When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
In honor of International Burger Day on May 28, Yelp put together a list of the 25 best burger chains across the United States.
To qualify for the list, each chain had to have at least 100 locations, operates in multiple states, and is primarily classified under the “burgers” category on Yelp, based on user reviews.
Yelp said in a news release, “While some brands have gone national, regional loyalty still runs deep. In-N-Out continues to define the West Coast fast-food burger experience, while Cook Out holds its ground in the South by offering late-night trays and an expansive milkshake menu… newer fast-casual players like Habit Burger Grill and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers are quietly climbing the ranks in multiple regions, signaling a shift toward quality-driven menus and nostalgic vibeYelp’s rankings consider factors such as review volume, ratings, and the presence of “burger” mentions in reviews for chains with over 100 locations across multiple states.”
The top 25 fast-food burger chains for 2025:
- In-N-Out Burger
Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. With more than 119,000 Yelp reviews across more than 400 locations, the brand receives special praise for its not-so-secret “secret menu.” Reviewers like customizable options like Protein Style (wrapped in lettuce) or 3x3s (three patties, three slices of cheese). - Habit Burger & Grill
Known for its Charburger and specialty offerings like the Teriyaki Char with Cheese, Habit Burger secures the second spot. “Founded in Santa Barbara, California, this brand has quickly expanded across the western and eastern U.S.” - Shake Shack
Praised for its ShackBurger and vegetarian choices, Shake Shack continues to impress with its quality offerings. - Culver’s
A Midwest favorite, Culver’s is renowned for its ButterBurger and frozen custard, reflecting its dedication to quality and customer service. - Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks
Offering Hawaiian-inspired burgers and a laid-back atmosphere, Islands appeals to those seeking a tropical twist on the classic burger experience. - Five Guys
Known for its customizable burgers and generous portions, Five Guys continues to be a favorite among burger enthusiasts. - Red Robin
Offering a variety of gourmet burgers and bottomless fries, Red Robin maintains its popularity with diverse menu options. - Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes
Praised for its fully customizable menu, Mooyah appeals particularly to selective eaters. - Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Combining classic steakburgers with creamy frozen custard, Freddy’s offers a nostalgic dining experience. - Smashburger
Known for its smashed-to-order burgers and variety of toppings, Smashburger continues to satisfy customers seeking a modern burger experience. - Jack in the Box
Offering a diverse menu that includes unique burger options, Jack in the Box remains a staple in the fast-food industry. - Whataburger
A Texas favorite, Whataburger is known for its sizable burgers and regional appeal. - Carl’s Jr.
With its charbroiled burgers and bold flavors, Carl’s Jr. continues to attract a loyal customer base. - Hardee’s
Sharing similarities with Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s offers hearty burgers that cater to a variety of tastes. - Checkers/Rally’s
Known for its seasoned fries and bold burger flavors, Checkers/Rally’s maintains its presence in the fast-food scene. - Sonic Drive-In
Combining classic drive-in service with a diverse burger menu, Sonic offers a unique dining experience. - McDonald’s
Despite being a global giant, McDonald’s ranks 17th, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards unique and high-quality burger experiences. - Dairy Queen
Known for its Blizzard treats and classic burgers, Dairy Queen continues to serve a loyal customer base. - Burger King
Offering flame-grilled burgers, Burger King remains a significant player in the fast-food industry. - White Castle
Famous for its small, square sliders, White Castle holds a nostalgic place in American burger culture. - Steak ‘n Shake
Combining steakburgers with hand-dipped milkshakes, Steak ‘n Shake offers a classic diner experience. - Wendy’s
Known for its fresh, never frozen beef, Wendy’s continues to innovate with new menu items. - A&W Restaurants
Offering root beer floats and classic burgers, A&W provides a nostalgic fast-food experience. - Fuddruckers
Known for its build-your-own burger concept, Fuddruckers allows customers to customize their meals extensively. - Wayback Burgers
Offering a variety of burgers and shakes, Wayback Burgers continues to expand its presence in the fast-food market.
