I grew up hearing stories about Miner-Dunn from my parents, and when I finally walked through those doors myself, I understood why this place has been a Highland institution since 1932. There’s something special about stepping into a restaurant that feels unchanged in the best possible way; where the griddle has likely seen decades of loyal customers and the recipes haven’t chased trends.
The first bite of a burger made the same way for nearly a century hits differently. It’s straightforward, no-frills, and exactly what you want it to be; crispy edges, juicy center, soft bun, and flavors that don’t need dressing up.
And then there’s the orange sherbet that comes with your meal. That little scoop isn’t just dessert; it’s a Northwest Indiana tradition, a sweet, refreshing finish that generations have grown up expecting.
This isn’t a trendy spot trying to reinvent the wheel with towering stacks of toppings or overpriced gimmicks. Miner-Dunn keeps it simple, keeps it consistent, and keeps it real.
Burgers Made the Old-Fashioned Way Since 1932
Walking into Miner-Dunn feels like stepping back to a time when burgers were simple, honest, and made with pride. Since 1932, this family-run spot has been serving the same recipe that made them famous in the first place.
No fancy aioli or truffle oil here. Just perfectly seasoned beef cooked on a flat-top grill, melted cheese that drapes over the edges, and a soft bun that holds everything together without falling apart halfway through your meal.
What makes these burgers legendary isn’t some secret ingredient or celebrity endorsement. It’s the consistency.
Every single time you order, you know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s going to be good. The beef is seasoned just right, not too salty, not bland.
The bacon comes out crispy without being burnt. The toppings are fresh, and everything comes together in a way that just works.
People drive from all over Northwest Indiana just to grab one of these burgers. You’ll see families who’ve been coming here for decades sitting next to first-timers who heard about the place from a friend.
Everyone leaves happy. Everyone leaves full.
And everyone agrees that this is what a real burger should taste like, no gimmicks required.
Fresh-Cut Fries That Put Frozen to Shame
One customer peeked into the kitchen and spotted the manual french fry cutter, and that’s when it all made sense. These aren’t frozen fries dumped from a bag into hot oil.
Every single fry at Miner-Dunn starts as a whole potato that gets cut fresh right there in the kitchen. You can tell the difference with your first bite because the texture is completely different from what you get at chain restaurants.
The fries come out hot and golden, salted just right, with those irregular edges that only fresh-cut potatoes have. Some pieces are a little thicker, some are thinner, and that’s part of the charm.
They’re real. They taste like potatoes, not like cardboard dipped in grease.
And when you order a deluxe burger, these fries come as part of the deal, making the whole meal feel like something your grandma would’ve served you on a Sunday afternoon.
Now here’s where things get interesting for locals who know the secret. You can dip these fries in the orange sherbet that comes with your meal.
It sounds weird until you try it, and then it becomes your new favorite thing. The salty-sweet combination is addictive, and it’s one of those Northwest Indiana traditions that people from Highland have been doing since they were kids.
That Famous Orange Sherbet Tradition
You haven’t truly experienced Miner-Dunn until you’ve had the orange sherbet. This isn’t just dessert.
This is a Highland tradition that goes back generations. When you order a deluxe meal or dinner, your sherbet comes included, and most regulars will tell you it’s the perfect way to finish off a burger and fries.
The orange flavor is bright and refreshing, not artificial tasting like some cheap freezer pops. It’s smooth, creamy, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
Some people get the orange and vanilla swirl, which gives you the best of both worlds. The vanilla adds a mellow creaminess that balances out the tangy orange perfectly.
And yes, as mentioned before, dipping your fries in this sherbet is absolutely a thing. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
The combination of hot, salty fries and cold, sweet sherbet creates this weird flavor explosion that somehow works perfectly.
Kids go crazy for the sherbet, but honestly, adults love it just as much. It’s one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why old-school diners are special.
No fancy presentation, no Instagram-worthy plating. Just good ice cream served in a little dish that makes you smile.
That’s the Miner-Dunn way, and it’s been working for nearly a century.
Homemade Soups That Warm Your Soul
The potato soup at Miner-Dunn has earned itself a serious reputation. One customer called it the best potato soup they’d ever had, and after going back multiple times just for that soup, they still felt the same way.
