Eastside Tavern, also known as The Basement Bar and Frank's Eastside Tavern, is somewhere you have to visit at least once. Originally a farmhouse, a basement was dug out in the early 1900s to create a bar. The ceiling is only six feet high, and is smaller than the average basement. During Prohibition, it operated as a speakeasy. In 1933, it became the first establishment in Macomb County to receive a liquor license. From that point on, it officially went by Eastside Tavern. The tavern is now run by fourth-generation owner, Heather DeBruyn. No one has lived in the house since 2017, but "the basement bar" is alive and well. Since its opening, Eastside Tavern has featured a limited food menu. The burger is the most popular menu item, often hailed as one of the best in Macomb County. There are a few variations on the menu, all made with a half-pound patty. The bologna sandwich is another popular item. My personal favorite is the quesadilla. All sandwiches come with a basket of chips, and pepperoncinis are available upon request. The chip and pepperoncini combo is jokingly referred to as a "salad bar." The history and vibes make Eastside Tavern one of a kind. Live music takes place every Saturday, and raffles are occasionally held on Wednesdays. When you go, be sure to ask to see the apron. read more

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The cheeseburgers and patty melts are fantastic. Grilled at the bar, 1/2 pound, awesome. If you like throwback dive bars with a friendly vibe, you'll hang out for hours. Limited beer selection, but I am a microbrew snob, so take that with a grain of salt-as it were; and I still love this place. read more

Eastside Tavern - Back of bar. - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

This is the diveiest dive I've ever been to. And I mean that in the nicest way. Watch your head on the way in and out! We had a cheeseburger and a fried bologna sandwich, and both were legit. The burger was cooked perfectly, but did need a little salt and pepper. The bologna sandwich on grilled rye was a little sweet, but the meat was nice and crisped and it was delicious. You get a basket of ripple chips, peperoncinni by request. The music is loud and the service is solid, you will have a good time here. Just watch your head! read more

Eastside Tavern - What's left of the legit cheeseburger. - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

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If u like dive bars- don't miss this 1. Took a friend for 1st time- she loved it ! A hard place to describe. Great burgers - fried baloney sandwich. Ice cold beer. 1 lady doing it all cooking- serving - etc. fun place open since at least 1933 read more

Eastside Tavern - Exterior - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

Great welcoming atmosphere for a first timer like me. It's a very unique place, grille was closed so cannot comment on the food. Can only give feedback on customer service and atmosphere which was friendly and interactive. I need to return for a Patty Melt, no fried bologna for me! read more

Laid back atmosphere! Bartenders were great brought drinks over quickly. Burgers take a minute the grill is connected to the bar! Neat to see a price of history. read more

If you are tall make sure to mind your bean walking down the stairs and into the joint. Converted house into bar and restaurant. Comfy, friendly unpretentious folks. Simple menu. I got the bologna sandwich and it was filling and delicious. Recommend! Beers/mixed drinks. Girls bathroom (and men's) up the stairs! read more

If I could give this establishment zero stars I would. Not only are they racist, their food is disgusting and they change the price of their food based off if they like you or not. mind you its smelly as hell and I saw several bugs and rat shit in the bathroom. its dark and dingy and you will most likely leave with bed bugs and a bad taste in your mouth ( and not just being their unseasoned food is terrible). All around a no from me. read more

East side hidden gem in a basement bar. What more could you ask for. PBR in a can is where it's at. Bartenders are so chill. No expensive at all. Get here now! read more

I saw a video on Frank's reviewed on Jason Carr's Facebook page, and had to get that bologna sandwich and visit this historical basement tavern. My niece and I met in Frank's EastsideTavern' parking lot on Sept 18th, then walked down the stairs to a warm greeting by Angie, the lady who managed the place, cooks, tends the bar, and serves the patrons. We couldn't have been in better hands. We both enjoyed a gingerale (my niece was on her work lunch break and I had a 65 mile drive home). Until our lunch arrived we munched on a generous basket of delicious potato chips. I informed my niece about the food, so we came hungry with a good appetite. Angie brought the famous grilled bologna, cheese, & onion sandwich on that great local bakery Rye bread. We split the sandwich enjoying every morsel as Angie told us that the bologna is the best quality from a local butcher. We totally agreed. Next up, was the epic cheeseburger which we split, too. Our palates adeptly switched gears to give that beauty a good home. We agreed with what everyone who visits Frank's says about that juicy burger being the best in the entire area. We agreed and were thoroughly satisfied. In all our time enjoying our lunch, Angie checked on us and delivered friendly hospitality all while doing the same to every other table of patrons - all while doing it all with cooking, serving, bartenders, cashing out patrons' tabs! Amazing quality, delicious food served with love and kindness, amazing place, and friendly crowd with quick hello's. It was such a great food adventure that we know we are returning to split the same bologna sandwich, cheeseburger, and adding the famous liverwurst sandwich, too. We would like to go on a Sunday to enjoy the Lions game with the others in the great atmosphere at Frank's Tavern. See you soon, Angie. read more

