Bloomington is a college town with a surprisingly serious food culture—late‑night joints, craft‑beer burger bars, and chef‑driven kitchens all putting their spin on the classic hamburger. These five spots get the most love from IU students, alumni, and locals.
1. Hinkle’s Hamburgers
Hinkle’s is a Bloomington institution—tiny, old‑school, and beloved for its smashed, onion‑fried sliders.
The burgers are thin, griddled, and cooked with onions directly on the flat‑top, giving you those caramelized bits that locals dream about. You can order singles, doubles, or a whole tray if you’re really hungry. Cheese, pickles, and mustard or ketchup keep it classic.
It’s not a gourmet burger; it’s a crave‑able, comfort‑food burger that people grow up on and keep coming back to long after college.
2. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream
Just off the main drag, Bub’s is known for its huge burgers and challenge‑level portions.
Their patties are hand‑pattied, char‑grilled, and come in multiple sizes—up to a full pound if you’re feeling bold. The build‑your‑own setup lets you stack on cheese, bacon, grilled mushrooms and onions, jalapeños, and various sauces. The buns are substantial enough to handle the weight.
Locals love the Big Ugly Burger Challenge, but even if you stick to a smaller size, the combination of smoky char, juicy beef, and solid toppings puts Bub’s high on a lot of lists.
3. Upland Brewing Company (Bloomington Brewpub)
Upland is a craft beer icon in Bloomington, and their burgers are classic brewpub comfort at its best.
The Upland Burger features a juicy patty, quality cheese (cheddar or pepper jack are popular), lettuce, tomato, onion, and often a house sauce or aioli. The Bad Elmer’s Burger—usually tied to their IPA of the same name—often adds bacon, spicy elements, or beer‑inspired toppings.
Paired with hand‑cut fries, tots, or a side salad and one of their flagship beers, it’s exactly what locals recommend if you want a burger with a legit craft‑beer backdrop.
4. Big Woods Bloomington
Big Woods is known for hearty Midwestern food and strong cocktails, and their burger is a standout.
Expect a thick patty, cooked to order, with options like smoked bacon, cheddar or blue cheese, fried onions, and house‑made sauces. The Smokehouse‑style burgers—bacon, BBQ sauce, maybe an onion ring—are especially popular.
The vibe is warm and rustic, and the portions are generous, making it a top pick for a satisfying burger‑and‑beer night downtown.
5. BuffaLouie’s at the Gables
Famous for wings and IU memorabilia, BuffaLouie’s also quietly turns out a burger that locals really respect.
The patties are juicy, with classic toppings like American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion. You can usually get variations with BBQ sauce, mushrooms, or jalapeños too.
It’s the kind of burger you grab with a side of wings and fries while watching a game, and for a lot of Bloomington residents, it’s just as much a comfort staple as their beloved wings.
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