Oakwood Proper Burgers: Savor the Flavor of Gourmet Burgers in Traverse City

A hidden gem that delivers on quality and flavor! The vanilla milkshake is an absolute standout—creamy, perfectly sweet, and one of the best I’ve had in a long time. The burgers have juicy patties and fresh toppings. The portions are generous enough that we split a burger for lunch, and it was more than satisfying. Plus, the prices are very reasonable for the quality you get.

I was excited to try breakfast at Oakwood Proper since they absolutely nail it on their burgers and fries. Breakfast is my favorite meal so having something atypical is a plus. Breakfast Fries. OMG. Portion is huge so sharing is a must. IMO could feed up to 4 people which makes it possible to enjoy other items. We got the Javelina sandwich and split it. You will want your own. Bacon was spilling out of it! These sandwiches would be great to take out and surprise the family. Interior is small but cool and retro with additional seating available across a small walkway. People are top notch. Menu is small but I suspect each item is perfect based on our visit.

Lunch at Oakwood Proper Buger was outstanding. The atmosphere is mid century ecletctic with a retro burger joint feeLunch at Oakwood Proper Buger was outstanding. The atmosphere is mid century ecletctic with a retro burger joint vibe. There is more room than it looks from the outside as indoor and outdoor seating is sprawling, including an outside bar. Service was incredible! Not only faster than most "fast food" restaraunts the food was incredible. The smashburgers were prepared perfectly and hand cut fries were plentiful and fresh. Highly praise for Oakwood Proper Burgers!!l. There is more room than it looks from the outside as indoor and outdoor seating is sprawling, including an outside bar. Service was incredible! Not only faster than most "fast food" restaraunts the food was incredible. The smashburgers were prepared perfectly and hand cut fries were plentiful and fresh. High praise for Oakwood Proper Burgers!! Looking forward to my next visit.

Great experience! Great burger and fries, great atmosphere and ease of ordering, fun and helpful staff! While the main space is small for larger groups, there’s a fun outdoor space as well for warmer months, and a dining room across that way which seats 25 if you have a larger group in the colder months. I didn’t realize this until they replied to my review (Thank you for correcting me!) You’ll love it! Stop by!

What a fun burger joint! Love the quirky decor and approach. The whole mid-century cove is fun and colorful. The staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable. But this is a place you MUST experience.

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.

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!

Amazing burgers and fries! Great little patio area but indoor seating also available. Super fast service and extremely friendly staff. Definitely worth a stop!