- Attraction: Basement Burger Bar
- Location: 1326 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://basementburgerbar.com/
Detroit’s underground burger scene gets literal at this family-owned hotspot where customization reigns supreme.
Founded by two restaurant veteran brothers in 2010, Basement Burger Bar opened its first location in the historic Cook & Company building’s basement in downtown Farmington before expanding to three Metro Detroit locations including this Detroit outpost.
What started as a quest to find the perfect startup location has evolved into a build-your-own burger paradise where you control every aspect of your meal.
The restaurant specializes in custom gourmet burgers with over a trillion combinations.
And it offers everything from wagyu beef and bison to turkey, vegan, and vegetarian options.
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Keep Exploring →You’re handed a laminated menu and a marker to check off your ideal burger creation, turning ordering into an interactive experience that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Menu Highlights & Signature Items
The Build-Your-Own Experience: The standout feature here is the whiteboard-style checklist menu where you mark your choices with a provided marker, selecting from an enormous array of proteins, toppings, sauces, cheeses, and buns. Whether you’re craving a simple classic or an adventurous combination, you’ll find endless possibilities.
Popular choices include the Kobe Beef Burger, praised for its juicy, tender patty with fresh toppings like tomato, pickle, and pesto.
Specialty Appetizers: Customer favorites include totchos (tater tot nachos), frickles (fried pickles), mac & cheese bites, pretzel sticks, and pulled pork sliders.
Their elevated mac and cheese features eight different cheeses – Romano, parmesan, American, aged white cheddar, cream cheese, Fontina, cheddar, and smoked Gouda – creating a rich, creamy perfection that’s lightly battered and fried.
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Discover MoreCreative Protein Options: Beyond traditional beef, you can choose from bison, wagyu, turkey, chicken, or plant-based options like the Impossible Burger. The restaurant has earned praise for unique offerings like peanut butter burgers, which deliver exceptional flavor and quality.
Loaded Fries & Sides: Standout sides include beer-battered fries topped with Detroit chili, onions, and bacon all covered with three sunny-side-up eggs, plus gyro fries loaded with lamb, feta, tzatziki sauce, onions and tomato.
Craft Beverages: The draft beer selection constantly rotates with no set pattern, encouraging customers to try something new each visit.
The Faygo bomb has become a customer favorite known for its bold flavor. Made-to-order milkshakes are available at the Detroit location, plus a full bar with handcrafted cocktails.
Atmosphere & Experience
Interactive Ordering: The unique ordering system where you mark your selections directly on a laminated menu with a marker creates an engaging, personalized experience that many find entertaining and memorable. This interactive approach allows you to visualize exactly what you’re getting while making the process feel like a fun activity rather than just placing an order.
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Keep Exploring →Casual Urban Vibe: The restaurant maintains a relaxed and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for casual dining. Located conveniently near downtown attractions like Ford Field and the Music Hall, it serves as an ideal pre-game or pre-show dining spot.
The basement setting provides a unique, intimate dining environment that sets it apart from typical burger joints.
Family-Friendly Environment: You’ll experience the restaurant’s welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that works well for both casual dates and group dining. The space is consistently noted as very clean, including dining areas, kitchen, and restrooms.
Other Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: Most customers find the prices very reasonable, with many noting you can enjoy a full meal with drinks for around $50 for two people.
While the burgers carry a premium price point, the consensus is that the quality and customization options justify the cost.
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Discover MorePrime Location Benefits: The Brush Street location puts you within walking distance of major Detroit attractions including Comerica Park, Ford Field, and various entertainment venues, making it perfect for pre-event dining.
Service Approach: The restaurant uses a laminated menu system that can be reused, and staff are noted for being quick, attentive, and helpful in explaining the ordering process to first-time visitors. Be aware that a service charge is added to all dine-in guest checks.
Variety for All Diets: Beyond burgers, the restaurant offers build-your-own salads made with locally sourced, daily-delivered fresh vegetables and greens. Multiple vegetarian and vegan options ensure there’s something satisfying for every dietary preference.
Happy Hour Value: Daily happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering good value on drinks to complement your meal.
Basement Burger Bar
📍 1326 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226
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