Ferndale’s Little Ghost Makes USA Today's Top 15 Burger List

With grilling season well underway and National Burger Day coming up this Thursday, we've got burgers on the brain. Apparently, so does USA Today.

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America's Best Burgers

The national publication recently released its list of the Best Burgers in America Worth a Road Trip, highlighting just 15 burger destinations from across the nation. One Michigan restaurant earned a spot on the list.

USA Today said the featured burgers range from "classic" to "creative" and "take comfort food to the next level." The list was assembled by food writers from newspapers across the USA Today Network, with each selecting a burger they believe is worth traveling for.

Ferndale's Little Ghost Lands on National Burger List

The Michigan restaurant to land on the list is Little Ghost in Ferndale. The fast-casual restaurant opened in August 2025 and comes from the team behind Detroit's Grey Ghost, which has built a reputation for serving some of the city's best burgers.

Little Ghost via Facebook

Little Ghost takes a more casual and playful approach than its older sibling, serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, tenders, hot dogs, fries, donuts, and kid-friendly options.

UP NEXT: Michigan's Detroit-Style Pizza Goes Global - Now Served in Australia and Beyond

But it's the Ghost Burger that caught USA Today's attention.

Little Ghost via Facebook

The publication highlighted the burger's smashed beef patties, melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, and house-made dill-mayonnaise, known as ghost sauce. USA Today described the burger as juicy, a bit messy, and packed with flavor.

Guests can order the burger as either a single or double, depending on how hungry they are. There's a quinoa option as well.

Little Ghost via Facebook

For a restaurant that has been open less than a year, landing on a national list featuring only 15 burger spots from across the country is a pretty remarkable accomplishment.

More of Michigan's Must-Try Burgers

Of course, when it comes to the best burgers in Michigan, opinions always vary. But other spots frequently praised include Motz’s Burgers and this Upper Peninsula gem. Scroll on for more of the state’s best burgers.

The Best Burgers in Michigan, According to Foodie Experts

National Foodie sites have weighed in—and according to them, these burger joints are serving up the very best in the Mitten. Whether it's a no-frills classic hamburger, a can't-miss burger-and-fries combo, or a cheesy masterpiece worth a road trip, these are the top spots across Michigan that every burger lover needs to try at least once.

The 20 Best Burgers in Grand Rapids, Ranked by Locals

Grand Rapids takes its burgers seriously, and locals have strong opinions about where to find the best ones in town. To settle the debate, we pulled together hundreds of recommendations from some of the city’s most popular foodie Facebook groups—Grand Rapids Informed and EatGR.

The result? A mouthwatering lineup of 20 local favorites. Each spot earned its place on the list thanks to enthusiastic endorsements from people who live, work, and eat right here in West Michigan.

We’re counting down from No. 20 all the way to the burger that claimed the top spot with more than 35 mentions. Whether your go-to joint made the cut or you discover a new place to try, this list is your ultimate Grand Rapids burger guide.

Gallery Credit: Janna