What an experience one has here at an unassuming spot in a less crowded area. The smash style burger here is made as good as it gets, a no thrills burger that hits on all the marks. Fries were good but a bit overcooked. Was pleasantly surprised by the chalice of beer, served as cold as you will get. This is an institution and a must. Just remember to bring cash! read more

Workingman's Friend - Cheeseburger, Fries, 32oz beer - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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

I've been coming here for years and never disappoints. Love a family owned classic hole in the wall/old school diner vibe. No kids allowed and beer in chilled chalices - what more could you ask for?!?!? Got the usual cheese burger and onion rings with a beer. Service was great per usual and the food was typical burger and side without trying to come off fancy. The onion rings were fresh and crispy! Burger is a smash burger with fresh toppings and bun. Just remember CASH only! read more

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

Indy, I was definitely put in my place during my visit to Workingman's Friend. I'm embarrassed to confess that it is the year 2023 and I finally visited Workingman's Friend for the first time after living in Indy for 14+ years. I thought I'd be able to call ahead to place my order (wrong - no one answers the phones... they're busy enough as it is). I made the trek to grab some cash - ya know, because they're cash only and old school in the best of ways. I thought, alright alright, I'll hustle over there between meetings and grab a quick carry out burger - wrong again. "That will be 45 minutes". Shit...it looks like I'll be taking my next call from the parking lot because I'm not leaving here without a burger... ya know, now that I have cash and all... All this to say - yep, they're totally still popular and 110% still an Indy staple. I'm just really late to the party. I ordered a smashburger with all the fixings and an order of onion rings. I waited in my car for 45 minutes while Workingman's Friend was BUSTLING the entire time -not a table or spot at the bar to be found. I finally got home with my carryout order and it was quite delicious. Greasy and delicious as one would expect from a cash-only, old school spot like Workingman's Friend. I've officially made the pilgrimage and look forward to future visits and alloting the appropriate amount of time to do so. read more

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We've had this on our list for awhile since it's been voted Indy's best burger multiple times. I had a weekday off for vacation so my family and I stopped in. We got there right at opening time and the parking lot was already nearly full. By the time we left, every table was full and folks were parking up and down the street. It was definitely busy, partly because of the tv attention they told us but I got the impression they have a lot of regulars. You seat yourself and there's no menus, the menu is posted above the bar with another large menu highlighting their top sellers. Our server was friendly and I loved that she asked if we had been there before and when we said no, she explained to us about the menus and made sure we knew it was cash only. We all had burgers and they were good. I'm not a huge burger fan overall but of course I wanted to try the highlight of this Indy landmark. The smashed burgers were cooked well and you could tell it was fresh. The onion rings were good too. The sodas are served in cans with a glass of ice. But it seemed like most people were ordering the giant beers they serve. Overall it was a good experience but there was a situation toward the end where one of the staff was getting into it with a customer about where he had parked. I don't know the dynamic, he could've been a regular, but it was awkward for the rest of the customers. By that time we were just ready to leave but had trouble flagging down our server to pay since they were really busy by then. Clearly they know the secret to success since they've been in business for 100+ years. read more

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The ShellyRitas are going STRONG! Shelly is ON IT! Show up and she knows exactly what you want! I sure hope they NEVER change hands. Love this place! Adore Shelly! read more

Authentic in the way trendy spots try to replicate in 2025. Best burgers and beer in the city. Bring cash. read more

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

I've found that hole in the wall places often times have the best food. This place is no exception. There is a reason that this old-fashioned blue-collared restaurant has the hype it does. This place knows how to do smash burgers, onion rings, fries, you name it. I tried the big double cheeseburger with LTOP and Onion rings as well as their fried mushrooms. Everything was so good. The cheese burger was huge and hearty. It was savory and tasted very fresh. Their onion rings were crispy and the batter was just right. The mushrooms were also pretty great. I also had a brewski that was served in a goblet which was cool. I feel fortunate to have been able to try this place as the food was delicious and transported me to a different era. There are not many places like this left and it is definitely a gem. Side Note: This is technically a tavern so it is 21+ read more

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

I'm visiting Indy from Knoxville, and my bro-in-law introduced this nostalgic burger joint. I immediately fell in love with the ambiance; the missing floor tile to original cigarette machines, not to mention the bar drinks. I love old school stuff. The burger and fries were over the top. I learned that the restaurant is 107 years old--I love it! My beer was ice cold too. I can't wait to come back. It's a 5 star for me. read more

