Life is crazy, isn’t it? Work, family, and just general hurley-burley, at times you just want a hot, comforting supper that doesn’t have said supper destroy the stovetop. That’s where Wendy’s comes in, the fast-food behemoth that has been sending fresh, never-frozen square burgers to burger lovers everywhere. With over 7,000 units and a menu that’s essentially a requiem for the death of beef, cheese, and bacon, Wendy’s is a default option when burger hunger is peaking hard. But with so many available, I couldn’t help but wonder: what is the best Wendy’s burger?
To determine the answer to this hot question, I embarked on a burger-bundled journey, full-steam into the very centre of Wendy’s menu in candy store-crazy ecstasy. Seven burger classes are at play here: the teeny-tiny Jr. burgers, the simple Double Stacks, the bacon-filled Big Bacon burgers, the hall-of-fame Buccinators, the sure-thing Dave’s burgers, the hot jalapeño bacon cheeseburgers, and the unusual pretzel bun burgers. A multitude of burgers to analyse, and I was famished to find out at the bottom of it all.
No spur-of-the-moment burger escapade it was a mission. On multiple forays, I spent $120 and consumed 22 varied burgers, systematically stacking them in a gladiatorial battle to find the winner. My taste buds worked overtime, my car smelled like a fast-food kitchen, and I’m pretty sure my bloodstream is now part cheese sauce. Some of these burgers may not be on the menu year-round, but they’ve been known to make epic comebacks, so keep your eyes peeled.
The Double Stacks – Small but Mighty
Let’s start with the Double Stacks, the plucky underdogs of Wendy’s burger stable. They carry two 2-ounce beef patties and go for basics with simple toppings such as cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and a sprinkle of mustard every now and then. They’re not attempting too much to be highbrow, but they possess a certain je ne sais quoi that offers an excellent foundation for any burger expedition.
My initial bite was the Double Stack, classic, and boy, what a reality check. On the menu, it looks like it’s going to be a skyscraper of a sandwich, but in your hand, it’s actually more of a dainty little snack. The toppings ketchup, pickles, onions were standard fare, but I was sort of disappointed to find that the onions were barely even there. But those pickles? Winners, for sure, a crunchy, snappy slap on the face that made me think about why I love an old-school burger. It was almost a tip of the hat to White Castle sliders, comforting and homespun, but not necessarily blew me away.
- No-frills, no-fuss flavors that cut it.
- Ideal for a cheap, fast snack.
- Bacon version provides smoky kick that can’t be beat.
Then came the bacon Double Stack, and boy, things were getting hot. The bacon and the kick of the mustard gave its more stodgy cousin a brazen kick. The mustard was pure genius, cutting through the grease with a burst of pungency, but I couldn’t help thinking maybe it could have used a dash more. something. Maybe a crisp head of lettuce or a slice of fresh tomato to top it. It was near enough a Quarter Pounder bacon-makeover at McDonald’s good, but not earth-shattering.
Dave’s Burgers – A Tribute to Tradition
Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas leads the way with the menu, and it starts with the Dave’s burgers. They’re old-fashioned sandwiches consisting of a quarter-pound patty topped with American cheese, crunchy lettuce, fresh tomato, thick-cut pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. They’re the sort of burgers you can convince yourself that you’re eating at a backyard barbecue, and I was ready to get on with it. Dave’s Single preceded it, and golly, does this burger look like business. The patty, big even for the single, was roughly the size of the Double Stack’s two. The toppings were snappy and crisp, with the lettuce and pickles delivering me with that great crunch I crave.
The mayo added a rich creaminess that held everything together, so this was one of those burgers that I’d return to on a lazy Sunday afternoon. And then there was the Goldilocks of the batch, Dave’s Double. Two patties and the same vintage toppings, but not too little and not too much. The mayonnaise and ketchup were the best of friends, with the onions providing a perfect crunch that jolted my senses awake. It was as if entering a time machine and being taken back to summer afternoons as a child and diner suppers with french fries on the side. It’s one of those burgers that sort of sits by default.
