Some of the best culinary magic happens in the most unassuming places, and these hole-in-the-wall burger spots are the hidden gems of metro Detroit, celebrated by locals for their mouthwatering, no-frills burgers that pack a punch in flavor. For the times when you’re craving a good greasy burger, these spots are a must-try.

Telway Hamburgers 6820 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-843-2146 | 27000 John R Rd., Madison Heights; 248-545-7962 | thetelway.4-food.com This Southwest Detroit old-timey spot, with a twin location in Madison Heights, offers burgers, sliders, and hot dogs 24 hours a day. It’s worth a visit for the nostalgic vibes alone. Credit: Facebook, Telway Hamburgers
Marcus Hamburgers 6349 E. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-891-6170; marcus-hamburgers.business.site The burgers here are served on hot dog buns for some reason, which is already enough to prove that the place is unique. The family restaurant has been open since 1929, so is basically a historical landmark to folks who have been visiting it for decades. Credit: Instagram, @burgerobsessions
Miller’s Bar 23700 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-565-2577 Some bars are the best secret food spots – and for burgers in metro Detroit, Miller’s might take the cake. Dearborn residents got lucky with this one, and any outsiders need to visit it, just to taste what some say is the best burger in the area. Credit: Courtesy of Miller's Bar
Motz’s Burgers 7208 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-843-9186; motzsburgers.com In Southwest Detroit, this cozy spot is known for its mini burgers, chill atmosphere, and community focus. It actually also has been open since 1929, with some name changes along the way, but it has always served up the same famous sliders. Credit: Google Maps
Travis Coffee Shop 23500 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-778-0101; facebook.com/p/Travis-Burger-St-Clair-Shores This greasy hole-in-the-wall is super cheap and serves all the diner necessities, including delicious burgers. Credit: Facebook, Travis Coffee Shop
Little Brothers Burgers 201 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; 248-414-4541 | 28840 Harper St., St. Clair Shores |littlebrothersburgers.com This tiny Royal Oak spot with mainly counter service makes great burgers, fries, and shakes in a cute setting. It recently opened a St. Clair Shores location that also serves frozen custard. Credit: Facebook, Little Brothers Burgers
BB’s Diner 5223 Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-366-0905; facebook.com/bbsdiner This sort of eastside restaurant is more than meets the eye. Along with burgers and fries, BB’s serves homemade lobster, steak, and shrimp dishes with a gourmet feel. The food at the small Black-owned diner does not disappoint. Credit: Google Maps
Frank’s Eastside Tavern 126 Avery St., Mt Clemens; 586-463-4223; frankseastsidetavern.com This authentic basement speakeasy has been open since the prohibition era and is one of the oldest bars in the Detroit area. Its burger is famous for being one of the best in Macomb County. Credit: Facebook, Frank's Eastside Tavern
Taystee’s 10419 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-724-6535; taysteesburger.com/locations/dearborn While Taystee’s has a handful of metro Detroit locations now, it all started at an unassuming Dearborn gas station in 2014. The wider public is starting to learn that gas stations often have great food, and Taystee’s innovative burger creations helped prove that. Credit: Lee DeVito
Honest John’s 488 Selden St., Detroit; 313-832-5646; honestjohnsdetroit.com While this long-standing bar was sold to the Detroit Optimist Society Restaurant Group, known for its higher-end holdings, the new ownership thankfully kept things mostly the same — including its great burgers. Credit: Instagram, @honestjohnsdetroit
Food Exchange 8451 Harper Ave., Detroit; 313-579-5616; foodexchangerestaurant.com This eastside restaurant prides itself on serving burgers that are “quick, quality, yet homestyle.” Credit: Facebook, The Food Exchange Restaurant
El Bigote’s Tacos & Burgers 988 Vinewood St., Wyandotte; 313-610-4274 This downriver spot tucked away inside a market does not only serve Mexican food – it’s a great burger place too. Credit: Google Maps
Bronx Bar 4476 2nd Ave., Detroit; 313-832-8464; facebook.com/p/Bronx-Bar-Detroit While this dive bar has turned into a more popular hipster hangout, its burgers are still pretty underrated, and a great option for when you’re in Midtown. Credit: Michelle Gerard
Got Burger 301 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-219-7240; facebook.com/gotburgerypsi For late nights out with friends in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor, this spot is a must. The greasy burger joint provides all of your midnight food cravings, from chicken tenders and fries to smoothies, cheesecakes, tons of burger options, and Middle Eastern wraps and salads too. Most importantly to know, it is open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Credit: Facebook, Got Burger
Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger 304 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-4590; blimpyburger.com This burger joint boasting an iconic green awning and fun lettering has been open since 1953 and is Ann Arbor’s oldest hamburger stand. If you’re a University of Michigan student or visiting the college town for a football game or festival and craving a burger, know that Krazy Jim’s is crazy good. Credit: Facebook, Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...