Indianapolis - Best Burger

[rjohn40787]

I'm traveling to Indianapolis and would appreciate suggestions for a good burger. My preference is to not go to a fancy restaurant, being partial to burger stands. I've been to Workingman Friend's Tavern and was not impressed. How is Bub's Burgers?

[Wabash70]

Bub's is a good burger and certainly gets it's fair share of pub.

I would second Trader's Point Creamery as a great place. Probably the best beef in Indy but I was put off by the whole wheat bun.

The best burger I've had in Indy is Scotty's Lakehouse in the Geist area.

96th Street Steakburgers is highly overrated.

[rjohn40787]

I totally agree about 96th Street Steakburgers being overrated. The have decent fries, but the burgers are very subpar. Thanks for the tip on Scotty's Lakehouse.

-----
96th Street Steakburgers
4715 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240

The Lakehouse
8241 North Shore Trail, Forest Lake, MN 55025

[napolean]

It's just hard to find that perfect burger where the bun and/or toppings do not dominate...or ends up being the star. Indy needs an independent burgers and fries only joint to compete with Five Guys, IMPO. Still like Working Man's Friend double cheese for a basic burger. The place in Broad Ripple not bad but not enough to create a craving. Not interested in eating gourmet burgers here for some reason but I'm sure you can find some decent ones?

-----
Working Man's Friend
234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Five Guys
4320 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, IN 47150

[JoeIndy]

There's a relatively new place open on the south side (Southport Rd and IN-37) called Teddy's Burger Joint. Been there a couple of times and have had killer burgers.

http://www.teddysburgerjoint.com/

They have some specials which are very adventurous (scrambled egg and sausage with rough ground mustard didn't really work for me). They have some terrific spiced mayo, their fries are terrific, and they have Sun King and Upland beers on tap. I hear they have a killer tenderloin as well. The setup inside is a blend of fast casual (order, get a number, food arrives at table) and sports bar (Several TV's, open late Sunday for Colts games). They have a kids play area as well. The location isn't the best, but once you find it, it's worth it.

-----
Teddy's Burger Joint
2222 W Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46217

[nickblesch]

I'll second Bub's and Boogie Burger for local places. Five Guys is, of course, always great though.

-----
Boogie Burger
927 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Five Guys
4320 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, IN 47150

[pikawicca]

Bub's elk burger is great, as are their fires. Highly recommend. We now have a branch in Bloomington, which is very popular.

[Cookiefiend]

Indianapolis Monthly did an article last year about hamburgers - but I can't find it!

I do remember a few of them (because Mr CF tried them):

Kincaids - the favorite - cooked right and juicy
Petite Chou - the broken yoke one is a nice and the mushrooms and brie were good

Lastly - Charleston Grill - not the best by a long shot but it kind of reminds me of an upscale Big Mac and I love the loaded fries.

[Sweettooth_Scholar]

I have always had a good experience at Boogie Burger, although parking and seating can be a bit difficult during evening hours, especially on the weekends. They have many burger permutations to choose from, and are well-priced. Their milkshakes are also delicious!

My favorite burger, however, is at Traders Point Creamery. They are an organic dairy farm, and all of the meat is 100% grassfed. Its not exactly swanky, but not a burger stand either, as the eatery is in a renovated barn (quite beautiful). I think it is 10-12 for the burger, with a side (get their cottage cheese!).

I have also heard the Tie Dye Grill (eastside) is good, although I haven't been. It's kind of a biker scene. Also on the eastside is the Golden Aces Inn, Indiana's oldest Irish Pub. Not a great neighborhood, but very good prices.

Hope this helps!

-----
Tie Dye Grill
1311 N Shadeland Ave Ste B, Indianapolis, IN 46219

Boogie Burger
927 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220

[huiray]

Re: Bub's Burgers - No idea.

I don't go for burgers generally and can't personally recommend any places.

However, here are SOME places reviewed by a local food blogger (http://indyrestaurantscene.blogspot.com/) with comments from her respondents; they talk favorably (mostly) about these places, with some negative responses from some people:
96th Street Steakburgers www.96thstreetsteakburgers.com
Five Guys Burger www.fiveguys.com
Red Key Tavern (Kurt Vonnegut used to hang out here)
Boogie Burger (mixed reviews) www.boogieburger.com

But - any interest in trying a 'signature dish' of Indy/Indiana, Pork Tenderloin sandwiches? There are many iterations of this all over Indy.

[huiray]

Actually, the local blogger I referred to above does talk about Bub's Burgers in a recent post: http://indyrestaurantscene.blogspot.c...

[Uncle Luigi]

I have almost nothing to add here, except that i am interested. I live an hour or so away in Cincy and can't crack the "essential Indy" food nut. I will admit that I have had amazing burgers and steak sandwiches at Shula's, which kind of is my point.

Good luck!
Luigi