- Fresh, quality ingredients that yell “classic.”
- A toasted bun provides it with a cozy, vintage look.
- The best option for someone looking for an authentic American burger.
And then, man, Dave’s Triple smashed down like a linebacker. This was a behemoth three patties, three pieces of cheese, and a bun that groaned under its weight. Wendy’s even tells you to “use both hands,” and I knew immediately why. The flavor was there, but the absurdly huge quantity of beef overwhelmed the lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes. It was hearing a symphony in which the drums overpower all else. Give me the double, unless I have just returned from a wilderness adventure.
Big Bacon Burgers – Bacon Bonanza
And if you’re talking about bacon, well the Big Bacon burgers are addressing your heart directly. These are piled high with Applewood smoked bacon, typically topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayo. This split was going to be a smoky, savory one, and I was more than happy to RSVP. The Big Bacon Classic was leading, and love at first sight, people. The bacon was crispy, the cheese was melted, and toppings were as fresh as available. With two slices of cheese, the burger shunned the horror of losing one to the fold. It was a flashback from my past’s hole-in-the-wall joint, where each bite was a warm hug.
The bacon made it better than Dave’s Single, reminding me all over again why bacon is a game-changer. And then, of course, there was the Big Bacon Classic Double, which honestly took it to a new height. The two patties provided additional meat flavor without adding much by way of toppings, a nice plus. Everything was well-proportioned, size-wise lots of cheese and bacon, but enough lettuce and tomato that they made themselves known. It was sort of the refined older brother of the Big Bacon Classic, hearty and mature. I could definitely see myself grabbing this one on a bad day when I just desperately need a good comfort food fix.
- Applewood smoked bacon adds crispy, smoky magic.
- Double serves ideal meat to toppings ratio.
- Fresh fruit adds a crunchy element to rich flavors.
And then the Big Bacon Classic Triple was released, and, well, it was a whole lot. Three patties, three slices of cheese, and a nearly begging for mercy bun. It was show-stopping-in-appearance, but the beef stole the show, the bacon and the veggies playing second string. I wrestled with this giant, having almost dropped it twice, and figured less can be better. The taste was fine, but the size was more of a burden than a joy.
Baconators – Meat Lovers’ Dream
The Baconators are where Wendy’s abandons restraint and gets hog-wild with the meat and the bacon. They’re a rebellion in a bun, with Applewood smoked bacon, cheese, ketchup, and mayo. No bullshit, just unapologetic shameless gluttony. The Baconator itself was overwhelming a double patty, two pieces of cheese, and a bacon mountain.
I was nervous at first, thinking it would be too much. But take a bite and I was addicted. Cheesy, melted goodness and crispy, smoky bacon were united in holy matrimony, the ketchup and mayonnaise bringing a great pat of creaminess and pucker to cut the richness. I did miss the crunch of a pickle or something, but for serious, this burger was so good I didn’t even miss it. It’s the kind of food where you can just sit back and happy breathe.
- Generous bacon portions for true bacon lovers.
- Perfectly melted cheese binds everything together.
- Simple toppings let the meat and bacon shine.
The Son of Baconator was the lesser intimidating brother, thinner patties but just as pungent flavors. It was more manageable to handle, but it never had the unchecked whoa of the larger version. The bacon was crouton-sized and the cheese was stringy, but I wanted to feel the entire Baconator experience. It’s like having one-scoop ice cream cone while the double is sitting right in front of you. In the end, the Baconator reigned supreme. It’s a masterclass in keeping things simple yet delivering maximum flavor. If you’re looking for a burger that screams indulgence, this is it.
Jr. Burgers – Small Bites, Big Heart
The Jr. burgers are Wendy’s answer to the quick, easy meal. These little guys are one patty, pickles, onions, ketchup, and maybe a dash of mustard or mayo. They’re not endeavoring to best everyone else but they’re good in their own small way. The Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe was a nice surprise with a big serving of pickles, ketchup, and mayo. The lettuce was ridiculously large in comparison to the teeny tiny patty, and it made me chuckle.
