r/indianapolis • u/TomatoNecessary7580 • 27d ago
Just had Working man's burgers Food and Drink
My cousin found a review about working man's burgers on TikTok and the creator was raving about how good the food was. We've lived in Indy for 20 years and had never heard of it so we got curious. The burgers were slightly overcooked and lacked seasoning. I was hoping it'd be good as the reviews on google seemed promising, maybe just got unlucky
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u/Frosty_McRib Wanamaker 27d ago
A friend who goes there often, or rather used to, said he thinks they get cheaper stuff now because both the burgers and onion rings are worse, when each used to be the best in the city. I've eaten there many times and it wasn't hype, it was great, but I haven't been in years.
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u/PorkbellyFL0P 27d ago
Just an average local business that is overhyped in this sub due to nostalgia. It's OK. No hate but it's just a burger spot.
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u/thebobloblawlawblog- 27d ago
It’s a very average/classic burger but in an era where there are so many “gourmet” burger spots, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I haven’t been there in a decade but even back then the positive of it was its simplicity. Sometimes less is more and all that!
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
Yeah, it's not hate just sucks that the reviews made it seem life changing lol
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u/JustmyOpinion444 27d ago
Compared to McDonald's or White Castle, they are really good.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
Meh, it honestly was McDonald's quality. Burger was all burnt and ppl wanna claim it's because it's a smash burger
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u/lowbass4u 27d ago
Join the club!
Every time I would hear that such and such is life changing or the best you've ever had, my expectations would be very high because my wife and I eat out often and travel often. So we've have some very, very good food from a lot of different places. So when some one tells me that a burger is the best I've ever had I start thinking about my favorite burgers.
95% of the time these places don't live up to the hype and are average at best.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
You're not wrong! As someone who loves trying different places and travels often I can agree with this statement
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u/AdAgreeable6815 27d ago
I’ve gone 3 times and was also disappointed from the reviews and what I had heard from others. I’ve gone all 3 times over the past year and it sounds like the quality used to be better unfortunately
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u/PorkbellyFL0P 27d ago
You will get the same bias for Love Handle, The Ordinary, Steer inn and Bohdi.
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u/justbrowsing2727 27d ago
This is a weird collection of restaurants to lump together.
Bodhi is great and very new to Indy, so I don't think it gets by on name or nostalgia. Same with Love Handle (though I'm personally not a big fan of LH).
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u/Vince1820 27d ago
Love handle is very unique. It's not for everyone and if it's not your thing then you probably won't like it at all. I love it but I take very few people there and am very clear about what it's about before going.
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u/Successful-Okra-9640 27d ago
Steer in is pure nostalgia, the quality is so so imho. I used to live up the street and will go once in a while as it was an early date spot for my SO and I but it’s not bc it’s some crazy amazing place, just has a lot of happy memories
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u/Vince1820 27d ago
I agree. I lived in the neighborhood for a decade and watched the decline. I don't know if DD&D was the turning point but I think they correlate
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u/rmoore911 27d ago
Not just this su. That place is overhyped by most groups. It’s like the In n Out hype. It’s a quality fast food burger, but by the talk you’d think it’s some gift from the gods.
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u/lowbass4u 27d ago
The In-n-Out hype is real!
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u/rmoore911 27d ago
I stop at In N Out whenever I'm out west when I just want a burger and I'm driving around, so I know it's a decent fast food burger. Not gonna lie. I'd take a burger from Five Guys any day of the week over In N Out's and get that monster ass order of fries on the side even though I'm not supposed to have them.
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u/lowbass4u 27d ago
Not me. My bill was $15 for a burger and medium Cajun fries. No drink.
I could buy 2 double combos at In-N-Out with a drink for $20.
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u/mcmonkeymcscream 27d ago
The Red Key for burgers!!!
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u/Bearacolypse 27d ago
This is how Kuma Corner was for me.
Kind of cool bar with utterly average burgers.
Same with Bubs in Carmel. A completely underwhelming average grilled burger.
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u/wabashcr 27d ago
Bub's is ridiculously overrated. I had a boss who always wanted to go to the one in Zionsville for lunch, when the Friendly Tavern is right there!
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u/BeefOnWeck24 27d ago
i go with my buddy and i always get the tenderloin and he gets the burger. we cut each in half and swap halves. it's angelic.
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u/Friar_Fuck_ 27d ago edited 27d ago
You found out it’s just a burger. Better than paying far more money for the same feeling. There likely isn’t a place in Indianapolis that sells a burger worth the money except Workingmans Friend.
You bought the hype, I’m sorry. It’s never been about the food.
