From Lakeside Underdog to Burger Champion: How Flippin Cow Flipped the Script on Elkhart County’s Burger Battle

Written by on June 3, 2025

The votes are in, and we have a champion! After weeks of mouth-watering matchups that had our Froggy 102.7 listeners debating at dinner tables across Elkhart County, the Flippin Cow has officially claimed the crown as our area’s ultimate burger destination. And honestly? This victory was anything but a fluke.

The Championship Journey That Had Us All Hooked

Let’s talk numbers, because this wasn’t even close in the end. When the final votes were tallied in our championship round, Flippin Cow dominated with 258 votes versus Simonton Lake Drive-In’s respectable 143. But the real story? How this lakeside burger joint built momentum through every single round.

Round 1: Right out of the gate, Flippin Cow showed they meant business, crushing Hunters Hideaway Inc with 156 votes to just 59.

Round 2: They kept the momentum rolling, defeating their opponent with 134 votes.

Semifinals: This is where things got really interesting. Flippin Cow pulled off their most impressive performance yet, securing 211 votes to advance to the championship round.

Championship: And then? Pure domination. 258 votes. Game over.

Why This Victory Makes Perfect Sense

If you’ve never been to Flippin Cow, you’re missing out on something special. Located in Elkhart, Indiana, on Lake Simonton, this isn’t just any burger joint – it’s “Elkhart’s Only Lakefront Restaurant!”

Picture this: hand-crafted burgers, fries, and milk shakes served up with “Outside Waterfront Patios” and “Big Screen Hi-Def TV’s.” They’ve even got “Full-Size Tournament Shuffleboard” and their own craft beer on tap. It’s basically the perfect spot for everything we love about summer in Elkhart County.

With 287 reviews on TripAdvisor and a solid 4.1 rating, ranked #6 of 146 restaurants in Elkhart, this place has been quietly building a loyal following. And the reviews? They tell the whole story. People rave about everything from the “tremendous” lake view to servers who are “very helpful explaining how to tip cow over on table!!” (Yes, that’s apparently a thing, and it sounds adorable.)

The Competition Was Fierce

Let’s give credit where it’s due – this wasn’t an easy road to the championship. Our bracket featured some serious heavy-hitters from across Elkhart County. In the first round alone, we saw established favorites like:

  • Biebs & Ash Smashburger Social (154 votes)
  • Heinnies (112 votes)
  • Simonton Lake Drive-In (131 votes) – who would eventually become Flippin Cow’s championship opponent
  • South Side Soda Shop (145 votes)

Each of these spots brought their A-game and loyal followings, making every matchup a real nail-biter.

What Our Listeners Had to Say

The numbers tell an incredible story about our Froggy 102.7 family’s engagement with this competition. We had 871 registered voters participate in this battle, casting a total of 3,457 votes across all rounds. That’s some serious dedication to finding the county’s best burger!

And here’s what we love: our listeners didn’t just vote once and disappear. The increasing vote totals in each round – from Flippin Cow’s 156 first-round votes all the way up to their championship-clinching 258 – show that word was spreading. People were talking, sharing, and getting their friends involved.

The Secret Sauce Behind the Success

What makes Flippin Cow so special? Local restaurateur Cam Snyder, who bought the place in 2002, has created something unique. The restaurant features everything from specialty burgers to “mojos – sliced deep-fried potatoes with a dusting of some spices” that were apparently “big in Elkhart back when Shakey’s Pizza Parlors were proliferating.”

But here’s the thing that really sets them apart: they’re not trying to be everything to everyone. They’ve mastered the art of the perfect burger experience. Flippin Cow offers “hand-crafted burgers, fries, and milkshakes” with “their own Fat Hop Craft Beer on tap and a wide selection of draft and bottled beer choices.”

More Than Just a Restaurant – It’s a Destination

With “boat parking with public access on the lake and decks available for private rental, luncheons, and corporate events,” Flippin Cow has positioned itself as more than just a place to grab dinner. It’s where families go to make memories, where friends meet up for Friday night hangouts, and apparently, where the best burgers in Elkhart County happen to be served.

What’s Next for Our Champion?

As we wrap up our first-ever Elkhart County Burger Battle, we can’t help but feel excited about what this means for our local food scene. Flippin Cow’s victory isn’t just about one restaurant – it’s proof that our community knows quality when they taste it.

So here’s our challenge to you: if you haven’t been to Flippin Cow yet, what are you waiting for? Head out to 51330 State Rd 19 in Elkhart and see what all the fuss is about. Fair warning though – after trying their championship-winning burgers, you might just become part of their growing army of devoted fans.

And to everyone who participated in our Burger Battle – THANK YOU! Your passion for great food and local businesses made this competition absolutely incredible. Keep listening to Froggy 102.7 for more fun contests and community events that celebrate everything we love about Elkhart County.

Congratulations to Flippin Cow – our official Elkhart County Burger Battle Champions!


Want to experience the championship-winning burgers yourself? Visit Flippin Cow at 51330 State Rd 19, Elkhart, IN. Check out their website for current hours and menu details. And keep it tuned to Froggy 102.7 for more local contests and community fun!


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