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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Detroit

American food burger spots

Getting a burger and a side of fries.

Based on 838 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Elwood Bar & Grill image 1
Elwood Bar & Grill image 2
Elwood Bar & Grill image 3
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Bar near stadiums fills with energy on game days, creating a busy, lively atmosphere. Servers wear themed merchandise and play matching music, adding a fun, friendly vibe. Outdoor patio offers a pretty, well-tended space amid a compact, bustling interior.

Sports bar vibe with good sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. Fried chicken sandwich comes with a large portion of fries.

Burgers here use real meat, not filler. Options include both beef and veggie burgers served in a sports bar setting with good sandwiches and hot dogs.

People are saying

"The bar is perfect for pre-game drinks before a Tigers game."

"I loved the great burgers here; they were real burgers."

"You'll find great American food, especially the burgers and hot dogs."

Good to know

1

Elwood Bar & Grill is only open on game days.

2

Expect long lines to get in during busy events.

3

Food is served outside, which helps with quick service.

02
Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill image 1

Bar and grill with old-school Detroit sports memorabilia and a 180-year-old bar featuring historical tunnels from Prohibition. Atmosphere feels like a friendly dive bar with a fun, lively vibe and plenty of TVs for watching games. Offers free popcorn and shuttle service to local sports events.

Chicken wings stand out as a signature item, paired often with crispy tater tots served in generous portions. Classic American dishes like grilled cheese with lettuce and tomato, corned beef Reuben sandwiches, and homemade macaroni also feature prominently.

Burgers come perfectly cooked and well seasoned with options like the Whiskey Burger standing out. Fries and chicken tenders often accompany the excellent burgers.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the chili and wings."

"I had a great burger here."

"The American Food here is homemade and the staff treats you like family."

Good to know

1

Tommy's offers free parking that is well-lit and monitored with cameras.

2

The menu prices are often inaccurate and subject to change without notice.

3

Tommy's provides a free shuttle service to nearby sports events.

03
Sugah Please Breakfast Brunch Bar image 1

Plush restaurant blends funky Detroit vibe with Southern comfort in a historic setting. Atmosphere feels inviting and chill with energetic music and staff who dance and sing. Guests enjoy a welcoming, homey ambiance that encourages comfort and good times.

Unique take on Eggs Benedict comes as a sandwich with a crab cake patty. Dishes like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes stand out with well-balanced seasoning and creamy textures.

Portobello Mushroom burger stands out as a vegetarian option with rich flavor. Fried Green Tomatoes and Brussels sprouts complement the burger well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and seasoned perfectly."

"The American Food, especially the shrimp and grits, was next level."

"The mushroom burger and fried green tomatoes were delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for private dining rooms and events.

2

The event space can be rented for a minimum of three hours.

3

Brunch service starts at 1:30 PM, but confirm your booking time.

04
Grand Trunk Pub image 1

Pub occupies a historic building with ornate plasterwork and a vaulted ceiling, evoking an old railway station vibe. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet, with wonderful music at a comfortable volume. Upstairs offers a speakeasy-style private bar, adding a unique touch to the space.

Grilled cheese appears in several dishes, often paired with tomato bisque or bacon for comfort. The menu also features a club sandwich, mac and cheese, chicken bites, and Lobster Eggs Benedict.

Double smashburger with American cheese, honey maple bacon, and caramelized onion on a brioche bun stands out. Comes with seasoned fries. Salmon burger also ranks highly.

People are saying

"The bar staff were so friendly and attentive, it made us want to return."

"The American Food here has a beautiful building and great atmosphere."

"The Trunk Burger with honey maple bacon is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $5 drafts and $8 appetizers.

2

The pub offers half-off bottles of wine instead of a traditional happy hour.

3

Private events can be hosted in the Whisky Parlor room upstairs.

05
CHAOS BURGER image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with AI art walls and smoky interior filled with rap music and a friendly vibe. Seating is decent but self-service and the atmosphere can be dense with cooking smoke. Known for high-quality burgers and reasonable prices, it offers a casual, energetic dining experience.

Basic double cheeseburgers deliver a solid classic American flavor. Photos show more appeal than the actual burgers, and hot dogs are also on the menu.

