Redamak’s: Michigan’s Legendary Burger Joint Worth the Drive
For years, we’ve been on an unofficial quest to find the best cheeseburger. We’ve been directed to various chains, holes-in-the-wall, dives and more across the globe. For many years, the reigning champ has been and remains the gem of New Buffalo, Redamak’s Michigan.
Burger That Made New Buffalo Famous
Located near the shores of Lake Michigan in New Buffalo, Michigan, Redamak’s has all the charm of a vacation hotspot while delivering an amazing cheeseburger. So if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to bite into a legend.
This wasn’t the place Jimmy Buffett sang about in his song Cheeseburger In Paradise, but it still applies. Redamak’s is located near some great beach and resort areas along US 12, which goes along the coast of Lake Michigan. Because New Buffalo is a tourist destination, be prepared to wait in line at Redamak’s.
Redamak’s New Buffalo location has been serving up deliciousness for about 50 years, and they have developed quite the reputation. Just what makes their cheeseburger so good? The burgers are fresh, hand-ground and prepared in their kitchen. Also, their cheeseburgers are encased in Velvetta, and it is that which makes their cheeseburger stand above the rest that we’ve experienced.
Everything about this sandwich is noteworthy. From the fresh sesame seed bun, to your choice of toppings, Redamak’s cheeseburger is fantastic. Our go-to version is The Legendary burger, a single 5.33 oz. patty with the Velvetta cheese. If you prefer, you can go forward without the cheese. And if you’re super hungry, you can make it a double or a triple. On the menu, you can also bite into an 8 oz. burger patty as well as called The Ultimate, along with other specialty hand crafter burgers.
We’ve also made the drive up to New Buffalo because of cravings for their two hot dog meal on the menu. These pure beef hot dogs are served up with a generous portion of crinkle fries. Their servings of crinkle fries are large, and can easily be shared with the table.
While it is difficult for us to go deep on their menu beyond the hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, they do offer much more. Italian beef sandwiches, wraps and fried seafood are also available.
If you go there with a big appetite, then consider starting off with an appetizer. Momma’s sampler gives you a wide variety of things to sample, including mozzarella sticks, whichis one of our favorites along with chicken tenders, jalapeno cheddar bites, onion rings, and more.
Plan Your Visit to Redamak’s Michigan
Our tip is to get there a few minutes before they open and get in line then. Another tip to keep in mind is that they are a cash only restaurant. If you forget this, they do have an ATM in the lobby. Something else to keep in mind is that because this is a touristy area, Redamak’s is a seasonal business. Their season will vary, but typically they are open from late March until mid October.
Redamak’s is family owned, located along the Red Arrow Highway which traverses along Lake Michigan. New Buffalo is located about 15 minutes north of Michigan City, Indiana and about 25 minutes south of St. Joseph, Michigan. In addition to this delicious meal, there are casinos, outlet malls, tons of quaint local shops, and even some other good restaurants near by. And of course there is Lake Michigan, home to some amazing beaches, resorts and laid back vacation opportunities.
Looking for other iconic places to eat at? Check out some of our restaurant reviews.
