25 Best Fast Food Burgers, Ranked
Burgers are a staple of American food culture and arguably one of the most delicious foods. A good fast-food burger makes the perfect lunch, dinner, or even hangover cure. Paired with fries, it’s a meal made in heaven!
Of course, not all burgers are created equal. To help you find the perfect burger to satisfy your craving, we’ve rounded up the best fast-food burgers in America.
These burgers are affordable, accessible, and most importantly, delicious! Any one of these top picks on our list is sure to please.
25. Checkers/Rally’s: Big Buford
Checkers and Rally’s are technically the same fast-food restaurant operating under two different names.
There are over 550 Checkers and 300 Rally’s locations in the United States.
Whether you’re visiting a Checkers or a Rally’s, the menus at both restaurants are the same.
The signature burger on the Checkers and Rally’s menu is the Big Buford.
The Big Buford is made with two large, hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, two slices of American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, all on a toasted bun.
This Big Buford burger is 770 calories and contains 57 grams of fat, 1730 milligrams of sodium, and 30 grams of protein.
For an additional charge, you can add an extra slice of cheese, a hamburger patty, or bacon.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, you can also order the Big Buford Combo, which comes with fries and a drink.
24. Dairy Queen: Signature Stackburger
Although Dairy Queen is best known for its ice cream treats, select locations also serve food items, including burgers.
There are almost 4,500 Dairy Queen locations in the United States. However, not all of them serve food.
To check whether your local Dairy Queen serves food, go to the locations page on their website and enter your zip code.
Find the location you’re interested in. If it says “Treat Only” under the address, the location only serves ice cream.
If it says “Food and Treat,” it means that the location serves food too.
Dairy Queen’s signature burger is the Original Cheeseburger ⅓ lb Double Signature Stackburger.
This burger is made with two seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, sharp American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, served on a toasted bun.
It has 580 calories and contains 33 grams of fat and 1580 milligrams of sodium.
You can turn your Double Signature Stackburger into a Triple by adding an extra hamburger patty for an additional charge.
You can also customize it by adding mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onion, or bacon.
Lastly, you can also order the Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger Combo, which comes with fries and a medium drink of your choice.
23. A&W: Papa Burger
Many people know A&W as a root beer company; however, they’re also one of the oldest restaurant chains in the United States, dating back to 1919.
There are over 500 A&W locations in 38 states.
A&W’s signature burger is the Papa Burger.
The Papa Burger is made with two 100% beef hamburger patties, two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and A&W’s signature Papa Sauce, all on a lightly toasted bun.
The Papa Burger is 640 calories and contains 35 grams of fat, 1210 milligrams of sodium, and 38 grams of protein.
22. Burger King: Whopper
Burger King is one of the largest and most popular fast-food chains in the US.
There are over 7,000 Burger King locations in all 50 states, making it one of the most widely available fast-food restaurants in America.
Burger King’s signature burger is, of course, the Whopper.
The Whopper is made from a ¼ lb flame-grilled beef patty, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise, and white onion on a toasted sesame seed bun.
If you’d like, you can add bacon and/or cheese to your Whopper for an additional charge.
A Whopper is 670 calories and contains 41 grams of fat, 1170 milligrams of sodium, and 31 grams of protein.
You can also upgrade your Whopper to a meal, adding a side of fries or onion rings and a drink.
21. White Castle: 1921 Slider
White Castle is a fast-food chain most well-known for popularizing the mini hamburger slider.
There are nearly 400 White Castle locations in the United States, most of which are in the Midwest or New York.
White Castle serves a wide variety of hamburger sliders, but one of their signatures is the 1921 Slider.
The 1921 Slider features a seared and seasoned 100% beef mini hamburger patty, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, Roma tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles, all in a mini hamburger bun.
A single 1921 Slider is 250 calories and contains 15 grams of fat, 590 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of protein.
If you prefer, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for American cheese or jalapeno cheese. You can also add an egg or a bacon slice for an additional charge.
You can also upgrade your order to the 1921 Combo, which comes with two 1921 Sliders, small fries, and a small soft drink of your choice.
20. Del Taco: Double Del Cheeseburger
Although Del Taco is best known for its Mexican food, its menu also features more classically American fast-food items, including burgers.
There are nearly 600 Del Taco locations in 16 states.
The signature burger on the Del Taco menu is the Double Del Cheeseburger.
The Double Del Cheeseburger is made with two grilled, 100% beef hamburger patties, American cheese, two fresh tomato slices, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and Del Taco’s burger sauce, all on a grilled sesame seed bun.
