Best Burgers in Indianapolis
Indianapolis pairs a burger tavern that dates to 1919 with modern burger bars and smash burger shops, from Mass Ave and Fountain Square to Broad Ripple and Irvington.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has a burger scene that mixes a century-old tavern with modern burger bars and a healthy number of smash burger shops. Many of the city's best-loved burgers are casual and affordable, and local favorites hold their own against bigger regional chains.
A few areas are worth knowing. Mass Ave, just northeast of Monument Circle, is the downtown dining and nightlife strip. Fountain Square, southeast of downtown, has a lively bar scene. Broad Ripple, to the north, is a walkable village along the Monon Trail, and Keystone is a shopping and dining hub on the north side. Irvington, on the east side, is one of the city's historic neighborhoods. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.
Best burgers in Indianapolis by style
Old-school classics
Workingman's Friend is the city's burger landmark. The tavern dates to 1919 and serves thin, griddled burgers that have been recognized by Food & Wine and First We Feast. It is cash only and 21 and over. In Broad Ripple, 317 Burger is a locally owned spot with cooked-to-order burgers and poutine. If you like this style, our best classic burgers page has more.
Smash burgers
Indianapolis has plenty of smash options. Baby's on North Talbott Street is a family-friendly favorite with a playground. Roots Burger Bar on East 71st Street serves singles, doubles and triples. On the east side, Smash'd Burger Bar ranked among the area's top-rated burger spots in 2025. To learn more about the style, read smash burger vs. regular burger or browse our best smash burgers picks.
Big, creative burgers
Kuma's Corner in Fountain Square brings Chicago's heavy metal burger bar to town, with huge burgers named after bands. Bru Burger Bar on Mass Ave has a long menu that includes bison, turkey and plant-based burgers. On the north side, Flamme Burger grills fresh-ground Angus over a wood fire. See our best gourmet burgers page for more.
Plant-based
Burgeezy is a vegan burger shop using Beyond and Impossible patties, and Bru Burger Bar and 317 Burger both have meat-free options too.
Local burger traditions
The big local tradition is the tavern burger. Workingman's Friend has been serving its neighborhood since 1919, and its thin, crisp-edged patties show how long Indianapolis has been eating griddled burgers. That style has made a comeback through the city's newer smash burger shops.
Indianapolis also has a competitive streak when it comes to burgers. The local Indy Burger Battle has crowned winners over the years, and Flamme Burger's signature burger is a four-time champion. If you want to try griddled burgers at home, our guide on how to cook burgers on a griddle walks through the basics.
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash for Workingman's Friend, and remember it is 21 and over.
- Eating with kids? Baby's has outdoor seating and a playground, and 317 Burger, Roots Burger Bar and Bru Burger Bar all welcome families, which makes them easy picks for a relaxed meal.
- Group stops by area. Bru Burger Bar and Kuma's Corner are both close to downtown, while 317 Burger, Flamme Burger and Roots Burger Bar are on the north side.
- Use the Monon Trail. It connects Broad Ripple with neighborhoods to the south, which makes a bike-and-burger outing easy in good weather.
- Plan around events. Downtown and Mass Ave spots get busy before Colts, Pacers and convention crowds.
- Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.
Browse by style
Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best smash burgers, gourmet burgers in Indianapolis.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Indianapolis?
Workingman's Friend is the classic answer, with a history that goes back to 1919. For something bigger and more creative, Kuma's Corner and Flamme Burger are strong choices.
Where can I find a cheap burger in Indianapolis?
Workingman's Friend keeps things simple and old-school, and smash burger spots like Baby's, Roots Burger Bar and Smash'd Burger Bar are casual and relaxed.
Where should I eat a burger downtown?
Bru Burger Bar on Mass Ave is the easiest downtown pick, and Kuma's Corner in Fountain Square is a short drive southeast.
Are there good vegan burgers in Indianapolis?
Yes. Burgeezy is fully plant-based, and Bru Burger Bar and 317 Burger both offer meat-free burgers.