15 hole-in-the-wall Detroit-area burger joints you need to visit

By Layla McMurtrie on Wed, Sep 27, 2023 at 11:35 am

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.

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Facebook, Telway Hamburgers

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.

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Instagram, @burgerobsessions

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.

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Courtesy of Miller's Bar

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.

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Google Maps

Motz’s Burgerss

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.

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Facebook, Travis Coffee Shop

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.

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Facebook, Little Brothers Burgers

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.

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Google Maps

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.

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Facebook, Frank's Eastside Tavern

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.

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Lee DeVito

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.

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Instagram, @honestjohnsdetroit

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.

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Facebook, The Food Exchange Restaurant

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.”

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Google Maps

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.

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Michelle Gerard

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.

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Facebook, Got Burger

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.

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Facebook, Krazy Jim's Blimpy 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.

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