Fantastic hidden gem hiding in plain sight in Anderson. I've been a resident here for 30+ years and just now made it here this year. A true delight. The only downfall is the amount of seating. This place is too small for its popularity. Food always comes out hot and tasty. read more

I am 62 years old, have lived in Madison County for most of my life, and had never eaten at the iconic Lemon Drop. Until last night. My wife and I decided on a whim to try it, and it was awesome. It's very small and I doubt the décor has changed much in 50 years, but that's what makes it so unique. A large scale electric train slowly circles around the top outer edge and seems to be there just because. They have a large L-shaped counter with fixed, round padded stools and a few tables/booths crammed in. There were probably 5 employees zipping around taking care of everything and everyone, and they all seemed to happy to be there moving in and out of the tiny spaces (and each other) like they'd been doing it for quite a long time. We HAD to order the iconic Onion Burger, which is what they are famous for. It's two thin hamburger patties with sautéed onions in between, then dressed out like a normal burger. I now get why it's been voted the best burger in Madison County since they started voting on such things. The onion rings were crispy and tasty as well, and even the fountain coke seemed to taste better than other places (the waitress told us the secret is their special ice that is probably closer to snow!). We asked if they had anything to dip the onion rings in and the waitress told us their ranch dressing is excellent and, "We make it ourselves." Yeah, it was good. If I could give the Lemon Drop six stars I would. Yeah, it's kind of a greasy spoon little diner, but it's also the kind of place that has largely been lost in America. Few places like this exist anymore, and it was really neat to see every single table filled and everyone enjoying great food and service. It took me 62 years to get there the first time. It won't take nearly that long to go back! read more

This is a classic "local greasy spoon" (said with all respect) that we found just by my wife just looking for "best places to eat in Anderson. You'll either love it or hate it though. They've been doing "the same thing the same way" it appears for over 60 years. We had two onion burgers and onion rings. Even though the A/C was out, the 5 ladies working were serving it up fast and fresh to the packed dining area--even phone-in orders. This was our first time, but would not hesitate to go back when in the area. Onion Burger read more

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Fantastic local restaurant. Food is excellent! Service is efficient and friendly. Atmosphere is very retro, and the constantly moving train is a delight to watch. Try the onion burger, it's yummy! read more

Great food amazing prices great place to be at friendly staff and great atmosphere playing was great and cook right

Talk about friendly customer service! The ladies behind the counter were sweet and very welcoming. It was our first time visiting, it should not have taken me almost 4 years to visit this classic Madison County diner. It's an iconic restaurant in Anderson, famously known for its onion burgers. It's a tiny, little diner - a bit of a hole in the wall but perhaps that is what makes them so iconic and special. They do say the best places are dives. They've been in business for decades, so they are doing something right! Seating is limited, up to about 20 people at once total. We sat at the bar (just two of us) and ordered the onion burgers and fries. They are accommodating those who want bunless burgers and will wrap your burger in lettuce upon request. Lots of people were coming in to order takeout. Our food was served fast! read more

The Lemon Drop - Lettuce wrapped burger - Burgers Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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Love to see locals supporting their local restaurants and businesses. It was packed but we got fast and friendly service. Food was yummy. Try the burger on their toasted bread. I was at first like what but I am glad I tried it. Great fries and onion rings. Staff is awesome always checking on you. It could use an update but it is down home Americana ambiance. The wood ceiling and the toy train passing by above you. It's like pull up a seat and give me your order vibe was like going to a friends house and not a restaurant. I can't wait to try something else next time I am going with my family. read more

Not sure why I am reviewing this as there is not much more to be said that hasn't already been said. One of the best burgers I have had. My son lives here and it is a must stop every time we come to see him. Absolutely amazing burgers, fries and shakes. Just lucky to have experienced it. Don't pass this up if you are anywhere near this place!! read more

ok, it's not gourmet food, it's a counter-top grill ... but it gets 5 stars for sheer awesomeness of tiny old school diner and service with a big smile! I got my order to go because I had my dog in the car waiting for me. Also, it was packed! There are 3-4 booths and nine stools around a counter. There's an old coke machine, and a model train that runs around the top perimeter. I wasn't super hungry, so I just got a breaded tenderloin and a diet coke. The sandwich was a good size and came with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and mayo. Of course, I got the lemon drop candy, too -- nicely individually bagged. On a different day, I'll have to try an onion burger, onion rings and a milkshake! #NewToMePlace #yum #ReviewsByRL read more

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This place won't jump out at you but it's very good! It seems like everything in there is from the 50s and they took good care of it. My sons love the train that rides around on top. It's a very old school feel. We love the onion burger and fries and their milkshakes are super thick! Everything is made to order but you never have to wait long for your food. This place is VERY small so be prepared to wait if you go during a busy time or have a seat at the counter (but even those are booked a lot too!) read more

