Burger fans, pay close attention. America certainly agrees that a good burger is key. Simple or loaded, burgers hold a special place. Many chains want your business. Which one really makes the best burgers, though?
The internet has definitely made up its mind. Honoring May 28 as International Burger Day, Yelp wanted to answer this big question. They published a ranking of the 25 best chains. Yelp analysts looked at a lot of data here. They studied many customer reviews and ratings. Only places with over 100 stores nationwide were included.
Forget what you already believed to be true. Get ready for a surprise then. We will now count down the top chains. They earned their spot based solely on what customers said. Prepare to want some tasty burgers very soon. Here are the top 8 places from this list!
1. **In-N-Out Burger**: Talk about a big name on the West Coast. This place from California feels like more than just a food spot. It’s a cultural phenomenon for many. Yelp says In-N-Out ranks number one. You can easily see why people are so obsessed.
This chain started way back in 1948. In-N-Out became famous by always keeping things simple. They do what they know best. Simple, fresh ingredients make up a menu that has stayed the same for years. It really works for them.
More than 400 stores are located mostly along the West Coast states. In-N-Out has received over 120,000 Yelp reviews. Most customers seem pretty happy overall. People really like the friendly service they receive. The drive-thru experience is totally nostalgic. Famous items include the Double-Double burger. That means double meat and double cheese, remember! Animal Style fries are also popular. They come with secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese. People come back many times for these items. The company is now slowly moving eastward. There are already stores in Texas. A new location in Tennessee is planned for 2026. They are also building an eastern headquarters.
2. **Habit Burger & Grill**: Right behind In-N-Out comes The Habit Burger Grill chain. It secured the number two spot on this Yelp list. This place started in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. They are known for their really tasty chargrilled burgers. Those burgers offer a different kind of experience.
Habit Burger Grill secured second place overall. It also ranked in the top 5 in Western areas. The Northeast region liked it a lot too. They have almost 400 stores around the world. Clearly, their plan for success is working well. People reviewing on Yelp really like the Charburger especially. It has caramelized onions, lettuce, and more. Pickles and mayo sit on a toasted bun.
Customers think their kitchen can be quite creative. They say the menu is well-planned. The company is opening more locations now. They recently opened stores in Washington state. Idaho also got a new one. A new California store is coming to Ukiah in 2026. They have always had a friendly competition with In-N-Out. Habit even put up signs when they won before. Securing second place on Yelp’s list shows they are a major player.
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3. **Shake Shack**: Number three coming in strong is Shake Shack. This shows that a hot dog cart can become a burger place. It started as a little stand in a New York City park. That was back in 2001. Now it’s a big chain with over 320 stores in America.
Shake Shack is America’s third-best burger chain according to Yelp users. It secured top 3 rankings in every single US region. It holds first place in 21 states and Washington, DC. The first New York City store alone has over 5,800 reviews.
Their menu offers lots of good choices. From the regular ShackBurger to the SmokeShack. They also have options for people who don’t eat meat. The Veggie Shack is one option. The ‘Shroom Burger is also a great choice. People really like the gluten-free bun they offer. The bacon avocado burger is a top favorite among fans. Shake Shack is growing and plans to open 80 new stores this year. They recently started a loyalty program.
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4. **Culver’s**: A favorite from the Midwest rose to a high national ranking. Culver’s began making burgers in Wisconsin in 1984. It secured the number 4 spot on this list. Yelp also said it ranks top in the South areas. The Midwest region also ranked it number one at that time.
Now, there are over 1,000 Culver’s stores in 26 states. They plan to open 55 new locations this year. Culver’s reach is expanding significantly. This chain is most famous for its ButterBurgers. That name comes from the bun that is lightly buttered. It holds the fresh burger patty perfectly.
Customers also really like their frozen custard. The reviews are always positive and enthusiastic. People mention the delicious burgers and that wonderful custard ice cream. The prices are reasonable, and the service is always friendly. Culver’s has found a good way to do things. Focusing on quality ingredients and the special buttered bun helps.
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5. **Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks**: Want a bit of paradise flavor? Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks has secured the number five spot nationally. This place offers a beachy kind of feeling, though it only has under 50 locations. It’s more of a special find. You mostly see them in Arizona and California.
Even with not many locations, the tropical burgers are a hit. The whole vibe resonates with many people. They made it into the top 10 on this list. The menu has fun names for burgers, like the Big Wave. The Longboarder is another one. Maui and Hawaiian burgers also sound appealing.
Reviews say Islands is a great place for burgers. People like the consistently good food. They also enjoy the cool California atmosphere. Customers say the soda is never flat here. Plenty of TVs show sports and surfing scenes, adding to the overall vibe. People really love the Maui burger, which has guacamole and Swiss cheese on it. The Hawaiian burger comes with teriyaki sauce and fresh grilled pineapple. Eating here feels like a little vacation.
