So the other day I was trying to go to this certain restaurant, but found it closed as I got there on Friday at lunchtime. Luckily, as I was turning right to head toward this place, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, the sign for the Steer-In. What luck! Somewhere that was on my list that I didn’t even know was that close by (and one of the places to soon be featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives).
The Steer-In is an old style drive in (that like most such places no longer offers the actual to your car service) but the interior looks what I imagine it has probably always looked like since it opened. There’s a bar in the middle and two dining areas on either side. The staff was exceptionally friendly, and although I was tempted by the fried chicken (as I always am when I see it on a menu at a place like this), I went with my server’s suggestions which were either the “twin steer” burger or the breaded pork tenderloin. She said those items are what they are known for. I figured since the place was called Steer-in, I’d go down that path. Although I went with the regular steer burger, which is the same as the “twin steer” but with only one beef patty. The burger is served shredded lettuce, tomato and “Steer in sauce.” She asked if I wanted fries, and I said, sure, why not?
So I am a bit torn on this burger. On the one hand, the freshly ground beef tasted fresh and was pretty juicy (and pretty sure they are cooking them on a griddle the way I prefer), but the meat itself had a higher than normal fat content and I got a couple of bites that were actually kind of gristly. I know fat adds flavor, but this was maybe a little past the point of beneficial. The bun was awesome—just a regular sized tender bun that was perfectly toasted with butter. It was wonderfully crisp, but without being even a smidgeon burnt.
The other toppings added an interesting flavor, although I ended up picking the slightly underripe tomatoes off. I enjoyed the lettuce with the “Steer In sauce.” When asked, my server told me it was similar to Thousand Island dressing, but it was pure white and seemed more similar to a thinner mayo or even Miracle Whip to me. But it gave the burger a unique flavor mixed (sort of like a little dressed salad on the burger) and if it hadn’t been for the couple of hard bites, I would have quite enjoyed it.
The fries were your standard crinkle cut fries, nothing special there, but they were properly cooked and done well for what they were. The prices are very reasonable, my burger was about $3.90 with cheese and an extra dollar for the fries. There is obviously a core group of regular customers eating here, people who come in and don’t bother looking at the menu. It is definitely a comforting, familiar atmosphere, even for someone who has never been there. Anyone been for breakfast or pizza? Quite a lot of that on the menu as well.
The people working in there were very friendly and efficient. As I paid my bill at the register, I chatted a bit with the cashier about the picture of Guy Fieri on the wall. She told me that they had just found out that their feature on Diners Drive-ins and Dives would be featured sometime of the week between March 7th and the 14th. So if you want to see it, set your DVRs!
Steer-In
5130 East 10th Street
Indy 46219
317/356-0996
www.steerin.net
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