Oakwood Proper Burgers Is a Traverse City Crowd-Pleaser

What the ratings suggest

Oakwood Proper Burgers has a 4.9 Google rating from more than 1,500 reviews, a notable result for a casual restaurant. Across the available public feedback, the pattern is clear. Diners show up for hefty smash burgers, bold toppings and fries big enough to share. The strongest enthusiasm comes from guests looking for an unfussy lunch or a relaxed meal, not a full-service dining experience.

The restaurant is listed as inexpensive, but sampled reviews suggest specialty burgers and add-ons can move the final bill past basic fast-food prices. The portions may soften that sting. One reviewer called the burgers large. Another reported that an order of fries weighed a pound and could feed two or three people.

Burgers lead the experience

Flavor and size dominate the burger reviews. Diners mention cheeseburgers, bacon-and-cheese smash burgers, the original burger and signature options. One account praised the Oakwood burger. Another called out the El Padre, described as a one-third-pound smash burger with candied bacon, pepper jack cheese, grilled poblanos, lettuce, grilled onions and chipotle barbecue sauce.

That build shows Oakwood Proper is willing to go well beyond a plain patty and bun. Still, simpler orders get plenty of approval. One diner was especially taken with the original burger and its sauce. Another chose a single cheeseburger, so guests need not commit to the largest or most elaborate option.

Fries are the clear supporting act. Standard fries draw strong praise, and Cajun fries earned a positive mention of their own. Given the reported serving size, one order may be enough for a pair or small group. Burgers also reportedly come with chips. For a solo diner, adding fries could mean more food than expected.

Setup and atmosphere

Oakwood Proper appears to use counter ordering. Guests order and pay first, and the food is then brought out. Public reviews describe a small but welcoming space, with limited seating indoors and a larger outdoor area. Pleasant weather suits that arrangement. On rainy or chilly days, getting an indoor table may be tougher.

Service and speed both receive favorable mentions. One takeout customer said the order came quickly and praised the service, despite being disappointed by the food and shake. With its counter-service format and predominantly outdoor arrangement, Oakwood Proper reads as a casual stop rather than a place for a long, formal meal.

What to order and what to consider

A smash cheeseburger looks like the safest starting point, particularly for diners interested in the basics. Groups could add a single order of fries to share. Diners after stronger flavors may lean toward a specialty burger, though the sampled feedback does not point to one specialty build as the consensus favorite.

Consistency outside the burgers is the main caution. One takeout reviewer found the chocolate shake short on chocolate flavor and questioned the value. The same reviewer noted that it came without a lid. That is one complaint against an otherwise highly positive rating profile, but the public feedback still makes burgers and fries the better-supported order.