Michigan Burger Crowned the Newest Favorite

Summer is most definitely here, and with July Fourth coming up, chances are you going to see, and munch on, some burgers in the next few weeks. I mean, burgers are really a year-round food, but cooking up burgers on the grill makes for a great summer thing to do. This is even coming from a vegetarian, because I have to say that veggie burgers have gotten a lot better over the years. They're always a favorite for me during the summer months.

It appears there's a new burger favorite in Michigan. What's more, that burger has a Caribbean flavor, making it very original. My mouth is watering just thinking about a Caribbean-flavored delight.

Last weekend, the 2022 Burger Battle in Eastern Market took place. People crowded the venue, waiting in long lines to try burgers from all over the city for the annual Burger Battle, which is run by Dine, Drink, Detroit. This was the firs time the battle was back following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. A total of 11 chefs and restaurants were on hand to feed about 2,000 attendees. That's a lot of burgers!

So, who came out on top? The winner was chef Max Hardy and his Detroit restaurant Coop Caribbean Fusion. The burger offered a blend of beef short rib and brisket, as well as a topping of Havarti cheese. Hardy, who also owns Jed's Detroit, picked up the $1,000 top prize and a trophy to display in his restaurant. That's not to mention bragging rights.

Another Detroit-area burger joint was recently crowned the best burger in Michigan by Reader's Digest. That's Miller's Bar in Dearborn, with the publication calling it a burger "with a special blend of meats and topped with a thick slice of Velveeta cheese, burgers here are served 'commando style' on wax paper with a side of pickles and white onions." That sounds delicious, too. Happy burger days.

Michigan has some great restaurants and fantastic views, so it makes sense that many establishments combine both. With the Great Lakes and so many inland lakes, there are plenty of Michigan restaurants that overlook water, making that dining experience extra special.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it's an even better time to explores this state and find some eateries with incredible views. The crew at Michigan.org recently put together a list of 12 Michigan restaurants with beautiful views, and we're sharing it below.

One of the restaurants, The Cudahy Chophouse Restaurant on Mackinac Island, has sadly closed since their article published. In place of that spot, I picked my own favorite Michigan restaurant with a view, which is The Butler in downtown Saugatuck. The Butler has been situated on the water in Saugatuck for more than 60 years and offers fresh seafood, classic American cuisine and more. It's a casual dining restaurant, so no need to get fancy.

One of the spots that made Michigan.org's list is very familiar to me: The English Inn in Eaton Rapids. That was the best spot to go for prom when I was in high school, so I ate at The English Inn at least twice in high school on prom night. "Cozy is the hallmark of this restaurant and inn, where you can warm yourself by a crackling fire while gazing over what feels like the grounds of your private castle estate," Michigan.org states of The English Inn. "The 15-acre property was developed just 30 minutes from Lansing for auto baron Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet, and the view still includes their pergola, swimming pool and gazebo. After a formal meal upstairs, retire to the lower level English pub for a nightcap." Read the full list below and try to visit at least one of these delightful spots this season.

This list is via the fine folks at Michigan.org.

https://www.fitzgeralds-mi.com/menu

https://taborhill.com/restaurant

https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/dining/aerie-restaurant-lounge/

https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/dining/aerie-restaurant-lounge/menus

https://englishinn.com/restaurant-pub/dinner/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/iridescence-detroit

https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/menu/iridescence-detroit-mi-48201_36dt080201.html

https://www.thegilmorecollection.com/roses/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/roses-grand-rapids-3

https://gateslodge.com/restaurant/

https://arcadiabluffs.com/dining

https://arcadiabluffs.com/dining/the-bluffs-dining

https://www.highlandsharborsprings.com/dining

https://www.highlandsharborsprings.com/dining/main-dining-room

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/main-menu/

https://www.michigan.org/property/lakeview-restaurant

https://www.opentable.com/lakeview-restaurant

https://www.allmenus.com/mi/saugatuck/735090-the-butler/menu/