A Double Del Cheeseburger is 690 calories and contains 47 grams of fat, 1230 milligrams of sodium, and 30 grams of protein.
For an additional charge, you can add extra hamburger patties to your Del Cheeseburger, as well as bacon, sour cream, or jalapenos.
You can also upgrade your Double Del Cheeseburger to a Double Del Cheeseburger Meal, which comes with crinkle-cut fries and a drink.
19. Jollibee: Big Yumburger
Jollibee is a Filipino fast-food restaurant chain best known for its fried chicken. However, Jollibee also sells burgers.
There are over 60 Jollibee locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Jollibee’s signature burger is the Big Yumburger.
The Big Yumburger is made with two beef hamburger patties, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and Jollibee’s signature sauce, all on a fresh hamburger bun.
A Big Yumburger is 670 calories and contains 47 grams of fat, 1,350 milligrams of sodium, and 27 grams of protein.
For an extra charge, you can customize your Big Yumburger by adding bacon or extra cheese.
You can also turn your Big Yumburger into a meal by adding a drink and a side of either French fries, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or adobo rice.
18. Jack in the Box: Double Jack
Jack in the Box is a fast-food chain with an extensive menu, including fried chicken, tacos, egg rolls, and burgers.
There are over 2,000 Jack in the Box locations in 21 states.
Jack in the Box serves a wide variety of burgers, but their signature is the Double Jack.
The Double Jack is made with two grilled, seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, American cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a buttery-baked bun.
A Double Jack is 830 calories and contains 58 grams of fat, 1430 milligrams of sodium, and 46 grams of protein.
You can customize your Double Jack by adding onions, extra cheese, or an extra hamburger patty for an additional charge.
You can also upgrade it to a Large Double Jack Combo, which comes with large fries and a drink.
For an extra charge, you can change the large fries to a large order of egg rolls, curly fries, onion rings, or stuffed jalapenos.
17. Carl’s Jr.: Famous Star with Cheese
Carl’s Jr. is a fast-food chain most well-known for its charbroiled burgers.
There are over 1,000 Carl’s Jr. locations in the United States, mainly on the West Coast and Southwest regions.
The signature burger on the Carl’s Jr. menu is the Famous Star with Cheese.
The Famous Star with Cheese is made with a charbroiled all-beef hamburger patty, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, dill pickles, mayonnaise, and Carl’s Jr.’s Special Sauce, all on a seeded bun.
A Famous Star with Cheese is 670 calories and contains 37 grams of fat, 1270 milligrams of sodium, and 28 grams of protein.
You can customize your Famous Star with Cheese by swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap or by adding bacon, jalapenos, guacamole, pepper jack cheese, or Swiss cheese for an additional charge.
You can also upgrade it to a Famous Star with Cheese Combo, which comes with fries and a drink.
16. Wendy’s: Dave’s Single
Wendy’s is a popular fast-food chain specializing in burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and Frostys.
There are nearly 6,000 Wendy’s locations in all 50 states, making it one of the more accessible fast-food burger chains in the US.
There are many different burgers on the Wendy’s menu, but their signature is Dave’s Single.
The Dave’s Single is made from a ¼ lb fresh beef hamburger patty, American cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun.
The Dave’s Single is 590 calories and contains 37 grams of fat, 1030 milligrams of sodium, and 29 grams of protein.
You can also customize your Dave’s Single by adding deluxe toppings for an additional charge, including crispy onions, avocado, pepper jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, crunchy dill chips, and bourbon bacon sauce.
Lastly, you can also upgrade it to Dave’s Meal, which comes with a drink and fries.
15. Johnny Rockets: The Original Single
Johnny Rockets is a 1950s diner-themed restaurant chain specializing in American fast-food classics like shakes, fries, and burgers.
There are almost 150 Johnny Rockets locations in 26 states.
Johnny Rockets has a wide variety of burgers on its menu, but its signature is the Original Single.
The Original Single is made with a single beef hamburger patty, lettuce, tomato, chopped onion, relish, pickles, mustard, and mayo on a brioche bun.
An Original Single is 240 calories and contains 20 grams of fat, 350 milligrams of sodium, and 10 grams of protein.
There are a ton of ways that you can customize your Original Single.
You can swap the beef patty for a chicken breast, veggie burger, or turkey burger. You can also switch the brioche bun for a wheat bun or a gluten-free Udi’s bun.
Lastly, you can add a variety of toppings to your Original Single, including bacon, onion rings, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, green peppers, chili, and other cheeses.
