What is the best burger joint franchise?

[Agkistrodon]

The only thing I like about In-N-Out is the price. I otherwise found their food to be remarkably mediocre.

We have a Whataburger in town. I've eaten there twice. Once was for dinner - the burger was bad, the fries were worse, and the entire staff was stoned. The other time was for breakfast - the sandwich I ordered was almost small enough to eat in one bite, so I ended up buying more food elsewhere. A Texan I work with has told me to not judge all Whataburgers by the one in Roswell, so I'm still reserving judgement despite the bad experiences.

Five Guys is the only burger chain that has lived up to the hype for me. The food is expensive, but I think it's worth the price.

 

[Macloney]

White Castle! When you have been drinking and the only $ you have is the change in the cupholder.

Man, I still love White Castle, but I don't know if you've had it lately, it has gotten a little pricey. Their chicken and cheese is phenomenal.

Not the best at all, but a solid option. Especially while drunk.

 

[Al_4_State]

B-Bops and Whataburger

 

[MLawrence]

Silly me, all these years, believing that good hamburger is key to a great burger.

That's just what the ground beef lobby wants you to think.

 

[LindenCy]

This seems like a nice thread to jump into to avoid the sadness and anger.

Tough question. Depends on price vs. quality.

 

[LindenCy]

B-Bops and Whataburger

Bbops for price/Whataburger for quality.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

In N Out burgers just seem to have fresher toppings than anywhere else. I believe that good lettuce tomatoes and onions are key to a great burger. Maybe that is the reason a lot of people think they are the best while others think they are trash. Agree that there fries are average at best. I prefer crispier fries which makes Freddie's the best in that category.

We had seen a feature on Food Network about the onion burgers in Oklahoma. Found a small chain in OKC on our way to San Antonio called Tuckers. If you like onions and grease this is a great option. We loved it. If you are not a big eater just get the single and it still might be too much.

OMG TUCKERS! I had a 8+month project in Oklahoma City and I had Tuckers nearly every week.

 

[baller21]

Why no poll?

 

[Die4Cy]

I like going to Five Guys but it is, as others have said, expensive for what you get. And they deep fry the bacon which you have to be really careful with. Burnt bacon is bad on a burger. But there is something about a gooey cheeseburger loaded with mushrooms and grilled veggies. I think I want one tonight, actually.

In the behemoth naitonal chain category, Burger King or Wendy's over McDonalds, although McD has been trying to upgrade their sandwich choices with some success. My wife will like to stop at McD with kids because it is cheap and consistent, but none of the burgers do much for me.

Regional chains: Hardees is great value--burgers and bun combination there are really good, Culver's is a good burger experience with lots of other options. I like the crinkle fries there. I had Whataburger once and didn't understand the hype based on the experience. Freddy's Steakburgers is trash, and I ate there once and will probably not go back. I'd like to see if In and Out lives up to its massive hype.

The best burgers I've had have not been at chain restaurants, but privately owned, sit-down places. It is really hard to balance speed, quality, and value, but I've consistently found these are the places that do it best.

 

[ArgentCy]

I've never had In-N-Out. I know this won't be popular but the best overall value is Burger King. Pretty good food and well priced. Sonic and B-Bops are pretty good. Wendy's has improved a ton and miss them around here. McDonalds has gone the opposite direction. Hardee's has pretty decent food but I also found it overpriced until they came out with the lower cost meals lately.

I guess our favorite has to be Culvers. If you included chicken I'd go with Chick-fil-a.

 

[LindenCy]

I've never had In-N-Out. I know this won't be popular but the best overall value is Burger King. Pretty good food and well priced. Sonic and B-Bops are pretty good. Wendy's has improved a ton and miss them around here. McDonalds has gone the opposite direction. Hardee's has pretty decent food but I also found it overpriced until they came out with the lower cost meals lately.

I guess our favorite has to be Culvers. If you included chicken I'd go with Chick-fil-a.

For the "cheap" chains, Burger King is good for value. Wendy's is good, but I don't think it is as great as it used to be. Of the main chains, I would go Wendy's, but if we are talking specialized places, then it opens up a lot more.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Red Robin and Fudruckers are really consistent. They're probably my favorites of the burger joints.

 

[nfrine]

Five Guys is the only chain that needs an ATM out front. An okay burger for a gourmet price.

 

[EarthIsMan]

The posts in this thread reminds me of this satirical article from The Onion:

Vacationing Man Excited To Try Fast Food Franchise Not Found In Hometown

 

[CYEATHAWK]

When down south.......Texas Burger wins. Here in Iowa, have to go with 5 guys. And although they are not known for it.....Hickory Park serves up a good one.

 

[alarson]

Of the ones i've had i'd go

1. Whataburger
2. In-N-Out (1 and 2 are close)
3. Five Guys
4. Sonic
5. B-bops
5- Wendy's
6-Hardees
7-Culvers
8- Steak and Shake
9- Burger King
10- Mcdonalds

For the fast food options

Apparently i need to try Shake Shack at some point.

 

[jmb]

Was reading the weather forecast thread and someone mentioned higher end burger franchises like Whataburger, etc. So, what is everyone's favorite burger place? I ate at Whataburger in San Antonio, and was impressed with how well they handled the crazy crowd. Food was good, but not great. Good enough that I would definitely go there again if it wasn't bowl week. Not sure if there are any of those in Iowa. Stopped at B-Bopp's on the way to the Des Moines airport and thought it was outstanding for the money. Wish there was one in Cedar Rapids area.

B bops and Fleming’s.

 

[HitItHard58]

Freddy's

 

[Urbandale2013]

What is so great about Whataburger? I’m trying to figure out if I just ordered the wrong thing or if I just don’t get it.

 

[Cybball37]

Culvers.