California chain serves up best fast-food burger in nation, USA Today says. It’s not In-N-Out
In search of the best burgers in the country? You should head to California, according to USA Today.
The Habit Burger Grill was No. 1 on the publication’s list of best top 10 fast-food burgers in 2024, published Wednesday.
A total of four restaurant chains with ties to the Golden State earned spots of the list.
“We try not to think about those dark days when the burger menu at a restaurant was limited to just “hamburger” and “cheeseburger,”’ USA Today wrote in an article titled “Which burger reigns supreme in a fast food burger battle? Out reader have chosen.”
“Today’s menus are packed with creative combinations of flavors and offer diners a wealth of options for a truly custom-tailored burger,” the publication said.
Which fast-food chain makes the best burger?
That title is reserved for The Habit Burger Grill.
The Irvine-based chain landed on the top of USA Today’s list of the nation’s tastiest burgers thanks to its Double Char.
The sandwich features two grilled beef patties, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayonnaise on a toasted bun.
Customers can also add cheese, USA T said.
Irvine-based In-N-Out Burger took second place on the list with its “scrumptious” Double-Double, followed by Florida-based BurgerFi, which earned third place for its BBQ Rodeo Burger.
Two other chains with California ties landed on the list.
San Diego-based Jack in the Box was No. 4, beating out Five Guys, Whataburger and Burger King.
Carl’s Jr., founded in Anaheim and based in Franklin, Tennessee, landed near the bottom of the list at No. 9.
What is The Habit Burger Grill?
Founded in Santa Barbara in the late 1960s, the fast-food chain advertises burgers that are charred over an open flame and packed with quality ingredients.
“The spirit of Santa Barbara is at the heart of everything we do at the Habit,” the chain wrote on its site.
The full menu at the Habit Burger Grill features a variety of burgers, of course, as well as chicken bites, sandwiches, salads, onion rings, fries and tempura green beans.
The dessert list features shakes, sundaes and ice cream.
What are the top 10 fast-food burgers in the US?
These are the top 10 fast food-burgers in the nation, according to USA Today:
- Double Char at The Habit Burger Grill
- Double-Double at In-N-Out Burger
- BBQ Rodeo Burger at BurgerFi
- Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger at Jack in the Box
- Cheeseburger at Five Guys
- Double Meat Whataburger at Whataburger
- ButterBurger Cheese, Double at Culver’s
- Whopper at Burger King
- Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger at Carl’s Jr.
- The 1921 Slider at White Castle
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.
The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.
USA Today ranked the nation’s best fast food breakfast, fried chicken and fries.
The publication also recently analyzed the best dog-friendly spots in the country, including beaches and parks.
This story was originally published July 18, 2024 at 12:52 PM with the headline "California chain serves up best fast-food burger in nation, USA Today says. It’s not In-N-Out."