Everyone loves eating burgers (we believe so). There’s something so satisfying about that cheesy, crispy fried patty that gives us happiness, no matter how bad our mood is. But are you tired of visiting the same old places for burgers? Want to try someplace new? Here are 15 better burger spots to try if you don’t wish to go to McDonald’s and Burger King:
Five Guys – The King of Customization
Five Guys makes burgers fresh to order. The patties are never frozen, and you can add as many toppings as you like for zero cost. The fries here are cooked in peanut oil and come in large portions, even if you order a small (so be aware). If you like a messy, customizable burger with fresh ingredients, this place is a good choice.
Culver’s – Where Butter and Burgers Make Magic
Culver’s might not be everywhere, but all those who’ve tried their burger know it’s worth the hype. Their ButterBurgers are rich juicy, and come on a perfectly buttered, toasted bun that melts in your mouth. And you can pair your burger with their extra creamy frozen custard. It’s an unusual combo, but trust me, it’s the one you should definitely try.
Wendy’s – Fresh Beef and Square Patties
Wendy’s does things differently than most burger shops on this list. The burgers here are made with fresh beef (not frozen). The famous square patties give you more meat in every single bite. Wendy’s also offers spicy chicken nuggets, which many people like to dip into their Frosty for a mix of sweet and salty flavors.
In-N-Out – Simple Menu with Secret Options
In-N-Out has a small menu compared to other places on our list, but they make everything fresh so that’s a plus. The patties are grilled to order, and the fries are cut in-store. Their “Animal Style” burger, which has grilled onions and extra sauce, is a popular off-menu item. If you like a lighter option, you can get your burger “Protein Style,” which replaces the bun with lettuce.
Shake Shack – Soft Buns and Creamy Milkshakes
Shake Shack makes burgers with Angus beef and serves them on soft potato buns. Their special ShackSauce adds a tangy flavor to the burgers. Their crinkle-cut fries are crispy, and the milkshakes are made with real sugar and thick custard. Shake Shack also introduces new, limited-edition burgers from time to time, so you’ll always find something new when you go there.
Smashburger – Crispy Edges and Juicy Center
Smashburger uses a cooking method where they press the beef onto a hot grill. This creates a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy. Their burgers have a very strong grilled flavor, and they offer different topping options, like truffle mayo and mushrooms. You’ll also find many unique flavors on the menu here, like the rosemary-seasoned fries.
Hard Rock Cafe – Large Burgers with Unique Toppings
Hard Rock Cafe is a place where you’ll get big and thick burgers with different toppings. Their Legendary Burger includes bacon, cheddar, and an onion ring, and it’s one of the most popular burger options you’ll find there. The restaurant is themed around rock music, with memorabilia on the walls. Some locations also offer milkshakes with alcohol.
Carl’s Jr. – Charbroiled Burgers with Bold Flavors
Carl’s Jr. cooks its burgers over an open flame, which gives them a smoky flavor. If you’re someone who prefers smoky pizzas, then you need to try smoky burgers. This place is known for large burgers with toppings like onion rings, BBQ sauce, and extra cheese. The Western Bacon Cheeseburger is one of their most popular options.
Johnny Rockets – Classic Diner Burgers and Shakes
If you’re missing the good old days, or you want to take your parents out, try this place as it’s styled like a 1950s diner. The burgers here are made with fresh beef and served with classic toppings. The restaurant is also known for its hand-spun milkshakes. In some locations, the staff performs choreographed dances so you can enjoy them while you eat.
Red Robin – Large Menu and Unlimited Fries
Red Robin delivers a wide range of burgers, from simple cheeseburgers to more creative options like the Whiskey River BBQ Burger, which combines sweet barbecue sauce with crispy onion straws. One of their biggest draws is the bottomless steak fries (order once and get as many refills as you want). They also offer different dipping sauces so you can experiment and try the one you like the most.
Fuddruckers – Build-Your-Own Burgers
Fuddruckers is all about customization. They let you add your own toppings at a self-serve bar, so you can make your burger as simple or as loaded as you wish. Their buns are also baked fresh in-house and the patties are thick and very juicy. They also offer specialty meats like buffalo and elk for those looking for something different from the usual beef burger.
Whataburger – Big Burgers and Spicy Ketchup
Whataburger is famous for its big, Texas-sized burgers. Their ingredients are fresh and like Fuddruckers, they let you customize your order with different sauces and toppings. The most popular dish on their menu is the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich (a dish that combines crispy chicken tenders with sweet and smoky barbecue sauce). They’re also famous for their Spicy Ketchup, a bolder version of the classic condiment.
Jack in the Box – Sourdough Burgers and Late-Night Options
Jack in the Box has a varied menu that goes beyond burgers, but their Sourdough Jack is a favorite among people. It swaps out the regular bun for toasted sourdough bread, which gives it a crispy texture and buttery flavor. Many locations stay open 24 hours, so you can go here for your late-night cravings.
BurgerFi – Organic Ingredients and Plant-Based Options
BurgerFi keeps things simple with quality ingredients. They use natural Angus beef, cage-free eggs, and hormone-free chicken. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can try their Beyond Burger as a plant-based option. Their buns even come stamped with the BurgerFi logo so you’ll always know where it’s from. If you’re up for something different, try toppings like truffle aioli or onion marmalade for a change of flavor.
The Habit Burger Grill – Chargrilled Burgers and Simple Toppings
The Habit Burger Grill is another place that cooks their burgers over an open flame, which gives them a simple smoky flavor. The Charburger is their signature item, and it is topped with caramelized onions, lettuce, and a secret sauce. Unlike many fast-food chains, their burgers have a more homemade taste.
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