If you’ve spent any time eating your way through Metro Detroit, chances are you’ve heard of Grey Ghost Detroit — the Midtown restaurant known for its bold, inventive cuisine and one of the city’s best burgers. Now imagine that same culinary creativity translated into a laid-back, fast-casual experience centered around smash burgers, hand-cut fries, crispy chicken, and house-made sauces. That’s the essence of Little Ghost, located on Woodward Ave in Ferndale.
Opened as a sister concept to Grey Ghost, Little Ghost takes everything people loved about its big brother’s burger and builds an entire menu around it. It’s a compact, high-energy space with huge flavor, and it’s already making a name for itself as one of the most crave-worthy stops in Metro Detroit.
From Fine Dining Roots to a Casual Smash Hit
What sets Little Ghost apart isn’t just the food — it’s the intention behind it. Founded by the same team that brought refined dishes and butchery-forward menus to Grey Ghost, Little Ghost takes that same chef-driven philosophy and channels it into the humble smash burger.
The result? A burger that’s deeply satisfying, beautifully balanced, and anything but ordinary. Thin, crispy-edged patties seared on a hot griddle, layered with melted cheese, fresh toppings, and house-made sauces — all tucked into a soft bun that holds it all together without stealing the spotlight.
It’s fast food reimagined by fine-dining minds. And it works.
Location & Atmosphere
Address: 22305 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Little Ghost is tucked along a busy stretch of Woodward, with easy access and plenty of parking nearby. Inside, the design is clean and minimal, with just enough edge to feel current without trying too hard. It’s bright during the day and cozy in the evening — perfect for everything from a solo lunch to a quick dinner with friends.
There’s limited seating inside, but the space is built with convenience in mind. Most guests place their orders online or at the counter and take it to go. But if you do manage to grab a seat, you’ll get to enjoy that straight-off-the-grill freshness right away.
Why It Works
Little Ghost succeeds because it doesn’t try to be everything — it just focuses on getting the core menu right. The food is comforting but intentional, with flavors that reflect its fine-dining roots while keeping the experience casual, accessible, and fast.
It also feels local. From the Ferndale address to the Detroit culinary lineage, there’s something undeniably “Metro Detroit” about this place. It’s the kind of spot you brag about to out-of-towners or make a detour for when you’re nearby. It’s unpretentious but high-quality — the sweet spot between hype and heart.
What to Know Before You Go
- Order Ahead: Use their online system during peak hours to avoid waiting — especially on weekends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Vegetarian options are limited but available. The focus is heavily on meat and comfort food.
- Kid-Friendly: The tenders and fries are a hit with younger diners.
- Fast Service: Most orders are out within 10–15 minutes — a big plus if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
Little Ghost is a powerful example of what happens when seasoned chefs lean into fast-casual dining with the same care they bring to the fine-dining world. It’s not just a burger joint — it’s a reflection of where Detroit’s food scene is headed: creative, community-driven, and undeniably delicious.
So whether you’re looking for a new lunch spot, need a reliable post-work burger, or just want to taste what all the buzz is about, make the trip to Ferndale. Little Ghost lives up to its name in size — but leaves a big impression.
Captured with ketchup still on my hands — because this kind of burger waits for no one.
Follow @metro.detroiter for more deep dives into Metro Detroit’s food scene, hidden gems, and must-try meals.
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