Some of the world’s best fast food burgers are nothing but a combination of soft buns, cheese, veggies, meat or non-veg patties, sauces, pickles and seasonings toasted to perfection. And yet we always prefer this unseemingly simple concoction whenever we crave some instant fast food!
If you're searching for delicious treats, then look no further. Our ultimate guide to the best fast food burgers will cover everything you need to know, allowing you to embark on your next gastronomic adventure with confidence.
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- The 23 Best Burgers at Fast Food Chains
The 23 Best Burgers at Fast Food Chains
1. The Whopper at Burger King
Burger King has been offering some of the best fast food burgers worldwide since 1954, and its signature Whopper has won the hearts of diners around the globe. Topping our list of the best fast food burgers, the Whopper boasts a meaty flame-grilled beef patty with fresh tomatoes, tangy pickles, onions, crisp lettuce, ketchup and creamy mayo, all stuffed into a five-inch sesame seed bun. Pair it with crisp French fries and a co*ke, and you’re good to go! You could also take inspiration from the Burger King secret menu to customize your order to your liking.
2. Krystal Burger at Krystal
The Southern fast-food icon Krystal presents a truly regional delight with its signature Krystal Burger. This flavor-packed item is one the best fast food burgers for a reason, featuring a unique square-shaped steamed beef patty, topped with diced onions, dill pickle, mustard and a squishy square bun.
Its charm comes from its simplicity and nostalgia, reminiscent of old diners. Adding to all of this, the minor customization options like adding cheese or swapping mustard with mayo make it one of the best fast food burgers in the South.
3. Double Steakburger at Steak 'n Shake
Introducing the go-to choice for burger aficionados nationwide, the beloved American diner chain, Steak ‘n Shake! The emblem of simplicity and taste, it indulgently offers one of the best cheeseburger fast food joints can offer — The original Double Steakburger with cheese.
This burger features two juicy beef patties, melted American cheese, onions, pickles and ketchup, all sandwiched between two soft, toasted buns. The timeless appeal and quality ingredients, both available throughout the year, make it one of the best fast food burgers. Make it more indulgent by adding double cheese.
4. Papa Burger at A&W
Up next is A&W, one of America’s oldest and best burger chains. Its iconic Papa Burger adds a modern twist to classic flavors, showcasing the chain’s dedication to tradition. Between soft buns, you'll find two juicy patties with two slices of melted American cheese, finished off with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and the classic A&W Papa Sauce. Loved for its nostalgic taste, it's a top contender among the list of best fast food burgers, available year-round for your enjoyment.
Gourmet Cooking Classes Near You Take your culinary skills to new levels with guidance from five-star chefs. Book Now5. Farmer Burger at Farmer Boys
Farmer Boys, a cherished fast food chain renowned for its farm-fresh ingredients and generous portions, serves up some of the best fast food burgers around. Its signature Farmer Burger is a true delight, featuring two juicy beef patties, thick hickory-smoked bacon, two slices of American cheese, hand-smashed Hass avocado, crisp lettuce, freshly sliced tomato, dill pickles, diced onion and house-made Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between a locally baked premium brioche bun. Enjoy it any time of year with confidence, as it consistently delivers on quality and taste.
6. Smokehouse Burger at Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers is famous for offering some of the best fast food burgers, with the Smokehouse Burger leading the pack. Featuring a juicy beef patty on a toasted bun, topped with smokehouse bacon, hickory smoked aioli, tangy cheddar cheese and crunchy onion rings, it's a flavor sensation that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
It is also advisable to customize the burger of your choice with all the toppings Fuddruckers offers. Smoked bacon, chili, fried eggs, grilled mushrooms and grilled onions are some of the available premium toppings. You can also select the size of the burger; if you are really hungry, you can quadruple the classic quarter pounder!
7. All-American Cheeseburger at Rally’s
Rally's, a fast-food hotspot renowned for bold flavors and quick service, earns its spot on our list for crafting some of the best cheeseburgers in town.
The All-American Cheeseburger shines bright, featuring a seasoned beef patty topped with cheese, tangy pickles, mustard and ketchup, all nestled between a soft sesame seed bun. Combining classic simplicity with Rally's signature zest, it's a year-round contender for those seeking the best fast food burger.
