There are burgers, and then there’s a double bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and a fried egg stacked on top.
Northwest Indiana clearly isn’t interested in keeping things simple. I’m not even sure where you’d start eating this thing, but I’d figure it out.
And that’s only one stop on the burger trail. One family has been serving burgers since 1948, another spot brings Dole Whip into the mix, and the hours are just as varied.
You can get your griddle fix at 7 AM or chase a frozen custard craving as late as 11 PM on weekends.
What really matters, though, is what’s happening underneath all those toppings. These places press their patties hard against the griddle, creating those thin, crispy edges that make smash burgers so hard to put down.
Add melted cheese and pickles, and suddenly that extra-long drive starts making sense. I’d be making a whole day of it, with absolutely no plans for dinner.
1. Miner Dunn
Some burgers come with fries on the side, but this Highland favorite has a burger that wears its onion rings like a crown. The famous Major Dunn stacks two patties, bacon, cheese, onion rings, and an egg into one glorious tower.
You’ll want napkins. Possibly a second set of hands, too.
Miner Dunn is a veteran burger joint with counter seating and a bright, airy dining room. Oldies music plays in the background, which fits the classic diner mood nicely.
The burgers here earn their spot on this list honestly. Both the original and the Highland burger come on a toasted bun with patties that crisp up at the edges.
Prefer to keep things simple? The plain hamburger and the bacon cheeseburger cover the basics without any extra stacking.
Don’t skip the sides, either. The homemade onion rings get plenty of love, and the cheese fries are a solid pick for sharing.
Got room after that? Milkshakes, root beer floats, and strawberry pie wait at the finish line for anyone brave enough.
Cold Indiana evenings call for the creamy potato soup. The menu also reaches beyond burgers with hearty meatloaf dinners and other American comfort plates.
Hours run late, until 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday afternoon and evening tend to be the busiest stretch, so a weekday visit is the calmer move.
Address: 8940 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322
2. Schoop’s Hamburgers
Breakfast at a burger joint sounds like a dare. In Crown Point, the griddle starts working at 7 AM, so you can order a Denver omelette or a toasted cinnamon roll before the smash burgers take over.
Of course, the burgers are the main event. Schoop’s traces its roots to 1948, and the brand built its name on smashing patties thin until the edges get crunchy.
The Double Cheeseburger is the obvious place to start. Two pressed patties and melted cheese make a simple pair that lets those crispy edges shine.
Want a little more going on? The Special Hamburger dresses things up while keeping the classic diner feel intact.
Sides pull their weight here. Fries and onion rings both get high marks, and the milkshakes are thick enough to slow down your straw.
Thirsty for something local? Green River soda is on tap, and that bright green fizz feels right at home next to a burger basket.
The room leans into a 1950s and 1960s look, which suits the menu perfectly. There’s also an all-beef Chicago dog for anyone who wanders over from the hot dog side of life.
Busy schedule? Takeout is available for a quick meal, and a private dining room works for bigger groups.
Sunday mornings into early afternoons fill up fast, so plan around that rush.
Address: 1124 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307
3. Schoop’s Hamburgers of Hobart
Curly fries make any meal feel like a small celebration. Hobart’s Schoop’s leans into that idea with its own Schoops Curly Fry, served right alongside crispy-edged cheeseburgers.
Same family name, different neighborhood. This location keeps the classic Schoop’s approach of smashed patties that stay juicy in the middle and crunchy at the rim.
Burger lovers can stick with a straight hamburger or go for a bacon cheeseburger. The toppings stay classic, so the crunchy beef gets the spotlight it deserves.
Need a break from beef? The grilled chicken sandwich on pretzel bread is a sneaky good alternative, and there’s a grilled chicken salad too.
Onion rings come as an upgrade, which is a choice you’ll rarely regret. Hot soup also shows up on the menu and makes a smart pairing on a chilly Lake County day.
The dining room is clean, casual, and easygoing. Staff here have a reputation for being friendly and attentive, which makes family meals run smoother.
Here’s a nice surprise for a burger spot. This location offers a casual dining experience, making it a convenient choice for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Free Wi-Fi is available if someone in your crew can’t unplug. Weekday evenings tend to be the busy time, while Saturday and Sunday mornings stay calmer.
Address: 1409 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart, IN 46342
4. Smash’d Midwest Burgers Irvington
Dole Whip usually makes people think of theme park lines. In Indianapolis, you can grab it after a smash burger with no ticket required.
Smash’d sits in the Irvington neighborhood on the east side of the city. The name tells you exactly how the patties get made.
Each patty is hand-formed, then pressed and seared until the edges caramelize. The middle stays juicy, which is the whole point of doing it this way.
Homemade pickles add a tangy snap that cuts through the richness. The Cheesey Bacon Smash is a crowd-pleaser for anyone who believes bacon improves most things.
Craving something a little different? The Patty Melt brings that same crispy beef together with toasted bread for a diner-style twist.
Fries get their own fan club here. Crispy waffle fries, sweet potato waffle fries, and Midwest Thick Cut Fries all show up, plus loaded fries for big appetites.
Nice weather opens up the outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can watch you eat with deep, longing eyes.
Families will find a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest, so an early lunch keeps things relaxed.
Save room for that Dole Whip. Pineapple soft serve after a salty burger is a combo that makes a lot of sense.
Address: 10 Johnson Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219
5. Smash’d Midwest Burgers Greenfield
Lacy edges sound like something from a tablecloth, not a burger. Out in Greenfield, that’s exactly how the smashed patties turn out, with thin, crackly rims around a juicy center.
This neighborhood spot is the Greenfield sibling of the Irvington location. It keeps the same focus on fresh smash burgers and Dole Whip.
