Tag

Best Burgers in Ann Arbor

7 articles

Ann Arbor's burger scene has gotten more interesting in recent years, with the smash burger trend producing some legitimate options alongside the established pub-style standbys. The Pretzel Bell has one of the better downtown burgers. Sidetrack Bar & Grill in Ypsilanti has been making the case for a dedicated trip for years. The university population keeps demand consistent, which keeps quality competitive.

Below is Plate & Press's burger and American casual coverage.

Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Zingerman's Roadhouse Burger

Entry eight goes to Jackson Avenue, where fried chicken is king and the burger is made with beef from regional farms on a Bakehouse bun.

The eighth entry in our Best Burger in Ann Arbor series visits Zingerman's Roadhouse. The $21 burger uses beef from regional farms, a house-made Bakehouse bun, and a kitchen philosophy built on ingredient obsession.

April 28, 2026 · 6 min read
Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Jolly Pumpkin

Entry seven takes the burger to a wood-fired kitchen that has been making its own sour ales since before the brewing boom made everyone feel good about it.

The seventh B2A2 entry visits Jolly Pumpkin on South Main. The wood-fired burger is better than it has any right to be given everything else this kitchen is known for.

April 21, 2026 · 5 min read
Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Green Dot Stables

Entry six takes the burger series to Corktown for $3 sliders that ask the same question the frita did: what counts?

B2A2 Entry #6 takes the series to Detroit's Corktown for Green Dot Stables, where $3 sliders challenge the definition of what belongs in a burger ranking.

September 18, 2025 · 5 min read
Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Sidetrack's Signature Burger

Entry five heads to Ypsilanti. A crooked building in Depot Town where GQ once told you to eat.

The fifth entry in our Best Burger in Ann Arbor series crosses into Ypsilanti. Sidetrack Bar & Grill's wagyu signature burger at 56 E Cross St is the pub burger the series was missing.

May 29, 2025 · 5 min read
Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Frita Batidos

Entry two in our burger series isn't technically a burger. That's what makes it interesting.

The second entry in our Best Burger in Ann Arbor series. Frita Batidos serves a Cuban-style frita that challenges what 'burger' means in the first place.

April 1, 2025 · 5 min read
Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Echelon's Smash Burger

Entry three takes us to the wood-fired kitchen on South Main. The James Beard semifinalist has a burger, and it has opinions.

The third entry in our Best Burger in Ann Arbor series. Echelon's wood-fired smash burger at 200 S Main St may be the one to beat.

March 17, 2025 · 5 min read
Restaurant Profile

B2A2: Blimpy Burger

Entry four goes to the counter where you've always built your own. No chef's vision. No cocktail menu. Just a flat-top and your choices.

The fourth entry in our Best Burger in Ann Arbor series. Blimpy Burger at 304 S Ashley St is the populist counterargument to everything we've eaten so far.

March 6, 2025 · 5 min read