Burgers in Detroit: Staff Pick

Simplified menus with items that travel well

Once part of the triumvirate of the area’s classic, old-line Italian-American restaurants (Mario’s, Lelli’s, Larco’s), with roots going back a half century to Detroit’s Six Mile Road, Larco's has now become Big Beaver Tavern, with the management going for a sports tavern format, with burgers, fries, wide-screen televisions and poker and blackjack tables in the basement. The customers seem to enjoy the video games, bartop games and DJs, and the food quality remains high. They're selling 1,000 burgers a week, but they still serve the same 8-ounce filet mignon that they served as Larco's since 1990.

This east side staple has been bringing a little piece of Memphis to Macomb County for years, featuring some of the Detroit area’s best blues bands. The venerable restaurant serves a full menu of tavern fare such as steaks, pizza and burgers; lake perch is a house specialty. And live rip-roaring blues can be seen and heard every night except Monday and Thursday at the Goose.

Classic, moderately priced Detroit bar & grill fare served in a modern upbeat and casual environment. Lunch and dinner are served daily Monday thru Saturday. Also open on Sundays during football season. Large HD plasma TVs and a huge 142" HD projection screen put everyone close to the action of the big game. The entertainment stage hosts the best in local, regional and national entertainers on the weekends!

Detroit's oldest log cabin restaurant -- "Where everyone hangs out, in the middle of nowhere!"

A Detroit classic - non-stop sports, burgers and brewskis. One block east of the old Tiger Stadium. Nemo's will provide shuttle service to all Red Wings and Tigers scheduled home games. Full lunch every day until 2:30 p.m.

Since 1867. Featuring a casual, relaxed atmosphere, full menu specializing in homemade soups and sandwhiches, Tex-mex. Best burgers in Ann Arbor.

Downtown Ypsilanti's oldest drinking establishment features food, beverages and live entertainment seven days a week. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, catering to a diverse clientele. The original woodwork and tin ceiling have been carefully maintained. The Tap Room features a selection of 63 bottled beers and 9 drafts, 4 of which rotate on a monthly basis. The menu features a broiled 1/3 pound burger and a variety of fresh soups, salads and subs. For your late-night hunger attacks, the Tap Room serves a variety of munchies until midnight. The kitchen opens at 11 am for lunch.