Awesome little restaurant that has been delicious for years. It's small so be patient, I always plan enough time to wait for a table if I'm with someone and sit at the bar if dining alone. The burgers are the best, onion burger is a speculator sandwich load it up with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. The French fries are delicious, I cannot remember the last time I got excited for fresh fries but these are what childhood memories are made out of. The lemon drop gets 5 stars for nostalgic atmosphere , great food and wonderful service at a reasonable price. read more

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Great service and the food is even better has that old fashion feel to it and the handmade cherry coke is so good the burgers are very very good onion burger I was surprised I really liked it fry's are very good . Neat little place sometimes you have to wait to get a seat but it's worth it read more

A decent greasy spoon sort of burger joint. There's really only one item I order and it's the onion burger. That's the reason for the 3 stars, there's just not enough for me to like to give more. read more

This place has big reviews marks not sure why!!! the burger we had was the worst I have ever had. A white castle double stack was 2 times bigger than the one I got there. The old school feel we loved it... the staff was A+ great people working there, but if the burger is thinner, then a piece of card board how can this place get 4 1/2 stars wish I would of took a picture so sad I had high hopes after smelling the place when u walk in..... read more

The best burger in Indiana. Every time I go here the service is great, and the food is awesome. Not old enough to experience a 60's diner but I'm guessing this is as close as you can get it one today! I've never come out of this place hungry. Thank you Lemon Drop, you are awesome. read more

Excellent in every way as far as my taste. Great American food, great service, great and interesting ambiance.

My wife and I live trying local restaurants. We were in Anderson, IN, a small town north east of Indianapolis. Beautiful countryside. It was dinner time, and we saw a billboard for this place. Locals inside. I bet they eat here a lot. Great comfort food. Food appeared home made, was hot and the server was so nice! I tried the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and coke slaw. My wife had chicken fried steak with mashed and salad. Food was tasty...everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their food. Nothing fancy...but hit the spot!! read more

Quaint little diner with great food and great customer service! Amazing little burger joint where you can watch your food be cooked.

September 14, 2019 Saturday - 2:45 PM for lunch 5 Adults Atmosphere - 4 stars Food - 5 stars Service - 5 stars Background - Finished up so work nearby and was asked to work my wizardry with my Yelp app. I found this gem. Atmosphere - Yellow painted cinder block building. So you know this place is old, but it is full of character. Yeah the place is showing its age, but I did not care. The place has a few booths where three of us sat and other two at the diner counter top. Food App or Side? - I ordered the onion rings with my burger. The French fries that the others ordered and the rings all came out before the burgers. The onions themselves were the kind you would find anywhere. So next time I will probably go with the fries. Lunch - Simple menu posted on the wall. I saw the Onionburger on the menu and I was sold. Two patties with onion slices in between, then cooked on the flat top that way. The waitress rattle of a laundry list of toppings, and I said yes. The onions where cooked perfectly in the burger. The burger went done with ease. Service - It was great. It is small place and that the staff is hustling to serve their customers. read more

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This is a small Anderson gem! We love to stop by The Lemon Drop and enjoy an onion burger and fries! The onion burger is AMAZING, must try! Small little spot, but never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a table. The unique setting adds to meal. And we have always had great service! read more

We recently went to Lemon Drop for the first time. We did a pickup order. Service was great. Order was correct. Great price and good sized portions. Will be returning for sure. read more

Breaded Tenderloin Loved the family own staffed restaurants. The reason why I say that is because they treat everyone like they're own family, with love and kindness. The Breaded tenderloin. Was the best that I've ever seen and eaten. You can see the hard work that comes with your food by seeing it made in action. The waitress are the best. I'll come here again and again. I'm surprised that diner Drive-In and Dives hasn't been here before. It's one of a kind of the city of Anderson. read more

This place looks like a little hole in the wall from the outside and inside it is done in a 50's diner theme with bar stools and booths and I believe there is even a jukebox. Our service was fast and friendly. They are known for their onion burger and that is what my husband had. He said it was really good. I had the double cheeseburger and it was good also. Fries are the match stick type and you get plenty of them. I would like to try the onion rings some time. The portions of meat are a little small, but if you are looking for a nice little lunch and good prices, you will like this! read more

What a wonderful nostalgic place. If you are in the area you must stop here for a burger. All the locals eat here. Great food at a great price. read more

Friendly service and always hot fresh food!! My grandchildren love the train. Always busy but move people in and out quickly.

