Vote for Metro Detroit's best burger: Round 1
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Burgers from Mercury Burger & Bar (left) and Grey Ghost. Photos: Annalise Frank/Axios (left) and Perry Haselden, courtesy of Grey Ghost.
Local burger bragging rights are up for grabs this month at Eastern Market's 10th anniversary burger battle.
Why it matters: Before Detroit's burger chefs duke it out, we want Axios readers to crown a winner in our own NCAA Tournament-style bracket.
The big picture: Like almost everything else in Detroit, the burger culture is multifaceted, steeped in history and a matter of passionate debate.
- We've got old-school sliders, city burger institutions and suburban spots that have endured for generations.
Between the buns: Detroit has a style it's known for: the slider.
- Locals have long enjoyed the onion-topped, steamed-bun sandwiches served at diners like Hunter House and Telway.
- "When someone says slider in Detroit, they think of Hunter House or Greene's or Bates' or Telway," Hunter House co-owner Kelly Cobb tells Axios.
What they're saying: Like pizza, burgers have a "high floor" — even average ones are going to satisfy, Grey Ghost co-owner Joe Giacomino tells Axios.
- Giacomino says a memorable burger is about taking time and acing the details: fully butter and toast the buns, "truly" season and sear the patties and use quality ingredients.
- Buns are crucial: They can't fall apart in your hands, but they can't be so tough the meat squishes out the back end, he adds.
How it works: For this bracket, we came up with a list of 16 shops based on research, word of mouth and anecdotal experiences.
- Round 1 voting (below) is open Wednesday until 4pm. Keep a look out for round 2!