There’s never been a more heated time for the burger wars!
We’re not going to waste our time with Big Macs and Whoppers. There are too many choices these days.
To help you whittle down your list, here are eight burger joints whose fans swear up and down are better than In-N-Out.
(Maybe they just haven’t had a chance to try In-N-Out yet. Well – it’s expanding rapidly!)
Start drooling…
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Where to find them: This Midwest chain grew out of Wisconsin and are in about half of U.S. states.
The burger: They call them ButterBurgers, use “100% fresh, never frozen beef,” and serve them on buttered buns.
I think of Culver’s as the beefy Chick-Fil-A because they share unbelievable hospitality and a mom-and-pop feel.
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Where to find them: Mostly its home state of Texas, but at least one location in 15 other states.
The burger: The namesake Whataburger comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, diced onions, and mustard. But like at Burger King, you can have it your way.
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Where to find them: Every U.S. state except Alaska. Plus other locations worldwide.
The burger: This is my personal favorite burger. Loads of potential toppings including grilled onions, jalapenos, and A1 steak sauce. You have to love a place where the normal burger comes with two patties (You have to get a “Little Hamburger” to get just one patty).
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Where to find them: Based in Kansas, but it’s made it to 37 states so far.
The burger: The “steakburgers” are ground beef pressed into thin patties with crispy edges. They’re finished with “Freddy’s Famous Steakburger and Fry Seasoning.”
I didn’t think the food (including the burgers) was particularly great, but people (including some of the people I was with) love it!
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Where to find them: Originally California, but it’s expanded on both coasts.
The burger: As the name implies, the Charburger is cooked over an open flame.
Habit’s been around since 1969, but in 2020 it was bought by Yum Brands (owners of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell).
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Where to find them: Originally Colorado but now 35 states and some international locations.
The burger: Can you guess how you make a Smashburger? Yup, they have a “customized, metal smasher” to smoosh the patty onto the buttered and seasoned grill.
Smashburger is a fairly young concept, born in 2007.
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Where to find them: Worldwide and in most U.S. states
The burger: Made similar to a Smashburger and put onto a Martin’s potato roll.
Foodie street cred: The original hot dog cart that became Shake Shack was run out of the kitchen of now-three-Michelin-star Eleven Madison Park (before it turned plant-based)!
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Where to find them: 22 states, with a TON of locations in In-N-Out’s own backyard of California!
The burger: Huge, thick burgers with lots of cheese and toppings. Also try their amazing sourdough “Smashed Jack” burgers for a different taste!
Foodie street cred: You can also get chicken nuggets, full-size and tiny tacos, and even curly fries! For a different take on the traditional milkshake, try their vanilla shake with boba.
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Where to find them: Mostly California with a little love for other Western states.
The burger: You can get a hamburger, cheeseburger, or a Double-Double (two patties, two slices of cheese). We recommend the Double-Double. (4×4 if you dare!)
We couldn’t leave without giving love to In-N-Out. Besides its deliciousness, its exclusivity in the West and its secret menu add to its allure for fans.
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I just wanted to address something I’ve heard from lots of readers – “What about McDonald’s?”
Listen, I appreciate McDonald’s for what it is, and I know there’s even some data indicating that Californians may now prefer McDonald’s to In-N-Out…
But bottom line, In-N-Out is a much better burger.
They may not have as many options and combinations, but it’s just better.
I’m sorry, but it’s true!
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So there you have it – eight burger chains who all have a claim to being better than In-N-Out.
But here’s the real question:
What say you?
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Is In-N-Out still top of the heap?
Or has it lost to my favorite, Five Guys?
Let us know in the comments!
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What a Burger
Culvers
In and Out
etc
you didn’t mention lotaburger. Although, I personally feel they are very similar to WhatAburger, I do think they should deserve a mention, especially over Shake Shack.