Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream (Home of the Big "Ugly Burger")

Bub's farm animals enjoying some ice cream (Murals painted by local Indy artist Mike Brown)

If you live in the North Indy area Bub's Burgers should not a be a secret, actually it's really not much of a secret to anyone, Bubs hosted an episode of Man v. Food with Adam Richman. Located in the heart of Carmel's Art District this whimsical restaurant is home of their famous "Ugly Burgers". Their menu is fantastic and simple - entrées including the original Ugly Burger, Ugly Elk Burger, their take on Hot Dogs, & Chili in a bread bowl (with an accompaniment of appetizers). By the way, "Big Ugly Burger" = BUBs (the owner and his brother in law's nickname). Ah, but don't forget this is Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream. Attached to the restaurant is an ice cream parlor serving up cold treats for those in the restaurant (in form of malts/shakes) or people passing by on the Monon Trail .

Light hearted atmosphere and the many pictures of "Big Ugly" champions

One of the first things I noticed as I walked into this restaurant is the smiling faces of all the "salesmen" (I was told by the manager, Mike, that the servers/host(ess) were not simply there to serve us food they are known as sales people providing the best customer service and make patrons excited about the food). The staff is younger, like straight out of Carmel H.S. young, but I was pleasantly surprised by their manners.

The second thing I noticed? The massive amount of pictures that covered the walls of this place! If you finish their "Big Ugly" (1 lb burger AFTER cooking) your recognition comes in form of your very own 4x6 picture! The more you finish the bigger the picture. If you can finish 4 "Uglies" you get your very own life sized cut out (Adam Richman only finished 2 but my friend Sally and I sat next to his life sized cut out..I guess being a celebrity with your own TV show helps).

I highly recommend this place - it's fun (especially on your birthday, they make the whole restaurant sing to you, case in point on the child pictured up top) and the food is pretty tasty. I would recommend the elk burger (less fat, more protein) and their delicious sweet potato waffle fries with marshmallow dipping sauce! We also had their hot wings - but ask for the sauce on the side, it got a little too salty for us.

Unfortunately, the owner Matt, was at their new location in Bloomginton so I didn't get to meet him last night. However, for a local burger joint it speaks highly of the food and concept for multiple locations. For more information on Bub's and their sister cafe please visit their website.

Happy Eating~!