Triple XXX Family Restaurant

Triple XXX was once, decades ago, a thriving chain of restaurants, serving their own Texas-made root beer throughout the South, Midwest, and West. This particular Triple XXX, near Purdue U in West Lafayette, opened in 1929 and is one of two remaining (and independently owned) Triple XXX restaurants left in the U.S. (the other is in Issaquah, WA). Lafayette’s Triple XXX has a commitment to quality that is readily apparent. Their motto, “On The Hill But On The Level,” refers to both its levee location and the honest food they serve. They grind their own sirloin for burgers (or, as they call them, chop steaks). Shakes are made with real ice cream. Much of the food is made from scratch. It shows.

A can’t-miss-it orange-and-brown-striped building that appears ready for Halloween, Triple XXX is a campus favorite. They’ve named many of their platters after Purdue football stars, such as The Bernie Flowers All-Pro (onion, lettuce, tomato, mayo) and The Duane Purvis All-American (which adds cheese and peanut butter to the mix). We love these thin, coarsely-formed burgers, especially in the double configuration with fried onions. Good real french fries are available too, and of course iced glass mugs of the fine root beer is the perfect accompaniment.

By the way, their website relates the history of the root beer, and a complicated and convoluted story it is. Bottom line seems to be that the root beer, still made in Texas, is now available only from soda fountains (not just the two Triple XXX restaurants), and while throughout its history it has at times been affiliated with various major beer or soda companies, it’s now on its own, and is something of a cult favorite.

Triple XXX is open 24 hours, and they serve breakfast, too. We hear the biscuits and gravy are top-notch.