See where your favorite burger chain ranked!
This Fast-Food Restaurant Was Just Rated Top Burger Chain in the U.S.
Published on May 21, 2025
A fresh hot burger and fries is one of the most iconic meals in the United States, and there is no shortage of burger restaurants ready to deliver. From simple menus to over-the-top creative entrees that cost upward of $30, from retro vibes to old-school diner nostalgia, there are so many different types of burger chains and just as many fast-food burger varieties. With so many burger restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to figure out which one reigns supreme. That’s why Yelp recently set out to crown the best burger chains in the country, and thinking about them all is likely to make you hungry!
Keep reading to find out which burger chain was ranked No. 1 in the United States, and which other beloved chains ranked in the top 10.
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How were the best burger chains determined?
There are a lot of excellent burger chains across the country, so determining the best burger chain in the U.S. is a pretty big job! So, who better to take on the challenge than Yelp, home of crowd-sourced local reviews? Yelp rounded up all the restaurant brands that are in the “burgers” category and have multiple locations. Each brand included in the ranking has more than 100 locations and operates in more than one state. The winners are based on their overall Yelp reviews, with the best-reviewed burger chain taking the top spot.
What burger chain was ranked No. 1?
It was a close call, but the superstar West Coast burger chain In-N-Out earned the title of best burger chain in the United States! In-N-Out has more than 119,000 Yelp reviews spanning more than 400 restaurant locations, which just goes to show how much people seriously love In-N-Out’s burgers and fries.
Why was In-N-Out ranked No. 1?
In-N-Out restaurants are a beloved fast-food staple on the West Coast, and people love the burger chain not only because the food is delicious, but it’s consistent. The menu has remained the same since the chain was founded in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948, and it has surprisingly few items when you compare it with other popular fast-food burger joints. Standout menu items include the Double-Double, or a burger with two patties, and Animal Style fries, an order of fresh-cut fries topped with grilled onions, cheese and In-N-Out’s secret sauce.
Yelp reviewers are big fans of the In-N-Out “secret menu,” which isn’t very secret at all. It’s also easy to customize your meal, like asking for your burger “protein style,” meaning it’s wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Plus, customers love the retro, nostalgic decor and drive-thru, not to mention the friendly customer service.
What other burger chains ranked in the top 10?
In-N-Out may be the best burger chain in the United States, but it’s certainly not the only nationally beloved burger joint. There are several other burger chains that deliver fresh, hot delicious meals and great customer service. Here are the rest of the burger chains that ranked in the top 10.
2. The Habit Burger Grill
The Habit Burger Grill has a reputation for using fresh ingredients and delivering smoky patties grilled over an open flame. The burger chain was founded in Santa Barbara, California, and has since expanded all along both the West and East Coasts. In addition to burgers, customers can order salads, sandwiches and unique sides, like tempura green beans, that you wouldn’t typically expect to find at a fast-food burger joint.
3. Shake Shack
Shake Shack got its start with a single location in New York City’s Madison Square Park and has since become one of the most popular burger chains in the country. The chain sources only high-quality ingredients and has great options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are iconic, and the chain’s frozen custard makes for some seriously decadent shakes. Shake Shack also holds the title of top-ranked burger restaurant in 21 states, as well as Washington, DC. Fun fact: Delta is now serving Shake Shack on some of its flights!
4. Culver’s
Culver’s is a burger chain that first captured the hearts of Midwest diners before expanding to 26 states across the country. The chain is best-known for its ButterBurgers, served on a buttered, toasted bun, and its frozen custard, and patrons have come to expect friendly service with every single visit. The chain also has some fun and funky menu options, including an Everything Bun topped with everything seasoning.
5. Islands Restaurants
With its surf-inspired decor and beachy, SoCal feel, Islands Restaurants blends flavors of the tropics with the classic American burger. The restaurant, with locations in California and Arizona, offers relaxed table-service, creative menu options and a full bar, so you can pair your burger with your favorite drink.
6. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
With a classic menu and a nostalgic, retro feel, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers feels like walking into an old-fashioned diner. Unlike traditional hamburgers, steakburgers are thin and crispy, and fans of the burger chain love the special fry sauce and well-seasoned fries. You’ll find Freddy’s in 37 states.
7. Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Five Guys Burgers & Fries makes all its burgers fresh, from scratch, and the second you walk in the door, it’s hard not to want to order everything on the simple but flavor-packed menu. The burgers all come with free toppings of your choice, ranging from grilled mushrooms to jalapeño peppers, and each order of fries is overflowing with crispy, hot and fresh-cut potatoes. Plus, the chain gives away free peanuts when you visit in-store.
8. Wayback Burgers
Burgers and nostalgia go hand in hand, and Wayback Burgers is no exception. The chain, with outposts in 35 states, has an old-school atmosphere coupled with a creative and modern menu. Wayback Burgers has rotating specials, so frequent customers will never get bored, and the menu is always changing. A trip to Wayback Burgers is not complete without a thick, creamy milkshake to top off your meal.
9. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is best known for giving customers infinite options to customize the burger of their dreams. Restaurant-goers in 20 states can choose every element of their burger—from the bun to the patty to each topping, you can make it your own. There are even options for vegans and vegetarians, and the sweet potato fries are definitely not to be missed.
10. Red Robin
For a casual sit-down burger meal, look no further than Red Robin, with locations in 39 states. The restaurant offers a burger for everyone and bottomless pillowy steak fries. What’s not to love?! Red Robin has both classic burgers and adventurous menu items, like the Whiskey River BBQ Burger and the teriyaki-glazed Banzai Burger. There are also tasty options for vegetarians, including the plant-based Impossible Cheeseburger.
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