Michigan’s food scene has a little bit of everything—fresh fish from the Great Lakes, hearty pasties, and, of course, the beloved Coney dog. But when it comes to satisfying that craving for a truly exceptional burger, you might need to look a little harder. While the state is full of great spots, one that stands out in Southgate is Dexter’s Grill—a place that might surprise you with its unassuming location right next to a gas station. Don’t let that fool you. Dexter’s is the kind of spot that surprises you with just how good a burger can be.
I had been hearing nothing but praise for Dexter’s from the Downriver Foodies group for months, with everyone raving about its smashburgers. When I finally made the trip to Southgate, my expectations were high, and that first bite of the Dex Smashburger absolutely lived up to the hype.
This burger is a thing of beauty: crispy edges on a thin patty, juicy in the middle, and loaded with all the essentials, like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and cheese (if that’s your thing). And the price? A combo of a burger, fries, and a drink is under 10 bucks. That’s a hard deal to beat. It’s the perfect example of a burger that hits all the right notes without breaking the bank.
Now, if you’re like me and have some quirks when it comes to ordering food, Dexter’s is a place that’ll embrace you for it. I’m neurodivergent, so when I order a burger, it’s usually just pickles and mayo – no cheese, no veggies (I’ll take them off).
I’ve always felt a bit childish asking for it this way, but the staff at Dexter’s didn’t judge. In fact, when I explained that I take the pickles off immediately because I just want the essence of pickles, not the actual slices, the server smiled and suggested a side of pickle juice for dipping. I thought, “This is genius!” It was exactly what I wanted, and it made me feel like Dexter’s really understood me. That kind of customer service is rare, and it’s one of the reasons I’ll keep coming back…