11 Indiana Burger Chains That Prove Their Beef Is Worth The Road Trip
Indiana knows its way around a good burger. Sure, you could grab a patty anywhere, but the Hoosier State has built a serious reputation on chains that care about the char, the cheese, and the perfect bun-to-meat ratio.
I spent last summer criss-crossing the state, testing drive-thrus and sit-down spots, and let me tell you: some of these places turned a simple road trip into a full-blown burger pilgrimage.
Here are eleven chains that prove Indiana beef is absolutely worth the miles.
1. Culver’s
Butterburgers are the calling card here, and Culver’s nails them every single time. Each patty gets a craggy, smash-seared edge that locks in flavor, then gets topped with real Wisconsin cheese that melts into every nook.
You can find Culver’s all over the Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Keystone Avenue, 71st Street, and Rockville Road. The custard menu rotates daily, so you never know what wild flavor will show up next.
I always order a double ButterBurger with cheese curds on the side. The crunch-to-goo ratio on those curds is borderline addictive, and pairing them with a concrete mixer makes the whole meal feel like a Wisconsin vacation without leaving Indiana.
2. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Skinny patties pressed until their edges turn lacy and crisp define Freddy’s steakburgers. The griddle work is precise, and the result is a burger that balances crunch with juicy beef in every bite.
Newer Indiana openings in towns like Elkhart keep the buzz alive, while long-timers in Columbus have been feeding loyal fans for years. Shoestring fries and tangy fry sauce round out the meal perfectly.
The combo platter is my go-to order. Those ultra-thin fries cook up light and crispy, and dunking them in Freddy’s signature sauce turns a simple side into something you will crave on every road trip through the state.
3. Five Guys
Heavy, juicy doubles are the standard at Five Guys, and they cook every burger to order so you can pile on free toppings until your heart is content. The squishy bun soaks up all the juice without falling apart.
Indiana stores stretch from Lafayette down to multiple Indianapolis addresses, making it easy to find a location no matter where your trip takes you. Peanut-oil fries arrive in massive portions that spill out of the bag.
I never skip the grilled onions and mushrooms. The smell alone when they hit the griddle is worth the visit, and the way those toppings meld with melted American cheese creates a burger that feels custom-built every single time.
4. Shake Shack
ShackBurgers come with that signature ShackSauce, a tangy-sweet blend that has earned a cult following nationwide. The potato bun is soft but sturdy, and the beef patty delivers a satisfying sear on the outside.
Indiana locations include Downtown Indianapolis, the Fashion Mall at Keystone, Fishers, and even an airport spot for travelers craving a quick fix. Crinkle fries and frozen custard complete the classic Shake Shack experience.
Last time I was at the Fashion Mall location, I tried the SmokeShack with bacon and cherry peppers. The smoky-spicy kick paired beautifully with a vanilla custard shake, and I left wondering why I do not make that detour more often on shopping trips.
5. Rally’s
Late-night cravings meet drive-thru convenience at Rally’s, where the Famous Seasoned Fries steal the spotlight just as often as the burgers. Budget-friendly combos make it easy to feed a carload without breaking the bank.
With 35 Indiana locations, you will find busy Rally’s stores in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and New Albany. The drive-thru-only setup keeps service fast, even during the midnight rush.
Those seasoned fries are pure magic. The spice blend hits just right, salty and a little peppery, and they stay crispy even after a long drive home. I always order extra because they vanish faster than any side I know.
6. Steak ‘n Shake
Indiana-based and proud of it, Steak ‘n Shake has been serving steakburgers and hand-dipped shakes since 1934. The retro vibe remains alive in multiple operational Hoosier stores, including several in Indianapolis, plus Mishawaka and Merrillville.
The thin patties cook fast on a flat-top griddle, and the toasted bun adds a buttery crunch. Hand-dipped shakes come in endless flavors, and the diner atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.
I grew up hitting the Steak ‘n Shake on Meridian Street after high school football games. A double steakburger with a side of cheese fries and a chocolate shake was the perfect way to celebrate a win or drown the sorrows of a tough loss.
7. White Castle
The original slider pilgrimage starts here, with steam-grilled onions and soft buns that have been perfecting the art of tiny burgers since 1921. Crave Cases hold 24 sliders, and yes, people really do finish them.
Active locations dot Indiana, including a busy downtown Indianapolis Castle that serves late-night crowds and early-morning commuters alike. The onions cook right into the patty, infusing every bite with savory flavor.
I once challenged a buddy to a Crave Case race after a concert downtown. We both finished, but the regret kicked in about an hour later.
Still, those little sliders are weirdly irresistible, and I find myself ordering a ten-pack every few months just to scratch that itch.
8. Schoop’s Hamburgers
Region legend since 1948, Schoop’s has perfected the ultra-crisp, lacey edge that defines a proper smash patty. The beef gets pressed hard onto a screaming-hot griddle, creating a crunchy perimeter that contrasts beautifully with the juicy center.
Multiple Northwest Indiana diners serve this masterpiece, including locations in Munster, Crown Point, Valparaiso, St. John, and Michigan City. The old-school diner vibe adds charm to every visit.
My first Schoop’s burger happened on a trip to the Indiana Dunes. The lacey edge lived up to the hype, delivering a texture I had never experienced before. Now I make sure to stop at the Crown Point location whenever I am passing through the Region.
9. BRU Burger Bar
Chef-driven burgers made from house-ground beef and served on fresh-baked buns set BRU Burger Bar apart. Each burger feels like a culinary creation, with inventive toppings that go way beyond ketchup and mustard.
This Indiana-grown chain has locations stretching from Indianapolis Mass Avenue to Greenwood, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and beyond. The vibe is upscale-casual, and the menu pairs beautifully with local masterpieces.
I tried the Quattro Formaggio burger at the Mass Ave spot last spring. Four cheeses melted together into a gooey, decadent blanket over a perfectly cooked patty.
It was rich, indulgent, and exactly the kind of burger that justifies a special trip downtown.
10. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream
Home of the Big Ugly challenge, Bub’s hand-pats every burger and cooks it over an open flame for that smoky char. The shakes are thick, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere is pure Midwestern comfort.
This beloved mini-chain has locations along the Monon Trail in Carmel, plus spots in Zionsville and Bloomington. Families flock here for the combination of great burgers and creamy ice cream.
I watched a guy attempt the Big Ugly once at the Carmel location. He made it through four patties before tapping out, but the effort was heroic.
I stuck with a regular cheeseburger and a cookies-and-cream shake, which was more than enough deliciousness for one sitting.
11. Wayback Burgers
Classic flat-top burgers cooked with precision and thick shakes that require a spoon define the Wayback experience. Limited-time offerings keep the menu fresh, and the quality stays consistent across all locations.
Indiana presence includes two Evansville spots and a Fishers restaurant, making it easier for Hoosiers to grab a Wayback burger without a long haul. The nostalgic branding and straightforward menu appeal to burger purists.
I stopped at the Fishers location on a whim last summer. The double cheeseburger hit all the right notes: crispy edges, gooey cheese, and a soft bun that held everything together.
The peanut butter cup shake was almost too thick to drink, but I powered through happily.