Who Really Has The Best Fast-Food Burger? Let’s Settle This Once And For All

Few food debates can turn a group chat upside down faster than asking one simple question: Who has the best burger?

Everybody has an answer, and everybody thinks their answer is correct.

Some people want a burger that’s simple, cheap, and familiar. Others need a thick patty, fresh toppings, and enough cheese to require several napkins. Then there are the people who judge the entire experience by the fries—and yes, those people deserve to be heard too.

So in honor of National Cheeseburger Day, Baller Alert is putting seven popular burger spots in the ring: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Steak ’n Shake, Shake Shack, Checkers, BurgerFi and Five Guys.

McDonald’s has history on its side. The Big Mac and Quarter Pounder are two of the most recognizable burgers in fast food, and sometimes familiarity wins. You know exactly what you’re getting when those golden arches come into view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by McDonald’s (@mcdonalds)

Wendy’s built its burger identity around its square, fresh-beef patties. Whether you’re ordering a Dave’s Single or going all the way with a Baconator, Wendy’s tends to appeal to people who want their fast-food burger a little heavier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wendy’s (@wendys)

Then there’s Steak ’n Shake, where the Steakburger takes a thinner, griddled approach. Its old-school diner style gives it a different lane from the traditional drive-thru giants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Steak ‘n Shake (@steaknshake)

Shake Shack helped turn the fast-casual burger into an event. The ShackBurger keeps things relatively simple: beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce, but its smashed, crispy-edged patty has helped the chain develop a serious following.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shake Shack (@shakeshack)

Checkers comes into the conversation representing the unapologetically greasy, seasoned side of fast food. This isn’t necessarily where you’re going when you want something delicate. It’s the burger-and-loaded-fries run you make when you’ve already decided today isn’t the day to count calories.
BurgerFi brings another fast-casual option into the battle, with burgers that lean toward the made-to-order restaurant experience while still keeping the convenience of a burger chain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by checkersrallys (@checkersrallys)

And then we have Five Guys, where customization is practically part of the brand. Mayo? Grilled onions? Jalapeños? Mushrooms? BBQ sauce? You can build your burger exactly how you want it—and then spend the next five minutes digging through the bag for all the extra fries.
But this debate isn’t just about the beef.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Five Guys (@fiveguys)

The perfect burger is personal. Are you adding lettuce and tomato? Raw onions or grilled? Pickles? Bacon? Mayo? Mustard? Ketchup? BBQ sauce? Are we keeping it classic with American cheese, or does your burger need something extra?

And then comes another argument: How do you want that burger cooked?

So we’re handing this one over to the Ballers.

Who has the BEST burger, and what toppings have to be on yours?