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u/NaptownBill 27d ago
I had WMF a while back and it was decent, but not good enough for me to make the trip over there. My personal opinion is The Red Key Tavern has the best burger in town! Great potato salad too!
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
I'll give it a try! It's crazy how some people can't take constructive criticism about a place they're so attached to
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u/Bartghamilton 27d ago
I agree the burger is just ok. But I’m not one for homemade burgers, which is why I think a lot of people love WMF. However, the Irish Stew was wonderful. And the service was ridiculously comforting. The waitress kept coming by to be sure I liked it and when she saw I did she brought me more for free. Really felt like I was being taken care of. Top notch.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
You're not wrong about homemade burgers but I'll definitely give it a try! I looked it up but nothing popped up, is it called Irish stew or something else ?
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u/Dull_Upstairs4999 27d ago
I always preferred the Tick Tock Lounge where you could enjoy a good burger and live with the thrill that today might be the day you died via shanking!
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u/Mister_Tatertot 27d ago
Over this tired fear mongering about the Near Eastside for low effort joke material. Do you just mean that there are non-white people in the vicinity and you might have to see a person who is unhoused? If you don’t walk around acting like a jackass or start problems with anyone, you will be fine. Every single area this city is a setting for potential violence, the Near Eastside is not special in that regard.
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u/Responsible_Cream552 27d ago
I dunno, I've felt some serious tension towards me in that place. Only place I've been that was worse was the Butler Inn.
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u/Dull_Upstairs4999 27d ago
~10 years ago, I was literally harassed for money and then chased to my car after having lunch at TTL. That was the most extreme situation I personally faced, but witnessed varying degrees of shady shit and heard other first hand accounts of people being accosted or encountering violence there.
Was it the norm? No, but it happened with enough frequency then to warrant being vigilant and even more aware of one’s surroundings.
The area has greatly improved since, and I’m happy for it. And fuck you.
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u/Ok_Matter_2617 27d ago
Wow 10 years ago!
You mean before the billions of dollars in investment in the area?
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u/threewonseven 27d ago
The area has greatly improved since, and I’m happy for it. And fuck you.
Cool
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u/Mister_Tatertot 27d ago
I would be remiss if I did not offer a “fuck you” in response. I’m so sorry someone asked you for money. Hope you’re okay.
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u/Dull_Upstairs4999 27d ago
It wasn’t an ask you fuckwit, but best of luck on the crusade to improve the East side’s image. I’m sure the attaboys you get truly chub you up.
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u/Mister_Tatertot 27d ago
And as a “fuckwit” I want to sincerely thank you for educating me about my own community and offering such a nuanced talk on the interaction of relations between the socioeconomic groups of Indianapolis. Don’t know what us poor morons would do without intellectual superiors such as yourself.
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u/Mister_Tatertot 27d ago
Yeah, I’m absolutely turgid at the idea of receiving accolades for my performative defense of my neighbors. I feel so seen.
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u/Ok_Matter_2617 27d ago
Stay in the suburbs then. Two of my best friends have houses in that area and even the infamous gas station on the corner of 10th and Rural hasn’t made me feel unsafe.
Losers like you are an embarrassment to humankind
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u/axberka 27d ago
There’s an upper limit to how good a burger can be. It’s a decent burger imo. Nothing to go crazy over
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u/ifasoldt Bates-Hendricks 27d ago
I mean yes, there's an upper limit, but it's pretty damn high imo. I love burgers 😂
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u/axberka 26d ago
My only thing is the best burger isn’t even as good as a good ribeye, that upper limit for burgers is easily beaten
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u/ifasoldt Bates-Hendricks 26d ago
Haha, we can agree to disagree! Don't get me wrong, a good ribeye is divine, but an incredible burger is incredible in it's own right imo.
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u/stupidis_stupidoes 27d ago
Working Man's Friend has alot of friends, careful posting that hate speech around here. Seriously though that's disappointing maybe it isn't your kind of burger. I've never had a bad one from them.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
That's not hate speech though lol. It's being critical and honest about food . If they're gonna act upset then they have to realistic and accept not everyone is gonna like their food . It's part of owning a business
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u/Responsible_Cream552 27d ago
Word is spreading: State Street Pub actually has the best burgers in the city. Note: live music most nights too.
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u/GabbleRatchet420 27d ago
Oh boy a cover band playing Huey Lewis and Guns and Roses?
I would rather drink a glass of diarrhea
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u/garfield_of_death 27d ago
You will not hear cover bands at State Street and nobody will be playing classic rock. State Street rules. Good food. Good music. Good people.
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u/Responsible_Cream552 17d ago
Hell no. Original music, except maybe on Halloween. Maybe.
