Grand Rapids’ Top 20 Burger Joints You Have to Try

Grand Rapids is bursting with great burger joints—cozy pubs, food trucks, trendy bistros, and no-frills diners that have been serving up sizzling patties for decades. But which ones do locals love the most?

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How We Found the Best Burgers in Grand Rapids

To find out, we looked at two popular local Facebook groups—Grand Rapids Informed and EatGR—where members recently asked, “What’s the best burger spot in Grand Rapids?” We combed through hundreds of responses to create the ultimate guide for burgers in GR. Check out the 20 eateries with the most mentions below!

👇BELOW: LOCALS SAY THESE ARE THE 20 BEST BURGER JOINTS IN GRAND RAPIDS👇

One burger restaurant rose above the rest with 35+ mentions, securing the number-one spot on our list.

A Hidden Burger Gem You Might Have Missed

Coming in second is Wishes, a neighborhood favorite with more than 20 mentions.

A hidden gem on Grand Rapids southeast side, Wishes Food-Snacks-And More has no online presence. But locals know it's the place to go for simple, delicious burgers and fries.

Burger Icons That Define Grand Rapids

Another favorite is The Holiday Bar on 5th St. NW. This past summer they even offered up a special donut burger with a freshly ground custom beef patty, bacon, American cheese, and garlic aioli on a glazed donut.

The Holiday via Facebook

For this list, we’re focusing on Grand Rapids restaurants (OK… maybe a Wyoming joint snuck in). But if we were covering all of West Michigan, two outside-the-city favorites that came up often are the Vestal Inn in Belmont and Hamburger Mikey in Muskegon.

Burger Culture in Michigan

Of course, Grand Rapids’ burger obsession is part of a much bigger story. Michigan has a long, delicious history with burgers—and even invented one of the most unique regional styles in the country: the olive burger. From Flint’s legendary Halo Burger, to Lansing’s Weston’s Kewpee Burger with its nostalgic charm, to West Michigan’s own Mr. Burger and its beloved secret sauce (yes, it's on the list below!), the Mitten State knows how to do burgers right.

UP NEXT: Looking for Michigan's Best Brunch? It's Right Here in Grand Rapids

The 20 Best Burger Joints in Grand Rapids

Our list features 20 local favorites—from classic double-cheeseburgers dripping with melted cheese to adventurous creations loaded with unexpected flavors. Whether you’re a burger purist or a topping thrill-seeker, this lineup is the can't-miss Grand Rapids burger trail.

Time to fire up your appetite and see if your favorite made the list.

👇Curious about Michigan's best burger joints? Keep scrolling1👇

The 20 Best Burgers in Grand Rapids, Ranked by Locals

Grand Rapids takes its burgers seriously, and locals have strong opinions about where to find the best ones in town. To settle the debate, we pulled together hundreds of recommendations from some of the city’s most popular foodie Facebook groups—Grand Rapids Informed and EatGR.

The result? A mouthwatering lineup of 20 local favorites. Each spot earned its place on the list thanks to enthusiastic endorsements from people who live, work, and eat right here in West Michigan.

We’re counting down from No. 20 all the way to the burger that claimed the top spot with more than 35 mentions. Whether your go-to joint made the cut or you discover a new place to try, this list is your ultimate Grand Rapids burger guide.

Gallery Credit: Janna

The Best Burgers in Michigan, According to Foodie Experts

National Foodie sites have weighed in—and according to them, these burger joints are serving up the very best in the Mitten. Whether it's a no-frills classic hamburger, a can't-miss burger-and-fries combo, or a cheesy masterpiece worth a road trip, these are the top spots across Michigan that every burger lover needs to try at least once.

Source: The Ultimate Grand Rapids Burger Guide: Top 20 Spots

Filed Under: restaurant

Categories: Grand Rapids News, Food