The Best Local Burgers, Sliders, & More Within Detroit’s City Limits
Detroit may have become a culinary force amidst its rejuvenation and gentrification; however, in most cases, it’s best known for its coney islands, greasy spoons, and Mexican joints. Many of the establishments on this list have stood the test of time, although I’ve included a few newer offerings, too. Whether you like a burner with all the fixings or just a patty on the bun, there’s something in this article for you. Let’s get into it!
This article was originally published on May 22, 2018. It has since been updated.
Cutter’s Bar & Grill
2638 Orleans St, Detroit, MI 48207
Cutter’s has been serving Detroiters in Eastern Market since 2004. Charles Knolen opened the joint with the idea that simplicity is everything. Their beef comes straight from the wholesale meat providers surrounding the building, and you can taste the difference compared to the generic patties many restaurants use today. My favorite burger is a 16oz bacon cheeseburger with the works, season fries, and a Faygo Cola. Cutter's has every variation of Faygo stocked, so pick your poison.
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Elmer’s Hamburgers
8515 W Chicago, Detroit, MI 48204
At the corner of W. Chicago and Oakman on Detroit’s west side, you will find a family-owned 50’s themed burger joint called Elmer’s. This black-owned business is unique–considering its retro look and modern bulletproof glass interior. Elmer’s is a slider joint–but you have options once you’re inside. The burgers come standard, non-seasoned, with onions, cheese, mustard, ketchup, and pickles. In addition to a classic burger, they also have fries and grilled cheese sandwiches. Sit-down service isn’t often available at Elmer’s, but the takeout is usually quick and fresh. In my opinion, these are the best sliders in Detroit.
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Motz’s Burgers
7208 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209
Motz has been serving up Detroit-style sliders in Delray since 1929. This greasy joint opened just before the onset of the great depression, but it weathered the storm, remaining open ever since. Motz prides itself in fresh, never frozen, 100% beef sliders. The meat is laced with sweet onions, giving the sliders a unique taste that will take you back to a simpler time when Detroiters would roll up on bicycles for a burger and an amazing chocolate milkshake. Be sure to try one of their big burgers, too—they’re just as good, if not better than, one of their famous sliders.
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Mercury Burger Bar
2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
This is the newest restaurant on this list–but that doesn’t mean it's any less tasty. David Stiekne and Dennis Fulton fired up their grill in 2012, and it’s rarely been cold since. The establishment is named after the first regularly scheduled passenger train in Detroit, the Mercury. The original Mercury Bar closed in the 80s, but the owners were able to find the old sign and refurbish it. The grill serves several craft burgers, served with fries, poutine, tater-tots, and delicious shakes. I highly recommend the Southwest Detroit Burger & Bacon Cheddar Burger, but you honestly can’t go wrong with anything on their diverse menu.
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Telway Hamburgers
6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
Telway may be the most well-known slider joint in Detroit–and for a good reason. The first Telway opened in the 1940s, and its Michigan Avenue location has been a staple for decades. Today, it’s one of two, the other located in Madison Heights. Arthur ‘Earl’ Owens began working at Telway in his 20s after serving in the military, eventually taking the helm of the Detroit location until he died in 2017. The restaurant has continued since his death and still serves up sliders at all hours of the day.
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Marcus Hamburgers
6349 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
This has got to be the most unique burger joint on this list. The patties at Marcus come rectangular and are served in a hot dog bun–you heard me, a hot dog bun! This medium for eating a burger might seem strange, but it’s a lot easier to fit into your mouth and is tasty. The company you’ll join at Marcus Hamburgers is worth the trip, too. The restaurant has been featured in films and in the local news over the years–which you’ll hear all about if you get the owner talking. Regardless of their shape, Marcus Hamburgers are some of the best Detroit has to offer.
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Honorable Mention: Duly’s Place
5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Although Duly’s is far from a classic burger joint, I can’t help but include it on this list. Their standard cheeseburger is pretty spectacular, in my opinion, and if you're really looking for something special, get their loose burger, it's to die for. If you happen to find yourself there late at night, ask Noah to play the Çifteli for you. It’ll be worth it, I promise.
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