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    Workingman's Friend

    4.3 (428 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:45 pm

    Workingman's Friend Photos

    Business Info

    WORKINGMAN'S FRIEND ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Juke Box
    Loud

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    Recommended Reviews - Workingman's Friend

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    Kristen B.

    Not fine dining but you won't be disappointed. What they might lack in a modern burger experience, they more than make up for in character and great food. Limited menu means everything is consistent and delicious. If you order beer, you'll appreciate the generous pour in their huge goblets. This is a "if you know, you know" kind of place & you'll see that by the diversity of the patrons.

    March 2026 prices.
    Rebecca S.

    Please be aware this is considered a tavern and only those age 21 and older are allowed to enter regardless of whether you're ordering alcohol or not. We sent our teenage boys back out to the car and enjoyed a delicious adult only lunch and ordered our boys food to-go. walking in this restaurant feels like a step back in time from the old bar counter and menu, to the cigarette vending machine and the small glass cups you'll pour your canned soda in. Food was delicious! We especially enjoyed the onion rings and double cheeseburger.

    Bowl of Chili
    Jen F.

    I grew up in southern Indiana and these tavern style dining rooms have my heart. I've waited TOO LONG to get here. I hope I don't wait too long to get back. I've got my eye on that tenderloin. Firstly, cash only. Come prepared. Secondly, they're open 11-3, Tuesday through Saturday. Last orders are taken at 2:45 PM. We arrived just before opening and there was a short line. I had a double hamburger and onion rings. I didn't expect the center bun, but I wasn't mad about it. Crisp, flavorful smash burger made just the way I asked. Perfection. If they don't hand batter those onion rings, they sure do have a good supplier. The Big John is a ham and Swiss with a signature, crispy "cheese skirt" around the outside. Comes with chips and slaw. Owner is present and delightful. Servers are attentive and cheerful. Sweet tea is sweet, served in mason jars.

    Cheeseburger & slaw.
    Andrew K.

    If you live in Indy, you've got to try Workingman's Friend at least once, and I'd recommend reading the IndyStar article on its history to truly appreciate this vintage lunch diner. Great setting. Pros: - Best slaw in Indy - Tasty smash burgers with fresh produce - Beers served in a chalice! That rocks. Cons: - Get ready to wait- usually packed with noticeable ticket times. - Soda comes by the can.

    Cheeseburger and tots
    Lona D.

    Arrived, the parking does not accommodate a place with such good food! The parking is along the street and in a gravel lot that isn't the smoothest. The food is greasy and delicious. The waitress was very nice and quick and she was super busy. It's just a bar with a large open dining room. Super casual. Cash only so you need to go to the ATM. Or at least I had to. I definitely recommend this place for a juicy burger.

    Hand breaded pork tenderloin sandwich
    Steve V.

    I had lunch today at the Workingman's Friend with some old friends. Every time I go here, I get the double deluxe cheeseburger and I'm always well satisfied ! Today two of my friends encouraged me to try their breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. While it was hard to choose this over the best burger in Indy, I'm glad I did. I had what might be the best breaded pork tenderloin in town. This was clearly a hand pounded pork loin breaded and seasoned to perfection. Now I have a dilemma - which sandwich do I order on my next visit ‍.

    Double Cheeseburger with fries
    Jack B.

    Just moved to the area a couple of months back. Heard some commotion around this place. Had to come try for myself and it was everything expected and more. A walk back in time to an old diner feel. A place where you feel like all of the locals gather and enjoy a meal. This burger was a top burger I've had in my life. I've had a ton of burgers in my time but this experience is up there at the top. Parking lot gets full and people park on the street. Get here early. Best burger in Indiana

    Double cheeseburger and tots
    Kristi R.

    Today was my first visit to Workingman's Friend, but it will not be my last! We arrived around 12:50 on a Tuesday afternoon. Happily bar seating was available as the parking lot was pretty full. We had reviewed the menu before arriving as the menu is a menu board like you'd find at a concession stand which isn't visible from all seats. I'd been told the servers were a little rude (Ed Debevic). This was completely untrue as our server was patient with us. The entire experience was delightful- we'll definitely be back!

    Double Cheeseburger and onion rings
    Tim C.

