I think the two premier burgers spots in Traverse City are Slabtown Burgers and Glendale Burger…read moreShop and in my opinion, Glendale wins by a landslide. Insanely good smashburgers, perfectly cooked fries, and simpler menu that makes a few things really well. I had their version of a patty melt along with some Parm fries. My wife wasn't super impressed with the olive burger, but we loved the vibe and would definitely come back again when we're in TC.

We gave Glendale Burger Shop a shot this weekend and they delivered a great smash burger and nice…read morefries! The Oliver (triple) was exactly what I'd been craving in a Michigan-style olive burger. The pimento olive spread was generously slathered on to the crispy lacey-edged smash burger patties topped with Swiss cheese on a nicely toasted brioche bun. The olive spread was perfect...just enough to be bursting with flavor, but not so overpowering that it dominated the entire burger. The fam tried The Junction and The Laura, both on lightly toasted Gluten Free buns. The Junction (Glendale's version of the classic Oklahoma onion burger) was very good, and the GF bun was met with positive reviews. Glendale even offers GF fries, which were excellent (their normal fries are seasoned & battered; but the GF fries were a bit better). If you're looking for a thicker, juicier burger, this is not your place. These are straight up paper thin, crispy smashers. And if that's what you're looking for, I'd recommend no less than a double, if not a triple. Drink selections include bottles of various Northwoods sodas, sparkling water, and other choices from the cooler. Glendale presents as an old-school diner, with cool decorations and some posters of Saginaw heritage (the owner's roots). Speaking of the owners...the lady working the register and delivering food to everyone was one...and she was super sweet and nice. It made for a great experience right out of the gate as we were figuring out what we wanted to order. You walk up to the counter and order, then they deliver to your table; or you can sit on a stool at the counter, just like a classic diner. Plenty of seating, but when they get busy, it fills up quickly, yet the service remains fast for the cooked-to-order burgers & fries. Décor is fun (they have a Big Boy!) & fitting for the diner vibe. The entire place is extremely clean and well kept. Pride of ownership shines through in the entire experience.

We stopped by Oakwood Proper for breakfast and tried one of their Cherry Festival specials--the…read moreCherry Javelina Sandwich--and it was absolutely fantastic! The eggs were perfectly cooked, the thick-cut bacon was delicious, and the candied jalapeños added just the right amount of sweet heat. The cherry sauce was the perfect finishing touch--flavorful without being overpowering--and everything was served on a fresh, delicious bakery bun. Every bite was outstanding! Combined with the relaxed outdoor seating, friendly service, and beautiful Sunday morning atmosphere, it made for the perfect casual breakfast. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend giving the Cherry Javelina Sandwich a try while it's available!

Not a large place, but it feels very welcoming and the do have a good size outdoor seating. This is…read morethebtype of place were you order at the counter and pay and they bring the food out to you. The have 1/3 pound smash burgers. I ordered the El Padre Burger ($17). This burger has Candied Bacon, Pepper Jack Cheese, Grilled Poblanos, Lettuce, Grilled Onions, Chipotle Bbq sauce. The burger was very good. However it's not the best burger I've had in TC. The candied bacon was good, but not candied enough. There also wasn't enough of the bbq sauce. The quality of meat was good, but again wasn't the tastiest I've had in TC. The burger is definitely worth getting with the caveat that it isn't exceptional. The burger comes with Great Lake Potatoes Chips, due to they give you a pond of fries if you order fries. I didn't. I did order a Chocolate Shake ($9). It is a thick shake and reminds me of a Frosty, just more chocolaty. I enjoyed it, but I love frostys. The service was enthusiastic and friendly. Overall a solid 4 star review. Would I return? Yes, I would. Sometimes you crave a smash burger and this definitely hits that bill. Definitely worth a visit.

Great price, awesome burger, simple ingredients great flavor. Close to closing time and customer…read moreservice still top notch. Will be returning many more trips.

