Entertainment reporter Min Qiao reviews and categorizes some of the area’s best burger joints

Best atmosphere

Red Robin

As one of the more expensive burger places around, Red Robin offers great quality in all aspects of dining except for food. The family-friendly atmosphere provides the perfect environment for younger kids and their parents to enjoy a casual, laid-back meal. Fully equipped with a bar and classic retro décor of a diner, the restaurant seems like the perfect burger joint—until the food is served. Its lackluster burgers are priced around $8 to $10 and, although Red Robin advertises their burgers as gourmet, there was nothing “gourmet” about the Bleu Cheese Ribbon Burger I had.

Even though I am fan of bleu cheese and have always enjoyed a good chipotle taste, I really can’t say much about this burger. Its famous stacked onion rings definitely looked much better than they actually tasted. Overall, Red Robin just does not seem to be worth the buck. Even the great atmosphere and service cannot make up for the terrible quality of its food. In fact, it seems that Red Robin invests much more on the expensive décor and presentation than its “gourmet” burgers.

Ratings                  

Atmosphere: A

Pricing: C

Service: A-

Quality of Food: B-

Location

14599 Clay Terrace Blvd.

or 9965 N. Michigan Road

Hours

Sunday to Thursday:

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday to Saturday:

11 a.m. to 11p.m.

Best Atmosphere

Provides a fun and upbeat atmosphere that is inviting and family friendly.

Best overall

Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream

Despite all the other burger joints that have opened up around here, Bub’s still remains the number one diner for my burgers. This classic local restaurant has flourished into a widely popular burger joint for everyone. On any given night, this restaurant is always packed with locals eager to get another bite of its famous Ugly Burgers. Even though I have yet to gulp down one of its famous Big Ugly’s, I have had and enjoyed the quarter pound version of it.

To me, a burger consists of two main elements—the meat and the bun. Bub’s has got both of these elements perfected to the tee. I’ve eaten at Bub’s countless times and each burger I’ve had there has come with a big, juicy beef patty and perfectly toasted buns. Its burgers are always perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. On top of it all, this place has the best waffle fries I have ever had. Beyond the food, Bub’s offers pretty decent service. On a busy day, the orders might take a bit longer and the place might be a bit louder, but these factors does not deter from the quality of their food. Usually, though, the food arrives within 10-15 minutes and crowded-ness is only a tribute to the popularity of place. For a reasonable price, one can enjoy a great dining experience at Bub’s.

Ratings

Atmosphere: B+

Pricing: A

Service: A-

Quality of Food: A+

Location

210 W. Main St.

Carmel, IN 46032

Hours

Sunday to Thursday:

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday to Saturday:

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Best Overall

Bub’s Burgers seems to please overall. With the line out the door in the summer months it continues to please new and returning customers

Least expensive

Bar Louie

Bar Louie has by far the best burger deal in Carmel. Every Tuesday night they has the “Dollar Burger Special” where for $1 a diner can order a plain burger with lettuce. While the total bill is not $1 it is still a great deal.

Compared to its normal burger price of $10, this price can really not be beat. Additional toppings can then be purchased upon request ranging from 50 cents to $1. The toppings menu offers a wide variety of toppings including bacon, sautéed mushrooms and their homemade chipotle mayo.

All together the average diner’s bill is usually around $6 including a drink, which is a bill more common at a fast food restaurant. However, despite the low cost, Bar Louie definitely does not sacrifice cost for taste. For high school students on a budget, Bar Louie remains one of the best deals in town.

Ratings

Atmosphere: B

Pricing: A-

Service: C

Quality of Food: B+

 Location

14299 Clay Terrace Blvd.

 Hours

Daily: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fast and Simple

Having a delicious burger, fries and a drink for around $6 makes Bar Louie the best meal deal in town.

Fast and Simple

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Upon walking into Five Guys, I immediately felt like I was back at our main cafeteria. Adorned with sterile white walls, the place felt stripped of any personality.

While we waited for our order numbers to be called out, we were offered complimentary peanuts located in cardboard boxes throughout the restaurant. For a fast food restaurant, their burgers were much better than I expected. The portion sizes were huge and a regular sized burger came with two hefty patties.

The burger itself tasted fine. The meat patties were fairly good and it was clear that their ingredients were fresh and never frozen. Despite the lackluster presentation of the food and the mediocre service, Five Guys is still a perfect place to grab a quick bite. I would not go there looking for a great dining experience, but the actual quality of its burgers makes it a worthy place to find a great meal.

Ratings

Atmosphere: B

Pricing: A-

Service: C

Quality of Food: B+

 Location

2902 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN

 Hours

Daily: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 Fast and Simple

Five Guys put fast food on another level, allowing quality to meet speedy.