They made mincemeat out of the competition.
In honor of National Hamburger Day on May 28, Yelp has ranked the top 25 fast-food burger chains in the US — with In-N-Out snagging the top spot.
They reportedly based this meat-centric Mount Rushmore on Yelp reviews for companies with over 100 branches spanning multiple states, primarily categorized under “burgers” on the site.
“From nationwide favorites to iconic staples and emerging brands, the best burger joints are building fan bases by flipping great patties,” they wrote.
Without further ado, here are Yelpers’ votes for the best burger spots in America.
In-N-Out
In a move that’s sure to ignite beef between regional ground meat die-hards, California’s In-N-Out was named the best purveyor of beef pucks between two buns. The Golden State burger chain boasts over 119,000 Yelp reviews across more than 400 locations, with most patrons claiming they’re generally satisfied.
“We are delighted to learn that In-N-Out was recognized as the top burger chain in the U.S. in Yelp’s recent report,” Denny Warnick, chief operating officer, told Fox News Digital.
Started in 1948, In-N-Out’s offerings have changed little over the years with its Double-Double — a burger with double meat and double cheese — consistently ranking as a fan-favorite.
However, the chain recently removed artificial coloring from their Strawberry Shakes and Signature Pink Lemonade in response to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) plan to phase out synthetic dyes by 2026.
Despite gradually moving eastward, the beloved burger depot has yet to open a location in New York.
However, Spencer Farrar, 55, a California transplant living in New York, misses his home chain so much that he smuggles dozens of them into Gotham each time he flies back from the Golden State.
Habit Burger & Grill
Clocking in second on the pantheon of beloved beef patty hawkers was Habit Burger & Grill, another California company with locations on both the East and West Coasts.
This habit-forming chain’s signature is the Charburger with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. They also offer a Santa Barbara Char on sourdough with avocado, and the Teriyaki Char with Cheese – a chargrilled patty slathered in teriyaki sauce and topped with a grilled pineapple — and unique sides like tempura green beans.
Shake Shack
This Danny Meyer passion project has come a long way from its humble origins as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park.
Based on Yelp Reviews, Shake Shack is the number-one burger chain in the Northeast while its original New York location boasts more than 5,800 reviews.
Their highlights include the ShackBurger with an Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and secret “Shack Sauce” on a soft potato bun, but it also includes vegetarian options like the Shroom Burger and Veggie Shack.
Last week, Shake Shack announced they were adding fried pickles to their menu — the first-ever side that isn’t crinkle-cut fries — to rabid fanfare from customers.
Culver’s
With over 26 locations across, Culver’s is one of the Midwest’s preeminent burger mongers. According to Yelp, the Wisconsin-based brand has “built a reputation for warm hospitality and comfort food done right.”
They offer such standouts as the ButterBurger — which derives its name from the lightly buttered, toasted bun — as well as its acclaimed frozen custard.
Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks
Big Kahuna Burger might be relegated to “Pulp Fiction,” but Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks might be the next best thing, at least according to Yelp.
Despite being only located in Arizona and California, this brand massages tropical beef hankerings with Hawaiian-inflected noshes like the Maui, which includes guacamole and Swiss cheese, and the Hawaiian, which comes with teriyaki sauce and fresh grilled pineapple.
Here are America’s top 25 burger chains, according to Yelp:
- In-N-Out
- Habit Burger & Grill
- Shake Shack
- Culver’s
- Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
- Five Guys Burgers & Fries
- Wayback Burgers
- MOOYAH
- Red Robin
- Jack in the Box
- Cook Out
- BurgerFi
- Whataburger
- Walhburgers
- Smashburger
- Mcdonald’s
- Sonic Drive-in
- Burger King
- White Castle
- Fatburger
- Wendy’s
- Carl’s Jr.
- Checker’s/Rally’s
- Steak ‘n Shake
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