I got the Big John Special and it was delicious! I personally loaded it up with the chips, slaw, and pickles and would recommend you try it. The place wasn't the cleanest even well after their lunch rush. The service was good but a little hostile. In my opinion I would do takeout only. read more

Lots of food in order. Really good fries. Loved loved the tenderloin. One of the best I have had in Indiana. The hamburger was perfectly cooked and the mozzarella sticks were fantastic. Got our order to go, everything was still hot when we got to our destination. To bad I was just traveling through town because I would definitely stop again. Two thumbs up. read more

anywhere else in indy you'd pay $20 minimum fir a burger and fries and it won't come close to the taste of this one for a mere $10 to get fries and burger. the woman working behind the bar was great, they were slammed but she was still attentive. they are cash only :) read more

Sat., 1/27 noonish. Busy, busy place, great food and the wait staff - superb. Bartender (ponytail) was overwhelmed and rude as hell. It doesn't hurt to be kind to your fellow man with a simple - I will be right with you, all I wanted was a bag for my take home food. She soured my birthday experience. read more

Tried Workingmans Friend for the first time. They're known for their smash burgers. I got the double cheeseburger but wish I knew to tell them no middle bun, I now know this for the next time. The burger was delicious, great flavor and the fries were perfect. I can't wait to go back. read more

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Oh yeah ! This place is full of character and good eats. My Ford Focus was the only vehicle in the parking lot that wasn't a pickup truck and that dynamic is in line with the clientele at Workingman's Friend. Utility workers, handymen, and the folks over at Allison Transmission are the regulars. The menu has a vast array of offerings.....you can get a hamburger, a cheeseburger, a double hamburger, or a double cheeseburger. Decisions, decisions ! That last one sounded good to me....and it was. They flatten out the burger patties and crisp the outside with butter giving it a little seared caramelization thing going on. Yummy! You can see why it makes the list of best burger joints in the city. Almost as good is the fact that they serve beer in iced Schooners. Hell, that's awesome all by itself. Service is friendly, prices are cheap, and the food is good. And its got that old dive charm to it that makes people embrace it like a beloved old neighbor. Hours are a little weird so plan on going in the afternoon. read more

Workingman's Friend - Double Cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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One of the best burgers in the city. Hands down. Love the crispy "meat candy" edges. Don't forget to bring cash!

Love their double cheese burger and Chile. Highly recommend their Smash Burger and great service read more

When you're craving a good hardy burger and you have some cash on hand, because they don't take credit cards...stop by and order a double cheeseburger with the works!! We also tried the onion rings, sweet potato fries and ranch fries, they are all winners! The most important thing is the food, the parking lot is not a factor as well as the 'vintage decorations...I came to eat! Remember to bring cash, no cards accepted. read more

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Waitress was excellent. Very friendly and informative. Cash only business and nearest ATM is about a block away. Not much of an ambiance but food was quick and about what you expect. Price was a bit high for what you get but not so much so. read more

So here's the scoop. If you're looking for an OG smash burger dive bar you scored yourself a jackpot. They have Budweiser and bud light on draft some other drinks and these incredible burgers . I'm sure They have other menu items but this is all I ever have gotten. It is CASH only, and please go with high food expectations for a dive bar and low expectations for the servers. They are busy usually as they have limited hours and not ever had friendly service, but It's fine since. I know what to expect. Delicious smash burgers!! read more

Workingman's Friend - Double cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

What a great cheeseburger! Went with a group and the server was great. No amateurs here. They have done this all before.

A historic place that is no frills and blue collar at its core. It's not on Mass Ave or Fountain Square nor does it even takes credit cards, but perhaps that is part of its charm. I went early on a Tuesday and service was quick. There was plenty of space throughout the dining and bar area. The menu is clear on a vintage sign but the highlights are written with a window marker next to the kitchen. The smashed double cheeseburger was simple yet flavorful, no fancy accompaniments or sauces necessary. The accompanying onion rings were fresh with a nicely adhering batter. Again, it's cash only and there aren't a lot of easy places nearby to get cash if you aren't prepared. However, if you are making the journey from downtown or wherever to get to this place, you probably have done your research or heard about this amazing place. read more

