The best burger chains in the US

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

Admit it: there's nothing like a perfect, juicy burger! And with over 91,000 burger joints across the US, plenty of burger patties are being flipped daily. Over the years, many chains have perfected the hamburger, using the highest-quality beef and making them even taller and more complex. But, ultimately, a simple beef patty, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and perfectly sandwiched between two soft buns, is an all-time favorite.

Click on to discover if your local favorites have made this list of the best burger chains in the US!

Culver's

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

When it comes to quality ingredients, customer satisfaction, and a strong menu, Culver's often ranks high. And this is largely thanks to their signature butter burgers, which use never-frozen beef in the patties.

Five Guys

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

If the menu at Five Guys seems small, don't worry! According to the chain, there are a quarter of a million ways to order its signature hamburger, with a highly-customized ordering system. On top of that, all of their burger toppings come at no extra cost.

In-N-Out Burger

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

In-N-Out is a quintessential Western US burger chain, which is known for its simple menu and fresh ingredients.

Shake Shack

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

One of the world's fastest growing burger chains, Shake Shack owns and operates over 400 locations globally.

Wendy's

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

With over 6,500 locations across the US, Wendy's has focused on high-quality menu items since it first opened in 1969.

McDonald's

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

One of the largest companies in the world, the iconic double-arched fast food chain has been flipping burgers since 1955.

Burger King

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

With over 7,000 locations across the US, Burger King has proven itself time and time again as a burger chain determined to stay on top of their game.

Smashburger

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

If you want to know what Smashburger offers that many of its competitors don't, simply look at its name! This burgher joint takes certified Angus beef patties and hand-smashes them onto its grill, using its own customized metal smasher.

Jack in the Box

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

With over 2,000 locations, primarily in the West Coast, Jack in the Box has been a dominating chain since 1951.

Whataburger

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

If you've ever been to Texas, chances are you've likely passed by a Whataburger more than a few times. Found now in 14 states, this popular chain is considered one of the best in the US.

Steak 'n Shake

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

First opening their doors in 1934, the burgers at Steak 'n Shake are made with patties that contain a unique combination of round, sirloin, and T-bone steak.

Fuddruckers

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

Fuddruckers has long been known for serving burgers that use never-frozen beef, and which contain zero fillers or additives.

Fatburger

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

An aptly named chain, Fatburger's handmade patties range from ⅓ pound to a staggering 1 ½ pounds.

Carl's Jr.

Culver's, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Carl's Jr.

Founded in 1941, Carl's Jr. has been a West Coast favorite for over 80 years. They're best known for their iconic charbroiled burgers.