Discover the sizzle at this Mass Ave gem where juicy burgers steal the show.
Opened in 2011 by Cunningham Restaurant Group, BRU Burger Bar quickly became a downtown favorite with its fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors.
Locals flock here for award-winning patties that earned national nods like Indiana’s Best Burger from Reader’s Digest.
Vibrant patio vibes and craft beers seal the deal for Indy foodies.
How BRU Burger Bar – Indianapolis won locals’ hearts
BRU Burger Bar burst onto Indianapolis’ Mass Ave scene in December 2011, captivating taste buds with signature burgers crafted from a proprietary blend of sirloin, chuck, and brisket sourced from local farms like Fisher Farms. Within months, it built a devoted following through rave reviews praising the fresh toppings and from-scratch approach, landing spots on “Top 25 Indianapolis Restaurants” lists by Indianapolis Monthly.
Word spread fast as Esquire magazine crowned one burger Indiana’s most outrageous, drawing national attention while locals championed its chef-driven menu amid the bustling arts district. Yelp fans rave about perfectly cooked patties and crunchy fries, with over 7,500 reviews highlighting quick service and dog-friendly patios that turned casual bites into neighborhood rituals. By consistently delivering quality, BRU evolved from newcomer to Indy icon, named 2024 Indiana’s Best Burger by Reader’s Digest.
This spot didn’t chase trends; it hooked hearts with reliable deliciousness, from happy hour deals Monday-Thursday to extensive local beer taps featuring Sun King and Metazoa brews. Reviewers gush over the garlic-three cheese burger’s truffle aioli punch and bourbon glaze’s sweet heat, fostering loyalty that spans families and visitors alike. Over 13 years, expansions to 17 locations prove its staying power, but the original Mass Ave haunt remains the soul of the empire.
Food Highlights
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Bru Burger: Taleggio cheese, bacon, tomato jam, caramelized onion, and mayo on a fresh bun – a must-try signature for its perfect balance of savory and sweet, topped Yelp’s popular list.
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Bourbon Burger: Bacon, peppercorn-bourbon glaze, horseradish Havarti – locals love the smoky kick, earning 72 Yelp reviews for bold flavor explosion.
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Garlic-Three Cheese Burger: Swiss, American, Tillamook white cheddar, roasted garlic, truffle aioli – a cheesy garlic dream reviewers call addictive and indulgent.
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White Cheddar Bacon Burger: Tillamook white cheddar, BRU sauce, garden toppings – simple yet crave-worthy, praised for melty cheese and house sauce magic.
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Pimento Jalapeño Burger: Pimento cheese, bacon, fried onion, pickled jalapeño, chipotle BBQ – spicy crowd-pleaser with heat that keeps fans coming back per reviews.
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Patty Melt: Smashed patty, caramelized onion, American cheese, Fontana sauce on sourdough – classic twist diners hail as crispy, juicy perfection.
Atmosphere
Mass Ave’s BRU buzzes with lively energy from artsy crowds spilling onto the dog-friendly patio. Inside, industrial chic meets cozy booths under warm lights, perfect for dates or groups. Happy hour draws happy locals Monday-Thursday 3-5:30 PM with half-price apps. Vibrant yet welcoming, it feels like Indy’s burger heartbeat.
Bottom Line
Visit for award-winning local burgers, dog-friendly patio, craft beers, happy hour steals, and Mass Ave magic – pure Indy bliss in every bite!
Address: 410 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
📞 (317) 635-4278
🕔 Sun: 11 AM–9 PM, Mon-Thu: 11 AM–10 PM, Fri-Sat: 11 AM–11 PM