Workingman's Friend - Onion Rings, double Cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I've been here a hundred times for a hundred years in a hundred different places. It's Bearden's in Lakewood, it's Bruce's in Bloomington, it's Billy Goat Tavern and Miller's in Chicago, it's Krakas' Cafe in Lorain, it's Friendly Tavern in Zionsville, it's Mug-n-Bun in Speedway, it's Triple X in Lafayette and it's Lemon Drop and Gene's Drive-In in Anderson. It's a for real Time Machine to Formica and linoleum, to red lit glass block... to steal and vinyl chairs and a menu that's not on paper. But most importantly it's the best people and best dang burger on the planet. Done. read more

Awesome service and even better burger! The burger exceeded my expectations and we will go back!

Meh! I went in on a weekday, during lunch hours, and there was quite a line. Parking was also disastrous. The service was just okay. I was told that the onion rings were great, but I wasn't impressed. We had the longest wait to receive our food. And once we got Our food, it was hot and fresh, but nothing memorable. I was surprised because I'd heard nothing but great reviews about this place. We ordered the double cheeseburger. Our burgers lacked flavor, in my opinion. The onion rings also lacked flavor. Many people love this restaurant, so I might have caught them on an off day. I'm not sure if I'd return. read more

If you've actually sat down here, you'll understand it when I say that I would eat the double cheeseburger (no onions) off of the floor. I feel like the song "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger should be playing upon entry. Service is quick and accommodating. They're take care of you and you're heart, but the burgers won't.. in the best possible way. Also, get a chalis of beer. Get a cup of chili. Get the cottage cheese. AND most importantly, get the onion rings. read more

Burgers and tots are absolutely worth venturing out from downtown for. They largest glass of beer I can remember. Friendly servers and there is plenty of seating. read more

It deserves the hype it gets! I got a double cheeseburger and onion rings and would get it again. The cheeseburger was crispy on the edges and really good. You can get toppings to your liking and the burger comes with a side of your choosing. I thought it was a great size. I wish I would have gotten more onion rings but that's me being greedy. If you like pop/soda that comes in a can and you're given a cup with ice. I know that matters to some. The lunch rush is no joke so plan accordingly. We parked in the grass it was so packed. They only accept cash as well and I did not see an atm at the restaurant. You also have to be at least 21 to enter. read more

Workingman's Friend - Double cheeseburger and onion rings - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I'm a fan of hole-in-the-wall joints with lots of history. That said, I had been wanting to try a burger from Workingman's for quite some time. After reading some reviews, I knew exactly what to expect and my expectations were met! If you give it a chance, this place is definitely likable. Like others have mentioned, this place is 21+ establishment (be ready to show ID as soon as you sit down). There is no hostess and you seat yourself upon arriving. Most importantly, they only accept cash so come prepared! Luckily the waitress reminds folks of this before they order. It was opened in 1918, and you can tell most of the decor has been the same for several decades. Parking is available right outside the building, although at night it was hard to differentiate from the street the restaurant is located off of (Turner Ave). There are no individual menus at the table, but there is a large menu board behind the bar. They have what you would expect from a divey burger joint. I ordered the double cheeseburger with onion rings and a diet coke. Note the diet coke came out in a can with a glass of ice. No big deal, just not what I was expecting. The food came out very fast. I was a bit surprised when the double cheeseburger came out with a slice of bun in between the two patties (especially since the patties are so thin), but the waitress informed me that all the flavor is in the middle bun since the juices from the top patty soak into it. The burger was good, a typical smash burger, and exactly what I had expected. My friend got the seasoned french fries, and I liked them a lot. The onion rings were pretty good as well. Of note, the sides are a-la-carte which I did not realize until the check came. Overall, 4 stars for prompt service, laid-back atmosphere and good, greasy food. If you have a craving for a greasy burger, this will definitely hit the spot! Just make sure you have cash, and good eye sight so you can see the menu board from where ever you sit. read more

Workingman's Friend - Menu - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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For me, Workingman's Friend is a great old skool environment. The service has consistently been good and for the price the food is good. I know some people won't like the cash only approach they use but for me I consider it to be a part of the experience. read more

