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

Habit Burger & Grill

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

1000pts

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.

918pts

3

Culver's

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

803pts

4

Whataburger

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

771pts

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.

734pts

6

Five Guys

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

642pts

7

White Castle

The original American fast-food chain, founded in 1921, known for its tiny square slider burgers with onion-steamed patties.

642pts

8

In-N-Out Burger

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

514pts

9

Wendy's

Dave Thomas's Ohio chain, known for square fresh-beef patties, the Frosty, and sharp social-media wit.

514pts

10

McDonald's

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

514pts

11

Steak 'n Shake

A Midwest classic since 1934, famous for thin steakburger patties cooked to order and hand-dipped milkshakes.

514pts

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.

514pts

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.

321pts

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.

321pts

15

Smashburger

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

0pts