Americans eat nearly 50 billion burgers every year. From iconic fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Wendy’s, to sit-down restaurants like Red Robin and Johnny Rockets, there are endless places to get a mouthwatering burger in the US. So which one is the best burger chain? We’ve got the definitive ranking. This list is based on price, convenience and, of course, taste. Each offers a variety of delicious options to satisfy your hamburger hunger.
15. White Castle
Opened in 1921, White Castle has thrived in the Midwest for almost 100 years. The chain is best known for their sliders. The miniature burgers are topped with onions and pickle slices, and at only 140 calories a piece you can easily devour multiple sliders in one sitting. The cheap price and convenience makes up for the slightly greasy taste.
14. McDonald’s
With over 36,000 restaurants around the world, McDonald’s has established itself as one of the most well-known fast food chains. Their burgers, made with 100% real beef, are a bit greasy, but hey, the price won’t leave a hole in your wallet. Next time you’re craving a cheeseburger, try McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese, served on a sesame seed bun and topped with American cheese, onions, and pickles.
13. Sonic
Sonic has a variety of awesome items on their huge menu: fruity slushies, savory hot dogs, and let’s not forget their large number of ice cream selections. While everything is super tasty, their burgers are near the top of the list. Next time you drive up, go with the basic cheeseburger–it’s simple but scrumptious (and, not too expensive).
12. Carl’s Jr
While the chain has been scrutinized for their racy commercials in the past, you have to admit Carl’s Jr has some pretty awesome burgers. The restaurant has a large menu of diverse sandwiches, but my personal fave is the California Classic Double Cheeseburger. With double the meat, double the cheese, grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce and thousand island dressing, you’ll be drooling before you even take a bite.
11. Wendy’s
Between their icy Frostys and their hilarious Twitter roasts, it might be difficult to remember how great Wendy’s burgers are. So don’t forget–they’re delicious. Next time you’re there, try out one of the chain’s most popular sandwiches, the Baconator. Made for hardcore carnivores, this burger consists of two 1/4-pound patties and six strips of bacon, then topped with cheese, mayo, and ketchup. It’s a bit pricier, but with that much bacon, who cares?
10. Cheeseburger in Paradise
You’ll be in paradise when you order a burger from this island-themed restaurant. Cheeseburger in Paradise offers customers a large menu of divine sandwiches. If it’s your first time, order the All-American. Topped with the usual burger toppings and sandwiched between a toasty bun, it’s sure to satisfy. Since it’s a sit-down restaurant, it’s a bit pricier and not as quick – but once you bite into one of their burgers, it’ll all be worth it.
9. Whataburger
Open 24/7, Whataburger is always there to serve you up a yummy burger. If you’ve never visited before, try out the original, which features a 100% beef patty topped with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and diced onions. Its convenience, price, and tasty sandwiches give it a well-deserved spot on the list.
8. Fuddruckers
There’s a reason why Fuddruckers says they have the world’s greatest hamburgers. Each of their burgers is made to order and placed on a homemade bun. Try out the 1/4 pound burger next time you’re there, then top it whatever you like at the restaurant’s fresh toppings bar. It’s a little pricier, but trust me when we say you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
7. Johnny Rockets
When you walk in the door of Johnny Rockets, you feel like you’ve just stepped back in time into a 1950s Americana diner. Between the sock hop music and old-fashioned sodas and shakes, take some time to order a burger. It is a sit-down restaurant, so expect to wait a bit and slightly higher prices.
While the menu is pretty big, I suggest the bacon cheddar burger. Smothered in Applewood smoked bacon, Wisconsin cheddar cheese, and the restaurant’s special sauce, this burger will not disappoint you.
6. Five Guys
Five Guys started out as a family-owned business in the Washington DC area in 1986. Today, burger lovers all over the country flock to this joint. It’s not too pricy, fairly quick, and serves up some of the best sandwiches.
Customers love the chain’s fresh beef, the various free toppings and, of course, pairing these savory burgers with the fresh cut fries. If it’s your first time at Five Guys, you can’t go wrong with the basic cheeseburger.
#SpoonTip: Split an order of fries with a friend. The portions here are huge.
5. Culver’s
If you’ve never been to Midwest chain Culver’s, you are missing out. It’s super cheap, super quick, and has a super yummy menu – especially when it comes to the restaurant’s butter burgers. They press and sear their burgers, made from fresh, Midwest-raised beef, then serve them on a buttered bun with a slice of Wisconsin cheese. Next time you’re there, order the double butter burger and pair it with a side of the chain’s delicious crinkle-cut fries.
4. Red Robin
With a huge menu of delectable sandwiches (all served with endless fries, of course), it’s hard to go wrong at Red Robin. The slightly higher prices and longer wait time is hardly a factor once you bite into a burger.
The chain’s tavern double burger has to be near the top of my list. Two patties, topped with melty American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and the restaurant’s secret sauce, are placed between a fresh, poppy-seed bun.
#SpoonTip: Can’t decide what to order? Check out this ranking of the best Red Robin burgers.
3. Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake has been serving hungry customers since 1934. With the chain’s menu of fries, hand-dipped shakes, and burgers, it’s no wonder the restaurant has thrived over the years. Their steak burgers are always grilled fresh and made-to-order. Expect to wait awhile for your food, even if you go through the drive-thru.
If you’ve never been before, try out the double steakburger. It’s a classic, topped with cheese and your choice of other toppings, served on a toasted bun.
2. In-n-Out
A West Coast favorite, In-n-Out has some of the best burgers in the country. They’re inexpensive, pretty fast and oh-so-delectable. If you’ve never experienced the magic of In-n-Out, the double-double is a great starter burger. Served on a freshly-baked bun, sink your teeth into two juicy patties topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and the chain’s special spread.
#SpoonTip: Craving In-N-Out but stuck at home? You can easily make their animal-style fries at home.
1. Shake Shack
Rounding out the list at the No. 1 spot is none other than Shake Shack. There’s a reason it’s continually ranked as the best burger spot in the country. While the restaurant has plenty of yummy items on their menu like hot dogs, frozen custard, and fries, their burgers are top notch. Try out the double Shackburger if you’ve never visited before – it’s topped with melty cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes and the chain’s special ShackSauce.
#SpoonTip: You can get ShackSauce on the side for free if you ask for it.
While all these options are delicious, don’t just take my word for it – go out and try them all for yourself (but, I can guarantee, you’re going to enjoy every single bite of every one of these burgers).