14. Red Robin: Bacon Cheeseburger
Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in gourmet burgers, with over 500 locations in 44 states.
There are dozens of burgers on the Red Robin menu, but one of the most popular is the Bacon Cheeseburger.
The Bacon Cheeseburger is made from a beef hamburger patty, hardwood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and your choice of cheese on a sesame bun.
The Bacon Cheeseburger is 990 calories and contains 67 grams of fat, 1330 milligrams of sodium, and 49 grams of protein.
You can customize your Bacon Cheeseburger by choosing from the following kinds of cheese:
- American
- Cheddar
- Provolone
- Swiss
- Bleu Cheese Crumbles
- Pepper Jack
You can also substitute the sesame bun for a lettuce wrap, gluten-free bun, or brioche bun.
In addition, you can add a variety of toppings to your Bacon Cheeseburger for an extra charge, including avocado, extra bacon, caramelized onions, crispy onion straws, a fried egg, crispy jalapeno coins, house-made salsa, and sauteed mushrooms.
The Bacon Cheeseburger comes with a side of steak fries, but you can swap those out for kettle chips, a house salad, steamed broccoli, or carrot sticks.
For an extra charge, you can also change your side to sweet potato fries, garlic fries, or onion rings.
13. McDonald’s: Big Mac
McDonald’s is the largest and most popular fast-food chain in the world, famous for its burgers, among other popular menu items.
There are almost 13,500 McDonald’s locations in the United States alone, making it the most widely accessible fast-food chain.
Of course, the signature burger on the McDonald’s menu is the Big Mac.
The Big Mac is made with two 100% pure beef hamburger patties, American cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and Big Mac sauce on a sesame seed bun.
A Big Mac is 550 calories and contains 30 grams of fat, 1101 milligrams of sodium, and 25 grams of protein.
You can customize your Big Mac by adding tomato or mayonnaise for an additional charge.
You can also upgrade it to a Big Mac Combo Meal, which comes with a medium order of fries and a drink.
12. Fatburger: Medium Fatburger
Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in burgers with over 100 locations in 14 states
Fatburger’s signature burger is available in four different sizes, but the most popular is the Medium Fatburger.
The Medium Fatburger is made with a fresh, ⅓ lb, 100% lean beef hamburger patty, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, relish, mustard, and mayo on a freshly toasted sponge-dough bun.
A Medium Fatburger is 590 calories and contains 31 grams of fat, 1190 milligrams of sodium, and 33 grams of protein.
You can customize your Medium Fatburger by adding extra toppings like a fried egg, bacon, American cheese, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, chili, onion rings, or dairy-free Daiya cheese.
You can also swap the sponge-dough bun for a gluten-free Udi’s bun.
11. Habit Burger: Grill Original Charburger
Habit Burger is a fast-casual restaurant chain whose claim to fame is its charbroiled hamburgers or charburgers.
There are almost 350 Habit Burger locations in 16 states.
The Original Charburger is the signature burger on the Habit Burger menu.
The Original Charburger is made with a fresh, charbroiled, 100% beef hamburger patty, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted sesame bun.
An Original Charburger is 470 calories and contains 35 grams of fat, 1240 milligrams of sodium, and 20 grams of protein.
You can customize your Original Charburger by adding bacon or avocado for an additional charge.
Each Original Charburger also comes with fries and a medium drink of your choice.
10. Fuddruckers: The Works
Fuddruckers is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in ultra-fresh, customizable burgers with over 75 locations in 22 states.
There are over a dozen burgers on the Fuddruckers menu, in addition to their Build Your Own Burger option.
However, one of the signature burgers at Fuddruckers is The Works.
The Works is made with a fresh, 100% beef hamburger patty, smokehouse bacon, American cheese, and grilled mushrooms on a white bun.
You can customize almost everything about The Works. First, you can choose the size of your patty, from a standard ⅓ lb patty to a whopping ⅔ lb patty.
You’ll also choose how you’d like your burger done, from medium rare to extra well.
Next, you can choose what kind of bun you’d like, including white, wheat, lettuce wrap, or even a gluten-free bun, for an extra charge.
Then, you’ll choose which toppings you’d like from Fuddruckers’ produce bar, including lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Pico de Gallo.
If you’d like, you can swap out the American cheese for bleu, cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or Swiss.
Lastly, you can add premium toppings for an additional charge, including smokehouse bacon, a fried egg, grilled mushrooms, chili, onion rings, avocado, grilled onions, and grilled jalapeno.
9. Whataburger: Whataburger
Whataburger is a Texas-based fast-food chain dedicated to serving burgers so delicious that they’ll make you exclaim, “What a burger!”
