Metro Detroit's best burgers

Although Miller's Bar boasts a menu loaded with standard pub fare, the burgers are what this down-to-earth bar is known for. Rumor has it that people travel from all over the world for just a taste of a Miller's Burger. And, it's no mystery why. Burger lovers who like to keep things simple can order a classic burger or cheeseburger-- with no funky or unidentifiable sauces and toppings in sight. Your first visit will tell you why this bar is considered a Dearborn gem. --Andrea K. Farmer

This legendary 1965 Corktown spot was named the number three sports bar by Sports Illustrated the year Detroit hosted the Super Bowl, and it didn't miss a beat when Tiger Stadium closed. Stalwart Tigers and Red Wings fans still flock there for burgers and beer before games then hop the complimentary shuttle to Comerica Park or the Joe. The shuttle also goes to Lions games. A wider menu of sandwiches and soups is served for lunch. The walls are adorned with old photos and memorabilia, and the clientele feels like family. Cash only. Closed Sundays except for Tigers game days. --Emiliana Sandoval

Howell's has often been compared to the bar in the famous sitcom "Cheers," and regulars and first-timers alike could easily tell you why. Aside from providing stellar service and munchies, this place has a knack for making you feel at home-- even if it's your first visit. Its juicy burgers are hand-crafted, grilled to order and finished off with a generous heaping of toppings. And, it's not unusual to enjoy a meal at Howell's for under $5. --Andrea K. Farmer

This small, narrow pub in Utica's little downtown area features exposed brick walls, a long bar along the wall and outdoor deck seating during the warmer months. A good, old-fashioned pub, it features great hamburgers and seasoned fries and has at least 10 beers on tap. Several other bars are within walking distance of this Irish joint.

Mason's Bar & Grill opened in 1948 and it is still going strong 60 years later. Family-owned, Mason's regularly fills up with folks who have been going there since the 1940s, who now stop by with their adult children. Burger lovers have to try the 1/3 lb "double shift," which is two juicy beef patties on a fresh onion roll. Mason's also has sponsored local baseball and bowling leagues since their inception and with eight TVs, including one crystal clear big-screen, Mason's is a great spot to watch the game. The entertainment behind the bar consists of co-owner Chester Dziobak, an extremely friendly fellow who makes everyone at Mason's feel like family. --Sarah Frame

Located in the historic Eastern Market, Cutter's, named for the meat cutters who opened it, is as much a part of Detroit history as the area itself. Owing in part to the aforementioned meat cutters, this bar grills up one of the best and biggest burgers you could ever wrap your mouth around (if that's even possible). Delivering fully loaded one-pound burgers or half-pound for the light eaters, Cutter's has a somewhat distressed exterior. However, inside you will find a lively bunch enjoying good food and good company. Wash it down with a beer or a shot but that's as far as it goes; no mixed drinks or frozen fruity drinks either. --Erin Branstner

Though famous for its burgers, Little Tony's Lounge In the Woods serves up a variety of enticing bar fare at reasonable prices. Locals flock to this cozy, neighborhood lounge for its juicy, prepared-just-the-way-you-like-it burgers and fast, friendly service. Little Tony's quaint outdoor patio keeps things cool during the summer months. --Andrea K. Farmer

Known locally for phenomenal burgers and strong drinks, Redcoat delivers the goods with authority. Stacked, custom burgers of seemingly unrivaled beef are the signature dish of this British-inspired dining room with exposed beams and soothing lights. High-backed booths line the main dining room, while the back room offers a long bar, a couple of plasma TVs and additional seating. Showing up at or after 5 p.m. on any day could mean a wait, but the food here is well worth it. --John Horn

How often do you have more than 300,000 burger combinations to choose from? For over 15 years, owners Tracy and Mike Papa have been asking hungry diners to do just that in their cozy Royal Oak restaurant. The burger building process goes like this: Choose a beef, turkey, veggie or grilled chicken burger, then pick one of the 10 cheese choices (which include horseradish cheddar, Danish blue cheese and pepper jack), then load up on up to four of the 20 toppings finally you can select one of 19 different sauces (like caramelized onion marmalade, roasted garlic aioli or soy-ginger glaze). Make sure to get a side of crispy sweet potato fries too. If burgers aren't your thing, Vinsetta's serves up 4 different styles of ribs, as well as steak, chicken and seafood dishes. --Jacquie Trost

It's no secret that this come-as-you-are bar boasts some of the area's best burgers. Juicy and bursting with flavor, this modest tavern's signature burger is grilled to order and comes complete with all the trimmings. This intimate, welcoming bar serves up a variety of other fare, from salads to entrees, but its burger is still the reigning customer favorite. --Andrea K. Farmer

Owned by sisters, Checker has a definite family vibe that carries through to the home-cooked taste of the food. Serving burgers and everything else you'd expect from a bar and grill, it's the personal touch that makes Checker stand out from the crowd. The surroundings are clean and appealing, and the customers are nearly as friendly as the staff. --Brett Callwood

This laid-back restaurant prides itself on dishing out old-school diner fare in a fun, entertaining setting. Named after the classic blockbuster movie "Jaws," Jaws Jumbo Burgers serves up monster-sized burgers on a buttery, toasted bun with crispy, golden fries and lets customers watch blockbuster Hollywood action movies while they wait for their meals. Don't forget to stop by the restaurant's 185-gallon freshwater shark tank. --Andrea K. Farmer

If The Detroiter's well-worn bar doesn't serve as a testament to its popularity, then the massive crowd it packs on game days just might. Step inside this humble and laid-back watering hole and you'll see that The Detroiter has the soul of a sports bar and is proud of it-- the hangout boasts big-screen TVs (perfect for watching the game) and a collection of sports memorabilia lines the walls. And, if you're one of the lucky few to have tickets to see the action live, The Detroiter provides complimentary shuttle service to the game. The Detroiter's relaxed vibe attracts a diverse crowd (even those who couldn't care less about sports), so don't stress if you can't tell a the difference between "roughing" and "cross-checking." Hungry? Enjoy a variety of pub grub like burgers, fish and chips and gyros. --Andrea K. Farmer