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6. **Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers**: This chain blends old-school cool with crispy burgers. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers ranks sixth on Yelp. It started in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002. Freddy’s is known for its retro look and its Steakburgers as well.
Steakburgers are a big hit on the menu there. You can get BBQ Brisket and Prime Rib burgers. They make thin, pressed patties for you. This creates the nice, crispy edges that people love. They put special seasoning on them, which definitely adds more flavor.
People reviewing it like more than just the burgers. They speak highly of the Original Double. The special fry sauce is often mentioned. Of course, the frozen custard is popular. Customers say it feels like stepping back in time there. Custard and a burger make a perfect match for many. Freddy’s has really grown lately. There are over 500 stores open in 36 states. They plan to open 130 more soon. That will happen between 2024 and 2025.
7. **Five Guys**: This place began as a small family spot in Virginia. Now Five Guys is a well-known burger chain everywhere. The first store opened in Arlington, Virginia. That was in 1986. They first grew in the DC area. Then they started opening stores nationwide in 2003. Today, there are over 1,800 stores around the world.
Fans absolutely love the variety of options offered when customizing their burgers. The level of personalization is a major draw, allowing customers to build their perfect creation. Reviewers consistently praise the food for being “cooked to perfection,” highlighting the consistent quality despite the chain’s massive size.
Five Guys is not just in one state. It ranks high in three US regions. They are opening more stores this year. You can watch them make your burger there. The kitchen area is always open. Also, remember the free peanuts you get. It’s the little things people enjoy, isn’t it?
8. **Wayback Burgers**: Finishing the top eight list is Wayback Burgers. It secured the number eight spot on Yelp. This place first started in Delaware. Back in 1991, it was called Jake’s Hamburgers. The name changed later. It has grown steadily over the years. Now, over 170 stores operate around the world.
Wayback Burgers has garnered fame for its rotating specials and unique flavor combinations, which clearly catch the attention and tantalize the taste buds of Yelp users. Customers wrote things like “great to perfection” when describing the burgers, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the quality and taste.
The chain has a presence in 35 states, plus Washington, D.C., showing its widespread reach across the country. It is actively expanding, having opened new restaurants recently in Georgia and North Carolina, with plans already in motion to open even more locations later this year in Texas, Ohio, and Iowa. This chain is growing steadily.
Hey there, burger fans! We first explored America’s absolute best burger chains. Yelp’s comprehensive analysis helped us find these spots. The top eight places were really impressive. Did you know the list goes even further? There are lots more great burger places out there. Customers really seem to approve of those joints.
Yelp’s ranking shows places that are doing well. These chains earn good reviews and ratings. New players are on the list, and some are very old companies. Connecting with people matters most for restaurants. Serving good food is crucial, too. See which spots finish the top sixteen now!
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9. **MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes**: Number nine place goes to MOOYAH. This chain is the youngest on Yelp’s list. It started just back in 2007 in Texas. They grew super fast nationwide. Over 100 restaurants operate now. That growth is quite significant.
MOOYAH is really standing out because of its customization. Customers can easily make their own burgers. This feature is quite cool. You can pick protein types like Angus beef. Turkey or veggie patties are also options. Almost everyone finds their perfect build here.
They even introduced Lifestyle Burgers in 2019. This is helpful for specific dietary needs. Options for the Keto diet are available. Paleo and low-calorie eaters also find choices. Vegetarians and those needing gluten-free options also get choices. Yelp reviewers really like this freedom. You can completely build your own creation.
A wide variety of items are offered. One customer praised a lettuce-wrapped burger. It also had a great spicy kick. MOOYAH plans for future growth for sure. They will add 54 new spots in Texas by 2030. It seems they are just getting started.
10. **Red Robin**: Landing at number ten is Red Robin. This chain offers a massive menu and brings a family-friendly feeling. It is way more than an average burger place. Founded in Seattle, its first franchise started in 1979. Red Robin has been around for a long time. Over 490 restaurants now operate across 39 states in the US. It also has locations in Canada.
Red Robin specializes in gourmet burgers. They make very flavorful combinations. Fans have serious favorite foods here. The Whiskey River BBQ Burger is popular. It is loaded with crispy onion straws. Plus, the Banzai Burger has a teriyaki glaze. Another pick is the Royal Red Robin, which famously comes with a sunny-side-up egg. They are not afraid of bold flavors.
Context mentions that possible closures might happen. Up to 70 locations face this. Red Robin still resonates with diners, which is why it landed on this positive list. A customer quote captures the feelings well: “Red Robin: burgers bold, broccoli tasty, fries play hard to get.” It also ranked high in the Northeast region. A diverse menu is a big hit.