One of our favorite places to eat!!! Food is amazing and staff is great. My only downside is it is so hard to get in When you do such a good job though you are in high demand!! read more

The lemon drop is a fun little diner with delicious food. It has amazing atmosphere, decorations, COVID precautions, and many more things! This place has the famous onion burger that I would definitely recommend you eat. They also have this fun little milkshakes that taste a m a z i n g . They have a really nostalgic vibe and lots of neat decorations including seasonal ones. Two downsides though, it's a little cramped, and there's a lot of smoke from the food. The service was amazing and we got our food so fast! I would definitely recommend, 10/10 read more

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I have always wanted to stop in at the Lemon Drop. I was passing by around lunchtime figuring the lot was full. To my surprise I was early and beat the crowd. This is a cool little mom and pop restaurant. Cool train that runs around the inside top of the dining room. Old style booths and bar area. I had double cheeseburger and fries with a coke. Best news of all is they have crushed ice . Can't wait to go back. read more

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Service was terrific. The food was also very good. My Go to place for a good burger, much better than McDonald's or Wendy's. & cheaper too

Great food. It has been there since before I was a child. You wont be sorry. Just about everything on the menu is so good!

I've heard about the Lemon Drop since moving to Indiana 10 years ago. I've never been until last weekend and I'm pretty upset about it! Definitely should have visited long before Covid made its appearance! Absolutely adorable place, our server was wonderful, onionburger was delicious! The fries and onion rings were hot and not greasy!! This is the first restaurant we have "dined in" since Covid began and I can say I was not disappointed in our choice to do so.. Despite how tiny the place is, I felt perfectly comfortable eating there as their precautions are numerous. I don't think the Lemon Drop needs any help from me gaining patrons, but I will say, if you haven't been, GO!! read more

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I made a visit to the oldest diner in Anderson while on my way to the Mounds State Park. It is compact and finding parking around lunch time was challenging. I finally found a space and walked into this compact dining room. Although the sign calls the place a "drive in", there is no outdoor attendance like Gene's Root Beer down the street. This is a dine in or call ahead place with an open kitchen and a limited amount of seating. There is counter seating around the kitchen and then booths on the north end. Customers were standing while waiting for their orders and for spaces to open up. The service was quite friendly and did a great job keeping up with the customer demand. Since each order is customized, I watched as the cooks rotated around the small grill and work area pulling the items together. While I waited, I noticed the small toy train run on an elevated track above the kitchen and customers. There is also a photo collage of famous people who have dined there, including Colts players from when the training camp used to be in town. Since it was so busy, I decided to ask for my order to go. I got a single "Onion Burger" and fries. The onion burger comes with the onions grilled along with the burger which is quite tasty. I also was able to add a variety of common toppings to my order as well. The fries were more of the matchstick variety and arrive unsalted. Fortunately, there were plenty of napkins, and packets of salt and ketchup in my bag. Nothing fancy, but a good tasting burger. Review #1165 read more

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A classic. It hasn't changed in the 30 years I've lived then visited Anderson. The train still runs along the top, the waitresses are friendly and the meal was a nice greasy classic hamburger that isn't dry at all. I took my fiancé there with his brother for the first time so naturally we got shirts! read more

Got a breaded tenderloin and fries today that were great. And reasonably priced as always.

Great history, super small and can be extremely hard to get a table. The food is of decent quality but nothing special. The wait staff is always super kind. read more

So delicious! Probably my favorite place to get a burger. Everything is made fresh to order & affordable! Also this place is just adorable read more

The Lemon Drop - The Lemon Drop - Burgers Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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Ok I have to update this to 5 stars. For as many 5 star ratings I have handed out, I can't let someplace I have been to dozens of times carry on like this. Forgive me Lemon Drop for I have sinned. As penance I will take a double onion burger with mayo and extra pickles and a side of fries... Terrific food, always fresh and hot, great service, old school diner vibe, reasonable prices. There is everything to like about this place when it comes to diner fare. An Anderson institution. read more

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This is a 1950s diner. Limited seating, but always fast service. I have been eating there ever since they opened in 1954. Waitstaff takes your order, but doesn't write it down on a pad. Food is good and the best fries we have eaten anywhere. read more

We stopped by the Lemon Drop on our way through Anderson. From the outside it looks like a cute small diner. We were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant itself was very clean. The waitresses are some of the nicest people I have met on our travels. They were friendly, super helpful, and provided excellent customer service. The food was very good. My family ordered burgers and fries. I ordered the hamburger steak with onions inside. It was delicious and the shoestring fries were cooked perfectly. Our family gave it high marks! The Lemon Drop is well worth a visit! read more

The Lemon Drop - The Lemon Drop - Burgers Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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Love the burgers. You must try the onion burgers and lemon shakes. The food is also fresh because they are making it then and there. The girls always seem to be very nice but also in a rush. My issue I have with this place is that it's a well-known staple in Madison county but yet the seating is very dismal. There are maybe 4 booths and just rail seating. I understand that this is the OG place and that there is so much history but, it's inconvenient when you want to come and get a bite, especially like me that is out of town. I usually always have to get my food to go because of the lack of seating. Here's for hoping for at least outside seating in the future. read more