Blimpy Burger - Best Hamburger Restaurant in Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan Campus

Are you looking for the best hamburger in Ann Arbor? Well there's no question where to go: Head to the University of Michigan campus and eat at Blimpy Burger (Krazy's Jim's).

Established in 1953, Blimpy Burger is the oldest hamburger joint in Ann Arbor. And it's the best. I've been loving Blimpy Burger since I was a kid.

When you go to Blimpy Burger, first you grab a beverage and a tray. Then you enter the line, which usually isn't long and moves quickly.

First, you enter the side dish station. Want fries? Then they'll drop a bunch of fries into the deep fryer. Want broccoli? Then they'll drop a bunch of broccoli into the deep fryer. Want something else? Maybe a salad. Then they'll drop that into the deep fryer. (Sorry, that was a joke. Blimpy Burger does not offer salads. But you really can get deep fried broccoli). The theme is clear: Pick your side and Blimpy will fry it in grease.

Then you get to the grill. Here's where you order your hamburger. There are a few other options, but you probably should be getting a hamburger. If you're vegetarian or vegan, I highly doubt there will be options for you. Perhaps try Seva just down the road.

First, you choose how many hamburger patties you want. One patty is really not an option. Young kids should be good with a double. The triple is standard for the average appetite. When I was a high school athlete and a growing young man, I would splurge for the quad, or even the quint if I were really hungry. I can't say I've tried more 5 patties, but the Blimpy Burger record holder once ordered a 40-pattie hamburger. He ate 37 of them, which I believe is still the record.

Once you choose, the griller will plop that many round beef balls onto the hot grill. You'll hear a sizzle, and then the masses of grease will begin forming. The Blimpy Burgers are extremely greasy. The grillers will squash your beef balls into patties. While cooking your hamburger, the griller will usually converse with you. I've found many of them to be friendly and outgoing. But don't mess up your order. You just might get scolded!

After your hamburger patties sizzle for a couple minutes in the grease, the griller asks you if you want to add cheese or grilled toppings to your hamburger. My dad's favorite is the fried egg, one of the many healthy, exotic choices.

The University of Michigan scientists have not yet tested, but there's a general consensus that each trip to Blimpy Burger shortens your life by at least a month.

But it's worth it. The taste cannot be beat. If I feel like eating a hamburger, Blimpy Burger is the only place I'll go in Ann Arbor.

Blimpy Burger's slogan is "Cheaper than food," which gives you a feel for the Blimpy attitude. Blimpy actually isn't that cheap, at least compared to a McDonald's, but the prices aren't bad. 2 hamburgers, an order of fries, and 2 beverages should run around $12-$13.

Blimpy is well worth the price. It's better than food!

Location:
551 S. Division (at Packard)
Ann Arbor, MI

Phone:
(734) 663-4590

Hours:
Mon-Sat 11am-10pm.
Sun. 12pm-8pm.