Top Burger Brands to Savor Your Taste Buds

Burgers have become a staple in the culinary world, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that delight taste buds across the globe. The competition in the burger arena is fierce, with numerous brands striving to deliver the best beef patty sandwiched between soft buns. From gourmet creations to classic fast-food favorites, each brand brings its unique flair to this beloved food item. Curious to know which brands topped our list for the best burgers? Read on to discover the mouthwatering options we've curated below.

Illustration of burgers

Best brands of burgers in 2025

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger is renowned as one of the best burger producers, consistently topping consumer satisfaction surveys. In the 2022 QSR / Fast Casual Study by Market Force Information, In-N-Out Burger ranked supreme in the burger category, with an overall satisfaction score of 80 percent, significantly outperforming competitors like McDonald's and Burger King. The brand excels in food quality, scoring 82 percent, and staff friendliness, with an 88 percent score. In-N-Out also leads in customer loyalty, with a Customer Loyalty Index (CLI) score of 4.75 out of 5, and 63 percent of respondents driven by a true desire to experience the brand. Its commitment to fresh, never frozen beef patties and a limited menu has been a key factor in its success. For more information, visit their official website.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is renowned for its high-quality burgers, made from a custom blend of 100% Angus beef from premium whole muscle cuts, with no hormones or antibiotics. The brand emphasizes humane treatment of its cattle and sources its beef from the United States, ensuring freshness and no frozen patties. With over 400 locations in 32 US states and more than 100 international locations, Shake Shack has established itself as a leader in the fast-casual industry, boasting a market share of 0.80% as of Q3 2024. The company's commitment to quality ingredients and animal welfare sets it apart, and its product quality score is rated 4 out of 5 by customers. Shake Shack's market cap has significantly increased, reflecting its growth and popularity. For more details about Shake Shack's burger meat standards, visit the link.

Five Guys

Five Guys is renowned for its fresh, never-frozen beef burgers, with a unique cooking method where ground chuck is formed into rough balls and then smashed onto the griddle. Despite some inconsistencies in patty quality, Five Guys offers a diverse array of toppings, although the quality can be subpar at times. The brand boasts a high customer loyalty score of 76%, with Hispanic or Latino customers rating their product quality the highest at 4.8 out of 5 stars. However, areas for improvement include the saltiness of their fries and the handling of fresh toppings. Five Guys' product quality score is 3.6 out of 5 as rated by its users.

Whataburger

Whataburger stands out as one of the top fast-food burger chains, particularly noted for its nutritional profile. According to a study by Gambling.com, Whataburger's cheeseburger ranks as the healthiest among major fast-food chains, scoring an 8.4 overall in categories like sodium, sugar, fat, and calories. The chain dominates the market with a 42% market share, significantly outpacing competitors like In-N-Out Burger by 16%. Founded in 1950, Whataburger has grown to over 890 locations, maintaining its commitment to using 100% pure, never-frozen beef. Its loyal customer base is evident, with customers making purchases twice as often as those of other chains.

Smashburger

Smashburger, founded in 2007 by Rick Schaden and Tom Ryan, is a prominent fast-casual hamburger restaurant chain known for its unique "smashed" burgers cooked on a high-heat flattop grill, a technique that caramelizes the patty and locks in juices. With over 227 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 35 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces as of 2022, Smashburger commands a small but significant market share, estimated at 0.2% of the U.S. burger market in 2014. The chain is valued at $335 million and is fully owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation since 2018. Smashburger's menu includes customizable burgers, chicken, turkey, and portobello sandwiches, along with various side items. Despite its relatively small market share, Smashburger has been credited with taking market share from major fast food brands due to its perceived higher quality and customizability. For more details, visit the Smashburger Wikipedia page.

The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Burger Grill is renowned for its high-quality, charbroiled burgers, earning it the top spot in Consumer Reports' 2014 fast food survey, surpassing competitors like In-N-Out Burger, 5 Guys, and Smashburger. Founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California, the chain has expanded to over 366 locations as of 2023, with U.S. sales reaching $696 million. Known for its fresh, never-frozen ingredients and signature Charburgers made from 100% fresh ground beef, The Habit Burger Grill offers a unique dining experience with a focus on customer satisfaction and community involvement. The brand's commitment to quality and service has been further enhanced since its acquisition by Yum Brands in 2020, allowing for accelerated growth and expansion into new markets. The Habit Burger Grill's menu variety, including fresh salads and sides, caters to a broad audience, solidifying its position in the fast-casual dining sector. For more information about their offerings, visit their official website.

Culver’s

Culver's stands out as a top producer of burgers, renowned for its fresh, never-frozen ground beef and unique cooking method that yields crispy, lacy edges and a rich, umami flavor. The chain has seen significant growth, with systemwide U.S. sales increasing from $1.73 billion in 2019 to $2.830 billion in 2022, and a notable 19% jump in same-store sales in 2022. Culver's burgers are praised for their high-quality ingredients, including buttered and toasted buns, fresh produce, and well-seasoned beef, making them a favorite among burger enthusiasts. The chain's average unit volume has risen to $3.487 million as of 2022, positioning it among the top-grossing quick-serves in the U.S.. With over 945 locations across 26 states, Culver's continues to expand its footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality and freshness. For more details, visit Culver's official website here.

Wendy's

Wendy's stands as a prominent player in the quick-service restaurant industry, particularly renowned for its burgers. As of 2022, Wendy's averaged sales of around $2.19 million from company-owned restaurants and served approximately 32,876 loyal customers daily. The brand is ranked second in the hamburger sandwich segment and is known for its high-quality beef, with the Dave's Triple burger featuring three quarter-pound patties and 1,160 calories. In 2023, 57.6% of customers praised the friendly drive-thru service, and the brand has nearly 16 times as many franchised locations as company-owned ones. Wendy's also sells around 300 million Chocolate Frosty treats globally each year. For more information, visit their official website.

BurgerFi

BurgerFi is a renowned fast-casual better burger concept, recognized for its high-quality, all-natural ingredients and commitment to serving fresh food. Founded in 2011, BurgerFi uses 100% American Angus Beef with no steroids, antibiotics, or additives, and has been named the "Best Fast Food Burger" in USA Today's 10Best 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also been voted the Top Better Burger chain in Fast Casual Restaurants and was named QSR Magazine's Breakout Brand of 2020. With 108 restaurants as of January 1, 2024, BurgerFi continues to expand its presence, offering a menu that includes Wagyu Beef Blend Burgers, All-Natural Chicken, and Frozen Custard Shakes. Despite recent challenges, including an 8.3% decrease in total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023, BurgerFi remains a top choice for burger enthusiasts. For more information, visit their official website.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is a renowned American chain of casual dining restaurants, founded in September 1969 in Seattle, Washington. Known for its high-quality gourmet burgers, the brand has over 500 locations across the United States and Canada, including both company-owned and franchised restaurants. In 2023, Red Robin reported a 1.6% increase in comparable restaurant revenue and a 33% increase in Adjusted EBITDA, highlighting its successful transformation and financial progress. The company holds a market share of approximately 1.35% in the restaurants industry as of Q3 2024. Red Robin continues to enhance its guest experience with upgraded ingredients and innovative menu offerings. For more information, visit their official website.