Beefcake's burger among magazine's best new varieties

Courtesy photo Charlie's and Beefcake Burgers' Grab the Bull by the Horns burger.

While the Fourth of July is certainly one of the best days of the year to grill out, it's also a great time to review some of the best new burgers the Indianapolis area has to offer.

And the current issue of Indianapolis Monthly does just that, including selecting an offering from Charlie's Beefcake Burgers in Greencastle -- owned by Putnam County Comprehensive Services -- and the other Beefcake Burger locations owned and operated by Bobby Hopper of Greencastle.

Overall, the magazine highlighted "13 juicy picks" in its latest edition with a big burger on the cover.

The Indianapolis Monthly review begins by noting Hoosiers' passion for good burgers.

"Indiana may love its pork," the article opens, "but the Circle City has had just as much affection over the years for beef -- patties, in fact, thick, juicy and charbroiled, or smashed flat to crispy perfection on the griddle.

"Beloved chain Burger Chef got its start here in 1957, and Steak 'n Shake housed its headquarters in Indy for more than three decades. Between devouring elk burgers and Big Uglies at Bub's and the deliciously messy, egg-topped Rise & Shine at Boogie Burger, we can hardly count all of the neighborhood pubs and dives whose bun-cradled offerings have risen to cult status (or, in the case of The Workingman's Friend, national burger renown).

"But in the past handful of years, a new wave of creative, burger-focused restaurants have hit town, adding the likes of ghost chiles, lotus chips, jumbo lump crab and burnt cheese rings to the local equation."

Of Charlie's Beefcake Burger's "Grab the Bull by the Horns" offering, Indianapolis Monthly notes:

"At this polished, patriotic rodeo of a mini-chain, you get to dress your own burger based on how many two-ounce patties you want. Giddy-up and go for the tallest stack: Five layers, with your choice of cheese on a whole-wheat bun. Tread lightly with the free toppings -- the point is to let the beef's unadulterated umami sing. $8.49. Multiple locations, including Charlie's in Greencastle and the flagship at 1642 Olive Branch Park Ln., Greenwood."

The Grab-the-Bull sandwich actually has five patties, halfway to the optimum 10-stacker offered by Charlie's and Beefcake Burgers.

Besides the Grab the Bull by the Horns offering, the magazine also highlighted:

-- The Green Chile Cheeseburger at Jaggers in Noblesville.

-- The Goatsnake Burger at Kuma's Corner in Indianapolis.

-- The 317 Burger at 317 Burger in Broad Ripple.

-- It's No Nacho Burger at Between the Bun in Greenwood.

-- The Bourbon Burger at the Bru Burger Bar in Carmel.

-- The Porky at B Spot Burgers in Indianapolis.

-- The Haus Burger at Burgerhaus in Indianapolis.

-- The Spicy Jalapeno Baja Burger at Smashburger in Carmel.

-- The Scratch Burger from the Scratch Truck food truck.

-- The Game Changer at Beast, an Irvington-based food truck.

-- The Burnt Cheese Burger at Punch Burger in Carmel.

-- The BBQ Burger at Flamme Burger in Fishers.