There are over 900 Whataburger locations in 14 states.
The signature burger on the Whataburger menu is, of course, the Whataburger.
The Whataburger is made with a large beef patty, tomato, lettuce, pickles, diced onions, and mustard on a large bun.
The Whataburger is 590 calories and contains 25 grams of fat, 1220 milligrams of sodium, and 29 grams of protein.
There are a ton of customizations available for the Whataburger.
For no extra charge, you can change the bun to a small bun, a brioche bun, Texas toast, or even no bun.
You can even add an extra patty for no charge.
For a small charge, you can also add American cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, blue cheese, bacon, fresh or grilled jalapenos, or avocado.
For no extra charge, you can add one of Whataburger’s signature sauces to your burger, including ketchup, mayonnaise, honey BBQ, creamy pepper, and peppercorn ranch.
Lastly, you can upgrade your Whataburger to a Whatameal, which comes with medium fries and a drink.
8. Steak ‘n Shake: Original Double Steakburger with Cheese
Steak ‘n Shake is a fast-food chain famous for its steakburgers and milkshakes.
When Steak ‘n Shake first opened, founder Gus Belt ground fresh steaks into hamburger meat right in front of his customers so they knew they were getting the freshest possible burgers.
There are over 450 Steak ‘n Shake locations in 29 states.
The signature burger on the Steak ‘n Shake menu is the Original Double Steakburger with Cheese.
The Original Double Steakburger with Cheese is made with two 100% beef steakburger patties and American cheese on a bun, with the option to add lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, ketchup, or mustard.
An Original Double Steakburger with Cheese is 530 calories and contains 32 grams of fat, 1120 milligrams of sodium, and 27 grams of protein.
The Original Double Steakburger with Cheese comes served with Steak ‘n Shake’s Thin ‘n Crispy Fries, but you can swap in a side of potato chips or applesauce for no additional charge.
7. Sonic Drive-In: SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger
Sonic Drive-In is a fifties drive-thru-themed restaurant chain well known for serving American fast-food classics.
There are over 3,500 Sonic Drive-In locations in 46 states.
There are a ton of different burgers on the Sonic Drive-In menu, but one of their signatures is the SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger.
The SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger comes with two beef hamburger patties, cheese, lettuce, diced onions, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mayo on a pillowy-soft hamburger bun.
A SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger is 1,070 calories and contains 71 grams of fat, 2020 milligrams of sodium, and 53 grams of protein.
For an additional charge, you can add bacon, jalapenos, or chili to your burger.
If you want, you can upgrade it to a SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger Combo, which comes with a side of French fries or tater tots and a drink.
If you’re ordering the SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger Combo, you can also upgrade your side to a premium side of mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or Ched ‘R’ Peppers, which are Sonic’s version of jalapeno poppers.
6. Culver’s: The Culver’s Deluxe
Culver’s is a Midwest-based fast-food chain famous for its ButterBurgers, frozen custard, and cheese curds, with almost 900 locations in 26 states.
Culver’s ButterBurgers are what originally made the restaurant famous.
There is a variety of ButterBurgers on the Culver’s menu, but one of the most iconic is the Culver’s Deluxe.
The Culver’s Deluxe is made with fresh beef hamburger patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and mayo, all on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.
A Culver’s Deluxe with two patties is 810 calories and contains 53 grams of fat, 1045 milligrams of sodium, and 40 grams of protein.
You can make your Culver’s Deluxe a single with one patty, a double with two patties, or even a triple with three patties.
You can also substitute the buttered bun for buttered sourdough bread, buttered rye bread, a gluten-free bun, or no bun.
If you’d like, you can swap out the American cheese for cheddar or Swiss.
Additionally, you can add ketchup, mustard, or for an extra charge, bacon, mushrooms, or grilled onion to your Culver’s Deluxe.
Lastly, you can upgrade your Culver’s Deluxe to a Culver’s Deluxe Value Basket, which comes with a side and a drink.
You’ll be able to choose a side from the following options:
- Crinkle cut fries
- Coleslaw
- Steamed broccoli
- Mashed potatoes & gravy
- Onion rings
- Side salad
- Soup
- Wisconsin cheese curds
- Chili
- Chili cheddar fries
5. Burgerville: Colossal Burger
Burgerville is a Pacific Northwest-based fast-food chain known mainly for its burgers.
There are 40 Burgerville locations in Washington and Oregon.
There are a ton of different burgers on the Burgerville menu; however, one of Burgerville’s signatures is the Colossal Burger.
