Today is National Cheesburger Day, so what better time than to bring attention to some of Michigan's best. As Michigan's Insurance Company, we often find ourselves traveling the state. No one likes to work on an empty stomach, so we may have sampled a burger or two along the way. Here are some of our favorites.
- Stella's Lounge (Grand Rapids)
This popular Grand Rapids Whiskey Bar has more than just bourbon and rye going for it. With a large selection of its signature "stuffed" burgers (stuffed with cheese, of course), the spot has a large and notable constituency of fans. In fact, GQ Magazine's Deputy Editor once declared Stella's cheeseburger as the best in the nation (let alone Michigan). - South Riley Tavern (Dewitt)
The journey is not for the faint of heart, but if you can find this tiny dive, you will experience one of mid-Michigan's best-kept secrets. Hidden off of a country road in shared space (with a party store) that features minimal sign-age, South Riley's reasonably-priced half-pound burgers are your reward for locating this treasure. With what is likely the state's best olive burger, owner and cook George Seperic stuffs a ton of flavor into his relatively simple recipes. - The Brown Bear (Pentwater/Shelby)
Going by size alone, the signature "Bear Burger" from this Lake Michigan coastal staple would, literally, crush the competition under its hefty weight. Fortunately, the burgers have much more going on for them than just their size. All of the recipes are incredibly tasty and come in a wide array of different variations (such as the Pine-A-Peño burger, which features pineapple and jalapeño). You can't go wrong with any burger on the menu. This area is also famous for its asparagus harvest, hosting the National Asparagus Festival, so don't forget to order a basket of their famous fried asparagus as well! - Clyde's Drive-In (St. Ignace)
Serving up classic drive-in style burgers, Clyde's is oozing with retro charm. This Upper Peninsula oasis offers large, perfectly cooked masterpieces that will take you back to a simpler time. - Blimpy Burger (Ann Arbor)
Once featured on the Food Network, Blimpy Burger is notable for making classic burgers to order, cafeteria-style... meaning you can literally order them any way you want with any ingredients available in front of you. This often results in some monstrous creations, stacked so high they rival the peak of the nearby Burton Memorial Tower on the University of Michigan campus.