Detroit News Crowns Top 8 Burgers in Annual Bracket

Readers vote for Michigan's best burger in final round of competition

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:16am

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The Detroit News has narrowed down the field to the Elite 8 competitors in its 2026 Burger Bracket, a competition to determine the city's favorite burger. After several top-seeded and long-standing businesses were knocked out in earlier rounds, the quarter-final matchups will now decide which burger reigns supreme.

Why it matters

The annual Burger Bracket has become a beloved tradition in Detroit, sparking lively debates among locals about the city's best burgers. The competition not only celebrates the vibrant food culture of Michigan, but also highlights the resilience and creativity of the state's independent restaurants.

The details

The Elite 8 burgers that have advanced to the quarter-finals include longtime favorites like the classic cheeseburger from Miller's Bar, the signature double-decker from Telway Hamburgers, and the innovative plant-based patty from Corktown's Ima. Newcomers like the smash burger from Grey Ghost and the Korean-inspired bulgogi burger from Mink have also made it to the final rounds, showcasing the diversity of Detroit's burger scene.

  • The Detroit News 2026 Burger Bracket began in March 2026.
  • The quarter-final round is taking place in early April 2026.

The players

Miller's Bar

A long-standing Detroit institution known for its classic cheeseburgers.

Telway Hamburgers

A Detroit burger joint famous for its signature double-decker burgers.

Ima

A Corktown restaurant that offers a popular plant-based burger option.

Grey Ghost

A newer Detroit restaurant that has gained acclaim for its smash burgers.

Mink

A Detroit eatery that serves a unique Korean-inspired bulgogi burger.

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What they’re saying

“The Burger Bracket is the highlight of my year - I can't wait to see which burger comes out on top!”

— Sarah Johnson, Detroit resident

“Our plant-based burger has been a surprise hit, and we're thrilled to make it to the Elite 8. Winning the Bracket would be an incredible honor.”

— Lily Chen, Co-owner, Ima

What’s next

The quarter-final round of the Burger Bracket will take place over the next two weeks, with the semi-finals and final round scheduled for the end of April 2026.

The takeaway

The Detroit News Burger Bracket has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the city's vibrant and diverse food culture. This year's Elite 8 competitors showcase the creativity and resilience of Detroit's independent restaurants, from longtime favorites to exciting newcomers.