When we decided to go out and find our top five burgers in the dunes, we thought it would be an easy task. Well, we were wrong! There are so many great burgers around the area and so many people with opinions on what should be the best burger.
So here’s what we did.
We started by asking people on Facebook and Instagram what their favorite burger was. We kept track of the ones that were mentioned the most. We got LOTS of comments and picks.
Then, we went out and tasted some for ourselves. We decided what or favorites were and then we went to a couple other sources (like our Dunes Discoveries facebook group) and ran some polls. We took the burgers with the most votes and created our top five. Please note, the first four are in no particular order.
Here we go…
Royale with Cheese – Michigan City. At Royale you step up to the counter, place your order and they bring your food to your table. This is a no frills stop with some of the best burgers around. Many voted for the Royale, but we love the Basic B. with an order of fries. They also have a few other things on the menu, but you’ve gotta try the burger. And they have Jones fountain drinks. The root beer is delicious! Follow them here.
Redamaks – New Buffalo. Some may disagree on this one, but the fact of the matter is that the place is packed from March thru October. A Redamaks burger is nostalgic. Add the atmosphere, the hustle and bustle and a Round Barn Kolsch and you are not just getting a burger, you’re getting an experience. Some say it’s changed, but we still love it. The crinkle cut fries are delicious, and we wouldn’t change a thing. More info here.
At Redamaks, you are biting into a legend!
Byway Brewing – Hammond. Many recommended it, so we went and checked out the Khalil Mac. This all beef patty, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on a toasted brioche bun really does taste like a Big Mac! Except it’s so much better. Pair it with the Double Tail Pale Ale and you won’t be disappointed! Be sure to try the house chips. More info here.
Swingbelly’s – Michigan City. We love Swingbelly’s anytime, but when you are looking for a burger for lunch, look no further than the Jr. Swingbelly Burger. It’s the perfect size! This fresh hand-pattied burger has no frills, but it tastes oh so good. Add some chips or fries and an order of mozzarella sticks and you are good to go! Swingbelly’s has changed locations a few times, but the burgers remain the same. Delicious! More info here.
And the winner…
Octave – Chesterton. Well folks, here is your WINNER! Octave received so many votes that we couldn’t keep counting them. And if you need help picking which grass fed burger of theirs to try, go for “Hot Pants” (shown in our feature photo). Fair oaks farms habanero havarti, house-mde giardiniera, bacon, beer battered onion rings, sriracha, mayo, greens and tomato. Add a side of sweet potato tater tots, a cold beer from one of their rotating taps and you are in burger paradise! Octave recently moved into a larger spot making room for a few more! Check them out here.
Some of our runner ups were….Burgerhaus in Valpo, Fiddlehead in Michigan City, and the best dive deal? Welcome Inn in Stevensville. Double cheeseburger, bag of Jays, and a PBR for $8.50…and it’s the only thing on the menu!
Now we know you’ll all have your opinion and your own favorite burger, so we invite you to comment and let others know. The more burgers….the better!
The Khalil Mac at Byway really does taste like a Big Mac! And you get to order a beer with it!
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