By Jenny Elig
Truth be told, burgers are great any time of year, but when the sun is blazing overhead, there’s something so relaxing about diving hands first into a burger. It’s practically a rule that southside venues must offer burgers. These are but a few of our fair area’s burger experiences.
Get weird
Between the Bun serves gourmet burgers that are never frozen, with toppings the likes of which you might never have tried. Try the PB&J burger, fire-grilled and covered with peanut butter, topped with pepper jack cheese, smoked bacon and jalapenos, and drizzled with maple syrup. Visit Between the Bun, 2222 W. Southport Road, Suite A, Indianapolis. (317) 300-8327, btbindy.com.
Get spicy
Reviews rave about Anaya’s authentic Mexican food, and the burger topped with Mexican sausage, onions, fried jalapenos and pepper jack cheese is no exception. You’ll find Anaya’s at 1285 N. State Road 135, Greenwood. (317) 497-8904.
Go big
Are you hungry? Are you up for a challenge on a hot summer’s day? Hit Campbell’s Highland Grille and try the Loch Ness Monster, a 1-pound burger, or the Edinburgh pizza, topped with spicy chorizo, caramelized onions, goat cheese and arugula. The restaurant is at 1001 N. State Road 135, Greenwood. (317) 300-1696, Facebook @Campbellshighlandgrille.
Go east
Whiskey Business Burgers, Bourbon & Brews serves live music and bourbon, along with the New York deli-influenced When Reuben Met Patty, a merger between a burger and a classic Reuben sandwich, that is, a slow-cooked corned beef, melted Swiss and Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye experience. Whiskey Business is located at 5220 E. Southport Road, Suite A, Indianapolis. (317) 756-9980, whiskeybiz.com.
Get punchy
Although The Willard is known for its fab pizzas, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overlook the burgers, which are well paired with the restaurant’s extensive line-up of draft and domestic beers and red and white wines. The avocado cheeseburger is simple and elegant but packs a bite vis-a-vis the Sriracha-lime mayonnaise and pepper jack cheese, which is tempered slightly by the cooling guacamole. You’ll find The Willard at 99 N. Main St., Franklin. (317) 738-9668 (bar) or (317) 738-9991 (carryout), thewillard.com.
Get messy
Serving the southside for more than 20 years, Peppers offers a full menu that includes the Hot Mess burger, a half-pound burger smothered in hot sauce and topped with jalapeno peppers and pepper jack cheese. You’ll find Peppers at 299 S. State Road 135, Greenwood. (317) 887-0461, peppersgreenwood.com.
