Checking another out!

I drove up to Milwaukee today on my way to Oshkosh in the morning for the big Air Show.  I had a burger at one of my favorite chain places, Steak & Shake, and then headed on up the road.  Approaching West Liberty, Indiana, I saw a road sign for a place that claimed to be the best burger anywhere!  I wasn’t hungry but I couldn’t pass up that challenge so I got off the interstate and drove the 3 miles into town.

Triple XXX Family Restaurant is just that a great old place that got  it’s name from a local favorite root beer Triple  XXX which they still serve today.  The establishment opened in 1929 and the sign says “We were here before your mother was born!”  It was listed by USA Today as the “Best Burger in Indiana”, in their story on the 50 best burgers in America.  They were also featured on the Food Network show, Diner’s, Drive-Ins, and Dives.    They have the distinction of being the oldest drive-on in Indiana!

O.K. I know what your thinking, why is he putting off the rating??!!  Actually, I really loved this place, the people were great, very friendly, it had the perfect atmosphere for a burger and I love the history, but…….  the burger was not what I had hoped for.  Don’t get me wrong it was a good burger, just not a great burger.  Why?  First the meat was pretty thin, I should have ordered the triple paddy, that would have helped a lot.  Second, they used Miracle Whip (salad dressing) instead of mayo.  I love Miracle Whip on certain sandwiches, but not burgers, (admittedly a personal thing.)  The bun was fine, and the fries average.  But hey I would go back, though I might not be welcome after this less than glowing review!  I have to say they were very nice folks, it’s just that a lot of people out there have raised the level of the great burgers you can find today.  So I would say a 3.8 out of 5, not bad, just not in the top 25 or so top burgers.  But hey, really nice folks!

the pilgrim