PB+B Eats: Detroit Burger Week 2019

I had so much fun exploring the different restaurants represented at Detroit Burger Week. It was a great way for me to go beyond where I typically go for food. Unfortunately it was during a time where my schedule was already packed. Somehow I managed to make time to eat five different burgers this week at places I’ve never been to, and I wanted to highlight them for making my belly happy.

Burger 1: The Emory | Ferndale, MI
Farm Field Emory Signature Blend

Farm Field Emory Signature Blend Burger: All Beef Patty, Spinach, Smoked Gouda, Caramelized Onions, Black Aioli

Truffle Fries: White truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, Parsley, Black Garlic Aioli

Many people are grilled onion fans, but me personally? Nope.

But what I loved most about this burger is that the onions really made the burger tasty. I was hesitant at first, to be honest, but out of all the burgers I had this week, this was one of my favorites.

And you REAALLLY can’t hate the fact that they serve truffle fries. The Emory became a “must come back” spot for me that day.

Burger 2: Lovers Only | Detroit, MI
Bitter South Burger

Bitter South Burger: 6 oz beef, Comeback Sauce, Hash Browns, Fried Onions, Emmentaler Cheese, Toasted Rye

This one threw me in for a loop, mostly because of the rye bread!

We definitely *felt* the love eating their Bitter South Burger and the Classic Smash Burger.

Burger 3: Rock on 3rd | Royal Oak, MI
Lava Burger

Lava Burger: Sauteed Onions, Corradi’s Famous Lava Sauce, 3 Cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Pickles

Burger 4: Otus Supply | Ferndale, MI
Speedway Burger

Speedway Burger: Michigan Craft Beef Patties, White Cheddar, American, red onion, Otus Special Sauce, Iceberg Lettuce, Crispelli’s Bun

This burger is BANGIN’ and was also one of my favorites. I don’t know exactly what was in the special sauce, but I found myself licking my fingers after tasting it (bad etiquette, I know…plus Ryan hates it). The patty was extra juicy and I loved the fact that they used Crispelli’s for their bun, since I think Crispelli’s makes some of the best bread around.

Basil Ice Cream Sandwich

Highly suggest getting dessert there as well! When we went, I got the basil ice cream sandwich. Never knew you could use basil this way–it was creative and super flavorful!

Hats off to Chef Jason Osburn, by the way–he recently took over as executive chef and really transformed the menu. If you don’t go for the burger, go for the rest of the food!

Burger 5 (sort of): Red Coat Tavern | Royak Oak, MI
Brasserie Burger

Brasserie Burger: 1/2lb Beef, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, Gruyere, Tomato, Watercress, Dijon Mustard-Mayo, Toasted Brioche Bun

While it was not one of the restaurants represented, a Burger Week in Metro Detroit isn’t Burger Week without the infamous Brasserie Burger from Red Coat Tavern. It was my first time there, so of course I ordered the special.

Every good thing that everyone has said about this burger is true! What I remember is the juiciness of the patty and how it went well with the crispiness of the bun. I never thought of using watercress in a burger instead of (boring) lettuce–it adds another depth of flavor that I want to try when I make my own burger.

Verdict

Out of all the burgers, I would have to say my favorite would have to be The Speedway Burger. All 5 were amazing in their own way, but the way that The Speedway brought its flavors together was memorable for me.

Looking for a more extensive list on where to find the best burgers in Detroit? We suggest checking out this Eater Detroit Essentials List

**EDIT: Detroit_Noodle_Ninja aka Mr. Bacon Input: I have always claimed, and will forever claim, that Red Coat makes the best burgers in the area. I have eaten there since I was a child and the burger/onion ring combo is everything! With that being said, the recent burgers I have had at Otus Supply (just… Wow!), Doug’s Delight (melts in your mouth) and O.W.L (was not expecting that) has challenged my thinking on the subject some. Of all the burgers I have had in the last month, I too will vote The Speedway Burger at Otus Supply as my current preferred burger of choice.