Juicy smash burgers come with perfectly balanced ingredients and sauces. The double classic smash burger and black bean burger both stand out for their flavor and seasoning.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best I ever had."

"The burgers and fries here are amazing and fresh."

"The American Food burgers here are juicy, cheesy, and perfectly cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required; it's an order-yourself place.

2

The restaurant closes at 8:00 p.m., limiting late-night options.

3

They do not accept cash payments.

06
Lafayette Coney Island image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Counter cafe with old school vibe and vintage Detroit atmosphere feels like stepping into a 1920s diner time capsule. Small, simple space holds a nostalgic look with decades-old furniture and classic setup. Energy stays authentic and welcoming, drawing those seeking a true Detroit coney experience.

Coney hot dogs come with chili con carne and fresh onion, served hot and consistently good. The chili sauce stands out, making the hot dog dinner a solid choice, while the apple pie also earns praise.

Loose burgers come with soft chili served in a hotdog bun. The combo option pairs a coney dog with a loose burger, both topped with chili, onions, and cheese. Service is personal and efficient in a sparse diner setting.

People are saying

"I loved the chili cheese fries and coney dogs."

"I loved the coney dogs and chili cheese fries."

"These burgers taste like victory and pride."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable for coney dogs and fries.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially late at night.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but be cautious about tipping practices.

07
Que Deli image 1
Restaurant

Deli-style restaurant with quiet, relaxed atmosphere and large dining room featuring artwork on walls and patio seating. Seating includes a counter by windows for people watching and steps leading to the dining area. The space feels clean and comfortable with a view of the sidewalk.

Fresh, thinly sliced meat stands out in the club sandwich. The Reuben sandwich features nicely stacked pastrami, coleslaw, and Swiss cheese. Hash browns use fresh potatoes similar to homemade style.

Burgers here offer high quality beef with a 1/2 lbs volume that satisfies hunger. The sandwiches and burgers have a greasy diner style that looks and tastes delicious.

People are saying

"The corned beef hash for breakfast was amazing."

"This American food's pastrami is hot, juicy, and stacked nicely."

"I found the burgers and sandwiches to be delicious and high quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect busy hours during breakfast.

2

The deli offers homemade soups made fresh every day.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

08
Bookie's Bar & Grille image 1

Rooftop outdoor patio offers heated, partially covered space with live music and rooftop views. Bar features numerous TVs including a giant projection screen, creating an electric atmosphere especially on game days. Music and game commentary play at outrageously loud volume, energizing the crowd.

Irish Nachos stand out with their crispy texture and flavorful taste, especially when paired with boom-boom sauce. Pulled pork dishes offer tender, flavorful meat that avoids dryness common elsewhere.

Burgers come with American cheese as the only cheese option. The All American burger stands out as a solid choice. The menu also includes wraps and fries alongside the burgers.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are phenomenal and attentive."

"The service here is great and the staff are very accommodating."

"The American Food here is great, thanks to Leah's welcoming energy."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens on Thursdays at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Free parking is available nearby, making it easy to visit.

3

Expect a limited food menu with decent options for bar food.

09
Trolley Room Detroit. image 1

Bar offers a relaxed, sophisticated vibe with a beautiful facility and chill atmosphere. Food and drinks receive praise for quality and bold flavors, especially crispy, well-seasoned fries and juicy chicken sandwich. Evening energy is calm, attracting those seeking a laid-back experience.

Cobb salad stands out as a solid choice and comes at a reasonable price. The club sandwich with fries and eggs Benedict also deliver good flavors, though steak and nachos are not on the menu.

Michigan Ave Burger comes with fries that pair well. The burger is consistently very good but wait times can be long.

People are saying

"The burgers here are amazing for Date Spots."

"I thought the burger and fries were both very good."

"I found the American food, like the Cobb salad, to be awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant opens for breakfast at 6:30 am, but check for kitchen issues.

3

Menu options may vary; vegan dishes were unavailable during some visits.

10
Jacoby's image 1
German restaurant

Historic bar with shiny wood decor and a speakeasy upstairs creates a nostalgic vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic Detroit with a mix of German beer selection and old-school food. TVs and jukebox add casual energy, blending tradition with lively entertainment.

Fresh Cobb Salad and an amazing Reuben sandwich stand out. The menu also includes chicken wings and German spatzel, all consistently good.