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

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Absolutely delicious!!!!!! The food was amazing! The service was great. The vibe was perfect!!! Loved the "fish bowl beer". Will be returning again and again!!!!!!! read more

Finally got to try this place with my dad, one of his favorites. Great smash patty burger and onion rings definitely would recommend if you can get over here for lunch. Went right at 1pm on a Friday and sat right away. Don't forget cash! read more

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

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Went Friday for lunch and they did it again. Still the best smash burger around if you ask me. I get that and the onion rings and I can never finish it. The food always comes out fast and the service is great. My favorite hole in the wall by far. Cash only and 21 and up read more

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

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Finally! We've been wanting to Working Man's Friend for a long time and it did not disappoint. The bloody Mary was good but the double cheeseburger was amazing. It's a smash burger with the bun in the center similar to a Big Mac. The burger will come dressed to order. Ketchup and mustard will be on the table. One of us had a fried fish sandwich that he said was just okay. His onion rings looked delicious! My fries were just okay. I'd just get a double cheeseburger without a side next time. There is a parking lot and the restaurant is long. The bar runs the length of the restaurant and has lots of seating. The menu is on the wall. You'll seat yourself and a server will get your order. You'll pay at the table, but know that it's cash only. We had excellent service and delicious burgers. They were definitely deserving of the best burger in Indy award! I might have voted for them prematurely based on my husband's recommendation. read more

Workingman's Friend - Bloody Mary - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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A friend and I went for lunch during the week on a Thursday. This place gets a lot of hype for their burgers. As such, I ordered a cheeseburger and thought it was pretty good, but nothing crazy special, nor deserving of the "city's best" claims it sometimes draws. It was your typical smash burger. I would compare it to a higher end fast food type of smash burger (probably on par with a Culver's butterburger). The onion rings I got on the side were fine, not memorable but not bad. The biggest star of the show was the check - this place is cheap! Make sure to bring cash to pay. It did fill it up pretty quickly around the lunch hour, which is why I'm glad we got there a little earlier (11:30) since it is first come, first serve seating. I'd be happy going back, but in my mind I have another contender for the city's best burger and it leads by a wide margin. If you want a cheap (but solid quality) diner-type of vibe, this is your spot. read more

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

This is an Indianapolis classic since 1918 and a must-visit for OG smashburgers (they've been preparing them this way for decades). Perennially at the top of any list of best burgers in Indy and in the state. Double cheeseburger is the way to go. Chili is also good, especially the Chili Mac which comes with spaghetti, cheese and onions. Excellent fries and onion rings. Pro tips: (1) if you can, try to to outside the usual 12-1 pm rush because they are packed every day of the week and the orders can be slow to arrive; (2) have a Schooner of beer-- a huge goblet that is ice cold and perfection; (3) for my double cheese, I ask them to leave out the piece of bread placed in the middle of the patties; (4) it's cash only. I have heard that the name comes the owner's generous offer to feed needy railroad employees during a general strike in the 1920s. read more

Best Double Cheesburgers in town. The onion rings are also excellent. WMF is a great place for a long weekday lunch since it's always packed it can take some time to get your food. Politcal folks from the Capitol or City Hall often eat there. My only regret is that I retired from my job downtown so my visits are much less frequent. read more

Best burger in the city..cash only never know what sports star racecar driver or celebrity. You may see there even though it's in a very out-of-the-way neighborhood. read more

As someone who grew up in this neighborhood, and adores the Stamatkin family who has owned this establishment for over 100 years, I can genuinely say The Workingman's Friend is a piece of Indianapolis history for good reason! You can't beat the smash burgers, and the service is like visiting Cheers! Where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came! The laughter abounds, friendships between neighbors and strangers alike spark over the love of nostalgia, good old fashioned charm and delicious food. read more

Dirty place. Went there once. That was enough. I will not be going back. I have advised friends not to go there. I was stuck to the seat.

