When a burger craving hits, it HITS. Trust me, I get it. And, this year, I satisfied that craving at several of our Central Indiana burger establishments. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic American smash patty or a creative concept like my personal favorite, a peanut butter burger (shh, don’t fight me on this one), Indianapolis is home to some amazing burger restaurants you have to add to your list to try this year!
Here are just a few burgers I’ve tried recently in Indy and the surrounding areas:
Prefer a video visual? Click here for a round up of the Indiana burgers I have tried recently.
Roots Burger Bar
Technically, I am already cheating with this first one because I visited the Muncie, Indiana location of Roots Burger Bar while visiting my little brother at college (Ball up! Er… Chirp down? You know what I mean). Thankfully, my Indy friends are still in luck because they also have a Carmel, Indiana location which is why it is included on this Central Indiana burger round up.
I tried the PB & J Burger which comes with bacon, peanut butter, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, and grape jam. Do you guys remember Scotty’s Brewhouse in downtown Indy? Well, I’ve been on the hunt for a peanut butter burger that rivals theirs ever since they closed down, and I am happy to report my search is over! This one HITS!!!
Last thing about Roots: I really appreciate that they have different pricing based on the amount of patties you choose to put on your burger. For example, The PB & J was $13.99 for a single, $16.49 for double, and $18.99 for a triple.
Future Sondra here, and I LIED! There’s one more thing: They give you popcorn for the table upon being seated so naturally, I’m obsessed.
317 Burger
Ok, you knew this was coming. What’s an Indianapolis burger round up without our beloved 317 Burger? 317 Burger is known for their old school atmosphere and creative burger concepts, like the Strawberry Hill, which I ordered on this visit. The Strawberry Hill came with spicy strawberry compote, peanut butter, bacon, and habanero-ghost pepper cheese. I, once again, opted for the peanut butter style burger, but can you blame me?
I also learned a lot of fun history and Easter eggs from our server, like the fact that all the clocks on the wall are set to 3:17, and that the owls found all over the restaurant move occasionally and patrons try to find them all.
One thing I will warn you about, Dear Reader, is that because this is in Broad Ripple, you have to pay for parking. Womp, womp. But still worth the visit. Especially if you are exploring some of the other fun shops/restaurants in Broad Ripple!
The Courthouse Club
Are you sick of me talking about The Courthouse Club in Noblesville yet? I truly can’t help it, so bear with me a little longer. While this isn’t a “burger restaurant” (in fact, there’s only one burger on the entire menu), I wanted to include it since it’s one of the best I’ve had in recent memory. My husband got “The Burger” (yes, that is exactly what it’s called on the menu), and gave me a little taste before literally devouring it whole.
The Burger comes with truffle spread, tempura mushroom, and white cheddar. It does come with a slightly higher price tag at $24, but have no fear! This one actually comes with fries you don’t have to order and pay for separately (I’m looking at you, Every Burger Restaurant In Indianapolis).
Curious what else is on the menu at The Courthouse Club? Check out our video review here.
Kick Starrt
One of the most unique burgers I’ve had recently, or perhaps ever, was at Cafe Kick Starrt in Carmel, IN. I got to try basically their entire menu when I visited, but the main standouts were the two burgers I got to try. SPOILER ALERT! If you are on the hunt for a breakfast burger, or just a place you can get a burger AND coffee any time of day, this is your spot!
They had a classic smash burger that was insanely good, but I also loved their Spicy Beef Burger with Omelette which features a juicy halal beef patty topped with a fluffy omelette, fresh crisp salad, and ketchup. Pictured above.
BONUS: This Indiana cafe is HMS Zabiha Halal.
Curious what else is on the menu at Kick Starrt? Click here for my full video review.
Wayback Burgers
I know this is a chain, but it was too juicy not to include! Wayback Burgers in Fishers, Indiana had by far the juiciest cheeseburger I tried all year. Plus, I am a sucker for sides and they truly had it all. I’m talking cheese curds, fried pickles, onion rings, and of course fries (including those of the chili cheese variety).
Want to see the full video of our visit to Wayback Burgers? Click here.
BRU Burger Bar
I know I’m so basic for saying this, but this is absolutely my go-to burger in Indy. To know me is to know my love for BRU Burger. I literally just get the regular “Burger Snack” (which I remember being $5 back in the good ol’ days, but now we are at $10). I believe you can now get almost all of the burgers in a “snack” size which is honestly plenty because—and listen to me carefully—you have to get the nachos as an appetizer.
I know this is a burger round up, so I’ll shut up after this, but my favorite meal of all time is the BRU Burger BBQ Chicken Nachos. In college, my best friend and I would get the nachos and the BRU Fries about twice a month. We actually still do this to this day BTW! Shout out to the Lexington, KY location for real.
Pro Tip: The best fries are at the Plainfield location. IYKYK.
Indy Burgers on my 2026 List
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Sondra, why the HECK have you not tried my favorite burger place ABC, XYZ, FITB?!? And to that I say, drop a comment here and tell me who has your favorite burger spot in Indy, Central Indiana, or beyond. I am looking for new places to try in 2026 and would love your suggestions!
I have absolutely had my fair share of burgers in Indianapolis, but I know I am missing some. A few on my list for this year are:
The Workingman’s Friend – Unofficially coined as Indy’s Best Burger. It is cash only and 21+!
Kuma’s Corner – Fountain Square area. I have also heard they have amazing salads.
Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream – I have been to this one, but it has been a WHILE. I think I’m due for a revisit.
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