Burgers come well seasoned, especially the Impossible Burger which needs no extra salt. Onions arrive on the side, not on the burger itself, even though the menu says otherwise.

People are saying

"I thought the German food here was amazing."

"The American Food here has a great, welcoming, and unpretentious atmosphere."

"I thought the burger was great and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Kitchen is open until 11:45 PM on Wednesdays.

2

Reservations are required to access the speakeasy upstairs.

3

The bar offers a menu featuring traditional German food.

11
SavannahBlue image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers an intimate setting with upstairs speakeasy vibe and grand piano suggesting live music. Atmosphere ranges from chill and soothing in quieter areas to louder bar and lounge spaces. Music plays a key role, with a varied playlist and occasional silence when not working.

Jambalaya and fried chicken breast stand out with rich, bold flavors. Shrimp and grits come with mushrooms and plenty of leftovers. Cornbread muffins and mac and cheese appetizer add classic touches.

The jerk burger offers a balanced heat and superb seasoning, cooked to medium on request. Priced at $16, it stands out as the least expensive item and a solid value on the menu.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the shrimp and grits, is creamy and flavorful."

"The food here is amazing, especially the crispy catfish."

"The jerk burger had just the right amount of heat."

Good to know

1

A reservation is needed on weekends.

2

They automatically added 18% gratuity to the bill for my party of 2.

3

Parking is located across the street from SavannahBlue.

12
Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG image 1

Hotel offers spacious rooms with Motown-inspired vibe and amazing bar and restaurant. Atmosphere feels dark and worn, with noticeable noise from hallways and guests at night. Amenities include microwave, mini fridge, Keurig, gym, and fast WiFi.

Vegan Cajun pasta offers a flavorful alternative to typical vegan dishes. The 1/2 pound sirloin steak burger comes well seasoned, and the turkey bacon club sandwich stands out as a solid choice.

Burgers here come in well seasoned and perfectly delicious varieties like the Caesar turkey and 1/2 pound sirloin steak. The Michigan Avenue burger stands out with great fries on the side.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is top-notch and super friendly."

"I thought the burgers were perfectly seasoned and delicious."

"Chef DC is amazing and a great guy."

Good to know

1

Parking is valet only, costing $35 a night.

2

There is a secured parking lot right behind the hotel.

3

Some rooms have cleanliness issues, including bed bugs.

13
Tin Roof Detroit image 1
Live music bar

Four floors of bars create varied vibes with a rooftop terrace offering a great view and space for pre-game partying. Live music energizes the space, supporting dance-friendly crowds and a lively atmosphere. Busy and loud, it suits those who enjoy crowded, high-energy settings.

Tater tots come out perfectly crispy with a nice spice. Chicken tenders feature a dry rub and pair well with mac and cheese. Nachos are solid, but Philly cheesesteak leans heavy on bread. Chicken wings tend to be hard.

Mini burgers cost $2 each on Wednesdays and have two patties. The Comeback burger stands out as ridiculously delicious. Wings and burgers both taste very good.

People are saying

"The rooftop bar has stellar views overlooking the baseball park."

"The American Food, like the burgers and tater tots, was delicious."

"These mini burgers are fantastic and will leave you speechless."

Good to know

1

Live Band Karaoke happens every Friday night, but the band sings most of the time.

2

Expect long lines on game nights, especially after events at nearby stadiums.

3

There is a $1 surcharge per drink on game nights.

14
Sweetwater Tavern image 1

Old building with cool aesthetics sets a laid-back vibe. Good music plays, sometimes with staff singing along, and TVs show various sports games. Space feels small and cramped when busy, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Chicken wings stand out with incredible seasoning and come with blue cheese. Pulled pork sandwiches and BBQ dishes offer delicious quality and rich flavor.

Burgers come in massive portions and taste amazing. The Sweetwater burger hits the mark every time.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and never disappoints."

"The American food here, especially the wings, is crispy, juicy, and fantastic."

"I thought the burgers here were awesome and massive."

Good to know

1

Expect almost an hour wait on Saturday nights for food pickup.

2

Parking costs $7, which can be difficult to find on busy nights.

3

A bottle of beer costs $7, and wings are $14 for 8 pieces.

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