    You're not going to find a better smash burger for than money than here. Onion rings were on point. Food hot. Beer cold. Service was awesome. Bring cash. Similarly to Redamak's in New Buffalo, they smartly don't accept credit or debit cards.

    Onion Rings
    Corey S.

    I rarely give out 5 stars but the double cheeseburger is top 3 burgers I have ever had! It's is a smash burger style with perfectly cooked thin crispy patty's and fresh tasting toppings. This is an Indianapolis staple that has been on my list for a while and I regret it took me so long to make it here. The staff was friendly and informative, the ambiance is that of an old school diner, the prices are unbelievable, and the menu is the perfect size with variety. I can't wait to go back soon to try the chili and the tenderloin, and get the burger again. Be sure to bring cash with you as this is a cash only establishment.

    Cheeseburger
    Amy L.

    This is the Indy burger OG. Total dive bar/restaurant that feels like slipping on your favorite pair of broken-in jeans with the holes in the knees. The decor is decidedly unfancy and the menu's not large, but it's got everything you need. Fish sandwiches, chili, fries, onion rings.... yeah, yeah. What you want here is a burger. A good old-fashioned, smashed-thin, crispy-edged cheeseburger with everything on it. Period. They're only open for lunch, and it's cash only and 21+ only. If you don't have to go back to work, order up a goblet of beer to wash it all down. I got there at 11:45 a.m. on a Friday, and there were a few open tables. I grabbed a spot at the bar with no waiting, just know that you can't save seats once it starts filling up!

    Double Cheeseburger
    Emily H.

    I feel like I can finally call myself a local after getting lunch at Workingman's Friend! The burgers live up to the hype - if you want a thick burger, this isn't for you, but if you want an amazing smash burger with crispy edges, WF is calling. Everything is a la carte and CASH ONLY. Old school bar/diner vibe with handwritten tickets and bustling servers. Prices have remained incredibly reasonable despite increasing food costs. The chili also seems to be popular (as there were folks eating it despite 90 degree weather), can't wait to come back and try it when it's a bit cooler outside!

    A working man at Working Man's Friend during Christmastime.
    Rebecca P.

    INDIANA'S FINEST! a long-time staple of Indy and historic to the area.. perfect for a hangover meal. perfect for a work lunch with the guys. Old-timey looking like it did back in the day: some good things shouldn't be changed. Classic diner menu and always have the Indiana tenderloin or an awesome grilled cheese available. AWESOME grill - the reason the burgers are so amazing is because of this age-old grill they're being cooked on, I swear by it! Service could be improved but tbh the busy atmosphere and the hubbub all around make it a vibe. Come here to see what Indiana is all about! Hope this place never closes.

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    2 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    16 days ago

    I had forgotten how good a hamburger could taste. Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor!

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    5 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    21 days ago

    Whole package. An Indianapolis staple stop for lunch. Great vibes food and keeping it intimate lives up to the hype.

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Delicious! Reasonably priced with friendly staff. I had the double with fries, burger had crispy edges and the bacon was perfectly cooked!

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    Workingman's Friend Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Workingman's Friend

    I see a photo of corn beef and cabbage, is it served at working man's? I did not see it on the menu

    No it is not. I have never seen it on the menu.

    Why do they close early? Ive been wanting to try this place soo bad!

    They primarily serve the local blue-collar working people, so 11 to 3 is all they need to do that.

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    Empire street Bar & Grill - Smoked wings

    Empire street Bar & Grill

    3.9(34 reviews)
    1.7 miBabe Denny

    We ate here on our first night in town because it was close to our hotel. The place has a bit of a…read moredive bar feel, and the seating arrangement seemed a little thrown together. A sign indicated the bar is under new management, so hopefully, the environment will continue to improve. It was karaoke night, but the place was pretty quiet--just a few people seated at the bar. There's a separate area with pool tables that seemed more active, though we didn't venture in. Despite some rough edges, I'm giving this spot 4 stars for four solid reasons: 1. Reasonable prices - Food prices were very fair for current times and well drinks were only $3 the night we were there. 2. New management - It seems like they're trying to turn things around, and with some time and a growing customer base, the atmosphere could become much more inviting. 3. Good service - Friendly and attentive throughout our visit. 4. Surprisingly great food - We both ordered burgers, so we didn't sample much of the menu, but the burgers were honestly the best we've had on this trip. The patties were clearly handmade and fresh--not your typical frozen fare. We might even go back before we leave town. The food, especially the burgers, is the bright spot here. With a little polish, this place could become a local favorite.

