We have all pulled up to the speaker box, ordered a burger and wondered whether it would be worth the money by the time we got home. The food site Chowhound sampled twelve fast food burgers and ranked them from first to last, noting flavor, quality and price along the way. The results might surprise you, because a few of the big names landed near the bottom. We picked seven from that ranking that tell the story best. Each one below is attributed to the Chowhound reviewer, and the rankings are theirs, not ours. Let’s start with the burger that came in first and work our way down.
1. Culver’s Butterburger
Culver’s took first place in the Chowhound ranking, and the price tag was part of the story. The reviewer noted flavorful beef with a garlicky taste and buttered buns, all for under $5. Those buttered buns are what give the sandwich its name, and they add a soft, rich touch that plain buns just cannot match. If there is a Culver’s near you, this ranking suggests it is worth a stop. It is the kind of burger that tastes like it came from a neighborhood diner, and it will not drain your wallet. Add a side of fries, and you have a very nice lunch for two without much fuss or expense. The ranking shows that a good burger does not have to cost a fortune, which is welcome news for anyone on a fixed budget. A burger like this is also a lovely way to treat a grandchild after a Saturday ball game.
2. Shake Shack ShackBurger
In second place in the Chowhound ranking, the ShackBurger earned praise for a thin, crispy, high quality beef patty and a soft potato bun, topped with attractive toppings. The reviewer admitted the price is high, but said it is less expensive than the reputation suggests. If you have ever hesitated at the menu board because a burger chain seems fancy, that is useful to know. A thin, crispy patty is a different experience from a thick backyard burger, and some folks prefer it that way. Plan a special lunch out, bring a friend, and split a shake while you are at it. Sometimes a little treat is just what the day needs. If you enjoy trying something new, this is a good burger to share at the table with a friend, so you can compare notes together. Remember that the reviewer’s opinion is just one voice among many.
3. Five Guys Hamburger
Five Guys landed third in the Chowhound ranking, and the reviewer tested it plain, with no extras. Even without toppings, it had authentic char, beefy meat and a well steamed bun. That tells you the burger holds up on its own merits. The reviewer also noted that it was the most expensive burger on the list, so this is a splurge. If you enjoy building your own burger, the toppings are a bonus, but it is nice to know the foundation is solid. Bring an appetite and a few extra napkins, just in case. It is a good choice for those days when you want a burger that tastes like a real treat and you are not worried about the price. Enjoy it without a lot of fuss.
4. Wahlburgers The Our Burger
The fourth place burger in the Chowhound ranking is the one that came closest to a homemade backyard cookout. The reviewer described a thick, juicy patty with homemade tasting flavor and fresh toppings. The tradeoff was the price. According to the review, it costs about twice as much as most of the other burgers tested. So it is a nice pick for a sit down lunch when you want to treat yourself, not a quick bite on the way to the pharmacy. If juicy is what you are after, this is the one in our group that the reviewer specifically called out for it. Think of it as a nice weekend lunch rather than an everyday bite. Bring a friend, order the burger, and take your time over the meal without rushing out the door.
5. McDonald’s Quarter Pounder With Cheese
The golden arches came in fifth in the Chowhound ranking, and that is a respectable showing out of twelve. The reviewer said the Quarter Pounder with Cheese is freshly cooked and distinctly McDonald’s in flavor, though the patty is a standard factory pressed disc. In other words, you know exactly what you are getting, and for many of us that familiarity is part of the comfort. It is a dependable choice when you are traveling and want a burger you can count on. Order it hot, take a moment to enjoy the first bite, and you will see why it has a loyal following after all these years. Sometimes a familiar taste is exactly what a long drive calls for. A burger you already know and trust takes the guesswork out of a busy day on the road.
6. Steak ‘n Shake Original Double With Cheese
Steak ‘n Shake took eighth place in the Chowhound ranking, which puts it in the middle to lower half. The reviewer liked the crispy, smashed edges that give the burger a steak like quality. But the sour pickles and slightly greasy beef hurt its score. It is a good reminder that small things, like the pickles you did not ask for, can change how a burger lands. If you go, you might ask for the pickles on the side. The restaurant is a classic for a reason, and a milkshake alongside can make up for plenty. Just keep a few extra napkins handy, since the reviewer called the beef slightly greasy. It shows how a single ingredient can tip the balance of an otherwise tasty burger. A small request at the counter, like holding the pickles, can make a big difference to your lunch.
7. Burger King Whopper
Last place in the Chowhound ranking went to the Whopper, and the reviewer explained why. They found that the four ounce patty lacks a rich, meaty flavor and tastes closer to a veggie burger. On top of that, at nearly $7 it was among the priciest burgers in the test. To be fair, this is one writer’s opinion, and your own taste may differ. But if you are keeping an eye on your budget, it is worth comparing prices before you pull up to the window. Every tongue is different, so try one yourself and decide whether it earns a place on your list. Most of us have our own favorites, and part of the fun is comparing notes with friends over lunch. Try one and decide for yourself, since a single review never tells the whole story.
