America’s best fast food burgers

Whataburger

Believe it or not, the biggest fast food hamburger chains in the south of the USA aren’t the Ronald or the Colonel – it’s Whataburger. This Texas favourite, and by favourite, I mean these southerners are crazy about Whataburger.

In true Texas style, the burgers are big. They’re definitely a two handed task. They also keep their signature burger, the Number 1, pretty simple. Beef, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and diced onions on a toasted bun. It’s a good, basic burger for someone looking to satisfy that craving. It does the job, and does simple well.

The one trait that sets Whataburger apart is the southern hospitality you’ll find in their stores. You really can notice the warmth of this family owned and run business. There’s a real emphasis on customer service so despite the “fast food” setup, all meals are delivered to your table by the staff. And you’re free to customise your burgers in whatever way you like.

I know this article is about the best burgers, but I want to push that definition and urge you to try their Patty Melt. It’s essentially a delicious toasted sandwich with two beef patties, grilled onions and cheese with pepper sauce. And my god, it’s good. It really doesn’t look or taste like something that would come from a fast food chain, but rather, from your southern aunt’s kitchen.

Shake Shack

This iconic New York City burger joint has a cult following with good reason. Starting from humble beginnings with just one “shack” at Madison Square Park, Shake Shack is one of my must dos when visiting the Big Apple and can now be found all across the country.

It’s no exaggeration to say that they’ve got a ridiculously big following. The lines for Shake Shack’s Madison Square Park location can often been seen snaking all the way through the park. People will literally line up for hours to get their hands on one of these burgers, so much so, that Shake Shack actually now have a “Shack Cam” so customers can monitor the line.

Why do they wait? These burgers are incredibly fresh. You can taste the quality ingredients, and the pure Angus beef makes the burger tender and flavourful. In true New York style, you can also choose from a selection of alcoholic beverages, with specially chosen wines and beers on offer to accompany your burgers. Only in New York would you be able to order a glass of red to sip while eating a burger in a park in the sunshine!

In-N-Out

I couldn’t do a piece on America’s best burgers without mentioning In-N-out Burger. Since 1948, this California institution has been a tourist destination for travellers from all over the world.

Its calling card is the simple, cheap burgers they produce. You’re not getting a fancy burger here. It’s a standard burger with a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion on a toasted bun. But it’s simple done right, with high quality ingredients cooked well.

I believe that In-N-Out is an experience. From discovering the “secret menu” (which, let’s be honest, isn’t so secret), and adding “animal style fries”, that is, fries with grilled onions, melted cheese and special In-N-Out sauce all on top, to conquering the 4×4 – four beef patties and four slices of cheese, it’s all about the experience of visiting In-N-Out after a big night out.

One feature of In-N-Out which I do have to compliment is their pricing. For only a few bucks, you can get yourself a quality hamburger. And it’s an even playing field at In-N-Out. You’ll get the local kids from around the block sitting next to a table of businessmen in suits. The Hollywood location is notorious for post awards nights gatherings of starving celebrities looking to break their fast with a massive burger binge.

Sure, you can explore the USA’s fine dining and fancy restaurants but there’s something satisfying about getting into the local fast food joints here and embracing the carbs with a good old fashioned cheeseburger. I say forget about the dieting, and forget about the rules – you’re on holidays. Don’t be ashamed of your fast food cravings and hamburger fantasies. Let loose and celebrate the tasty, satisfying hamburger!

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