8. ButterBurger at Culver’s
Culver's, a cherished fast-casual chain exuding Midwestern charm, is famed for its delectable ButterBurger. This iconic creation features a fresh, never-frozen beef patty cooked to perfection, topped with rich, creamy butter that enhances its flavor and juiciness.
Served on a lightly toasted, buttered bun, it's a heavenly indulgence that epitomizes comfort food. With consistently high rankings among the best fast food burgers, its unbeatable taste and quality are available year-round. For the adventurous, bespoke options include adding bacon or swapping beef for a grilled chicken breast.
9. Big Bacon Classic at Wendy’s
Wendy's, known for quality and bold flavors, is loved for some of the best fast food burgers, like the Bacon Double Stack. This mouthwatering masterpiece boasts a juicy beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup, mayo and onion on a soft, toasted bun.
As a standout choice year-round, this burger consistently ranks high for its robust flavor profile and generous toppings. You can also explore Wendy's secret menu options, like upgrading to a pretzel bun or adding spicy Sriracha sauce.
10. Charburger at The Habit Burger
The Habit Burger is a favorite in California, included in this list of best fast food burgers thanks to its flavorful creations. Its signature Charburger is a culinary delight, showcasing a juicy charbroiled beef patty topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, caramelized onions, tangy pickles and crisp lettuce on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Setting it apart is the charbroiled preparation method, infusing each bite with a smoky depth of flavor. Available year-round, it consistently ranks among the best fast food burgers in terms of satisfaction.
11. Classic Smash Burger at Smashburger
Smashburger stands out among the best fast food burger chains, renowned for its innovative approach as embodied in the Classic Smash Burger. Featuring a 100% Angus beef patty smashed and seared to perfection, it boasts a flavorful caramelized crust.
Topped with red onions, tomato slices, American cheese, fresh lettuce, ketchup, pickles and tangy Smash Sauce, all nestled in a buttery toasted bun, it's a symphony of taste and texture, making it one of the best fast food burgers. Available year-round, its rave reviews praise its juicy, flavorful profile and perfect balance of toppings.
12.Famous Star at Hardee’s
Hardee's proudly presents its star attraction — the Famous Star burger, featuring a quarter-pound 100% Angus beef patty, topped with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sliced onions, dill pickles, Special Sauce and mayonnaise on a toasted potato bun.
It earns a spot among the best fast food burgers for its flame-grilled flavor. Enjoy it year-round and customize with jalapeños or a plant-based patty.
13. The Shackburger at Shake Shack
Shake Shack, an iconic fast-casual chain, shines with its Shackburger, a harmonious blend of perfectly seasoned Angus beef, ShackSauce, melted cheese, juicy tomato slices and fresh lettuce on a soft potato bun.
The standout element? ShackSauce, a creamy, tangy condiment that elevates every bite. Available year-round, it offers customization through its secret menu and consistently secures its spot towards the top of the best fast food burger rankings thanks to its quality and flavor.
14. Double Meat Whataburger at Whataburger
Whataburger, a Texas institution, proudly presents its Double Meat Whataburger, a towering testament to flavor and size. It features two juicy 100% pure beef patties, creamy mustard, crisp lettuce, diced onions, tangy pickles and juicy tomatoes between toasted five-inch buns.
Available year-round, customize this Whataburger secret menu item by adding grilled jalapeños, avocado or bacon. Consistently ranked at the top of the best fast food burger lists, the Double Meat Whataburger impresses with its generous size.
Gourmet Cooking Classes Near You Take your culinary skills to new levels with guidance from five-star chefs. Book Now15. The Del Cheeseburger at Del Taco
Del Taco's Del Cheeseburger is a savory delight, blending American and Mexican flavors seamlessly. This mouthwatering creation features a flame-grilled beef patty topped with American cheese, two fresh tomato slices, burger sauce, crisp shredded lettuce and diced onions on a grilled sesame seed bun.
What sets it apart as one of the best fast food burgers? The signature Del Taco seasoning adds a zesty kick to every bite. Enjoy this delicacy year-round and customize it with options like guacamole or a Beyond Meat alternative.
16.Double Chili Cheeseburger at Wienerschnitzel
Wienerschnitzel serves up some of the best fast food burgers, blending classic American comfort with Tex-Mex flair. The Double Chili Cheeseburger boasts two juicy beef patties topped with Wienerschnitzel's world-famous chili sauce and two slices of American cheese, served on a toasted bun.
