and fries with an authentic – and individual – touch. Closed Christmas.

Telway Hamburgers, 6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, USA, +1 313-843-2146

Mercury Burger Bar

Located in Detroit’s historic district Corktown, Mercury Burger Bar is an essential establishment to a newly flourishing district. Serving some of the best burgers in the Detroit area, Mercury Bar has a focused menu on mostly burgers, some salads, and fries. Sides include the renowned garlic fries. Patio seating available, termed the biergarten, makes Mercury a burger joint with a view.

Mercury Burger Bar, 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, USA, +1 313-964-5000

Bronx Bar

The infamous watering hole in Midtown, the Bronx Bar has been serving their burgers (and cheap drinks) for over three decades. These aren’t sliders – they’re thick burgers with a creative touch. Paired with the shoestring fries, Bronx Bar’s burgers are a full-blown meal. Also, with the influx of twenty-somethings in this area, Bronx Bar has become a casual yet busy social setting. Good drinks and some of the best burgers, Bronx Bar is a homerun.

Bronx Bar, 4476 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI, USA, +1 313-832-8464

Sonny’s Hamburgers

Another slider joint in Detroit that is rivals with Motz and even Telway. Sonny’s offers the traditional and quick slider and offers the classic diner favorites. Sonny’s is in the similar genre as Telway and Motz, but the local following supports Sonny’s undoubtedly. The old-fashioned diner décor makes Sonny’s fit in with the slider crowd. With small seating, Sonny’s offers a viable carryout option.

Sonny’s Hamburgers, 20001 Schoolcraft, Detroit, MI, USA, +1 313-535-2278

Motz’s Restaurant

Completing the Sonny’s-Telway trifecta, Motz’s dishes out their own style of sliders. Known for the Original Slider burger, Motz has made itself known for their approach to sliders. Affordable fare, Motz’s is ideal for a quick lunch or early dinner. (One of the downsides is Motz’s is only open until 5 pm).

Motz’s Restaurant, 7208 W Fort St, Detroit, MI, USA, +1 313-843-9186

Miller’s Bar

Miller’s Bar has been around since 1941 serving quality burgers and fries. It’s an easy, relaxed spot to grab a good burger with a comfortable ambiance. Simple burgers – like the Ground Round – are paired with some delightful onion rings (or French fries). Honor system payment ensures everything Miller’s believes in is upheld.

Miller’s Bar, 23700 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI, USA, +1 313-565-2577

Cutter’s Bar and Grill

A prime restaurant that serves some of the finest selection of meats, Cutter’s is home to some of the best burgers in Detroit. Cutter’s offers classic bar food, but it’s known for their Angus beef burgers. They’re elaborate – far from the scale of sliders – with toppings outside of the realm of mustard and ketchup. A little steeper price but the burgers are worth it.

Cutter’s Bar and Grill, 2638 Orleans St, Detroit, MI, USA, +1 313-393-0960

By Kate Harrington