Bates Burgers

There are few things in life that are better than a Bates’ burger. I’ve been coming here for many a year, and it never ceases to delight. They accept credit cards now, so everyone can stop complaining about cash only, and I’m shocked to see this place doesn’t have a solid five star rating.
Two cheeseburgers with everything, some fries and a Coke; the most perfect meal!
And if you can get a spot looking out on Five Mile, even better!

I love this place! Everyone is kind. The burgers are fresh and hot off the grill. They are yummy and I'm obsessed with their special sauce! Good price for good food! They always hit the spot for me and they are filling. Everyone i take loves it and always goes back for more.

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bates Burgers in Livonia. As we took our seats at the stainless steel counter, we were immediately greeted by friendly staff who made us feel welcome.

We ordered three cheeseburgers for me, a double cheeseburger for my wife, and an order of fries to split. My wife also ordered a large chocolate milkshake and I got an Iced Tea, unsweetened.

Our burgers were cooked to perfection and served with copious amounts of caramelized onions. My buns were without sesame seeds, while my wife's double cheeseburger was served with a larger bun with sesame seeds. Sliced pickles were served on the side.

The condiments at the counter were mustard, ketchup, and a third orange bottle containing a pre-mix of both!

Our burgers were delicious and juicy, and the fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned. My wife's milkshake was thick and creamy, with a rich chocolate flavor. My iced tea was very flavorful and not watered down.

We were both impressed with the fast and friendly service at Bates Burgers. Our food was brought to our table quickly, and our server was always checking in to make sure we had everything we needed.

Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience at Bates Burgers. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was friendly and inviting.

We highly recommend Bates Burgers to anyone looking for a classic burger joint experience!

First time here and it didn't disappoint. Came here on a Wednesday around 5:30 and it was really busy. Wednesday was coney dog day so they took off 55 cents. The burger was solid. The staff is super friendly and hardworking. We will definitely be back when we are in the area. Not a very big parking lot so you may have to drive around to find parking but its worth it. They have been around for over 60 years so it's a classic.

This place was so fun and the food was good. It’s small, so plan accordingly.

Burgers were great and fries were crispy. Woman worker at the walk up window was rude and wouldn't answer basic questions to the customer in front of me. Other co-workers seemed to be happy/cheerful.

Bates Burgers is an institution to southeast Michigan. Their burgers are second to none, prices are insanely reasonable, and the servers treat you like you've been going there since they opened their doors. Sit at the 60's counter and mow down your food or take it to go, it doesn't matter it's always amazing.

This is their second location I have tried and they did not disappoint.

Burgers were juices and warm and added pickles and grilled onions..yummy. the crinkle fries were off the hook and crunchy.

Service was excellent. Friendly staff.

Compare them to Motz's Burger. Bates has them beat hands down. Motz's are more like a Bray's burgers. Small in comparison to Bates. Don't get me wrong Motz's was good but Bates are much better especially since they are in equal $$ spent. Plus Bates has more seating than Motz's which is a plus.

Bates are conveniently located at the corner of 5 Mile Rd and Farmington Rd. Right in the northwest corner of the intersection.

Hours are as follows:

Breakfast from:
7am-10:30am

Lunch-Dinner
10:30am-10pm

Wide variety menu from breakfast, burgers, double burgers, cheese burgers, crinkle fries, chili fries, coney dogs, homemade soups. Feature Coke products, lemonade, ice tea, coffee, oj, milk, and milkshakes.

Breakfast special:
Two eggs, choice of Sausage or Bacon, hashbrowns, toast, and coffee $6.99

Carryout specials:
6 burgers $11.63
6 cheeseburgers $12.53
Wednesday Coney Day $2

Free parking. They accept cash and credit cards (extra 3%)

It's a small classic burger diner.. very limited seating, and most commonly a take out place..

The burgers are great. You get the option of a single or double sized patty, with slider-like topping of grilled onions, American cheese, ketchup, mustard pickles.

No chicken, no veggie burger. Just beef.

Other options are fried, chili, chili fries, shakes, etc., all at reasonable prices!

best damn sliders anywhere! always fresh meat and always perfect! at lunch people line up around the building to order carry out. it was cash before by now they accept credit cards and debit cards. Always buy extra or you will wish you had!

Did a slider tour Saturday 12 burger joints in 1 day. Bates made the top 3. No surprise we love this place

I’ve been coming here for 18 years, ever since I was 4 years old whether it was with my grandpa or my mother or my aunt. This place has been a staple of love and togetherness along with immaculate amazing food. Even during family wars they would cool down enough just to go to Bates Burgers. 1,000,000 stars out of 5

What a great little old fashioned hamburger place. This place is famous among the locals. If you haven't been here you need to go and experience it for yourself. Besides the great burgers and hotdogs their chili is some of the best I have had anywhere. Highly recommended.

Always a treat. Yum. This time the bun seemed different. Not warm just a regular hamburger bun. Wasn't the same but I'll try again. Sometimes just the person doing the cooking.

What a gem of a place. Nothing compares to these honest to goodness burgers. I asked for mustard and onion and that’s what I received. Sooo good.

Really good sliders and chili cheese fries :)!

Great place, nice sized sliders. Even got a bonus one. Staff is great. Prices are good.

Best damn burgers and fries in town. This place is old school almost like the 80s. 4 cheese burgers large fri 14 bucks. Fill up two people .

What a great old school burger joint. I stopped by for takeout on the go and they quickly had my food ready. I got a sloppy cheeseburger and some fat crinkle cut fries (they were gone before I reached my destination). It feels rare to get a filling meal under $10. Great stop for a quick, cheap lunch.

First time here, and won't be my last. I had a double cheeseburger with fries, and they were amazing! The staff was really friendly 7/23/2023