Are you looking for the best burger in town?? Get the double with cheese. But everyone already knows that. And that leads you to skipping the "not so hidden" gem of Workingman's Friend. I'm sorry to say Aristocrat and Broad Ripple Tavern and Fire by the Monon and Tick Tock. But this is the best tenderloin in the city. Juicy tenderloin? Check. Breading with some life to it? Check. THE BUN? Amazing. I always go pickle, onion, and Mayo on the sandwich, and I put some yellow mustard on the parts hanging off the side. This place is awesome. If you want a side get the seasoned fries. Or if you're really hungry add a bowl of chili on the side. Hate to say it but skip the onion rings, not worth the price. BEST TENDERLOIN IN INDY. read more

Workingman's Friend - Pork Tenderlon - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

No nonsense burger joint. Menu is written on the wall, beer is in giant challis cups, and people are there drinking at 11 am Saturday. I just got a burger and was stuffed. People in my group got fries and onion rings which they said were fantastic, but I had plenty to eat without a side. Street parking or a gravel lot in the back, people really just seemed to make their own rules with that. Service was friendly, simple, and efficient. Also cash only!! read more

Workingman's Friend - Burger and beer - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Before I get started, this place is CASH only. They also do not have an ATM on site so, BYOC. I had to go to the nearby gas station on the corner and use their ATM. Now that I got that out of the way, this is a down home, mom and pop, old school diner. They knew a lot of the patrons by name. They have a moderate sized private parking lot, a large dining area, and bar seating. Kids are not allowed in the restaurant. It is a 21 and over establishment, as per the sign on the door. They have a full bar and serve alcohol. They have a very efficient ( limited) menu consisting of burgers, Reubens, onion rings, cheese sticks, fries, chilli and tenderloin. They are known for their burgers though, so that is what I went with. I got a double cheese burger with fries. It was made fresh and took about 8 minutes or so to hit my table. The burger was very flavorful and tasted fresh. The fries were hot. I got the seasoned type, but there was not much seasoning that I could taste. They were still good though. The staff there was very friendly and welcoming. They kept stopping by checking in on me and making sure that everything was good. I normally am put off by cash only places, but this restaurant gets a pass because of their food and good service. I hope that one day though, that they at least get an ATM so that people like me don't have to run to the sketchy gas station on the corner to get cash. read more

My wife and I had lunch here yesterday. We each ordered a double cheeseburger. She had onion rings; I had fries. The burgers here are very good "smashburgers" but I wouldn't say that it was the best burger I've ever had. The beer battered onion rings were delicious but the fries were just average. Service was very good but the overall appearance of the restaurant is dated. NOTE: If you plan on stopping here...bring cash...credit cards are not accepted. 3 1/2 stars. read more

A very crowded lunch experience. The cheeseburger was excellent. Would recommend visiting after 1:00 to avoid crowd. Bring CASH...they don't take cards! read more

A great old-fashioned how in the wall kind of place on the near Westside of downtown Indy. Burgers and food are simple but well made! Service is comfortable, efficient and friendly but respectable. And environment is classic Hoosier--blue-collar no-frills but high-value and from the heart! A great place with lots of history and stories to tell all day long! read more

TL;DR: It's just alright. Things to know: 1. Cash only and 21+ business 2. Known for their Cheeseburger (They are on the dry side, but not terrible)  3. Small portion of fries for the price 4. Don't come during lunch time rush (noon - 1:30 pm), it gets crowded and you'll have to wait about 40 min. for food. read more

Workingman's Friend - Giant cheeseburger with onion rings - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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First time at Workingman's Friend and I have to say the staff and owner were super friendly and the Huge Double Cheeseburger was AMAZING....one of the best burgers we have ever had. We were visiting from Tampa Bay, FL for the Indy 500 and so glad we gave this spot a try and when in Indy again will be back! I love a good hole in the wall and this place was old, off the beaten path but that is honestly part of its charm. Although old and outdated ot was very clean including the restroom. read more

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

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This is an institution! The burgers are delicious! The beef on the burger has the little crispy bits on the edges that you only get from a well seasoned grill. The fries! The fries! Piping hot russet potatoes with a slight crunch. Decor is original down to the floors. I don't get over there much, but every time I walk in there it reminded me of a restaurant in Louisville, where my dad to me when we would meet him downtown for lunch. The waitress was friendly and prompt to take our order. The only thing that kept this from a five star rating, was that it took forever to get our check and change. I can't sleep so I am writing this review now. And now my stomach is growling wanting another burger! read more

Yes great cheeseburgers! Nothing but old school. Bring cash. Looked the same 50 years ago