    Super slow service and rarely checked on us. Didn't get food for over an hour. Food wasnt bad but…read moretook forever to get.

    Photos
    Empire street Bar & Grill - Bar area at Empire Street Bar & Grill

    Bar area at Empire Street Bar & Grill

    Empire street Bar & Grill
    Empire street Bar & Grill

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    Spoke & Steele - Key lime cakelette

    Spoke & Steele

    4.0(460 reviews)
    2.0 miMile Square
    $$

    Spoke & Steele, located in downtown Indianapolis, offers a dining experience that beautifully blend…read moreof modern design with upscale food. It sits at the base of the Le Meridien hotel. The restaurant features an extensive drink menu that will suite anyone's pallet. We chose to start with the bread service which was killer especially the honey butter. All of the apps look d amazing but went for the dry rub duck wings with home made ranch. My only critic was I wish there were more than 3. Finished off with the shrimp and grits. Although, I wasn't in New Orleans the spiciness took me back there. The wait staff was great. Even though we were late for the reservation we were seated promptly and had multiple people taking care of us. Spoke & Steele is a must if you are staying in the hotel but also if you want a cool vibe for drinks and great food I would stop by and take a look.

    Overall somewhat satisfied with my wife and I's experience at Spoke and Steele…read more We made a reservation about a week in advance for Valentines Day- eve. We arrived to the restaurant around ten minutes prior to our reservation, and quickly sat. We walk to a table- a booth that normally houses two tables pushed together, with around two inches between tables. We were practically sitting on top of the other two individuals sitting at the table. Forgot conversation- we heard everything they said, they heard everything we said, might as well have been on a double date. They weren't short of two top tables either- there were at least two, two top tables that sat empty our entire dining experience. Our server was on it throughout the night. The food was good to okay. We started with bread service. One piece of my bread was cold, and the other was warm. The honey miso butter was maybe a highlight of the whole meal. I started with a kale Caesar salad. Nice crunch to it, and an appropriate amount of dressing. My wife and I split two meals. The first- Coq Au Vin Pot pie. The meat was flavorful- but man, there is a lot of pastry when compared to meat. We got the braised short ribs. I wouldn't call the short ribs, short ribs- it was more of like a pot roast taste and consistency. There was a decent flavor, but nothing overtly amazing. Our cocktails were strong, but nothing to write home about. Overall, wouldn't be my first stop for a restaurant downtown, but if I was invited by someone else, I would most likely try it again.

    Photos
    Spoke & Steele
    Spoke & Steele
    Spoke & Steele

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    The District Tap Downtown - Dirty-style wings

    The District Tap Downtown

    4.1(343 reviews)
    2.1 miMile Square
    $$

    Great time visiting this sports bar. Very spacious with a long bar and TVs everywhere. Booths,…read moretraditional tables, and high tops. Mini table top tv at your table as well. Service was excellent. Guac with pork grinds was amazing. Must try. Comes with spicey salsa. Enjoyed my smash burger and the cheese quesadilla was very tasty as well. Great diversity of tap line. Just wish they had more local beers.

    HELLOOO This is Justin's son :) I had a good and "bad" experience because when we got here the…read morewait was quick but they sat us in a little back room :l I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich with a side of "Cajun butter corn cobs" and you want to know what you get for 6 bucks of corn? Small, little, somewhat burnt, STEAMING HOT, not-so-buttery and not-so-cajun-ish corn on the cobs. Next we have the chicken. I would've rather grown a chicken, killed it for some wings, made a hat with its feathers and made sensory toys with its eyes The buns were probably the best part. The lettuce was cut smaller than you could ever imagine, the chicken had a good amount but tasted like it was drowned in Franks Red Hot Sauce. The tomato was a tomato This isn't all the restaurant though. The other times I visited here were AMAZING The times I sat in the big room were good because, there were TVs to save my boredom, the built in chargers were neat, and the food was just better! BRING BACK THE TVS THAT SHOW WHAT MUSIC IS PLAYING PLS Thank you for listening to me yap!

    Photos
    The District Tap Downtown - Nice bar and grill with a huge bar

    Nice bar and grill with a huge bar

    The District Tap Downtown - Firecracker Shrimp !!