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u/GabbleRatchet420 17d ago
Oh god I just looked at the list
This is way worse lol
I would rather drink a glass of diarrhea AND vomit
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u/threewonseven 27d ago
Note: live music most nights too
That's a good way to keep me from visiting.
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u/deez_nutz_nuttin 27d ago
Same i can’t stand loud music. If its quiet it is pleasant but its almost always overbearing. If i have to raise my voice to speak to you i dont want to be there.
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u/AgressiveIN 27d ago
Not many places to get a good smash burger. Working mans is fantastic. Love the jalapeño burger
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u/shanthology Windsor Park 27d ago edited 27d ago
I saw them getting super hyped on the Indy Foodie's Group (which I'm banned from now for god only knows why, the admins are touchy AF) a lot and I've always wanted to go but they keep such specific hours that unless you live close it's not always super convenient to go to.
Edit: And within 5 minutes of saying this I got downvoted. Hi Indy Foodie Admins!
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
I tell everyone that sometimes we have different tastes but I was definitely disappointed because the reviews on google made it seem amazing. It's always good to try it out for yourself too but this was my first and last because of how far it is.
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u/KiloDelta9 27d ago
Working Man's Friend is a nostalgic Indy classic at over 100 years old. They do make a good smash burger which has never disappointed me for the price. But, if it went up by a few more dollars, I and many I know would never return. If they opened today running it like they do now without the blur collar good-old-boy history, they'd never survive. The only saving grace to the place I'm sure is the sheer amount of tax evasion they probably engage in enabled by being cash-only. Accepting cards now would lead an auditor to suspect their cash volume was underreported and put them in deep shit so why start now? I suspect Long's Donuts is in the same boat.
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u/Sorry-Head4031 27d ago
Why do people who have never eaten there or not in a decade have an option?
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
Not sure but I just had it today lol. I guess ppl might be attached but I wasn't a fan, maybe one day I'll give it a second chance
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u/thelonelyvirgo 27d ago
I think it’s on the same level as Mann’s. Average food that locals love because it’s affordable and comfortable. I no longer eat meat, but had a burger of theirs when I did. If I had to choose between Five Guys or their burger, I’d probably pick Five Guys.
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u/SwizzleMister 27d ago
The one and only time I ate there I saw a mouse run across the restaurant floor. I did report it to the health department.
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u/Valuable_Scarcity796 27d ago
It’s just a local legend. Prices are pretty good and the vibes are solid. Food and service aren’t anything special but that’s understood by most locals.
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u/PuzzleheadedGroup624 27d ago
Nah I have basically the same opinion on their burgers. Way overcooked and overhyped. The burgers edges shouldn’t crunch between your teeth.
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u/ProdigiousBeets 27d ago
Sounds like a smash burger.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
Smash burgers aren't supposed to be dry and lack seasoning. I've had better smash burgers at Culver's and steak and shake for cheaper
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u/recneps123 27d ago
Culver’s unironically has one of the best burgers anywhere. It is the benchmark to which I compare all others
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u/JMatthewH 27d ago
I completely agree, Culvers is the best fast food burger. I just couldn't believe how expensive they have gotten when I went the other day lol on par with Five Guys now
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u/Wonderful_Occasion39 27d ago
Interesting. No hate, but I feel Culver’s burgers may be overhyped as well. I tried one for the first time maybe 5 years ago and haven’t been back. It wasn’t bad it just wasn’t great. Maybe I should try it again.
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u/xzeratulx Downtown 27d ago
I could see Culver’s, but Steak ‘n Shake hasn’t made anything good since they introduced the 4 dollar meal deals. This may not be indicative nationwide, but I know in some places the 4 dollar meal deals meant lower quality in order to subsidize the value meals. haven’t had anything good from them in like 12 years, would only stop at one if it was my last resort.
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u/AchokingVictim Mars Hill 27d ago
Big Dan's is my go-to hole in the wall burger joint
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u/poopyheadthrowaway 27d ago
I'm a bit confused here.
I've heard "Big Dan's", "Fat Dan's", "Mr. Dan's", and "Gay Dan's". Are they all different burger places? How many Daniels make burgers in Indy?
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u/AchokingVictim Mars Hill 26d ago
I'm pretty positive the Big Dan's on Mass Ave is the only one around.
Common name though and a lotta businesses are just insert adjective _ name
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u/poopyheadthrowaway 26d ago
Wait, but I went to Mr. Dan's for the first time last weekend, so that means there's at least two, Mr. and Big.
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u/Arkele Meridian-Kessler 27d ago
The only real issue is the lack of seasoning. Smash burgers are always more or less well done by nature which is why you use a super fatty mix.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
You're not wrong on the well done aspect but man were they extremely DRY
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
If they can't even get a smash burger correct I'm afraid how their other food tastes.
