10 Hole-In-The-Wall Indiana Burger Joints That Locals Say Serve Flavor You Can’t Forget
Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of legendary burgers, but locals know better.
Tucked away in small towns and quiet neighborhoods across the Hoosier State, there are burger joints that have been serving up unforgettable flavors for generations.
These aren’t fancy restaurants with big marketing budgets—they’re the kind of places where the locals go, where the recipes haven’t changed in decades, and where every bite tastes like home.
1. Miner-Dunn Hamburgers – Highland
Step through the doors at 8940 Indianapolis Blvd in Highland, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to when burgers were simple, honest, and absolutely delicious.
Miner-Dunn has been flipping patties the old-fashioned way for decades, and they haven’t messed with the formula because, frankly, perfection doesn’t need tweaking.
No fancy toppings or gourmet pretensions here—just perfectly seasoned beef cooked to juicy perfection on a classic bun.
Locals swear by these burgers, and once you taste one, you’ll understand why generations keep coming back for more of that timeless, crave-worthy flavor.
2. The Workingman’s Friend – Indianapolis
At 234 N Belmont Ave in Indianapolis, there’s a burger that’s earned legendary status among those who know where to look.
The Workingman’s Friend has been a blue-collar institution for years, serving up what many consider one of Indiana’s absolute best burgers.
This place doesn’t apologize for being unpretentious—it celebrates it.
The burgers are thick, juicy, and loaded with flavor that comes from decades of perfecting the craft.
When locals debate the best burger in the state, this spot always enters the conversation, and for good reason—every bite proves its reputation is well-deserved.
3. 317 Burger – Indianapolis
Located at 915 E Westfield Blvd, this Indianapolis gem combines juicy burgers with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe that makes you want to stay awhile.
317 Burger nails the balance between quality and comfort, serving up patties that are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of char and seasoning.
The laid-back taproom atmosphere means you can kick back, enjoy your burger, and feel like you’re part of the local scene.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the friendly staff and consistently delicious burgers make every visit feel special and satisfying.
4. Smash’d Midwest Burgers Irvington – Indianapolis
Head over to 10 Johnson Ave in the Irvington neighborhood, and you’ll discover why smash burgers have become such a beloved trend.
Smash’d Midwest Burgers takes the concept seriously, pressing their patties onto a hot griddle until the edges get wonderfully crispy while the inside stays juicy and flavorful.
The casual vibes and local character make this spot feel like your neighborhood hangout, even if you’re just passing through.
Each burger is crafted with care, and the attention to technique shows in every single bite—crispy, juicy, and packed with that irresistible smash burger flavor everyone’s talking about.
5. Smash’d Midwest Burgers Greenfield – Greenfield
Over at 5 American Legion Pl in Greenfield, you’ll find another location of this beloved burger spot serving up the same outstanding smash burgers.
What makes this place special is the consistency—you know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s always going to be delicious.
The technique of smashing the patties creates those caramelized, crispy edges that burger lovers dream about, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
Locals in Greenfield have embraced this spot as their go-to burger destination, and it’s easy to see why when every burger delivers that perfect combination of texture and flavor that keeps people coming back.
6. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream – Carmel
At 210 W Main St in Carmel, Bub’s has been winning hearts with burgers so huge and juicy, you might need both hands to handle them.
This place oozes nostalgic charm, taking you back to the golden age of American diners when burgers were king and ice cream was the perfect finish.
The burgers here are legendary for their size and flavor, piled high with fresh toppings and cooked to perfection.
After you’ve conquered your burger, the homemade ice cream is the cherry on top of an already perfect meal, making Bub’s a complete experience that locals treasure.
7. B.F.M. Burgers Fries Milkshakes – Waterloo
Tucked away at 300 W Railroad St in Waterloo, this tiny local favorite proves that great things come in small packages.
B.F.M. keeps it wonderfully simple with classic burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes that taste like they came straight from a 1950s soda fountain.
The intimate size of the place adds to its charm—everyone’s a regular here, even if it’s your first visit.
The burgers are made with care and attention, and paired with those hand-cut fries and creamy shakes, you’ve got yourself a meal that hits all the right nostalgic notes while tasting absolutely fresh and delicious.
8. Square Burger – Danville
Right in the heart of Danville at 60 S Jefferson St, Square Burger brings handcrafted quality to small-town burger culture.
As the name suggests, these burgers break the mold—literally—with their distinctive square shape that’s become a local trademark.
But it’s not just about the shape; it’s about the quality ingredients and careful preparation that goes into every single patty.
The small-town setting makes this spot feel welcoming and genuine, where the staff knows their craft and takes pride in serving burgers that represent the best of Indiana’s hometown cooking traditions and honest flavors.
9. 67 Boars Nest – Paragon
Way out at 2285 SR-67 in Paragon, you’ll stumble upon a lesser-known treasure that locals have been quietly enjoying for years.
67 Boars Nest might not be on every tourist’s radar, but that’s exactly what makes it special—it’s authentically local through and through.
The burgers here are generous, flavorful, and made with the kind of care you only find in places where reputation matters more than marketing.
This hidden gem offers a true taste of rural Indiana hospitality, where the burgers are as warm and welcoming as the folks who serve them, creating an experience worth the drive.
10. Powers Hamburger Restaurant – Fort Wayne
Standing strong at 1402 S Harrison St in Fort Wayne, Powers Hamburger Restaurant is nothing short of an institution in these parts.
Since way back when, this place has been serving classic, affordable burgers that capture the essence of local flavor and tradition.
What makes Powers special is its unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, the same way, every single time.
The burgers are simple but absolutely satisfying, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients or trendy techniques when you’ve mastered the fundamentals and earned the trust of generations of hungry Fort Wayne residents who keep coming back.