What is the best fast-food burger chain in the US?

The great American burger debate spans beloved classics and upstart challengers — from decades-old icons to modern craft builds that flipped the script on fast food. Which chain makes the best burger?

1. 1
   Habit Burger & Grill

   A California-born chain specializing in chargrilled burgers and tempura-battered onion rings that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Shake Shack

   A New York-born premium chain that rose from a Madison Square Park hot-dog cart to a global brand serving smash burgers.
   880pts
3. 3
   Culver's

   A Midwest favorite known for its ButterBurger made with fresh beef on a toasted bun, plus famous Wisconsin cheese curds.
   710pts
4. 4
   Whataburger

   A Texas institution serving oversized burgers on 5-inch buns since 1950, with a passionate regional fanbase.
   663pts
5. 5
   Burger King

   The home of the Whopper, known for flame-grilling its burgers and rivaling McDonald's as America's second-largest burger chain.
   609pts
6. 6
   Five Guys

   A Virginia-founded chain famous for hand-formed patties, customizable toppings, and unlimited free peanuts in its stores.
   474pts
7. 7
   White Castle

   The original American fast-food chain, founded in 1921, known for its tiny square slider burgers with onion-steamed patties.
   474pts
8. 8
   McDonald's

   The world's largest fast-food chain, iconic for the Big Mac, golden arches, and billions served globally since 1955.
   284pts
9. 9
   Wendy's

   Dave Thomas's Ohio chain, known for square fresh-beef patties, the Frosty, and sharp social-media wit.
   284pts
10. 10
    Steak 'n Shake

    A Midwest classic since 1934, famous for thin steakburger patties cooked to order and hand-dipped milkshakes.
    284pts
11. 11
    In-N-Out Burger

    A California cult-favorite known for its simple menu, fresh never-frozen beef, and the legendary secret "Animal Style" option.
    284pts
12. 12
    Sonic Drive-In

    America's largest drive-in chain, where carhops deliver burgers and tots directly to your car at nearly 3,500 locations.
    284pts
13. 13
    Jack in the Box

    A West Coast chain best known for its late-night menu, curly fries, and the Jumbo Jack burger available 24 hours.
    1pts
14. 14
    Carl's Jr.

    A West Coast chain (Hardee's in the East) known for its Angus beef thickburgers and bold advertising campaigns since 1941.
    1pts
15. 15
    Smashburger

    A Denver-born chain that popularized the smash-cooking technique, pressing beef patties on a hot griddle for crispy, caramelized edges.
    1pts