It’s thick, warm, and loaded with tiny bacon bits and perfectly stewed potatoes. The seasoning hits just right, not too heavy on any one flavor, but balanced in a way that makes you want to scrape every last drop from the bowl.
Beyond potato soup, Miner-Dunn rotates through other homemade soups depending on the day. Vegetable soup shows up frequently, packed with actual vegetables and not just broth with a few sad carrots floating around.
The California soup gets mentioned in reviews as another favorite. These aren’t soups from a can or a giant bag of powder mix.
They’re made in-house, and you can taste the difference immediately.
On cold Indiana days when the wind is whipping off the lake and you need something to warm you up from the inside out, these soups hit differently. Pair a bowl with half a sandwich or just order it by itself.
Either way, you’re getting comfort food that actually comforts. It’s the kind of soup that makes you understand why people have been coming here since the Great Depression.
Real Diner Atmosphere That Hasn’t Changed
Miner-Dunn looks exactly like you’d imagine a diner from the 1930s would look, because it basically is one. The retro decor isn’t some recreated theme park version of the past.
It’s authentic. The counter seating, the booths, the whole vibe takes you back to a simpler time when diners were community gathering spots and not just places to grab a quick bite before rushing off somewhere else.
Some people might call it old-fashioned or dated, but that’s missing the point entirely. This place has character.
The kind of character you can’t fake or buy at a restaurant supply store. You’ll see families who’ve been coming here for generations sitting next to newcomers who just discovered the place.
Everyone fits in because the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious. No one’s trying to impress you with mood lighting or a carefully curated playlist.
Yes, it’s a small space. Yes, seating can feel a little cramped when it’s busy.
But that’s part of the charm. You’re not isolated in some booth in the corner.
You’re part of the experience. You can hear the grill sizzling, smell the burgers cooking, and watch the staff work.
It’s dinner and a show, Highland style. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find Wicker Memorial Park at 2000 Jewett Street, perfect for a walk after your meal.
Comfort Food Beyond Just Burgers
Sure, Miner-Dunn is famous for burgers, but sleeping on the rest of the menu would be a mistake. The meatloaf is homemade and comes with mashed potatoes, gravy, and your choice of vegetables.
It’s the kind of meal your grandma would make on a Sunday, except you don’t have to do the dishes afterward. The French dip sandwich gets serious love from regulars who add cheese and call it one of the best sandwiches in the area.
The Reuben sandwich makes appearances in reviews as another standout. Piled high with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, it’s a classic done right.
Green beans come as a vegetable option, and they’re actually good, not mushy or flavorless like what you’d get from a can. The grilled cheese is simple but satisfying, especially when paired with a bowl of soup on a cold day.
Even the fish dinner gets praise, with customers mentioning perfectly seasoned cod that comes out at just the right temperature. This is comfort food in every sense of the word.
Food that makes you feel good, fills you up, and doesn’t cost a fortune. After your meal, you might want to check out Main Square Park at 4246 Highway Avenue in Highland for some fresh air and digestion time.
Unbeatable Value for Your Money
In a world where burger chains charge fifteen dollars for a mediocre meal, Miner-Dunn at 8940 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322 stands out by offering real value. When you order a deluxe burger, you’re getting the burger, fries, and that signature sherbet all included.
It’s a complete meal, not a stripped-down version where every extra costs more. The portions are generous without being over-the-top; you leave satisfied, not uncomfortable.
Plenty of diners point out the reasonable prices, especially compared to other burger spots nearby. You’re not paying for flashy branding or a massive corporate marketing budget.
You’re paying for well-made food prepared by people who take pride in what they serve. The double burgers are hearty and worth every penny.
The soups are filling enough to stand on their own as a full meal. Even the kids’ menu offers portions that actually satisfy, instead of leaving little ones asking for snacks an hour later.
This is the kind of place where you can bring your family without stressing over the final total. Whether it’s date night, a casual family dinner, or a quick solo lunch, your wallet will appreciate it.
And because the food delivers on flavor, you’re not trading quality for affordability; you’re simply dining somewhere that still understands fair pricing.
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