Habit Burger Doubles Down on Victory
At number one for the second year in a row, the crown goes to the Habit Burger & Grill Double Char. California-based Habit Burger & Grill was considered to have the best burger in town for the second year in a row, according to a reported poll. This California-based chain has been famous for charring burgers over an open flame since 1969. The Double Char comes with two flame-grilled patties, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles, and caramelized onions on a toasted bun. According to everyday Americans who responded to the USA Today poll, the best fast-food burger is the Double Char from Habit Burger & Grill. Listen, I have never even heard of Habit Burger & Grill! I live in Illinois, and a quick glance at the Habit Burger location map shows that all their joints are on the coasts. The chain’s continued dominance proves that flame-grilling makes a genuine difference in flavor development. The chain’s signature Double Char beat out burgers from In-N-Out and Five Guys to earn the top spot. The chain reacted to the news on Instagram. “As the twice-elected champion of burgers, it’s important that we, as an industry, rise above our petty differences. Especially our differences in ranking,” the post read.
A&W Papa Burger Claims Silver Medal
The Papa Burger earns second place in 2025, offering two beef patties stacked with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and A&W’s signature sauce. While root beer may be the chain’s claim to fame, the Papa Burger proves A&W is just as serious about burgers. This classic combination has proven its staying power among American diners who appreciate straightforward, honest flavors. This classic has been a consistent fan favorite, previously securing the #2 spot in 2023. It continues to hold strong as one of America’s top fast-food burgers. The consistency in quality and preparation has earned A&W loyal customers who return specifically for this burger experience. The Papa Burger’s appeal lies in its unpretentious approach to burger crafting. Unlike trendy competitors who pile on exotic toppings, A&W focuses on perfecting the fundamentals of beef, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Their signature sauce adds just enough distinctive flavor to set it apart from standard fast-food offerings.
Jack in the Box Jumps to Bronze Position
The Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger takes a surprising third place in 2025, proving its lasting popularity. Known as a go-to for late-night cravings, the Jumbo Jack has consistently held its ground in the rankings. It ranked #4 in 2024, and maintains a strong position among burger fans. The Jumbo Jack’s rise reflects the chain’s commitment to delivering satisfying portions at reasonable prices. Night shift workers and college students have long appreciated Jack in the Box for staying open when other chains close their doors. This accessibility has built a devoted following that voted the chain higher than expected. Jack in the Box has successfully positioned itself as the anti-gourmet burger option. While competitors chase premium ingredients and artisanal preparations, the Jumbo Jack delivers familiar comfort food that hits the spot when you’re genuinely hungry. The chain’s willingness to embrace its role as late-night fuel has paid dividends in customer loyalty.
In-N-Out Slides Despite Cult Following
In-N-Out’s iconic Double-Double slipped to fourth place this year, down from its second-place spot in 2024. In-N-Out’s legendary Double-Double drops to fourth place in 2025, after securing 2nd place in 2024. This California classic is made with two patties of 100% American beef, two slices of American cheese, onions, tomato, lettuce, and a proprietary spread recipe. First, let’s talk about what restaurant did not make the top three: In-N-Out Burger. I was genuinely shocked by this. In-N-Out Burger, the cult-favorite West Coast burger chain, is known for its secret menu and serving up food “animal style.” Plenty of celebrity chefs name the In-N-Out burger as their favorite. Despite the slip in ranking, the Double-Double continues to define the West Coast burger scene and remains one of the most iconic fast-food burgers in the country. The chain’s devotees remain fiercely loyal, often traveling significant distances to visit locations when they’re outside California.
Culver’s ButterBurger Maintains Midwest Appeal
While many know Culver’s for its chicken, pot roast, or fish sandwiches, the ButterBurger stands out as a signature item. The burger features two fresh beef patties on a lightly buttered, toasted bun and is topped with real Wisconsin-made American cheese. In 2025, it climbed two positions from #7 in 2024, showing growing recognition for this Midwest classic. Regional burger chain Culver’s cracked the top 50 fast-food chains this year after not always making the cut in the past. Its popularity is thanks in large part to its signature ButterBurger and fresh frozen custard. The chain’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and made-to-order preparation has resonated with diners seeking quality over speed. Culver’s has built its reputation on treating fast food with the care typically reserved for sit-down restaurants. Their beef is never frozen, and each burger receives individual attention during preparation. This approach takes longer than typical fast-food service, but customers seem willing to wait for the superior results.
Five Guys Falls Despite Customization Options
Coming in at number six, the Five Guys Cheeseburger is all about customization. Customers can choose from up to 15 toppings – everything from grilled mushrooms to jalapeños – at no extra cost, making each order unique. Fresh-baked buns and hand-formed patties set it apart from traditional fast-food chains, and fans often pair it with the brand’s famous hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil. In 2025, it lands in sixth place, slipping one spot from its #5 ranking in 2024, but it remains one of the most beloved burgers in America. The decline suggests that while customization appeals to many customers, consistent flavor profiles might matter more in direct comparisons. Five Guys built its brand on the promise that every burger could be personalized to individual preferences. However, this strength might also be a weakness when judges evaluate a standard preparation against competitors. The chain’s premium pricing may also influence perceptions when value becomes a consideration factor.