    Firecracker Shrimp !!

    The District Tap Downtown - Expresso martini

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    Expresso martini

    Conner's Kitchen + Bar - Bar leading to patio

    Conner's Kitchen + Bar

    3.9(613 reviews)
    1.7 miMile Square
    $$

    Food was great! My frat brother and I had the smoked wings, lump crab hushpuppies, and fries. The…read morewings were tossed in a dry rub so it was well seasoned, and they were whole wings too! So it was a good portion size. The hushpuppies were phenomenal with their aioli and I wish I had another plate! They were stuffed with more crab than expected. Lastly I had the Peach Cobbler cocktail - I was in heaven and this is perfect for the fall or upcoming summer. This will always be my go-to. The service was awesome too! Bonnie was knowledgeable of the restaurant's current hits with customers and she gave awesome recommendations. She was outgoing with other patrons and gave great service. The ambiance gives business casual or dressed up casual. As there was a sorority convention in town (specifically downtown) most customers were dressed nice. Dim light atmosphere with positive vibes for sure. Great for a date night or hanging with a group of friends for a night out!

    Last night, our group of six dined at Conner's Kitchen + Bar, and the experience delivered on…read morenearly every level. We started with the deviled eggs, an elevated take on a classic that set the tone early. They were well balanced, flavorful, and a perfect shareable to kick things off. For entrées, the table covered a solid range of the menu. The shrimp and grits, ordered by two in our party, stood out with rich, comforting flavors and a well executed balance of seasoning and texture. The wings brought a satisfying bite with just the right amount of crisp, while the burnt ends with fries leaned into bold, hearty flavors that didn't disappoint. The grilled chicken Caesar salad offered a lighter option but still delivered with fresh ingredients and solid execution. What truly elevated the evening, though, was the service. Skye, our waitress, was exceptional, attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging. She kept everything flowing seamlessly for a larger group, which is no small feat. The overall atmosphere struck a great balance between upscale and approachable, making it an easy choice for both casual dinners and group outings. Bottom line, a well rounded dining experience with strong food, standout service, and an inviting environment. I'd absolutely recommend Conner's Kitchen + Bar and wouldn't hesitate to return.

    Photos
    Conner's Kitchen + Bar
    Conner's Kitchen + Bar - Neighborhood Bar inside Conner's Kitchen + Bar

    Neighborhood Bar inside Conner's Kitchen + Bar

    Conner's Kitchen + Bar - Hotel entrance

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    Hotel entrance

    World Famous Hotboys - Swamp Fries

    World Famous Hotboys

    4.5(301 reviews)
    3.1 miFountain Square
    $$

    I love spicy food. Spent 30 years of my life in TX and NM. Then moved to West TN. So I have had…read moresome Hot Chicken and really spicy food. We ordered three meals. Light, Dark and naked wings. I will start with sides. The greens, better than I ever had including AL, MS, LA and TN. Slaw was classic LA. Good, I am vinger slaw guy. Now for the chicken. First and foremost the medium is no joke HOT. Anyone can make something hot. But the flavor of the hotness is world class. Whatever they do, (brine whatever) the flavor is deep in the meat, including the breast. Absolutely fantastic. My only advice is if you find a raw jalapeno to hot, go one level down in spice. Unless you can set an eat raw Serranos, don't pay .$50 to go spicier. Who would have thought, amazing hot chicken, Indy.

    Mixed reviews. Five of us visited. I enjoyed my chicken sandwich at the "mild plus" heat level. The…read moreother four people I was with got "medium" and "medium plus" (they are hot sauce / heat lovers) and they all hated the food. It honestly hurt to see all that chicken go directly into the garbage, but they claim it was inedible. Since it's not a saucy type of flavoring, but a dry rub, they said that the heat was painful, and not flavorful. Back to the sandwich I enjoyed... I felt that there was a sweetness to the flavor that I liked, which I could see not everyone enjoying. There is also a hot dusting over the french fries which exacerbates any discomfort people are having from the heat. There really wasn't anything to cool it down. The macaroni and cheese was piping hot, although not spicy.

    Photos
    World Famous Hotboys - Bar area and decor

    Bar area and decor

    World Famous Hotboys - Sando

    Sando

    World Famous Hotboys - World Famous Hotboys

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    Workingman's Friend - bars - Updated May 2026

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