This Indiana Burger Stand’s Double Cheeseburger Outsells Everything Else (And Locals Say It’s No Surprise)
I’ll never forget my first bite at The Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis—a simple double cheeseburger that somehow tasted like history, tradition, and pure joy all rolled into one.
This unassuming burger stand has been serving the same legendary sandwich for over a hundred years, and it’s not hard to see why locals keep coming back generation after generation.
While other restaurants chase trends and gimmicks, this place sticks to what it does best: flipping perfect patties on a grill that’s older than your grandparents.
Today, we’re exploring what makes this double cheeseburger the undisputed champion of Indiana’s food scene.
A True Blue-Collar Classic Since 1918
Family traditions run deep at The Workingman’s Friend, where five generations have perfected the art of the humble burger. Opening its doors when Woodrow Wilson was president, this tavern became a sanctuary for factory workers, construction crews, and anyone who appreciated honest food at honest prices. The original owners understood something crucial: working folks needed more than just fuel—they needed a place that felt like home.
Walking through those doors today feels remarkably similar to stepping back a century. The same commitment to quality remains, even as the world outside has transformed beyond recognition. Current owner serves burgers with the same pride his great-grandfather did, refusing to cut corners or compromise on flavor.
That dedication shows in every sizzling patty that hits the grill.
The Double Cheeseburger That Built A Legacy
Perfection doesn’t need a complicated recipe—sometimes it just needs two thin patties, melted American cheese, and a perfectly toasted bun. This burger proves that simplicity beats complexity every single time. Each patty gets smashed onto the flat-top grill, creating those irresistible crispy edges that burger enthusiasts dream about at night.
The cheese melts into every nook and cranny, binding the patties together in gooey harmony. No fancy aioli, no artisanal greens, no pretentious nonsense—just pure, unadulterated burger bliss. When I took my first bite, I understood why this menu item outsells everything else by a landslide.
Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest, and this double cheeseburger is living proof of that timeless truth.
The Secret’s In The Grill (And The Grit)
Ask any regular about the magic behind these burgers, and they’ll point straight to that legendary flat-top grill. Decades of accumulated seasoning have transformed ordinary steel into something almost mystical—a cooking surface that imparts flavor impossible to replicate on newer equipment. Every burger cooked adds another microscopic layer to this culinary artifact.
The grill’s surface tells stories through its darkened patina and well-worn spots. Cooks know exactly where to place each patty for optimal crust development, a knowledge passed down like sacred wisdom. Temperature control comes from experience, not digital displays or fancy thermometers.
That old grill works harder than equipment half its age, proving that sometimes the best tools are the ones that refuse to quit.
No Frills, Just Flavor
Forget Instagram-worthy presentations and towers of unnecessary toppings—this burger stand focuses exclusively on what matters: taste. You won’t find truffle oil, microgreens, or any ingredient that requires a pronunciation guide. The menu stays refreshingly straightforward, offering variations on a theme rather than a confusing novel of options.
When your burger arrives, it comes in a simple basket with basic condiments on the side. The lack of pretension feels almost revolutionary in today’s overcomplicated food landscape. Every element serves a purpose, nothing exists just for show or social media likes.
This approach lets the burger’s quality speak for itself, and trust me, it practically shouts from the rooftops about how delicious simplicity can be when executed with care.
Stepping Back In Time
Chrome-topped bar stools line the counter like soldiers from another era, their red vinyl seats worn smooth by countless patrons. Vintage drink signs glow softly on wood-paneled walls, advertising brands that either disappeared decades ago or have been resurrected as hipster favorites. The atmosphere captures something precious that modern restaurants spend fortunes trying to fake—authentic history.
Nothing here exists for show; every element earned its place through years of faithful service. The cash register might be newer than the original, but not by much. Regulars occupy their usual spots with the comfort of people sitting in their own living rooms.
Time moves differently inside these walls, slowing down just enough to let you savor both your burger and the moment.
Where Regulars Are Treated Like Family
“Hey Johnny, the usual?” rings out before certain customers even reach the counter, because staff here have memories longer than most restaurants have existed. Some patrons have been ordering the same burger for thirty, forty, even fifty years, creating relationships that transcend typical customer service. Birthdays get remembered, life milestones celebrated, and rough days acknowledged with extra fries.
This familial atmosphere can’t be manufactured through corporate training programs or scripted greetings. It grows organically when people genuinely care about the folks walking through their door. New customers might feel like outsiders initially, but give it a few visits and you’ll find yourself part of the club too.
That sense of belonging keeps people coming back long after they’ve moved to fancier neighborhoods.
An Indianapolis Icon Hidden In Plain Sight
Belmont Avenue doesn’t exactly scream tourist destination, and The Workingman’s Friend’s modest exterior won’t stop you in your tracks. First-timers often drive right past, expecting something more dramatic for a restaurant with such legendary status. The building blends into its working-class neighborhood like a chameleon, refusing to beg for attention it doesn’t need.
But locals know that unassuming facades often hide the best treasures. Once word spreads about your visit, Indianapolis natives will eagerly share their own memories and favorite ordering strategies. The restaurant’s low profile actually adds to its charm, creating an insider’s secret that somehow everyone knows about.
Finding this place feels like discovering buried treasure, except the treasure is a double cheeseburger that’ll haunt your dreams in the best possible way.
A Must-Try Stop For Every Burger Purist
Food critics from major publications, traveling burger fanatics, and Anthony Bourdain-wannabes all make pilgrimages to this humble tavern. What draws them isn’t novelty or gimmicks—it’s the pursuit of burger perfection in its most honest form. When you’ve tasted hundreds of burgers across dozens of states, you develop an appreciation for places that nail the fundamentals without showing off.
The Workingman’s Friend consistently appears on “best burger” lists alongside establishments with far bigger budgets and fancier pedigrees. Its reputation spreads through word-of-mouth recommendations rather than marketing campaigns. Locals take pride in their neighborhood treasure, treating it like Indiana’s best-kept secret that they’re happy to share.
One bite explains everything you need to know about why this double cheeseburger reigns supreme.