Better than H&L Social rooftop! The service was great, quick, and easy. Comfort food, classic…read moreburger and fries with flavored sodas. Definitely 10/10

Great burgers!!! Also there Tuesday Ruben's are awesome!!!…read moreThere Philly is also top notch!! You won't be disappointed Great burgers!!! Also there Tuesday Ruben's are awesome!!! There Philly is also top notch!! You won't be disappointed

This place is such a gem. I enjoyed their ruben special. The generous portion of quality corned…read morebeef was outstanding! Not too salty or fatty. My friends enjoyed burgers and were surprised some delicious hush puppies were included with their side of fries. Thumbs up on the aoli sauce. The classic 80s record album on the ceiling brought back pleasant memories. They definitely could be featured in the TV show, Dives, Dinner's and Drive Inns. I was impressed with the level of service for we received.

Wow wow wow wow wow I can't say enough about Joe's Friendly…read moreTavern.... I had the honor of enjoying the French dip sandwich. And let me just tell you right now, it was fantastic. Better than St. Elmo's (if you know you know). We also ordered the pretzel bread as an appetizer, and the ranch butter was simply phenomenal. Don't even get me started on the draft root beer. All that is left to say is this: Yummersville!

Date of visit: 12/17 Lunch I can't believe I haven't yelped…read moreJoes yet! Consider this a Winter review. It is usually so packed in the Summer, it was strange to have the place to ourselves. We ordered multiple burgers (olive burgers & bacon cheeseburger) plus sides (tots & rings) to go, the roads were bad and the rest of our family begged for carryout. That's fine - we each had a Bloody Mary while we waited! Delish. Jessica (general manager) who took our order and made our drinks, was great. She was funny and helpful - timed everything well and made sure we had what we needed. The ambiance is warm and woodsy. New discovery: the restaurant is open for breakfast! I look forward to trying their breakfast on a future visit!

The food was fantastic. Went with a large group and everything was great. Burgers, pizza, tacos…read moreright down to the side salad. Makes me sad I live so far away.

Super cool old school house venue. The dining area is small. The servers must be over worked as…read morethey disappear for periods of time. The food is solid - best Italian beef. However, the price is over the top. You do not get what you pay for. Small healthier portions and high prices. Just be aware - be the wallet. Overall, we paid for an experience and that's what we left with. Not sure we will be back as the juice wasn't worth the squeeze.

I'm a big fan of Mayfair burgers and their outdoor seating…read more Fun guy or Lüdke burgers are my go to. Good fries. Always a great option.

It's hard to tell what I'm going to get each season I come up and try out The Mayfair. I came here…read morewhen it was the last place, then when it changed management. The food has been good, and it's a nice option in the area. The restaurant has always been clean and welcoming. I hope when I come back next that the wait staff has a bit more polish. Last time we were here, we sat outside and servers were dumping old glasses of beverages over the fence and not down the drain. Younger servers...but not the memory one should have months later.

Wow what can say. Mary was our waitress she was very friendly and helpful. I asked for a box for…read moreCrunch French toast. When she gave me a box she gave me a little container of extra vanilla cream that came with the French toast. She told me how to fix it in the microwave. The food was amazing and filling. Thanks guys.

Service was amazing! Our server with the pink bow in her hair was awesome, she even made sure the…read morecoffee I ordered was just how I liked it. The food was also amazing, would definitely come back

The Loons Nest is open for business. Not closed…read more Food is great, and service and atmosphere is like having a meal with a good friend. Hash brown skillet with sausage and homemade cinnamon raisin or cranberry walnut toast is yummy.

We stopped in for breakfast on a road trip. It was clear from the start that it is very busy…read more However, there was a quick turnaround especially given the minutes seating with lots of directed attention. We were seated pretty quickly, given recommendations, and then given coffee to start. Breakfast was solid- basic breakfast staples standard Michigan fare. The homemade cranberry walnut bread was really the standout. Any of their homemade bread really. A great addition to our road trip for sure!