Why locals love it: A small barbecue counter on Martin Luther King Drive, Indianapolis. The brisket is the city's quiet best, run from a strip-mall storefront.
Tip: Run out by mid-afternoon. Go by noon for a full plate.
Location
Address: 3736 Martin Luther King Dr Ste A, Indianapolis, IN 46208
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old-northside
Why locals love it: A full-service butcher and specialty grocer on North Delaware in Indianapolis with a hidden cellar bar pouring wine, beer and pulled-pork sandwiches.
Tip: The cellar bar opens Thursday to Saturday evenings. Reserved bench seats only.
haughville
Why locals love it: A 1918 Macedonian-immigrant lunch counter in Haughville, off the West Side tourist map but still grinding out the city's defining smash burger.
Tip: Cash only. Don't ask for ketchup, ask for mustard. Closed Sundays.
downtown
Why locals love it: Same South College corner since 1933 but blocks off the Mass Ave tourist track. Red sauce, the Italian Indianapolis the chains have missed.
Tip: Tuesday to Saturday dinner only. The bar takes walk-ins.
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