It was nice to have something that tasted like a normal burger, but the patty was slightly too small to have any lasting impact. Still, it’s a good option for a light meal or kid’s meal. The Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger placed the bacon on the table, and I was convinced. The smokiness heightened the excitement, though a bit too much mayonnaise was applied. The cheese was loaded with that fast-food processed taste, but somehow pulled it off. Size was the only real disappointment it was more an afternoon snack than a lunch-sized burger. But as a speedy solution for bacon, you can’t beat it.
- Perfect for a quick, budget-friendly bite.
- Bacon type is smoky and has some kick.
- Ideal for kids or light eaters.
The Jr. Cheeseburger and Jr. Hamburger were the simplest of the bunch. The cheeseburger had a nice balance of pickles and onions, but it felt like a step down from the deluxe. The hamburger, meanwhile, was just too plain underseasoned and lacking the pizzazz to stand out. Unless you’re absolutely craving the bare minimum, you’re better off with something else. The Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger won this round thanks to that oh-so-summer-like bacon flavor. It won’t win overall victory, but it’s a worthy challenger in its own right.
Bacon Jalapeño Burgers – Spicy Sensations
For the spice lovers, the bacon jalapeño burgers didn’t disappoint with pickled jalapeños, fried onions, bacon, cheese, cheese sauce, and spicy jalapeño sauce. This was a tale of excess flavors, and I was ready to be reduced to ashes. The Bacon Jalapeño Cheeseburger was exciting and spicy. The crispy onions were a great textural surprise, and the jalapeños packed sufficient punch.
The cheese sauce tasted good but didn’t meet my Taco Bell paradise dream. Despite that, the spiciness and meaty flavor combination made this one a hit even without actual vegetables. The show-stealer was the Bacon Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger. The two patties were cooked to weight perfection, and the jalapeño spiciness was perfectly balanced by the cheese. A nacho effect, but in burger form a game-changer. My only letdown was a slice of tomato or onion would have given some crunch, otherwise this burger was a home run.
- Jalapeños do pack a nice kick.
- Crispy onions provide some texture and taste.
- Double model provides the proper amount of heat and weight.
The Bacon Jalapeño Triple Cheeseburger was a great notion, perhaps too great. The jalapeños held their own against the three patties, but the size made it awkward to consume. The double version was more suited and, quite frankly, better. The Bacon Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger took home first prize here, demonstrating that spice and substance can coexist beautifully together.
Pretzel Bun Burgers – Gourmet Twist
The pretzel bun burgers demonstrated a gourmet twist with their rich, creamy buns and high-end toppings. I questioned whether Wendy’s could introduce a gourmet atmosphere into a fast-food restaurant. Pretzel Baconator was a behemoth bacon-stuffed one, featuring two beef patties and bunches of bacon. The pretzel bun had great potential, but came up short in the crispness department. The flavor was decent, but the overall beef quantity drowned out the toppings. A lettuce or a pickle would have truly made the difference, but without one was a waste of potential.
The Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger was a mess but a beauty. The honey mustard and the Muenster cheese were an unexpected twist, but the fried onions contributed deep crunch. The beer-cheese sauce was more of an afterthought, but the pickle and pretzel bun kept things in balance. Don’t let it sit, though it’s a different creature when it’s straight from the grill. Pretzel Bacon Pub Double and Triple overdid it. The double lost some of the single’s elegance, and the triple was a wonky giant. The pickle was the only driver, but they couldn’t recapture the single’s charm.
- The novelty bun is a lighthearted, upscale spin.
- The Muenster cheese and honey mustard are clean and crisp.
- Best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor.
Having eaten 22 of them, I was ready at last to name a victor. The Jr. Burgers were decent but too bland to compete with the big boys. Pretzel Bun Burgers gave a good fight but were just too heavy. Dave’s Burgers were good, classic burgers, but lacked that oomph. The Bacon Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger, the Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, and the Baconator were the biggest favorites. The jalapeño burger was spicy but crappy cheese sauce. The Big Bacon Cheddar was like a flavor bomb, almost a champion.