The flavor-packed chili is the star here, elevating each bite with a spicy kick. Customize your experience by adding jalapeños or opting for plant-based patties.
17. The Double-Double Burger at In-N-Out
In-N-Out's iconic burgers have garnered a cult following, thanks to their consistently high gastronomic satisfaction. The Double-Double stands out as one of the best fast food burgers, praised for its
simplicity and unbeatable taste. Expect two juicy beef patties, perfectly cooked and topped with American cheese, crisp lettuce, creamy spread, onions and fresh tomato slices between freshly baked buns.
Quality ingredients and made-to-order freshness set this item apart, ensuring each bite is a culinary delight. In-N-Out's Double-Double remains a cherished favorite year-round, without the worry of seasonal availability. Check theIn-N-Out secret menu for other mesmerizing creations.
18. The SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger at Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In's star attraction, the SuperSONIC double cheeseburger, is a mouthwatering delight. Two juicy, perfectly-seasoned, quarter pound, 100% pure beef patties are layered with two slices of melty American cheese, crinkle cut pickles, tangy ketchup, diced onions, creamy mayo, crisp lettuce and hand-sliced tomatoes on a golden, toasted bun. The irresistible combination makes it one of the best fast food burgers available in a retro setting, all year round.
19. El Diablo at Carl's Jr.
Carl's Jr. is known for hearty American fare and its El Diablo burger is a fine example. A charbroiled beef patty topped with spicy jalapeño poppers, pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon and zesty Santa Fe sauce, all between toasted sesame seed buns, the El Diablo is a delightful combination.
For spice lovers, it's one of the best fast food burgers, with a bold and spicy profile guaranteed to ignite your taste buds. Available year-round, customize your choice with extra jalapeños or by changing the patties.
20. Smashed Jack at Jack in the Box
With over 2000 outlets, Jack in the Box is definitely deserving of a spot on our list of the best fast food burgers. Its Smashed Jack is a bold addition to the menu, featuring a succulent beef patty smashed on a sizzling grill to seal in flavor and juiciness. Melted cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, creamy mayo and crispy bacon strips complete the ensemble in a toasted artisanal bun.
Smashed Jack's unique cooking technique ensures a delightful combination of savory and crispy textures in every bite. Available year-round, you can customize it to your heart's content for an extra burst of flavor.
21. 1921 Bacon Slider at White Castle
A pioneer in fast food, White Castle needs no introduction and nor should its line-up of 1921 Sliders. The 1921 Bacon Slider features a savory 100% beef patty, seared and seasoned, topped with crispy hickory-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, Roma tomato, lettuce and pickles.
Paying homage to White Castle's rich history, this slider captures the essence of the brand's timeless flavors, making it one of the best fast food burgers around. Available anytime (and even to cook at home!) customers can enjoy a true taste of nostalgia.
22. Cheeseburger at Five Guys
At Five Guys, the classic cheeseburger reigns supreme, reflecting the chain's dedication to quality and simplicity. This contender for the best fast food burgers features American-style cheese melted between fresh patties, all placed on a soft, toasted sesame seed bun.
Fresh toppings like pickles, lettuce, onions, tomato, tangy ketchup and mayo complete the burger. Customize your experience with additional toppings from a delicious selection. Five Guys consistently delivers a lip-smacking dining experience, with the cheeseburger available year-round.
23. Big Mac at McDonald's
Behold the king of fast-food chains, McDonald’s! Its flagship burger, the legendary Big Mac, has reigned supreme for decades. Featuring two savory beef patties nestled between three layers of sesame seed buns, it's topped with tangy special sauce, crunchy pickles, crisp lettuce, diced onions and melty American cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Renowned for its unmistakable taste, the Big Mac is undeniably one of the world's best fast food burgers. For a personalized touch, explore additional topping options from the McDonald's secret menu to elevate your Big Mac experience.
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With so many options to choose from, and a whole symphony of different flavors, toppings and special sauces to customize your experience, our list of the best fast food burgers has something for every palate. Add to these the incredible secret menus available at some of your favorite fast food chains, and satisfying your cravings just became a whole lot easier! The only question remaining is which will you try first?
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
