Burgers might be all-American, but not all burger chains get the same love. According to this survey, folks have spoken—and some of the results are wild. Think you know who snagged the top spot? You might want to hold that thought. These rankings prove that when it comes to America’s Favorite Burger Chains, brand loyalty runs deep… and sometimes defies all logic.
10-Sonic Drive-In
Carhops on skates and limeades the size of your head—Sonic knows how to be different. It doubles down on customization with burgers, tots, and extras you won’t find at most chains. There’s a fun factor baked into every visit, especially when you order from the lot. It may not lead every burger ranking, but it earns points for sticking to its style.
9- Burger King
Flame-grilled Whoppers gave Burger King its edge, and the chain still leans into that no-nonsense style. It never tried to be the flashiest, just reliable with bold burgers that don’t taste microwaved. There’s something old-school about it, but not in a boring way. Among burger spots with staying power, this one’s hard to skip.
8- Shake Shack
Shake Shack took the fast-casual model and cleaned it up with real ingredients and sleek branding. Burgers come seared and juicy, and the potato buns do more than just hold things together. Crinkle fries and hand-spun shakes round things out without trying too hard. It’s the chain people treat like a reward, and it still feels earned.
7- Whataburger
Whataburger leans hard into the “made your way” mindset with a burger size that’s anything but modest. There’s a reason it inspires hometown loyalty—especially in Texas. The spicy ketchup alone has its own fanbase. It’s one of the few regional spots that still feels local even after going national.
6-Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box doesn’t play by the rules, and that’s why people keep showing up. One minute it’s tacos, the next it’s stacked burgers with curly fries on the side. The late-night menu alone makes it a go-to when nothing else hits. It’s weird, but in a way that works.
5- Dairy Queen
It’s known for soft-serve, but don’t sleep on the burgers—they’re better than you’d expect. DQ stays consistent with crispy onion rings, grill-seasoned patties, and buns that don’t fall apart. It won’t top every list, but it plays both food and dessert well. That balance makes it more than just an ice cream stop.
4- Five Guys
Every burger gets built from scratch, and you can load it with anything you want—no extra charge. Five Guys doesn’t do gimmicks or frozen fries, just bags of peanuts and greasy brown paper sacks that mean business. It’s not the cheapest, but people show up anyway. Customization and flavor put it on the map for anyone chasing something better than average.
3- Wendy’s
That square patty isn’t just for looks—it’s Wendy’s way of standing out. The menu keeps things sharp with fresh beef, loaded potatoes, and the Frosty that’s still weirdly perfect with fries. Dave Thomas built it from scratch and didn’t mess around. It’s one of those chains that earned its spot through consistency, not gimmicks.
2- McDonald’s
You already know the fries, but McDonald’s real legacy comes from how it changed drive-thrus forever. What started as a single spot grilling barbecue turned into the biggest burger brand on the planet. They didn’t just scale fast food—they defined it. If there’s a list of America’s favorite burger chains, this one’s never leaving it.
1- In-N-Out
The menu is tiny, but In-N-Out fans wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s all about fresh prep, unfrozen meat, and that not-so-secret menu that regulars swear by. No microwave, no heat lamp—just hand-cut fries and made-to-order burgers that keep the lines moving. Its west coast reputation actually holds up.