Groovy place! Not for people of 6' plus tall. The burger was incredible! My cardiologist is mad. read more

What a hidden gem in the Clem! I loved everything about Eastside Tavern. My friend invited me, I'd never heard of this place before. I won't give too much away because I feel everyone should experience the Tavern for themselves to truly appreciate it. I will say this....best prices for drinks, an amazing fried bologna sandwich and a HUGE hamburger! We ended up slitting both and taking home leftovers. If you try anything, that bologna sandwich was delicious. On a side note, watch your head and DO NOT wear heels ladies. You can thank me later! Lol read more

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Definitely a local hang out full of regulars wondering why we were in there bar lol. This place was small and packed! The girls behind the bar were hustling. We went for the bologna sandwiches, the Jack of Spades raffle, and a nice time with friends. read more

I was born in Mt Clemens but moved to Calif before I turned 2 yrs old. 70 years later I'm in town for a BIG 95th B-DAY in the family. My Aunt, cousin, nephew and I went on a Monday around noon. All I had heard was you have to get the burger, so I got the 'Franks Favorite Loaded Deluxe' - mushroom, bacon cheeseburger, my Aunt and cousin each got cheeseburgers and my nephew had the steak and cheese quesadilla. They started us with a basket full of what seemed like Ruffles potato chips, like a full family size bag dumped into a basket. These are my Kryptonite and I can't stop until they are GONE. It took most of my self restraint because the service wasn't fast, but only half the chip basket was gone and I just started my 2nd Miller Lite when our food arrived. Apparently there is a longtime local butcher shop across the street that they use for their meat and it is fresh. A good flat top grilled burger needs the have the right amount of fat and my burger was perfect! My nephew said the steak and cheese quesadilla was really good. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 stars was as much my fault as anything else. When we got back from our lunch stop and started telling everyone how good everything was, another cousin pulled up some reviews on their phone and that's where I saw what would have made me give 5+stars, a Bloody Mary with bacon, shrimp and what looked like a 'mini-burger' on top! I'll be back... and yes I finished off all the chips. read more

Just found this place around the block from the house, been craving a real burger.. this was probably the best I've ever had way to go ladies. I'll definitely be back. read more

All orders include krinkle cut potato chips and pepperoncinis, which is sort of strange, at least where I'm from. The ceiling is about 6 feet, so either duck or you'll hit your head as you come down the stairs. Simple menu, which I love, that includes burgers, hot dog, subs, a quesadilla and chili. They didn't have any of the boneless chicken (boiled eggs) on my visit. Prices are very reasonable. They have a small bartop with about 10 seats. The kitchen is basically a small cook top right behind the bar. I ordered the chili and a bacon burger. Although the patty doesn't have much spice, you won't need it because it's so huge clocking in at around 3/4 lb. The chili is a little watery and has beans and was a nice side to start with before the burger arrived. This spot is so small, expect to strike up a conversation with 1-2 people at a minimum. Even if you're not outspoken or outgoing, old timers will make conversation and tell you interesting things about the tavern. One told me it was historically a speakeasy during probibition. read more

Oh man...food is really good, ceiling is really low. Nice little dive bar. Lots of locals where everyone seemed to know each other. Sounds like this place gets rowdy at night on the weekends with a live band. I had the burger and it was good! The Bloody Mary wasn't anything special. I initially came here because I saw a Bloody Mary photo posted on here but it definitely wasn't from here! But either way...good food. read more

