Detroit’s Midtown stays packed with spots, but Dirty Shake brings casual perfection: double-patty burgers, hand-cut fries, smoked wings, and boozy shakes in a red-brick neighborhood bar near Wayne State.
Opened in March 2025 by fine-dining vets Sandy Levine and Doug Hewitt, it honors Cass Corridor history with $4 beers, fun “shenanigans,” and a patio for 50.
It’s the kind of place where one burger and a Hummer have you claiming it as your new local.
How they won locals’ hearts
Dirty Shake launched as a straightforward bar from Freya/Chartreuse partners, focusing on details like three-day smoked wings and house sausage with kraut.
The double patty burger ($11) shines with sharp cheddar, pickles, grilled onions, mayo, and mustard on a potato bun. Reviewers call it “yummmmmyyyy” and pair it with hand-cut fries.
Boozy shakes like Hummer and Dole Whip, plus cocktails from Kamalani Overall (The Oakland), draw crowds alongside meatless Feta “Burger” and vegan cauliflower.
Yelp and Tripadvisor rave about “wonderful” burgers, friendly counter service, and patio vibes perfect for students, locals, and late-night hangs till 2 am weekends.
“Shenanigans” like $7 shitty Polaroids and $5 ring toss for free shots add playful energy without overcomplicating the elevated bar food.
Food Highlights
- Double Patty Burger: Sharp cheddar, pickle, grilled onion, mayo, mustard on a potato bun. Midtown’s crispy standout is at $11 with hand-cut fries.
- House Sausage: Served with kraut and spicy pickles co-created by chef Doug Hewitt for beer-pairing perfection.
- Smoked Wings: Three-day brine, cure, smoke, fry process delivers juicy, flavorful chicken that elevates bar staples.
- Feta “Burger”: Meatless option that holds up alongside beef, praised for quality in a carnivore-heavy menu.
- Vegan Cauliflower: Rice flour-battered with pepper jam, cilantro, scallion, gluten-free win for plant-based diners.
- Boozy Hummer: Detroit classic shaken up, plus fruit-forward Green Tea and limited Strong Island (two max).
Atmosphere
Dirty Shake nails neighborhood bar energy in a compact red-brick space (40 seats inside, 50 on wraparound patio). Order at the counter, seat yourself, TVs show games or Detroiters.
Vibes mix welcoming history with fun: pin your Polaroid on the wall, toss rings for shots, sip $4 beers amid Midtown buzz.
Service earns “super friendly” marks, making it ideal for quick lunches, Wayne State hangs, or late-night wings.
Bottom Line
Dirty Shake delivers Detroit’s freshest $11 double patty with smoked wings, boozy shakes, and Cass Corridor charm worth the Second Ave stop.
Burger, fries, and patio prove it’s Midtown’s rising neighborhood king.
Address:
Dirty Shake
4642 Second Ave, Detroit, MI 48201