11. **Jack in the Box**: Appearing at number eleven on Yelp is Jack in the Box. This spot has secured its place nicely. It ranks among the nation’s favorites. Reviews from customers helped it rank. It is a familiar name for many. Its inclusion highlights its significant presence. People who eat there like it a lot.
Chains needed to meet certain criteria for this rank. Jack in the Box fits the bill. The analysis focused on brands having a lot of locations. Over 100 operating spots were required. They must also span multiple states. Also, being classified under ‘burgers’ was key.
Jack in the Box made it to number eleven. This list uses real user feedback solely. It speaks volumes regarding its reach. How it registers with customers is evident. The context doesn’t detail specific items people like, but its position confirms it’s a top spot. The public who shared their experiences picked it.
12. **Cook Out**: Up next on Yelp’s list is Cook Out. It holds the twelfth spot proudly. This chain has made a name for itself. It has received enough positive feedback. Customers have given good ratings online. This earned it a national ranking. It is a place where people share their views.
Cook Out met the inclusion criteria. Like all chains here, it did. The analysis considered brands with vast operations. Having over 100 locations was a requirement. They must also spread across various states. Being primarily known for burgers is essential.
Landing at number twelve shows loyalty. Cook Out has built a strong customer base. Their positive reviews have greatly helped its rankings. The information doesn’t show specific raves, but its solid placement is based solely on user reviews. It confirms that it resonates well. Many across the country see it as a top spot.
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13. **BurgerFi**: Securing the thirteenth spot is the BurgerFi chain. It is interesting that it made this list. Context mentioned bankruptcy last year. Yet the customer experience was felt to be strong enough. The quality of its burgers did well on Yelp, placing them in the top half of the ranking.
BurgerFi adhered to the core criteria. It needed over 100 locations. Serving customers in multiple states was also a requirement. This indicates a broad-reaching operation. Yelp classified it primarily under ‘burgers’. Its main focus matched the study topic well.
BurgerFi at number thirteen highlights something unique. Disconnects between business status and actual performance can happen. Actual customer satisfaction can differ. Its ranking is based directly on user reviews. For many customers, the experience was pleasing. The burgers and overall feel were positively received. It places it as a top chain in the US.
14. **Whataburger**: Fourteenth spot goes to Whataburger. This chain is often a regional favorite. It has a very passionate following. That loyalty translated into strong ratings on Yelp, placing it in the top fifteen places. Its presence shows that regional giants can compete nationally.
Whataburger met the basic requirements for this list. The analysis only included brands with many locations. It operates over 100 locations for them. Serving in more than one state was also a requirement. Its primary classification on Yelp was ‘burgers’.
Whataburger’s rank at number fourteen reflects the voice of Yelp reviewers. Its distinctive brand resonates strongly. Its burgers are liked across the areas it serves. The context lacks specific customer feedback details. Its position relies solely on user reviews. It confirms its status as a highly-regarded spot.
15. **Wahlburgers**: Number fifteen is Wahlburgers. Context notes that this chain is struggling. Yet it still made the list. This adds an interesting layer to its placement. Despite the business challenges, it made it. The customer experience seemed very positive.
Wahlburgers qualified nicely for the analysis. It adhered to the requirement of having many locations. The study focused on brands having over 100 spots. Operating in multiple states was also a requirement. It must be primarily classified under ‘burgers’ on Yelp.
Wahlburgers at number fifteen shows the power of customers. Direct customer feedback is an important metric. Its position is derived from Yelp user reviews. Those who visited had good things to say. The burger experience helped contribute to its national standing. It shows that customer opinion matters a lot.
16. **Smashburger**: Finishing at the top of the sixteenth spot on the list is Smashburger. Yelp’s list includes it here. This chain has built a strong reputation well. Customer following has translated into positive review data. It secured its spot among the top contenders. The nation’s competitive market had it ranked.
To get on this list, Smashburger met the criteria. Essential rules were set for the analysis. The study focused on brands with many locations. Having over 100 locations was a requirement. Having a presence in multiple states was also necessary. The chain was primarily classified under ‘burgers’ on Yelp.
Smashburger’s position at number sixteen is based on user data. The collective reviews provided the ratings given. This speaks volumes about its impact on customers. Making the top sixteen means positive experiences have occurred. Diners share their appreciation online. While the context doesn’t delve into the specific reasons why, its solid ranking here is proof that it’s a notable spot. Many burger enthusiasts find a place here.
Wow, what a tasty trip that was! Exploring America’s favorite burger spots felt great. Seeing the variety on the list is amazing here. Both old icons and new chains appear. Some places face problems but still win hearts. This list shows that customers speak loudly. Try one next time for a tasty surprise.
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