Although Poolei¿½s Tavern has been around since the early 1900s and has undergone many cosmetic and managerial changes, the welcoming feel of this classic Northville pub remains unchanged. And, though Poole's comfortably fills its niche as a cozy neighborhood watering hole, the tavern also offers an array of food that surpasses that of most. Choose from appetizers like Hummus ($6.50), ribs and hot wings ($7.95 each) or cheesy Quesadillas ($5.95). Creative salads, monstrous burgers and hearty entrees and sandwiches round out a menu that's sure to take the edge off of any appetite. --Andrea K. Farmer

Zinc's eclectic menu sparkles with accents of France, Italy and Spain, making it a wonderful companion for wine. The list features about 175 choices, mostly European, and is especially strong on reds. About 40 selections are offered by the glass, and only a handful are more than $10. The list does not include half pours and wines by the glass are not organized by flavor profile. The bar area is small and is designated for smoking, including cigars. --Sylvia Rector

Named "Restaurant of the Year" in 2004 by the Detroit Free Press. This classic restaurant offers a menu bursting with inventive appetizers, salads and entrees. Try the "Jeremy" burger, ricotta gnocchi or sauteed perch. If you like the food, find out how to make it yourself by signing up for one of Chef Jeremy Grandon's monthly cooking classes. Each class includes dinner and wine. --Andrea K. Farmer

One of Detroit's premier elegant riverfront dining experiences, the Rattlesnake is perfect for an elegant night out. With classic American eats like steak and seafood and a dining room that offers views of the Detroit skyline and riverfront, you can't go wrong. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, the Best Waterfront Dining by the Detroit Free Press and Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award. Now offering two-, three- and four-course dinners

Formerly Forte, the classic Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse in downtown Birmingham boasts 16 main steak entrées, aged 28 days, include many named for Detroit sports greats -- from the Ty Cobb, two bacon-wrapped filets with Dijon Hollandaise sauce at $24.90, to the Matt Stafford, a 14- to 16-ounce bone-in filet for $49. -- Detroit Free Press

Royal Oak's Town Tavern feels like an old soul with original wood floors, lovely rosewood paneling and walls covered in framed photos and posters from Royal Oak's past. The Tavern's menu is simple and approachable -- one part retro, one part bistro, but executed with a fresh attitude. Take the trio of short-rib tacos, one of seven share-worthy so-called "bar plates" ($7-$10). Other good small-plate selections include calamari with a subtle five-spice coating, and jumbo lump crab cakes. But the dish everyone wants to know about is the lobster mac-n-cheese. --Sylvia Rector

When it's cold outside, are you looking for stick-to-your ribs comfort food and rich aromas? Do you want bright flavors with light tastes in the summer? Well, Fiddleheads is just the place for you. Named after an edible fiddlehead fern that unfurls its leaves in an elegant swirl each spring, this restaurant features beautiful food. Surrounded by artistic decor, low lighting and a stylish red wall, Fiddleheads has efficient and friendly staff making it a great place to enjoy good conversation over a great meal. --Lateshia Renee Dowell

This stylish but unpretentious little neighborhood place in the middle of Keego Harbor doesn't feel or look like 10 other places you've seen this year, and the menu is full of fresh ideas. Modern's service is friendly and down to earth, and its prices are a pleasant surprise. At lunch, entrees and sandwiches are $8 across the board. At dinner, starters are $6, and entrees with soup or salad included are all less than $20. Even the interesting wines are affordably priced at $4.50-$7 a glass, and most cocktails are $5-$8. At the upper end of the menu, at $18, is the grilled Delmonico steak. It's juicy and very flavorful, served with mashed potatoes and a vegetable. With its stylish, well-priced menu and its casually upscale vibe, Modern is the kind of neighborhood spot food lovers hope will open just down the street from them. --Sylvia Rector

What makes this deli so 'unique' is the mixture of traditional deli fare and Eastern European favorites like latkes, borscht and stuffed cabbage. Even more, they take interesting twists and turns in the preparation, making sure they use the freshest ingredients and most flavorful combinations. With cozy booths and counter seating, you can stop in for a quick bite or sit and enjoy a leisurely meal in classy, comfy setting. --Erin Branstner

The Fly Trap bills itself as 'The Finer Diner' and that it is. With specialties like the fragrant and soothing Vietnamese noodle soup (pho) and inspired dishes like Green Eggs and Ham, this Ferndale eatery lives up to its description. --Donnelle Wheeler

An army of loyal fans, most of them over 50, keep the venerable Beau Jacks in Bloomfield Township hopping, even on weeknights. The moderately priced menu is huge, ranging from burgers and salads to fish, fajitas and pastas. The award-winning chili is legendary. Some people swear by the liver and onions. Still others come for broiled whitefish, the golden fried onion loaf or the half-pound burger "served since 1976." You get the idea: It's an old-school place for an old-school audience, and everybody likes it that way. The piano bar allows smoking and features live music Thursday through Saturday. -- Sylvia Rector

Casual, fun and sophisticated, Sweet Lorraine's serves up a selection of entrees inspired by exciting ethnic cuisines. Casual and fun, it was rated four stars by the Detroit Free Press and voted one of Michigan's Top Ten Favorite Restaurants in the Zagat Guide for Michigan. This eatery serves up soups, salads and sandwiches along with seafood, pasta and steaks. They also have breakfast entrees, and their award-winning wine list has more than 100 selections and 25 wines by the glass.