The Most Mouthwatering Burger in Michigan Is Waiting For You at The Outsider

In case you missed it recently, Only In Your State published the 50 Best Burgers list, highlighting the best burgers across the United States. First of all, you should be warned: It's hard to make it through this list without getting hungry. Second, it's really fun to see the variety of burger spots across the country win for such a beloved food item. In Michigan, in particular, the winner was one with many accolades under its belt, and it's not just the burgers making a splash for this restaurant. Welcome to The Outsider, where you'll find Michigan's best burger.

What to Expect From The Outsider

If you’re exploring Michigan’s scenic shoreline and find yourself in downtown Manistee, there’s one destination you simply can’t pass up: The Outsider. Known for its bold flavors and fresh takes on comfort food, this local gem is home to what Only In Your State is calling the most mouthwatering burger in Michigan.

The Outsider in Manistee, Michigan, offers an experience that goes beyond just food. Part burger spot, part beer garden, and part retro pinball arcade, it's easy to spend an evening here enjoying so many wonderful things.

Their 4,000-square-foot patio overlooks the river and marina, making it perfect for a scenic meal. Inside, you’ll find a lively pinball arcade with 27 machines, great for families or friends who want fun alongside their food. And the “outside” angle is more than a name: Grab your burger to-go and grab one of the restaurant’s maps highlighting picnic tables and parks nearby, then head out to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Manistee.

A Burger That Delivers Every Time

The Outsider serves up smash burgers cooked to golden-crisp perfection: thin, seared patties that create a caramelized crust and burst with flavor. Their menu features standout options, including the “Outsider Smash” with double patties, American cheese, fresh tomato, and lettuce, and a signature Outsider sauce. Each burger patty is pressed and seared, delivering that irresistible “crunch on the edge” bite that smash burger fans crave.

But it’s not just the technique—it’s the quality of ingredients and creative toppings. Think blue cheese and bacon jam in the “Punk Black & Blue”, jalapeños and BBQ in the “Wrangler Smash”, and other inventive riffs that make every visit exciting. The result? A burger that is far from ordinary, and a taste experience that’s hard to forget.

Lifting Up The Community

The Outsider also supports the community by donating 10% of Sunday sales to local nonprofits through its "Sunday Funday" initiative. It also sources beef and ingredients from regional farms and suppliers to keep things local. In 2025, it was honored by the Manistee News Advocate’s Readers' Choice awards for Best Burger, Best Fries, Best New Restaurant, and Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant.

So next time you’re in Michigan and craving a burger that stands out, make your way to The Outsider in Manistee. Sit back, crack into a smash burger, sip something refreshing on the patio, and enjoy a meal that’s earned its reputation.

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