The patties are well seasoned and pressed with care. You get that crispy edge on the outside and a tender bite on the inside.
Then there’s the smashed sauce, which earns plenty of attention. A swipe of it pulls the whole burger together in one tangy, creamy layer.
Burger fans can go with the Cheesey Bacon Combo or the Patty Melt Combo. Both stay true to the classics without overcomplicating things.
Not in a beef mood? The Hoosier Tenderloin nods to one of Indiana’s most famous sandwiches, and the Ultimate Grilled Cheese covers the comfort food base.
There’s also a Grilled Chicken Melt for anyone splitting the difference. Families get a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Table service is available here, which makes a relaxed meal easy. Free Wi-Fi helps if you need to answer a few emails between bites.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy. Weeknights tend to be quieter, so a Tuesday dinner might be your sweet spot.
Address: 5 American Legion Pl, Greenfield, IN 46140
6. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Down in Evansville, a long drive-thru line is usually a pretty good clue. At Freddy’s, that line leads to thin steakburgers with crispy, caramelized edges and a cup of frozen custard waiting at the end.
The burgers are short-order grilled and pressed thin. Those edges crisp up into lacy little crunch zones, which is exactly what this list is about.
Toppings keep things classic, with melted cheese and pickles front and center. The Single Steakburger works for a light meal, while bigger appetites can stack things higher.
Fries come shoestring style and in generous portions. Dip them in the fry sauce, which many folks consider a must.
Hot dog fans get a fair shot too. The all-beef hot dog carries a smoky, backyard grill kind of flavor.
Onion rings are another option if you want a crunchier side. Don’t fill up too fast, though, because dessert is half the name here.
The frozen custard is thick and creamy. Try a plain cone or go big with the Chocolate Brownie Delight.
Night owls, take note. The kitchen stays open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10 PM the rest of the week.
The retro setting adds a fun throwback feel to the meal. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, so your pup can join the custard party from the patio.
Address: 2848 N Green River Rd, Evansville, IN 47715
7. Workingman’s Friend
Some burgers don’t need fancy sauces or towering toppings to make an impression. At Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis, the crispy edges do most of the talking.
This old-school tavern has been serving burgers for generations, and the double cheeseburger remains the star of the show.
The patties get pressed thin on the griddle until their edges turn golden and crunchy. Melted cheese holds everything together, while familiar toppings keep the flavor right where it belongs.
Order a double if you’re hungry. Those thin patties make it surprisingly easy to finish, even with a basket of fries on the side.
The atmosphere is pure neighborhood hangout. There’s nothing overly polished about the place, and that’s part of its charm.
Workingman’s Friend has earned serious recognition for its burgers, including praise from Food & Wine and Yelp. That’s quite a reputation for a modest Indianapolis tavern.
One important detail before heading over: this is a cash-only establishment, and guests must be at least 21 to enter.
Come for the crispy cheeseburger, grab a seat, and enjoy a little piece of Indianapolis burger history.
Address: 234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222
8. Pretty Patty
Some burgers are all about the toppings. At Pretty Patty in Indianapolis, the crispy edges deserve just as much attention as everything piled on top.
This casual burger spot on North Shadeland Avenue specializes in smashed beef patties cooked until the edges develop a golden, crunchy crust.
The Pretty Classic Smash is a natural place to start. Two thin patties come stacked with melted American cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and the restaurant’s signature Pretty Patty sauce.
It’s a straightforward combination that lets the beef and its crispy edges do most of the talking.
If you prefer your cheeseburgers even simpler, the All American Smash sticks with American cheese, ketchup, mustard, and pickles.
Sometimes that’s all a good burger really needs.
For something heartier, the Circle City Smash stacks three patties with American cheese, beef bacon, pickles, grilled onions, and house sauce.
Then there’s the Pretty Stack, which adds a fried egg, beef bacon, lettuce, and mayo to two smashed patties.
The menu reaches beyond burgers, too. Hand-breaded chicken, loaded fries, onion rings, and milkshakes offer plenty of ways to turn a quick burger stop into a full meal.
Sweet potato fries and mozzarella sticks give you a few more choices if regular fries aren’t calling your name.
The setting is casual and focused on made-to-order comfort food, making it an easy option for lunch or dinner.
Come hungry for a double cheeseburger, and don’t be surprised if those crunchy little edges become your favorite part.
Address: 7554 N Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46250
9. Carmelies Smashburgers & Cookies
A good smash burger doesn’t need a mountain of toppings to make an impression. Sometimes all it takes is a hot griddle, fresh beef, and edges that turn wonderfully crispy.
That’s the idea behind Carmelies Smashburgers & Cookies in Carmel, where burgers are the main attraction.
This family-owned food truck focuses on made-to-order smash burgers known for their crispy edges and juicy centers.
The beef smash burger is the obvious place to start. It’s a straightforward choice for anyone who appreciates the contrast between a crispy crust and tender beef.
The menu also features chicken smash burgers, giving visitors another option when they’re not craving beef.
House-made sauces bring extra flavor to the burgers, while familiar toppings keep things grounded in classic American comfort food.
Fries make a natural partner for the burgers. Order some on the side, and you’ve got the kind of simple meal that rarely disappoints.
But there’s another reason to save a little room.
Carmelies also serves gourmet cookies, turning a burger stop into an opportunity for dessert.
The setup is casual and takeout-focused, so it’s a convenient choice when you’re looking for a freshly prepared burger without a formal dining experience.
For anyone chasing those thin, crispy burger edges, this Carmel spot deserves a place on the list.
Address: 1776 E 116th St, Carmel, IN 46032