L to R: 1. Instagram: @dianaeatsandmore, 2. Instagram: @rustbeltanthro, 3. Instagram: @dog_burger_grapefruit
Detroit, the Motor City, is known for its rich automotive history and nearby Dearborn is known for its Middle Eastern cuisine. But there's another trail to explore in this soulful city, the retro Detroit burger tour. In the midst of Detroit's bustling culinary scene, you'll find these charming slider joints in small retro diner-style buildings, serving up delicious burgers with a side of nostalgia. So what exactly is a Detroit burger?
The retro burger experience
What defines these Detroit burgers is their simplicity and undeniable charm. Imagine walking into a small, retro diner that oozes nostalgia, with the delightful aroma of sizzling onions and beef filling the air. The burgers themselves follow a common template: quality beef, a generous helping of chopped or sliced onions, a smaller size, and a bun that's perfectly toasted and slightly smashed. Most of these diners have a minimalist 1950s white exterior that gives off a whimsical Wes Anderson vibe. Now, let's hit the road and explore some of the iconic stops on the retro Detroit burger trail.
1. Red Knapp's Dairy Bar, Rochester
L to R: 1. @maltesekat 2. Red Knapps Rochester, 3. @justgrabbinggrub
Established in 1950
At Red Knapp's in Rochester, you'll find an enticing menu featuring classic sliders. The "Luke's burger deluxe" is their best-seller, a timeless classic adorned with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle, diced onions, and Mikey's double cheese. Red Knapp's proudly claims to serve the juiciest burgers in town, and their cookies and cream milkshake is a must-try. Located just a 33-minute drive north of Detroit, it's well worth the journey.
2. J&L Hamburger / Burger Stand, Keego Harbor
L to R: 1 - 2. Yelp
J&L Hamburger, also known as Burger Stand, in Keego Harbor is another gem on our burger trail. Their menu features single and double hamburgers and cheeseburgers, as well as sliders with caramelized onions, all served on a toasted potato bun. Located 23 minutes southwest of Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar and 36 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's an excellent stop for burger enthusiasts.
3. Hunter House Hamburgers, Birmingham
L to R: 1 - 2. Hunter House Hamburgers
Established in 1952
Hunter House Hamburgers in Birmingham is a legendary destination on our burger trail. What sets them apart is their use of fresh, custom-ground beef. Whether you're craving a single, double, or triple hamburger, or perhaps a cheeseburger, they've got you covered. Their burgers come with caramelized onions and dill pickles on a steamed bun. Hunter House's butcher, baker, and pickle maker are all based in Detroit. Conveniently located just 15 minutes southwest of Burger Stand and 25 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a must-visit.
4. Comet Burgers, Royal Oak
L to R: 1 - 2. Comet Burgers
Comet Burgers in Royal Oak is where you'll find burgers made with fresh, never-frozen ground beef. Their cheeseburger slider, adorned with grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, and pickles, is a true delight. Situated just 10 minutes southeast of Hunter House Hamburgers and 18 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's an ideal spot for burger aficionados.
5. Little Brothers Burgers, Royal Oak
L to R: 1. Little Brothers Burgers, 2. @littlebrothersburgers
Little Brothers Burgers, also located in Royal Oak, offers single and double hamburgers and cheeseburgers, along with classic sliders featuring grilled onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. A mere 1-minute drive southwest of Comet Burgers and 19 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a convenient stop to satisfy your burger cravings.
6. The Telway, Madison Heights
L to R: 1. @dave.jordano, 2. @dianaeatsandmore
Established in 1944
The Telway in Madison Heights specializes in single and double hamburgers and cheeseburgers served in a diner like setting with counter seating. Located just 8 minutes east of Little Brothers Burgers and 18 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a quick and tasty burger fix.
7. Bray'z Hamburger, Hazel Park
L to R: 1. @detroittoaccra, 2. @jayarra.captures
Established in 1950
Bray'z Hamburger in Hazel Park offers a delightful array of burgers, including single, double, triple hamburgers, and cheeseburgers. Their crinkle-cut French fries and crispy onion rings make for the perfect accompaniments. Situated 7 minutes southeast of The Telway and 15 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a must-visit for burger enthusiasts.
8. Greene’s Hamburgers, Farmington
L to R: 1. Doordash, 2. @jasonpolan
Established in 1957
Greene's Hamburgers, nestled in Farmington, is renowned for its single, double, triple hamburgers, and cheeseburgers and keeping everything as original as possible. Located just 23 minutes west of Bray'z Hamburger and 30 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a great spot for a burger pitstop.
9. Bates Burgers, Livonia
L to R: 1. @rustbeltanthro, 2. @dog_burger_grapefruit
Established in 1959
Bates Burgers in Livonia offers mouthwatering single, double hamburgers, and cheeseburgers. Conveniently located 11 minutes southeast of Greene's Hamburgers and 22 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a fantastic spot to savor classic burgers.
10. Sonny’s Hamburgers, Detroit
L to R: 1. @yorkannarbor, 2. @sonnyshamburgers
Established in 1957
Sonny's Hamburgers in Detroit features single and double hamburgers and cheeseburgers. Just a 10-minute drive east of Bates Burgers and 16 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's an ideal place to enjoy a quick, delicious burger.
11. Elmer’s Hamburgers, Detroit
L to R: 1. @rocketgrande
Established in the 1950s
Elmer's Hamburgers in Detroit offers single and double hamburgers and cheeseburgers, ensuring there's something for every burger lover. Situated 10 minutes southeast of Sonny's Hamburgers and 12 minutes northwest of Detroit, it's a convenient spot for a burger fix.
12. Motz's Burgers, Detroit
L to R: 1 - 2. Motz's Burgers
Established in 1929
Motz's Burgers, founded in 1929, is an iconic Detroit burger joint. They serve single and double hamburger and cheeseburger sliders featuring caramelized onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Located 18 minutes southwest of Brayz Hamburger and 11 minutes southwest of Detroit, it's a timeless gem.
13. Carter’s Hamburgers, Dearborn
L to R: 1. @amjb1999, 2. @timmchapmanphotography
Carter's Hamburgers in Dearborn offers delectable hamburgers and cheeseburgers. Located just 14 minutes southwest of Motz's Burgers and 20 minutes southwest of Detroit, it's a convenient spot to enjoy classic burgers.
14. Wimpy Burger, Flat Rock
L to R: 1 - 2. Wimpy Burgers Flat Rock
Wimpy Burger in Flat Rock offers a unique twist with their donut burger. This creative take on a classic burger is sure to pique your curiosity. Located 21 minutes south of Carter's Hamburgers and 28 minutes southwest of Detroit.
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