Eastside Tavern - Menu - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

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The best burger in Mt. Clemens! Really remarkable that the staff can cook on that tiny grill. This place is a real trip. A tiny space with a low - and I mean low - ceiling. At 50 people, this placed is packed. This place really gets wild when the band plays on a Saturday night. I couldn't believe that a four piece band could fit in the corner. To coin a phrase: Pure Michigan. read more

Update: Ordered a takeout tonight because was craving the hamburger. Was disappointed that I got a cheeseburger. (Hate cheese on burgers). Ordered two hamburgers, well done, nothing on them. And ONE cheeseburger w/ EVERYTHING on it. Well got all cheeseburgers instead. Oh well, sh*t happens right. Also, the gal who took the order on the phone, was quite rude...Maybe they prefer not to do carry outs? Idk ... read more

Went here based on Yelp reviews and this place was voted best burger in Detroit. Enter the place and it's in a basement of what could have been an old house. Pretty cool vibe, little tight and cozy but that was ok. That was the best part of the experience. Bartender/waitress Tiffany comes to take our order and we all order a round of beers and she brings them back fairly quick and would assume she would take our food order when she came back. No that wasn't the case, she puts drinks on the table then turned around immediately and left. Understand she was solo at the time but it seemed most of the other patrons had food already and most were just drinking. Watched her for a good 15 minutes aimlessly walk around the bar with this miserable scowl on her face like she didn't want to be there to begin with. After 20 minutes I approached her at the bar and said that we wanted to order some food as well. She fires back at me. "I'll get to you when I can, I'm the only one here at the moment ". So I go back to our table and we wait. Watch her empty a bag of chips into a basket and she comes by our table and slings them on the table, no comment and proceeds to go to the other side of the restaurant to take someone else's order. Comes back 10 minutes later and finally takes our order and obviously we are ruining her day. Someone shows up to help her cook and they proceed to cook our order. The flat top grill is in the bar area and is in full view of the customer to watch. Burger was decent size but I observed the burger being pattied out and placed on grill, no seasonings whatsoever. Toasted the bun, nice touch, basic toppings which I'm ok with. Get our burgers and everyone's was cooked differently. Two of the guys don't like red and there's were medium rare. We never had anyone come back to the table to ask how everything was and we ate what was edible and waited on the check. $54 for 4 burgers and 3 beers and a basket of half busted up chips. Needless to say there are way better burger joints in Detroit and IMHO I would go elsewhere unless you wanted to be treated like trash because we weren't regulars in this establishment. I'm a restaurant owner myself and if any of my staff treated a non regular customer like this place did they would be fired on the spot. I get it the employee pool is shallow but need to step up your burger game if your going to call your burger the best in Detroit! read more

This place was a trip. The staff was super friendly and had a personal feel to it. The bar is actually an old basement of some sorts with a lot of history. They served peppers and chips to the table, which was an odd combo, but interesting. I went with the burger and it was over cooked(but cheese was melted - odd), which I should've knocked a star off, but the friendliness and uniqueness of the place made the experience. And my fiends said the burgers are usually very good, so maybe they had an off day. In the end, at a minimum try this place for the sheer novelty of it. read more

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Cozy little gem with good food and good service. Played the jack of spades game hoping to win big when they draw the cards

Old school neighborhood bar started in the 30's in the basement of a house. No real sign out side. If your taller the 5'10" you better duck your head. Angie was very pleasant made me a great 1/2lbs. Cheese burger. read more

I come here as often as possible. The hamburgers are hand formed and grilled on a small girdle behind the bar. Perfectly done to order. Onions are grilled as the burgers cook and the banana peppers and chips are complimentary. The bar maids have always been attentive and quick to keep your drinks fresh. It's a simple place with fresh food and great service. It is small so large crowds need to be patient. But as always it is worth the wait. read more

Burger , beer and a band super cheap and super good! Everything in here is small including the bathroom as well as simple. If you want a dive where the bartender also makes your burger, this is the spot! read more

Delicious burgers! I love chips, but I think I'll always want them to have fries! Not sure about some of the signage in there, might be a little right leaning. read more

Best. Bar. Ever. I lived in the HTP my entire life until I graduated highschool and I was patiently awaiting for my time to arrive when I could finally make my way to the famous basement bar. Last night the time had arrived and I was NOT disappointed. I LOVE YOU EST! read more

Eastside Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

Great burgers, small, limited seating. Neighborhood joint, but friendly place. Low ceiling so watch your noggin going in!

