It’s ‘Olive Burger Week’ in Lansing — Where to Get the Best

Unless you're well-traveled, you may not realize exactly how unique the olive burger is.

The olive burger is very much a Michigan thing, tracing its humble beginnings to Lansing more than 100 years ago.

What Makes an Olive Burger Unique

Traditionally, an olive burger features "green olive sliced into a mayonnaise-based sauce, maybe with a little garlic salt on a burger patty, buns," according to Erin Brains, co-founder of Lansing Foodies. "Doesn't necessarily need cheese. Could have some cheese, maybe some Swiss.”

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Every restaurant that serves them seems to tweak its recipe from there. Some stay pretty close to tradition; others get pretty imaginative. Those who love olive burgers love them, and those who don't try not to judge those who do.

"I don’t know if you knew this, but we are the olive burger capital of the world.” ~ Erin Brains, Lansing Foodies

Lansing 5:01 and Lansing Foodies have proclaimed the week of January 23-31, 2026, as "Olive Burger Week" around Lansing and Greater Mid-Michigan. More than two dozen restaurants around the city and region are featuring their version of the Mitten's culinary classic, and it's more than just burgers — some places are serving up olive burger pizzas and even olive burger inspired charcuterie boards.

How Some Restaurants Are Reinventing the Olive Burger

While olive burgers typically use green olives, there are no rules. For instance, the "Oh, Black Betty" at Eaton Rapids Craft Company incorporates black ones. The "Popeye" at Good Truckin' in Old Town Lansing features a patty made of chuck, brisket, and short rib, along with wilted spinach, two cheeses, and its own proprietary olive sauce.

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Top Olive Burger Picks in Mid-Michigan

If you're curious who's serving what during "Olive Burger Week," check out the list of participating restaurants here, and scroll through some mouth-watering pictures below!