Shake Shack burgers have held a special place in my heart since the very first time I had them.
(This was a decade ago, back when Shake Shack a novelty where I live – a bunch of us took a long lunch at work to go try them out for the first time.)
The burger, the sauce, the crinkle-cut fries…it was all just great.
But let’s face it – times have changed.
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
More specifically, the burger wars have heated up…
Tons of competitors have entered the market or stepped up their game…
And so Shake Shack is no longer an “obvious” winner.
In fact, I’ve heard from plenty of people who believe that Shake Shack is clearly outclassed by several other chains at this point.
Starting with one I can’t help but agree with…
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: In-N-Out is strongest on the West Coast but has been gradually marching eastward for some years now. (They’re even planning on opening up in Tennessee soon!)
Why the burger is amazing: In-N-Out’s “double-double” is deceptively simple, but their ingredients and preparation just makes for a tasty, juicy, all-around excellent burger every time. Get it “animal style” if you’re feeling adventurous.
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: Every state, most countries, McDonald’s is one of the largest chains in the world!
Why the burger is amazing: Ok, I know it was bold to say McDonald’s is better than Shake Shack…but I think it’s true. The bacon quarter pounder with cheese and the Big Mac are just two excellent burgers…and let’s face it, they’re also wayyyy cheaper too.
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: Whataburger started in Texas but has been rapidly expanding across the country. If there isn’t one near you today, there probably will be one soon!
Why the burger is amazing: Honestly, I like their specialty burgers best – the sweet & spicy bacon burger, their Whataburger patty melt (with two slices of Texas toast instead of a bun), and the like. Whataburger has a cult following, and for good reason.
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: Red Robin is in 44 states (pretty much everywhere but the really small and remote ones – think Hawaii, North Dakota, Wyoming, and the like).
Why the burger is amazing: I mean, pick your burger! Red Robin’s real differentiator is toppings, and tons of them. The burgers aren’t cheap – you’ll be paying Shake Shack prices or higher for them – but you get all kinds of fun toppings, like crispy onion straws on the Whiskey River BBQ burger and pineapple (plus a teriyaki glaze) on the Banzai burger.
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: Five Guys is already in every state but is rapidly expanding with hundreds more locations planned.
Why the burger is amazing: I find myself torn between thick burgers (which are just a great mouthful) and smash burgers (where the burger is smashed flat so it gets extra crispy on the outside while still being juicy on the inside – because there’s so little meat for the heat to travel through, you don’t lose much moisture). Five Guys is clearly on the smash burger end of the continuum, but it makes up for the thinness of its patties by having two of them. Also, their customization is unparalleled – loads of great, fun toppings are yours for the asking.
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: Hardee’s has almost 1,600 locations in 31 states. If you’re from the South or Midwest, chances are great you’ve had it.
Why the burger is amazing: Perhaps my most controversial pick, I think Hardee’s is unfairly ignored in favor of chains with more name recognition like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s. Their Frisco burger (sourdough bread, burger, tons of bacon, swiss cheese, tomatoes, and mayo) is a unique taste and worthy of your time and attention.
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
Where you’ll find them: Culver’s started in Wisconsin and is now a staple throughout the Midwest.
Why the burger is amazing: The burger is good, but the bun is really where Culver’s shines – they put butter on it to earn the name of their trademark “butterburger” – and the result is exceptional. Plus the combination of Midwestern nice service and delicious ice cream means it’s an unforgettable experience every time.
Shutterstock
I couldn’t leave without giving Shake Shack its due! After all, it’s genuinely an amazing burger, and I’ve enjoyed it countless times on roadtrips.
Where you’ll find them: Shake Shack only has around 350 locations in the USA, spread across 34 states. Their heaviest concentration is right around NYC.
Why the burger is amazing: Shake Shack’s burger is thick and paired with fresh ingredients (plus crinkle-cut fries and delicious shakes). What’s not to love?
Shutterstock
So there you have it – seven burgers whose fans would certainly argue they’re better than Shake Shack.
And let’s face it – they run the gamut from well-known national chains, several regional chains, even a sit-down restaurant!
But really at its core it just comes down to the one question:
Shutterstock
Who has the best burger?
Well, what do YOU think?
Let us know in the comments!
Shutterstock
Leave a Comment