Was in Indy for work and had read about this place. It definitely lived up to the hype. No frills diner/bar, but only open 11am-2:30pm weekdays except Fridays when they stay open till 8pm. I got the cheeseburger because, duh. And yeah, SO good. Fries were piping hot and perfectly cooked. Service was friendly and the place was probably 2/3 full on a Friday lunch. Go here. read more

I got here at 11 am, and there were several people waiting for them to open. I got the double cheeseburger and onion rings. They have smash burgers, and they are really good, and the onion rings were really good too. The waitress was very friendly and answered all our questions. I want to go try their breaded tenderloin and the chili real soon. By the time we were ready to leave, the place was pretty full. I will probably be going here once a week from now on. read more

I could of sworn I have reviewed here before but anyway definitely hands down best burger in Indiana. The staff is always super friendly and the prices are right. We take all of our out of town visitors where to experience it and get some great food. Definitely worth a drive to come try this burger. read more

This place reminds me of what I'd see back in Chicago burbs....around the industrial areas: a simple bar for a large worker crowd. Cinder block and glass block...wide open kind of place. The bar in this place was easily a 100 foot long. Lol. Now for my food thoughts: . Burger: had that classic flat top scald....using a meat that was dripping fat as you ate it. My kind of beef for a burger. Lol. Their double had a third piece of bread....which for the size patties....I'd order without that extra piece of bread. A good burger....but nothing extra special or unusual about it. Soup and chili: Now these are homemade and the chicken noodle was pretty good. I asked the waitress about the chili and if homemade. She said "oh yes....we use a lot of cumin...". Let me tell you - now that was some high dose of cumin. But as you ate more...it grows on you...and it was really a great chili. Beer: The thick glass goblets come out majorly frosted and majorly cold. I could drink Milwaukee's Best out of goblet like that - and it'd still taste good! Less than ideal fries and onion rings: The place uses pre-fab fries and onion rings of some sort. And not very good quality of either. I'm sure for them and at some point...they moved to these items to save prep or labor. But the place would round the place out perfectly....having the fresh cut fries and light battered onion rings. I'm sure glad to got to try the place. And good thing we got there 6 minutes after they opened. The place filled up in a flash! read more

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Can't go wrong with the double cheeseburger; a proper smash burger perfected. Service is prompt and definitely a place you can eat solo and run off to errands. Great little diner feel and prices are solid all things considered. read more

It was everything I was told it would be and nothing more and that's exactly what I wanted. CASH ONLY ! They have their own parking lot but there's also street parking. To be direct, a few people told me I may not want to go to this neighborhood. As a New Yorker, I wasn't worried, and in the daytime driving in through trees and grass into a perfectly fine part of Indy, I was reminded why those suburban folks who told me that are my coworkers and not my friends. Anyway, busy but friendly and efficient. The giant beer goblet did not disappoint, nor did the double cheeseburger (smashburger style is what I'd call). I so had sweet potato fries, and a smile the whole time I was there. read more

Any time I get to visit The Workingman's Friend is a good time and I know the food will be simple and delicious! Iconic, almost cult-like status as one of Indy's "tried and true" burgers. It's stood the test of time and deserves to be put on such a high pedestal. I would be proud to take any visitors from out of town here for their food. Simple menu, blue collar, nothing fancy, just damn good food and friendly waitstaff. Cash only! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! read more

Workingman's Friend - Double with cheese! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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I'm not even a fan of hamburgers, but this place is great. It is rare that I will order a hamburger when I go out to eat, but this is one of the few places that I will go to for a burger. The smash burgers are thin and crispy, but not greasy. I went for the double with cheese and bacon, and it was perfect. The cup of chili was so-so. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing to write home about either. This place has been around for ages, and is worth a visit. They are CASH ONLY, so stop by the ATM on your way in. read more

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CASH ONLY! Prepare accordingly because you don't wanna mis this! Top notch smash style burgers and onion rings along with Chili and fries. Alternate menu also with various American traditional items! Long bar with experienced bartender! Lunch is the favorite time for locals. Stop by you wont regret it! read more

I had been wanting to try this place for a while but was always leery of a huge crowd. We timed it perfectly and didn't even have to wait! The burger was amazing. Crispy edges and cooked to perfection. Gooey, cheesy and awesome. The tenderloin was also very good. I recommend the fries over the onion rings- but both also good. Since we were last there I have had cravings for that burger. read more