Favorite neighborhood bar. Watch your head going down the stairs! Great burgers and fried bologna sandwiches.

So I just happened to be at the Mt. Clemens cruise today and had a hankering for a good burger, google led us to Eastside Tavern. I was shocked when the restaurant/bar turned out to be this basement of a house but when entering I thought we possibly found a goldmine and I was right. Immediately it felt "homey" and it had a great environment. It's simple, which I love. Our waitress/bartender and cook, yeah all in one was a rock star, for one person to handle such a work load and provide excellent service deserves the credit. So the food. The burgers we ordered were huge. I ordered a cheeseburger with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and my brother ordered a hamburger fully loaded with bacon and mushrooms and they were amazing. What I loved was how fresh the meal was. The meat for the burgers was literally pressed into a patty right there, she went upstairs to get some fresh tomatoes. You just don't get that kind of restaurant anymore. It felt like being at a neighbors BBQ. The overall experience was outstanding. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Best burger in town. Cool dive bar. Service is good and food is consistently good. Great place when you are in the mood for a burger and a beer. read more

Best basement bar I have been to!!!! The dirty old man of the joint is one of the reasons I am giving this place 5 stars. Second reason is the nearly 1lb burger which is standard fair here. Side note if you don't have a sense of humor or are way to uptight in life don't come here. Cough Cough Kathy!!! read more

Eastside Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

This place has basement bar vibes for sure, because it's a bar in a basement.... Fun place to come for drinks and typical bar food.

Had the fried baloney and cheese on rye with a beer, while watching the U of M game. What a combination!

Awesome bar with cool history.. The bar itself is in the basement of a strangely shaped white house. I got the bacon cheese burger which comes with chips. So good! I'll be back! read more

Great place for a burger, and a beer. All of the locals eat here. Be prepared for the low ceiling if you are above 5'9!

Stopped in for a little sass from bartender Natalie. Got a couple Labatt's and a huge half pound freshly ground Sirloin burger. The burger was a 10. As Always the company was Great read more

Eastside Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan

I'll say it right now- I grew up a few blocks away so I consider Eastside my 'home' bar. Even though I live in California now I always make a point to stop in. This is much more than a funky shot and a beer joint. Eastside boasts the first liquor license in Mount Clemens and in my biased opinion is the best neighborhood bar I've ever had the pleasure to drink and eat in. Originally a basement drinking spot of someone's home in the early 1900's it has maintained this identity to this day. Frank the owner still lives upstairs and folks taller than 5'8" must duck their heads as they make their way downstairs under his house. It never stopped serving during the Prohibition era and was a well known speakeasy. It's location, an easy rowboat's ride across the Canadian border, ensured it's supply of liquor back then. Not only does this bar enjoy an illustrious history but their hamburgers and fried baloney sandwiches are a sight to behold. The barmaids are celebrities themselves, Natalie and Christine have been there many years and Frank the owner can often be seen coming down the stairs from his house to sit at the bar next to the jukebox. They also get some great live music squeezed into this tiny basement. I've been in some pretty cool bars in my life but I have never felt more at home than this bar. Well worth the trip if you are in Detroit, only 20 miles north. Be sure to stop in for a Boston Cooler (not a Boston drink but born in Detroit drink) at Miller Bros. Creamery just around the corner, another iconic spot. read more

I was here back in July with my dad. He randomly suggested we go somewhere, and took me here. I thought the place was closed. I was confused and didn't even realize it was a restaurant ... it's basically just a basement bar. If you're 6' tall, you'll probably have to crouch a little bit on your way in, since the ceilings are low. This just seems like a nice little hole-in-the-wall place to go for people in the immediate area. My dad had and enjoyed his burger, while I had one of three beers on tap -- a Palm. The other choices were Summer Shandy or Bud Light. While I didn't eat, I did smell and see what he ate and the price. The prices here are very reasonable, but the menu's tiny. Not a bad place, but not worth driving out of the way for at all. read more

What's there not to love? Cozy basement, fantastic food and great service. Had the fried bologna sandwich and was served just how i like it; with grilled onions and cheese. My brother had the burger which was huge and really good he said. Our bartender June was slammed with a party bus but she didn't miss a beat. Can't wait to go back for their famous liverwurst sandwich. read more

Eastside Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Mount Clemens, Michigan