An ancient 'superfood' sent from heaven
Admit it: there's nothing like a perfect, juicy burger! And with over 91,000 burger joints across the US, plenty of burger patties are being flipped daily. Over the years, many chains have perfected the hamburger, using the highest-quality beef and making them even taller and more complex. But, ultimately, a simple beef patty, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and perfectly sandwiched between two soft buns, is an all-time favorite.
Click on to discover if your local favorites have made this list of the best burger chains in the US!
When it comes to quality ingredients, customer satisfaction, and a strong menu, Culver's often ranks high. And this is largely thanks to their signature butter burgers, which use never-frozen beef in the patties.
On top of that, their patties are made on-site daily, meaning that customers are being served fresh food every day.
If the menu at Five Guys seems small, don't worry! According to the chain, there are a quarter of a million ways to order its signature hamburger, with a highly-customized ordering system. On top of that, all of their burger toppings come at no extra cost.
Beyond customization, Five Guys uses never-frozen patties that are handmade every day.
In-N-Out is a quintessential Western US burger chain, which is known for its simple menu and fresh ingredients.
When it comes to their burgers, In-N-Out uses never-frozen patties made in its own facilities, which ensures total control of its product.
One of the world's fastest growing burger chains, Shake Shack owns and operates over 400 locations globally.
But why do customers keep returning to this New York chain? Well, it's largely thanks to its quality ingredients, which include its custom 100% Angus beef blend used in every burger.
With over 6,500 locations across the US, Wendy's has focused on high-quality menu items since it first opened in 1969.
From using never-frozen beef, to responsibly sourced produce, Wendy's is best known for its square patties.
One of the largest companies in the world, the iconic double-arched fast food chain has been flipping burgers since 1955.
However, a lot has changed since its early beginnings, as it now has a streamlined menu and fresher ingredients. The Quarter Pounder, for example, has been made using fresh, never frozen, beef since 2018.
With over 7,000 locations across the US, Burger King has proven itself time and time again as a burger chain determined to stay on top of their game.
The chain prides itself on serving patties that are 100% beef and have been flame-broiled, a practice it has stuck to since it first opened its doors in 1954.
If you want to know what Smashburger offers that many of its competitors don't, simply look at its name! This burgher joint takes certified Angus beef patties and hand-smashes them onto its grill, using its own customized metal smasher.
The result is a juicy and fresh beef burger that can also be substituted with chicken, turkey, or black bean patties.
With over 2,000 locations, primarily in the West Coast, Jack in the Box has been a dominating chain since 1951.
Their best and most popular burgers include the Sourdough Jack, Classic Buttery Jack, and Bacon & Swiss Buttery Jack.
Inspired by the Japanese culinary term umami, this chain has over 20 locations in major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, as well as in Japan.
Its beef burgers are made with American Wagyu beef patties, which include its signature Umami Burger, and other tasty options like the Truffle Burger and Bacon Ranch Burger.
If you've ever been to Texas, chances are you've likely passed by a Whataburger more than a few times. Found now in 14 states, this popular chain is considered one of the best in the US.
From sandwiches to salads and onion rings, their signature burger is the aptly named Whataburger.
First opening their doors in 1934, the burgers at Steak 'n Shake are made with patties that contain a unique combination of round, sirloin, and T-bone steak.
A meat lover's dream, their patties are handmade on-site for peak freshness, culminating in the signature Steakburger.
Fuddruckers has long been known for serving burgers that use never-frozen beef, and which contain zero fillers or additives.
The beef used is handmade into patties in each restaurant, resulting in what many consider to be the best burgers in the nation.
An aptly named chain, Fatburger's handmade patties range from ⅓ pound to a staggering 1 ½ pounds.
And like most popular chains, the meat used to make their burgers are never frozen.
Founded in 1941, Carl's Jr. has been a West Coast favorite for over 80 years. They're best known for their iconic charbroiled burgers.
Today, Carl's Jr. has over 1,000 locations across the US, where you can get burgers made from 100% Angus beef.
Sources: (Eat This, Not That) (Los Angeles Times)
The best burger chains in the US
These burger joints have a massive fan following
FOOD Fast food
Admit it: there's nothing like a perfect, juicy burger! And with over 91,000 burger joints across the US, plenty of burger patties are being flipped daily. Over the years, many chains have perfected the hamburger, using the highest-quality beef and making them even taller and more complex. But, ultimately, a simple beef patty, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and perfectly sandwiched between two soft buns, is an all-time favorite.
Click on to discover if your local favorites have made this list of the best burger chains in the US!