Workingman's Friend - The special double cheese. What they're known for (and rightly so!) - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Crispy edges and tender in the middle. A classic burger that everyone should experience at least once, but we will definitely go back. Fries were hot with just the right amount of crunch. Jenna, our server, was working the floor alone on a Friday night and did a great job. Don't forget your cash (it's the only option) and enjoy the nostalgia of this no nonsense diner. read more

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If you haven't been here, you are missing out! Burgers are fabulous! I didn't know ahead of time but the owner told me I could bring my own gluten free bun at next visit. Now, the onion rings look phenomenal but unfortunately I can't have gluten. This is a cash only environment so come prepared! I'm sorry I don't have a picture but a burger without a bun just looks so sad. Make sure you head there and tell Becky I sent ya! read more

Great quality diner that feels preserved from the older days. Menu is simple, delicious and a low price! Cash only. Burgers are great and side fries/tots/etc are a good size. Look at the chalk board behind the bar to not miss any specialty items. Get there early when they open to get a seat especially with a bigger group. They do serve alcohol or cans of pops with glasses of ice. I went with a group of about 7. We self seated right when they opened and was out of there in about 45 mins (not feeling rushed). If you like hometown diners highly recommend! read more

This place is an institution. If you don't like rough, unapologetic places that have earned their place in a culture, move along. We don't need you anyway. This place is for people who want simple & delicious food, blunt & abrupt service, & surroundings as if you somehow found yourself in a 50's diner after a rough couple of decades (which, let's be honest, they have been). Do yourself a favor, get a chilled beer in an ice cold mug and exalt in the beauty of whatever variety of their historically smashed burgers & expertly fried onion rings you choose. Sure, you can try the other sandwiches, soups, salads, & sides and perhaps you'll be happy, but I've rarely been as contented as having an ice cold beer, a double cheeseburger (or two), & onion rings at a place that has become a becon & mainstay for a large amount of people from Indy. Workingman's Friend. If you haven't been, it's time. read more

I love the "no pretty pressure " ambiance,the cigarette machines the delicious messy burgers and nod to a simpler time. While they say you can't go back home again you can go back to the working man's friend and pretend for a little bit. read more

Most American place you can possibly eat. Come here to eat, drink and be hardcore 'murican. If this joint was in Canada, Justin Trudeau might ask owners to rename this place to workinghuman's friend, but fortunately for us there are no maple leaves on our beautiful flag of stars and stripes. You know this place is legit, its got a freaking cigarette machine next to the door! If you don't know of this place, its a genuine old school staple of the west side. The menu is simple, and its freaking awesome. Get yourself a burger / tenderloin, chili & fries/onion rings, all are terrific and all will fill you up! The chili is huge, and its Cincinnati style, I am a huge fan. Situated conveniently on Belmont, which may be regarded by many as the border of the hood, this place is not some bougey brunch spot for mimosas and hashtags. If you are "basic", come here to pretend you eat at local greasy spoon hole in a wall, it might shatter your world and make you realize Milktooth is a pretentious ripoff! read more

Workingman's Friend - Chilli!! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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My husband and I visited this restaurant last week! I had heard they had the best hamburgers in Indiana! They did not disappoint us! I am very picky about my hamburgers and it was perfect! The service was second to none and very friendly! We met the owner and loved hearing about the history of the restaurant! We will definitely go back! Thank you everyone that works there! Jason and Carol read more

Workingman's Friend is a must when visiting Indy. It has a "town hall" feeling to it. The burger is in my top three in Indy. Absolutely fantastic. read more

Workingman's Friend - Great burger and atmosphere. Burger is in my top three best burgers in Indy. Cash only, so bring your cash. - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is a cash only business No credit cards. I usually do not carry cash and was given a heads up. This place is not fancy but has a warm friendly vibe. Reasonable prices and friendly attentive staff. The food smelled delicious. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to eat here due to time. The people I was with highly recommended their cheeseburgers and onion rings. The draft beer was really reasonable and came in a large frosted glass. A fun place to hang out after a long day. read more