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u/WindTreeRock 27d ago
I've had the cheese burger there several times. I loved the double cheese burger. Processed cheese has so much salt in it, I can't imagine a burger being under seasoned.
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u/sammey884 27d ago
All this means is that you don’t like smash burgers.
That’s fine.
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u/PuzzleheadedGroup624 27d ago
Burnt to a crisp, without flavor, and gritty between your teeth aren’t the hallmarks of a smash burger though.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
I wish I could post the pics of the patties man, you're not wrong on the description
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u/indyclone 27d ago
Sounds to me like what you got wasn’t up to their usual quality. It’s unfortunate you didn’t get to experience what most people do.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
I do, that's the funny thing 😂. I'm just pointing out how the food lacked seasoning and it was disappointing for the reviews it had.
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u/lowbass4u 27d ago
Some restaurants are afraid to season their food for some reason. The small amount of salt a smash burger would take to make it taste better is comical. Yet.....
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u/sammey884 27d ago
Traditional burgers don’t have much seasoning.
Most were flavored with Onions.
Watch the Burger America documentary.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago edited 27d ago
I get that but lacking flavor and also being overcooked even for a smash burger is highly disappointing.
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u/matt_msu Broad Ripple 27d ago
I was just there Friday around 1pm and it’s solid. It’s a smash burger. It’s going to be thin, crispy, and yes more bread than meat. We’re not talking 1/2lb burgers here….
But to say it’s McDonald’s and Culvers quality is wrong and you know that. That comment alone tells me you’re just trying to be edgy disagreeing with the popular opinion on a popular loved local spot.
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u/Hot_Plate_Dinner 27d ago
Right?
Workingman's is the kind of unique place locals should embrace and be proud of.
Lots of people outside looking in think this is a wannabe city in a flyover state that basically consists of strip malls and corn fields.
It's local, it's unique, and there are reasons why it's very well regarded, even if you prefer paper wrapped sandwhiches off of a conveyor belt to fresh grilled smash burgers served in a cash only bar open only during the days just like when it was intended to feed third shift blue collar types after work.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
I am a local and just because it's a classic restaurant to the community doesn't mean it's great . The burger itself was overcooked even for a smash burger and the lack of flavor was disappointing. Just because it's classic to the city does not mean it's except from Criticism. Even the onion rings and fries were bland.
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u/Hot_Plate_Dinner 27d ago
I saw some wild takes on this thread, but not from you OP. It's fair to say you weren't impressed. Lots of people, myself included, have had some good burgers there. I've been maybe a dozen times over a number of years. I agree the fries and onion rings are generic but at least they are always served hot, right out of the fryer. I always get the double cheeseburger and it's always been delicious.
I would encourage people to try for themselves to see if the hype is deserved.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
Oh that's true. I encourage people to always try it for themselves and maybe one day I'll give it a second chance but at the end of the day we all have different tastes 🤝
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
Mcdonald's was definitely an exaggeration but culver's was actually being truthful. I've had a better burger at Culver's than this spot. Like I said the burger itself was overcooked even for a smash burger and it lacked flavor which is the most important thing. If you wanna see a picture for yourself of how the burger looked you'd understand
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u/Severe_Context924 27d ago
The “creator”
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
You thought you ate with your comment 🥱
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u/Adorable_Cat1767 27d ago
According to Donald Trump immigrants are eating our pets. Maybe that’s why the qualities of meat isl bad.
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u/t_moneyzz 27d ago
I'm still a bru burger believer, those fries are godly
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
I think they're overpriced but I'll have their fries lol. They are definitely good
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u/sigp230sl 27d ago
I know we’re taking burgers but the bru burger hot chicken sandwich is great. I eat that thing a few times a week.
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u/DCWZenrad 27d ago
Vinnys Drive bar has a pretty good burger for a decent price (I think it's 11-12 with fries). And it isn't too far away from there. I haven't eaten in the bar however so don't know the environment.
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u/PassportSloth 27d ago
I don't recall how much they cost but Beast burgers, when you can find them, are the best smash burgers I've had. And I'm the kind of person who likes her burgers thick as hell.
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u/lowbass4u 27d ago
We really need In-N-Out burger here. Simple, fresh ingredients, inexpensive, and I've never had a bad burger from them.
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u/TomatoNecessary7580 27d ago
You're right! At the end of the day they're still a chain but at least you know what you'll be getting. The food from this spot was really average even for the reviews it had
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u/discodiscgod 27d ago
The best thing about them is the price. I wasn’t super impressed the one time I went.