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The Workingman's Friend

234 North Belmont Avenue, Indianapolis, IN - (317) 636-2067
Posted By Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle on 7/14/2009 10:02:00 PM
Smack in the middle of the industrial/residential area west of the White River is a working man's bar that serves an unforgettable double cheeseburger. The glass-brick-fronted Workingman's Friend draws crowds at mealtimes, but our visit on a Monday night found the bar empty save for a small group of men quietly sipping beers and ignoring a TV tuned to a ballgame. We ordered Buds and double cheeseburgers from the no-nonsense bartender, who then went into the kitchen to prepare our meals, as we brought our beers to a table.

What the bartender/chef brought out was reminiscent of the burgers served at The Sycamore in Connecticut, which is to say they are flattened against the grill while they cook, resulting in a crusty burger, particularly around the ultra-thin edges. Fully dressed with lettuce, tomato, and onion, we loved this double cheeseburger. Sided by good O-rings, and accompanied by a fish-bowl glass of American brew, this meal is an Indy classic.

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Scorecard

4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Double Cheeseburger
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When I tried to order a single, the waitress reminded me that these burgers are smashed very thin, ''just like Steak 'n Shake.'' She was right that the double cheeseburger is the way to go, but these burgers are miles ahead of what they serve at Steak 'n Shake!
"When I tried to order a single, the waitress reminded me that these burgers are smashed very thin, ''just like Steak 'n Shake.'' She was right that the double cheeseburger is the way to go, but these burgers are miles ahead of what they serve at Steak 'n Shake!"
Cliff Strutz





Though not particularly big, this fine tenderloin still provides plenty of porky flavor.
"Though not particularly big, this fine tenderloin still provides plenty of porky flavor."
Cliff Strutz


The onion rings could be crunchier, but we like the fact that they are not greasy.
"The onion rings could be crunchier, but we like the fact that they are not greasy."
Cliff Strutz


No wheat for me, but a sans bun double cheeseburger is still worth the trip!
"No wheat for me, but a sans bun double cheeseburger is still worth the trip!"
Kyle


The hearty bean soup was just what we needed on a cold autumn afternoon.
"The hearty bean soup was just what we needed on a cold autumn afternoon."
Cliff Strutz


The menu features lots of bar food options at low prices. Click on the photo for a more readable view.
"The menu features lots of bar food options at low prices. Click on the photo for a more readable view."
Cliff Strutz


Sitting in this friendly blue collar bar, eating double cheeseburgers and watching college football, was an excellent way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
"Sitting in this friendly blue collar bar, eating double cheeseburgers and watching college football, was an excellent way to spend a Saturday afternoon."
Cliff Strutz


The stunning glass brick entrance to The Workingman's Friend.
"The stunning glass brick entrance to The Workingman's Friend."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


The Friend is the place for cheeseburgers.
"The Friend is the place for cheeseburgers."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle



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