Shake Shack Holds Steady in Seventh
The ShackBurger is famous for its quarter-pound 100% Angus beef patty, topped with American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and a generous serving of the chain’s signature ShackSauce, all served on a soft bun. Shake Shack’s modern take on the fast-food burger has earned it a devoted following, especially among those who crave premium ingredients in a quick-service setting. In 2025, it holds steady at 7th place, the same position it secured in 2024, proving that it remains a consistent favorite among burger lovers. This stability suggests Shake Shack has found its niche among customers who appreciate the elevated fast-casual experience. The chain’s consistent performance reflects successful positioning between traditional fast food and casual dining. Shake Shack customers expect to pay more for better ingredients and preparation, creating a sustainable business model that doesn’t compete directly on price.
Freddy’s Original Double Drops Dramatically
Freddy’s takes eighth place with its Original Double, made with two thin, crispy-edged steakburger patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. Pairing it with Freddy’s frozen custard has made this chain a cult favorite across the Midwest and beyond. Its drop to number eight in 2025 is a big deal, considering it was the runner-up for Best Fast Food Burger in 2024. The change shows just how competitive the burger landscape has become, with fan loyalties shifting year by year. The dramatic fall from second to eighth place demonstrates how volatile consumer preferences can be in the fast-food industry. Freddy’s thin-patty approach creates maximum surface area for flavor development, but this technique requires precise execution to avoid overcooking. Freddy’s decline might reflect increased competition in the premium fast-food segment rather than any decline in food quality. As more chains adopt similar cooking techniques and ingredient standards, differentiation becomes increasingly challenging.
Burger King Whopper Continues Decline
The Whopper, introduced in 1957, remains one of the most recognizable burgers in the fast food industry. Despite its iconic status and enduring popularity, the Whopper has been declining in rankings over recent years, dropping to #8 in 2024 and #7 in 2023. Landing at ninth place in 2025, it still proves its staying power among loyal fans, even as other competitors rise. Burger King reportedly sells hundreds of millions of Whoppers annually, each made with a flame-grilled beef patty topped with tomatoes, shredded lettuce, mayo, pickles, ketchup, and sliced onions. Despite massive sales volumes, the Whopper’s position suggests that familiarity might be working against it in taste comparisons. The Whopper’s gradual decline reflects broader challenges facing legacy fast-food brands. While the flame-grilled preparation remains distinctive, younger consumers may not share the same nostalgic attachment to the brand that sustained previous generations of customers.
Whataburger Completes Top Ten Despite Texas Pride
Texas’ favorite Whataburger lands at number ten with its Double Meat Whataburger. This burger features two large beef patties layered with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and mustard on a toasted bun. In recent years, it held positions #6 in 2024 and #4 in 2023; however, the 2025 results indicate that readers are shifting their tastes, and competitors are catching up. Still, fans recognize it as a hearty classic that represents Texas pride. Whataburger, which got its start in Texas, is beloved by customers for its fresh burgers made with high-quality ingredients as well as its unique breakfast sandwiches. Whataburger has plenty of tasty choices, from patty melts to hot apple pies, to keep regulars coming back. The chain’s regional identity remains strong despite national ranking challenges. Whataburger’s decline in national rankings doesn’t necessarily reflect reduced quality or customer satisfaction within its core markets. Regional preferences and limited geographic availability may impact voting patterns when competing against chains with broader national presence.
Food Network Stars Share Professional Insights
Whether you like a griddled diner burger or a steakhouse-style tower of chuck, these burgers earn a stamp of approval from Food Network stars. Professional chefs bring different criteria to burger evaluation than typical consumers, often focusing on technique, ingredient quality, and flavor balance rather than nostalgia or convenience factors. Chicago’s claim to culinary fame is deep-dish pizza, but The Kitchen’s Sunny Anderson and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian can attest that the double cheeseburger at Au Cheval – named the No. 1 burger in America – is threatening to steal the Windy City’s signature-dish spotlight. It’s a classic, diner-style burger that features three thin-but-juicy patties (made with an 80/20 blend of certified Angus beef) layered with molten slices of Kraft sharp American Cheddar cheese. Iron Chef, restaurateur and master of the grill Bobby Flay is a self-proclaimed burger guy. The time-tested recipe, which Bobby lauded on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, features a proprietary-blend beef patty that’s cooked on the griddle, which sears the exterior while locking in the juices. It’s then topped with two slices of American cheese melted until they’re dripping onto the squishy bun and “hopefully into your fries,” said Bobby. For the perfect bite, he likes his topped with pickles and a little bit of ketchup.
Industry Trends Reshape Burger Landscape
Coffee chain visits rose about 2.8% year over year in the first half of 2025, with chicken chains up 1.6% and Mexican-themed concepts up 1.9%. In contrast, burger chains saw a 1.7% drop in visits, while sandwich shops fell over 3%. This data suggests broader shifts in consumer dining preferences that extend beyond individual chain performance. McDonald’s, for example, has reported significant declines in U.S. same-store sales, its sharpest decline since 2020, as lower-income customers pulled back. Economic pressures have forced even industry giants to reconsider their pricing and value propositions. The decline in burger chain visits reflects multiple factors including increased health consciousness, economic pressures, and competition from other quick-service categories. Successful burger chains must adapt to these changing market conditions while maintaining their core appeal.
