Central Indiana's Top 3 Burger Joints Provide Hoosier Hospitality

My favorite 3 burger restaurants are easily reached from Interstate 74 around Shelbyville, Indiana, southeast of Indianapolis. All three are quite different, but each will satisfy your craving for a great burger!

The NASCAR Grill

The NASCAR Grill is located inside the Indiana Live! Casino. Coming from Indianapolis, take EXIT 109 to the casino parking garage, then head for the NASCAR Grill. It's up to you if you want to stop at a slot machine or two on the way. The décor truly matches the name, as you will see all kinds of NASCAR memorabilia displayed everywhere. Did I mention the real NASCAR stock car hanging upside down from the ceiling above the bar? The burgers served are fantastic. A wide variety of toppings are available. My favorite is the "Brickyard Bacon Cheddar Burger" topped with Applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, Bar-B-Q sauce and a thick fried onion ring. Served with a large pickle slice and fries, this burger is decadent. NASCAR Grill is open Sunday -Thursday 11AM to 11PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 2AM. Sorry kids, you have to be 21 to enter the Las Vegas style casino.

Applebee's®

Keep heading east on I-74 to EXIT 116. Once you leave the interstate you will be looking at the Applebee's® restaurant. I know, this is a nationwide chain. We have been in some Applebee's® that are not so good. However, the Shelbyville Applebee's® has never been a disappointment. And my, can they cook a burger! I recently fell in love with their latest offering: The Philly Burger. This culinary delight is served on a hoagie style toasted bun. A generous portion of ground beef is cooked to perfection and topped with grilled onions, white cheddar cheese, and sautéed peppers & mushrooms. Mmmm, delicious! Order with some of Applebee's® fries and you won't leave hungry, guaranteed. As is usually the case, this chain provides a nice atmosphere, and is very clean. Sometimes the many TV sets make it a little hard to hear conversation. However, they are now offering free WiFi. Bring on the NetBooks! The Shelbyville restaurant is open Sunday - Thursday 11AM to 12AM and Friday and Saturday 11AM to 1AM.

Bev's Country Diner

A mere 3 miles down I-74 at EXIT 119 you will be amazed at this little gem of a country diner. Bev's Country Diner has been open for years, and continues to provide the best home cooking you will ever find. When I say "little gem" I mean it literally. There are maybe seats for 25 or so patrons, not including the one large table that can seat six. But you talk about a burger! Completely handmade when you order, the third pound burger is, well, the best. I forgo the cheese when I eat at Bev's, sticking with some lettuce and a thick slice of raw sweet onion. Add a little ketchup and I'm in burger heaven. The atmosphere in this family operated business is warm and welcoming. You can chat with anyone, and will find a cross section of farmers, truckers, city folk, and travelers. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that on those days when I don't get a burger, I opt for the huge breaded tenderloin, a Hoosier tradition. Bev's is open Monday -Saturday 6AM to 9PM and Sundays from 8AM to 9PM.

If you can only visit one of the three of my top 3 burger joints, you should make the decision to stop at Bev's Country Diner.