Celebrate the Fourth of July at Indianapolis' most popular all-American eateries

Between the Bun - Burgers, Dogs and More

The Fourth of July is only a couple of days away, which means it's time to think about how you're going to celebrate. Specifically, where to find those classic foods that scream red, white and blue.

In the spirit of freedom, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find Indianapolis' top all-American dining destinations, using both Yelp data and our own methodology to produce a curated list of options.

Sure, they’re not native to either the United States or the old British colonies, but few things seem more American than that summer staple, the hot dog. Indianapolis, we’ve got ideas on that.

1. Between the Bun - Burgers, Dogs And More

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Topping the list is Between the Bun - Burgers, Dogs and More. Located at 2222 W. Southport Road, Suite A in Southern Dunes, the New American spot, which offers burgers and hot dogs, boasts 3.5 stars out of 183 reviews on Yelp. On the menu you'll find fried pickles, a buffalo chicken salad and a PB&J burger.

2. The Mug

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Photo: mbudi m./Yelp

Next up is Irvington's The Mug, situated at 118 S. Audubon Road. With four stars out of 125 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches has proved to be a local favorite. The establishment uses local ingredients, include pasture-raised, drug-free meats.

3. King Gyros

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Photo: kate v./Yelp

North Perry's King Gyros, located at 3410 S. East St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Greek and Mediterranean spot, which offers hot dogs and more, four stars out of 73 reviews. Menu items include a Polish sausage sandwich, fried zucchini and spanakopita.


If you're craving classic American food like meatloaf, hamburgers or mac and cheese, consider a celebratory Fourth of July meal at one of Indianapolis' top traditional American restaurants.

1. The Tap

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Photo: michelle p./Yelp

Topping the list is The Tap. Located at 306 N. Delaware St. in Downtown, the brewery, beer bar and traditional American spot is the highest-rated traditional American restaurant in Indianapolis, boasting four stars out of 352 reviews on Yelp. On the menu you'll find charcuterie, pulled pork kettle chips and firecracker shrimp tacos.

2. The Eagle

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Photo: the eagle/Yelp

Next up is Downtown's The Eagle, situated at 310 Massachusetts Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 1,563 reviews on Yelp, the traditional American and Southern spot has proved to be a local favorite. The eatery specializes in fried chicken.

3. Tick Tock Lounge

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Near Eastside's Tick Tock Lounge, located at 2602 E. 10th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the lounge and traditional American spot, which offers beer, wine and spirits and more, 4.5 stars out of 116 reviews. Menu items include biscuits and gravy, pizza and tenderloin.


A solid option that conjures the feeling of the open road, one of these beloved Indianapolis diners can serve up grub that'll have you singing "God Bless America" in no time.

1. Jimmy's Diner

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Photo: ally r./Yelp

Topping the list is Jimmy's Diner. Located at 3301 Shelby St. in University Heights, the diner and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers burgers and more, is the highest-rated diner in Indianapolis, boasting 4.5 stars out of 34 reviews on Yelp. On the menu you'll find stew, a bacon cheeseburger and breakfast sandwiches.

2. Thai Spice

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Photo: helen d./Yelp

Next up is South Perry's Thai Spice, situated at 2220 E. County Line Road. With 4.5 stars out of 359 reviews on Yelp, the diner and Thai spot has proved to be a local favorite. On the menu you'll find fried tofu, chicken satay and tilapia with ginger sauce.

3. Metro Diner

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Photo: metro diner/Yelp

Castleton's Metro Diner, located at 3954 E. 82nd St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the diner, breakfast and brunch and traditional American spot four stars out of 374 reviews. Menu items include chicken and waffles, meatloaf and shrimp and grits.


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.