12 Hidden Indiana Burger Joints Serving Double Cheeseburgers Locals Can’t Stop Ordering
Indiana might be famous for racing and basketball, but locals know the real treasure lies in hidden burger joints scattered across the state.
These under-the-radar spots serve up double cheeseburgers so good they’ve earned cult followings in their neighborhoods.
From classic diners to drive-ins with decades of history, these places prove that the best burgers aren’t always found at fancy restaurants.
1. Workingman’s Friend
Since 1918, this no-frills Indianapolis institution has been feeding hungry workers with burgers that pack serious flavor without pretension. The double cheeseburger arrives wrapped in paper, dripping with grease in the best possible way, topped with perfectly melted cheese.
Cash-only and proud of it, this spot doesn’t need fancy marketing when word-of-mouth has kept lines forming for over a century. The buns get gloriously toasted on the same griddle where countless patties have sizzled before.
Locals swear by the simple approach here—no complicated toppings, just beef, cheese, and pure satisfaction.
2. Indy Porkopolis BBQ
Who says you need to sacrifice creativity for quality? This spot combines inventive flavor combinations with the reliable comfort of a perfectly cooked double cheeseburger that makes taste buds dance.
The name might suggest pork dominance, but their beef game is absolutely legendary among Indianapolis burger enthusiasts. Each patty gets seasoned with care and cooked to juicy perfection, sandwiched between artisan buns that hold up to the challenge.
This small burger operation runs out of a counter window attached to Indy Porkopolis BBQ, so the charm comes from its “hidden walk-up window” setup that locals love.
3. Indy’s Burger Joint
Sometimes the best things come with the simplest names, and this neighborhood favorite proves that theory deliciously correct with every order.
Their double cheeseburger philosophy centers on quality ingredients and generous portions that leave customers genuinely satisfied. The cheese melts into every crevice of the beef, creating that perfect gooey texture everyone craves but rarely finds.
Regulars have their favorite tables and usual orders, creating a family-like atmosphere where newcomers quickly become part of the burger-loving community. The fries deserve honorable mention too—crispy outside, fluffy inside.
4. BRU Burger Bar
Craft drinks and killer burgers unite at this elevated burger bar where the double cheeseburger gets treated like culinary art without losing its soul.
The patties arrive thick and juicy, stacked high with cheese that cascades down the sides like a delicious waterfall. Each bite delivers that perfect ratio of meat to cheese to bun that burger dreams are made of.
Despite the upscale vibe, prices remain reasonable and portions stay generous, making it a go-to spot for both casual lunches and celebratory dinners.
5. Mel’s Drive-In
Nostalgia tastes even better when served with a side of perfectly grilled beef at this throwback drive-in that refuses to let the good old days die.
Car hops still bring trays to your window, delivering double cheeseburgers that taste exactly like summer memories should. The cheese gets extra melty from the heat of fresh-off-the-grill patties, creating that stringy pull everyone photographs.
Families have been making Mel’s a tradition for generations, passing down the love of simple, honest burgers done right. Milkshakes are mandatory here—it’s practically a rule.
6. The Mug
Don’t judge this book by its unassuming cover—inside waits one of Indiana’s most underrated double cheeseburgers that locals guard like a secret recipe.
The Mug is actually a family-friendly “farm-to-curb” drive-in using locally sourced meat from Indiana farms.
Its carhop-style service and freshly made burgers embody classic drive-in charm.
Cold drinks and hot burgers make an unbeatable combination, especially when the cheese is still bubbling from the griddle. Regulars know to arrive early on weekends.
7. Hilltop Drive-In
Perched on its namesake location, this drive-in has been a beacon for burger lovers since way back when drive-ins actually meant something special to American culture.
Their double cheeseburger arrives with that distinctive char-grilled flavor that only comes from years of seasoning built up on well-loved cooking equipment. The cheese selection might seem basic, but sometimes American cheese is exactly what perfection requires.
Outdoor picnic tables fill up fast during summer evenings when locals gather for burgers and gossip. The onion rings are legendary too.
8. Mr. Weenie
The name might suggest frankfurter supremacy, but insiders know the double cheeseburger here rivals anything from more burger-focused establishments across the state.
This no-nonsense stand keeps things straightforward—order at the window, grab your food, enjoy burger bliss without unnecessary complications or upcharges. Patties get smashed on the griddle, creating those crispy edges that add textural excitement to every bite.
Lines form during lunch rushes, but the quick service keeps things moving faster than you’d expect. Cash speeds up the process even more.
9. Miner-Dunn Hamburgers
Family recipes passed down through generations create the magic behind these burgers that taste like someone’s grandmother decided to open a restaurant and share her secrets.
The double cheeseburger here follows time-tested techniques that modern chains have forgotten in their quest for efficiency over excellence. Cheese melts slowly and evenly, coating the beef like a savory blanket of dairy goodness.
Regulars treat this place like their personal kitchen, greeting staff by name and ordering without even glancing at menus. First-timers should ask for recommendations—locals love sharing.
10. South Side Burger Stop
Geography matters when you’re serving a community that demands excellence, and this south side staple has earned its reputation one perfectly constructed burger at a time.
Their double cheeseburger balances flavor and portion size so well that finishing feels satisfying without that uncomfortable overstuffed feeling. The beef tastes distinctly fresh, never frozen, with a texture that proves quality sourcing makes all the difference.
This hidden gem operates inside Wamy’s BNB gas station on Ridge Road in Munster, which is a big part of what makes it such a cult favorite. The atmosphere buzzes with neighborhood energy and burger appreciation.
11. Powers Hamburgers
Step inside and travel backward to when burgers cost pocket change and quality mattered more than marketing campaigns or Instagram-worthy presentations.
This tiny counter serves double cheeseburgers with an efficiency that would make assembly lines jealous, yet each one tastes handcrafted with care. The griddle has been seasoning itself for so many years that it probably adds flavor scientists couldn’t replicate in laboratories.
Counter seating means conversations flow freely between strangers united by their love of simple, honest food. Napkins are plentiful—you’ll need them.
12. Pete’s Drive-In
Few things beat eating a hot double cheeseburger in your car while watching the world go by, and Pete’s has perfected this quintessentially American experience.
The burgers arrive wrapped tightly to keep the heat in and the toppings secure during that crucial journey from kitchen to vehicle. Cheese stays molten hot, beef stays juicy, and buns somehow remain structurally sound despite the delicious mess contained within.
Though Pete’s opened in 2022, it authentically recreates the classic cruising-and-carhop tradition that older drive-ins were known for, making it feel like a cherished tradition from day one.