Very close to where I work is a bar that has been there probably 50+ years at least. If I had to guess it’s probably 20’ wide maximum and 120’ front to back. The flat top is right there by the old Wrigleys gum and old Lifesavers. Here is the catch though. It is 3 sisters who own it and they operate it like a 21 jewel Swiss watch. They truly have the BEST tavern burger I have ever eaten......anywhere. They are flat top cooked “spanked” burgers. By spanked I am trying to portray the process, they throw a 5-6 oz meatball on and one of them gives it a few seconds and spanks it with a spatula. A minute or so later comes the flipand cheese if you want it.. fresh lettuce and tomato if you want it. The place is called the B&B cafe in St. Marys, Ks. The vast majority of the town is related to the St.Marys Academy and College. Worth a google if you are asking me.
The rumor is that the flat top came off a train cooking car and I absolutely believe it, it is OLD and primitive but rocks on burgers. It does not look safe in any regard if you know what I mean.