Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream
A beloved casual joint famous for its hefty, creative burgers, old-fashioned malts, and a fun atmosphere, especially known for the "Big Ugly" burger c...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved casual joint famous for its hefty, creative burgers, old-fashioned malts, and a fun atmosphere, especially known for the "Big Ugly" burger challenge.
Visit during off-peak hours
Opt for non-peak times for quicker service and shorter wait times.
Specify cooking preferences
Be precise about how you want your burger cooked for takeout orders.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The "Big Ugly" Burger Challenge
Test your appetite against the legendary 1lb burger challenge, a feat celebrated with photos on the wall!
Unique Burger & Side Pairings
Savor delicious elk and beef burgers, complemented by unique sides like sweet potato waffle fries.
Old-Fashioned Milkshakes
Indulge in rich, creamy milkshakes, hailed as 'the best ever' by young diners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Opt for non-peak times for quicker service and shorter wait times.
Specify cooking preferences
Be precise about how you want your burger cooked for takeout orders.
Try outdoor seating
Enjoy a more relaxed dining experience on the outdoor patio.
Skip the marshmallow sauce
Reviews suggest this sauce may not be to everyone's taste.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Opt for non-peak times for quicker service and shorter wait times.
Specify cooking preferences
Be precise about how you want your burger cooked for takeout orders.
Try outdoor seating
Enjoy a more relaxed dining experience on the outdoor patio.
Skip the marshmallow sauce
Reviews suggest this sauce may not be to everyone's taste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream is a popular spot praised for its juicy, well-cooked burgers, friendly staff, and fun atmosphere. Many highlight unique offerings like elk burgers and sweet potato fries. However, some reviews mention inconsistent seasoning, dry burgers, and less-than-stellar salads, with one diner having a particularly disappointing experience with a grilled chicken sandwich.
"They have really good burgers with homemade buns. They each come with a side also. Then, if you're really hungry, they have some massive burgers. The cream was really good too!"
Roy West
"First and foremost our server was Emma was a bad ass! She was prompt, polite and kind. Since it was our first time in she walked us through the menu and helped with recommendations.
My husband and I went with their smaller burger option - he got an original bub burger and I added bacon and an egg. I will say, I found it interesting that the bacon was chopped on topped under the cheese vs bacon strips. The burger was good, nothing too fancy in taste, seemed under seasoned, but it was good. The star of the show in both of our opinions were the cole slaw and the loaded potato salad. Those sides were straight full of flavor! The slaw is a crunchy, chopped slaw that is dairy free, not too heavy on vinegar! The potato salad, I don’t know what made it so damn good but it was fresh, creamy, the potatoes were perfect! While I appreciate that they offer gluten free buns, it was a bummer that the fries aren’t gluten free.
We did get our food pretty quickly which is nice seeing as it was right at lunch time, and I appreciated that they had uno cards at each table to keep you entertained vs just sitting on your phone."
Trixie R
"We had the sweetest server, Leah, at our most recent visit. She greeted our party of 5 with a smile, answered all of our questions, gave great suggestions, and was friendly, attentive, and prompt with our drink refills, etc.
Our burgers were delicious, as usual."
michelle snyder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The "Big Ugly" is a massive 1lb burger challenge for those with a huge appetite. Completing it earns you a photo on their wall of fame!
While primarily a burger joint, they offer gluten-free buns for their burgers. It's best to inquire about other specific dietary needs.
Reservations are not typically required for this casual eatery, but visiting during off-peak hours is recommended for faster service.
Customers rave about the loaded potato salad and the sweet potato waffle fries, often served with Malo sauce.
Yes, the milkshakes are highly praised, with one young diner calling them 'the best milkshake ever.'
Yes, outdoor seating is available and offers a more relaxed dining experience, perfect for enjoying the atmosphere.
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Bloomington Cheap Lunch Spots | Restaurants, Bistros & Cafes
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream is a delicious burger joint in town that also offers out-of-this-world hotdogs and chili, both loaded up with all of your favorite toppings. You can enjoy a 10-inch Angus dog or a bowl of beef chili in a bread bowl for under $11.00, or if you're feeling a burger, you can order a quarter-pound beef or elk burger for under $13.00.
21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bloomington (IN)
Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream is a renowned franchise in Bloomington. It was founded in 2003 and is noted for its All-American menu of classic burgers, fries, and ice cream. Burgers are the restaurant’s specialty, and it also has locations in Carmel and Zionsville, asides from the award-winning franchise in Bloomington (which has won multiple accolades).
17 Best Restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana
480 N Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404Phone: (812) 331-2827 Visit Website. A post shared by Eating Through Indy (@eatingthroughindy). Matt and Rachel Frey established Bub’s Burgers’ first location in May 2003 in Carmel, Indiana.
Things to Do in Bloomington Indiana With Kids
We didn’t eat at this location but love their restaurants so I wanted to include it on the list. Great burgers and kids meals and right along the B-line so you could bike to dinner or let your kids play when you’re finished.
Social
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