There's a reason that this place is a staple of Indianapolis! Everything about it has been frozen in time and is unapologetically simple and delicious. They're known for their smash burgers and I didn't see anyone else get anything different. I primarily eat vegetarian and they did not have a vegetarian option, so be thoughtful about that. Additionally, it is CASH ONLY so come prepared. This place lives up to its name as a workman's friend, no frills just good food and company. Parking can be found in the lot or on the side street, don't be afraid to be creative! Enjoy! read more

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

Very busy. Servers do best they can with amount of volume. Best burger in Indy for sure. Will be back. read more

If you're into the smash burger craze, surely you know that it's not a craze at all, it's been around for a very long time and is just the best and most delicious way to make a burger...and the Workingman's Friend is a prime example of exactly how a smash burger should look, taste, and be constructed, and is certainly a must-eat bucket list item. A quick Google search will lead you down the rabbit hole of the Workingman's Friend's fascinating restaurant history - this is truly an Indy classic, being established in the same spot for over 100 years and now owned and run by the original owner's granddaughter. Walking inside you'll feel like you've been transported back in time in the best way possible. It's not just the longevity of the restaurant that makes it special, though, it's how committed they are to the freshness, deliciousness, and traditional recipes and techniques they use to craft their food. They have made every effort to keep the menu and the food essentially unchanged - because if it's not broken, don't fix it!! Obviously their double cheeseburger has a following in certain circles, but they also offer some delicious chili (that I want to slather all over a hot dog), a fish sandwich, a traditional Indiana tenderloin sandwich, and some damn delicious homemade cole slaw too. We will be back to try more items out, but at our inaugural visit I elected to try their double cheeseburger - it's served with American cheese and the edges are smashed into a caramelized crispy oblivion that cannot be beat. Their grill has 80 years of seasoning built into it, trust me, you cannot replicate this smash burger at home. We also tried the french fries (delicious and perfectly cooked, crisp outside fluffy inside) a bowl of chili (meat and beans, not too spicy, and so flavorful) and a side of cole slaw (reminiscent of KFC-creamy-sweetness, but better because you can tell it's home made) ... oh, and don't forget a schooner of Bud or Bud Light - I'm a big fan of beer that requires two hands to drink - but, if you're ok with a bottle or can, they have plenty of local craft beer options! read more

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Great frickin burger! Friendly service! Super affordable, simple, and again super burger. Love a good ol joint that's been around and does the things they do very well. read more

Food good Service awesome Ambiance chill Idisisjdjeosozje Hi zoairizzijekzizhekiiekeieieieke read more

I'm just sorry I didn't get a picture. Work friend said they have the best burgers in Indianapolis. He wasn't lying. If you could taste nostalgia, there burgers would be the that taste. I had the double cheeseburger with bacon. Food was awesome! If I could give them 6 stars I would. read more

The undisputed best smash burger in the world. The Workingman's Friend got its name because they'd let outta work fellas during the Great Depression run tabs until they were working again. The same family - four generations later - still runs the Friend with the same spirit of warm hospitality. But listen CASH ONLY, CLOSES EARLY. Don't mess around. The burger: crisp, lacy edges. Rich, juicy beef cooked just under well. American cheese - the only cheese that belongs on a smash burg. Crisp, fresh toppings and a glossy bun with the perfect amount of chew. Get a goblet of Bud and experience the paradigm of all burgers. read more

Workingman's Friend - The undisputed best smash burger in the world. - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Great food and very nice servers. Lots of people in suits, police officers and others eating. All the food looked amazing. Beware CASH ONLY read more

Workingman's Friend - Single Cheeseburger, Onion Rings and Fries. - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Family was all gathered in Indy we decided to go to my grandfathers favorite bar from long ago. The current owner spent time on a busy Saturday chatting with us and catching us up on the neighborhood. Delightful and well worth stopping in for a beer and burger or tenderloin sandwich read more

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Every few weeks, my husband gets in his head that he needs a burger from here and he will not be put at ease until we make the trip to Workingman's friend. It's sort of located in the middle of nowhere, but so worth the trip because the smash burgers are insane. Easily our favorite smash burgers in Indy in the cutest lil retro diner. Their fries are really well seasoned and the fried mushrooms are a fav of ours. Fast service and fun environment. Worth the stop hands down! read more

Workingman's Friend - A happy man with his smash burger - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana