Oakwood Proper Burgers

Oakwood Proper may not have a huge storefront or a spot on Front Street where tourists pass by in waves, but that’s part of its charm. If you take a short detour down Garfield to 8th Street, you’ll spot it — a small pink building that’s hard to miss. That’s how I found it the first time, sitting at the light wondering, “What the hell is that pink building? What is Oakwood Proper?”

If you’ve ever watched Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, you know he often says large menus rarely mean great food. He’ll strip a menu down to just a few things and make each one perfect. Oakwood feels like it took that advice to heart. Their menu isn’t large, but everything on it is done exceptionally well.

I ordered The Oakwood, and at first glance, it was beautifully put together. It looked like something out of a sit-down restaurant, but without the high price tag. The locally produced bun had that golden, homemade quality — soft, yet sturdy enough to hold everything together. The bacon was thicc, with two “Cs,” cooked perfectly, and there was just the right amount to add texture and flavor without overpowering the burger. The patty itself was rich and full of flavor, something that could easily stand on its own. And then there was the house ranch — smooth, tangy, and absolutely perfect with the rest of the burger.

The BBQ Ranch Fries were just as impressive. A mountain of fries, the kind of portion you’d get at Five Guys, easily enough to share. I’m pretty sure the cashier said it was about a pound, and I believe it. They were seasoned beautifully — a little sweet, a little salty — and the mix of house-made ranch and BBQ sauce was dangerously addictive. The sauces together created a smoky-sweet flavor that made it nearly impossible to stop eating.

Oakwood Proper doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s a small, confident place that focuses on quality, balance, and flavor. And it delivers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The atmosphere here is absolutely amazing, and the service is super solid. Honestly didn’t love the burgers though. Fries and milkshakes were pretty good, and it’d be worth a visit just for the vibe.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Fantastic burger, excellent spot to stop at in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating. A few beer options as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smashburgers

Who would have thought that our laundry pile up would be the highlight of our day! We ended up at the Laundromat next door to Oakwood to get some serious laundry handled and couldn't resist the smell of the burgers! Their place is so cute and the girl who is taking care of it all is AMAZING she even saved me from a wasp 😭 anyway here are the pictures to prove how good these burgers are I mean come on isn't this beautiful 🤤

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love, love, love Oakwood Proper. I had the “Oakwood” burger and it was truly among the best I’ve ever had…like ever. Soooooo good. Staff was friendly, accommodating, and eager to please. Loved the 1970s basement feel of the Oakwood Lounge in addition to the outdoor seating. A blast from the past! The only disappointment was the parmesan fries… The parmesan cheese did not stick to the fries very well, resulting in “naked” fries that needed to be smushed close together toward the end of the meal to relish in all that cheesy goodness… Wish the cheesy coating of the fries was more uniform and consistent (2 separate visits). Other than that….excellent! GO HERE if you want a proper burger with a fun and nostalgic atmosphere! Pricing is fair for the area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

This place is so cute! It has an amazing ambiance! The burger I had was absolutely delicious! The proper sauce was very yummy! Would go back!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tiny but has excellent burgers. A must try especially if you like walking to dinner.
Drinks available💁🏻‍♀️

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Build Your Own Burger

The taste of burger was delicious. Every time we visit travers city, we go eat at this burger place. Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped here for dinner and it exceeded our expectations! Staff was very friendly and food was delicious. We enjoyed the specialty burgers, garlic parm fries and pickle beer, as well as the retro vibe!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

There is not a burger in TC that can hold its own against the flavor and quality of an Oakwood burger. Enough said.

Amazing owners, very kind and genuine. I’m a tomato lover and sadly they don’t have tomato but their locally sourced burgers are fantastic!! when I say locally sourced, I mean the buns are locally sourced. The meat is locally sourced. The bacon is locally sourced! Even some of the sodas in the fridge or locally sourced. This is the community spot. Definitely coming here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing burgers and great service! I can't believe I just had this for the first time. I'll be back soon!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Their burgers(the Oakwood)and fries are terrific. They have a side dining room that decorated like you’ve sent back to the 1960’s. One of the notable burgers in Traverse City area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Oakwood Burger and Fries

Best food I’ve had so far in Traverse City. Super nice people too. Additional indoor seating area is available FYI! I’ll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smashburgers, Hand Cut Fries

Love it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5