The Colossal Burger is made with either one or two ¼ lb beef hamburger patties, American cheese, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, and a special Burgerville Spread, all on a soft hamburger bun.
A ¼ lb Colossal Burger is 540 calories and contains 28 grams of fat, 1030 milligrams of sodium, and 30 grams of protein.
You can substitute the regular hamburger bun for a toasted or untoasted gluten-free bun or even a lettuce wrap.
You can also substitute the American cheese for Face Rock or Tillamook cheddar.
If you want to add more to your Colossal Burger, you can ask to add bacon, chipotle aioli, mayo, or herb aioli.
Lastly, you can upgrade your Colossal Burger to a Basket, which allows you to add a side of fries to your burger.
4. Smashburger: Classic Smash Burger
Smashburger is a fast-casual restaurant chain famous for its Smash Burgers, which are grilled using a special technique that imparts extra flavor and juiciness.
There are over 200 Smashburger locations in 34 states.
Smashburger features many different burgers on its menu; however, its signature burger is the Classic Smash Burger.
The Classic Smash Burger is made with either one or two smashed, certified Angus beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, ketchup, and the special Smash Sauce, all on a toasted bun.
A Classic Smash Burger with one patty is 630 calories and contains 37 grams of fat, 1620 milligrams of sodium, and 30 grams of protein.
You can customize your Classic Smash Burger by adding a ton of extra toppings, including ranch, truffle mayo, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg, shaved brisket, sauteed cremini mushrooms, and grilled onions.
You can also add different kinds of cheese, including American, bleu cheese, aged cheddar, aged Swiss, pepper jack, and smoked cheddar.
Lastly, you can substitute the classic bun for a multigrain, spicy chipotle, Udi’s gluten-free, brioche, or onion bun.
3. Shake Shack: ShackBurger
Shake Shack is one of the trendiest fast-food burger chains, well known for its ShackBurgers and innovative milkshake flavors.
There are over 250 Shake Shack locations in 30 states, plus Washington DC.
The signature burger on the Shake Shack menu is the ShackBurger.
The ShackBurger is made with either one or two Angus beef hamburger patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Shack Sauce on a toasted potato bun.
A ShackBurger with one patty is 500 calories and contains 30 grams of fat, 1250 milligrams of sodium, and 29 grams of protein.
If you want to customize your ShackBurger, add extra toppings like bacon, avocado, pickles, cherry peppers, sliced onions, and crispy shallots for an additional charge.
You can also swap out the potato bun for a gluten-free bun.
2. Five Guys: Cheeseburger
Five Guys is a fast-casual restaurant chain best known for its delicious, unpretentious burgers, hot dogs, and fries.
There are over 1,400 Five Guys locations in 49 states, plus Washington DC. (No Five Guys in Alaska, unfortunately.)
The signature burger on the Five Guys menu is the Cheeseburger.
The Five Guys Cheeseburger is made with two fresh, 100% beef hamburger patties, American cheese, and a soft, toasted sesame seed bun.
You can add as many toppings as you’d like to your Cheeseburger at Five Guys, including:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Grilled onions
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Grilled mushrooms
- Ketchup
- Green peppers
- Relish
- Jalapenos
- Hot sauce
- A1 Steak Sauce
- Bar-B-Q Sauce
A Five Guys Cheeseburger with no toppings is 980 calories and contains 55 grams of fat and 1050 milligrams of sodium.
1. In-N-Out Burger: Double-Double
In-N-Out Burger is a West Coast-based fast-food chain famous for its burgers and “Secret Menu.”
There are almost 400 In-N-Out locations in seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
The signature burger at In-N-Out is the Double-Double.
The Double-Double is made with two 100% American beef hamburger patties, two slices of American cheese, fresh or grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and In-N-Out’s secret spread, all on a toasted bun.
A Double-Double is 670 calories and contains 41 grams of fat, 1440 milligrams of sodium, and 37 grams of protein.
In-N-Out’s “Secret Menu” offers a ton of ways to customize your Double-Double, including the Triple-Triple, which has three patties and three slices of cheese, the Quad Quad, which has four patties and four slices of cheese, and the Protein Style, which substitutes a lettuce wrap for a bun.
Conclusion
Burgers are an undeniable staple of American food culture. The delicious fast-food burgers on our list make the perfect treat on a road trip, at the end of a long workday, or whenever you have a craving.
Whether you’re a burger connoisseur or a casual burger enjoyer, use our list to find the best fast-food burger near you, as they are sure to please!
