Doesn't Recommend

KirkHand

Joined 4 years ago

Look Elsewhere, You'll Be Glad You Did. I've had lunch here several times in the last couple years. No more. My dining partner commented that the place used to be consistently full for lunch years ago: 80-90% of the seating was open when we were there. During my several visits, the food's been consistently average to below average - the 'checker burger' simply isn't in the same league with what you'd get at several area restaraunts, and the 'pocket burger' - bad! Fries & cole slaw also totally forgetable, and pricing is such that it's not much of a value. I like established ("older") places with a "been her for generations" atmosphere, but Checker has confused this with 'dingy' & 'we've been stuck in the same gear since 1955'. If you want to walk away from lunch feeling like "the food, service & value was good - I should come back" - you aren't going to find it here. You could look around the restaraunt & think "Well, the economy must be hurting them." Wrong - it's not the economy. It's ownership that seems complacent with the "best burger in the city (maybe circa 1963) mantra" rather than "how do we deliver a dining experience in which the food, service, value & (to a reasonable degree) ambience are such that customers are going to come back, and tell their friends to come here." There are restaraunts that get this - Checker isn't one of them.

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slpowers

Joined 5 years ago

best burgers anywhere. I love burgers and I've tried many, but hands down this is the best place for burgers. The restaurant/bar hasn't changed its decore in 30 plus years and this is what gives Checker Bar its charm...a real neighborhood bar atmosphere, it feels like a warm blanket around you...

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wichja

Joined 7 years ago

Burger. The burgers use to be the best anywhere in the world. Now, I believe that they freeze their hamburger buns and then deforst them. They are stale and crumble - the bun is what use to add to the overll taste and appearance of the burger. These burgers are not even average any longer. Sorry to see this for this once great establishment.

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dcarman

Joined 8 years ago

Historic and friendly place to eat and drink. After a hard days work there is no better place to go, to get a burger and a beer.

Friday afternoons are a time you must visit, as they offer wine samples and always have great food. They offer a friendly atmosphere with a regular crowd.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Comfort foods mingle with upscale pallets in this favorite Detroit hangout.. In Short
It may look like your neighbor's basement bar, but its quaint interior hides a gourmet spirit. Casual is key, as diners munch half-pound burgers among the checkerboard tables, red vinyl chairs and wood-paneled walls. Look deeper, and you'll notice the fully stocked bar and world-class wine list. So while you're getting your red meat fix, don't forget to ask about the weekly wine tastings.