6 Must-Visit Northern Michigan Restaurants with Artisan Burgers

by Tim Tebeau | Feb 27, 2017 | Counties, Food & Drink, Towns

northern michigan burgers

Read on this month as we unhinge our jaws to take on the area’s artisan food scene in the March Food Issue of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine—starting at these restaurants with unbelievably delicious burgers.

The quiet of Harbor Springs’ lonely late-winter main street vanishes in a heady whiff of maillard as short rib patties sear on a smoking hot flattop at Paper Station Bistro. Opened in 2015, this narrow 48-seat eatery, appointed with brushed metal, reclaimed wood and tightly spaced banquettes, has a clattering communal vibe that feels like a northern front for the burger wars raging unabated in Chicago and St. Louis.

Paper Station’s executive chef, Justin Gavin, and his crew hustle couture bar food in constricted quarters as they sling Top Shelf dry-aged wagyu patties, tempura-flashed lobster claw skewers and platters of juicy lamb sliders. The bistro’s six-seat bar sports six tap handles that pour forth aggressively hopped IPAs from the likes of Beard’s and Petoskey Brewing, while the wine list is packed with trophy Napa cabs and brawny Central Coast syrah blends.

Get your copy of the March Food Issue for 40 local eats you’ve gotta try. 

northern michigan burgers

On the Road:

Find delicious, hearty patty magic at these bastions of beef.

Paper Station Bistro
181 East Main St. | Harbor Springs | 231.881.6281

The Fillmore
318 River St. | Manistee | 231.887.4121

Bubba’s
428 E. Front St. | Traverse City | 231.995.0570

Slabtown Burgers
826 W. Front St. | Traverse City | 231.932.1760

Art’s Tavern
6487 Western Ave. | Glen Arbor | 231.334.3754

Vintage Chophouse & Wine Bar
3600 Village Harbor Dr. | Bay Harbor | 231.439.4051

Fire up your grill and make these feta stuffed lamb burgers and a California turkey burger!

More Northern Michigan Foodie Finds:

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner