What does America love more than hamburgers?
Not much!
So the competition for our bellies is pretty stiff. We may be living in a golden age for burger lovers.
But which burger chain is our favorite?
It’s not In-N-Out or McDonald’s…unlike Five Guys, they didn’t even crack the top 10…
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You may be wondering how we got the data for the top 10.
We used the latest survey data from YouGov, which was updated in the first quarter of 2025.
From that data, we calculated the percentage of people who are fans (but we only included people are familiar with it so that regional chains could compete on an even playing field with the national burger chains).
Enough nerd talk…let’s get to the top 10!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 65%
Think of Steak ‘n Shake as a stripped down diner specializing in burgers, fries, and shakes. And a few friends like chili and hot dogs for the kids.
So wonderful for those who want a quick sit-down burger experience!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 65%
You may not have heard of this one. Back Yard Burgers started in Mississippi and grew to a few dozen locations, but now only has seven left.
But people who have had it like it, as its 65% approval rating attests!
It’s got flame-grilled burgers, chicken and turkey options, hot dogs, salads, fries, and milkshakes. Everything you’d love to have in your back yard!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 66%
Freddy’s is particular on its options. Its burgers are steakburgers and its shakes are actually frozen custard (just like one of the burger joints further up this list).
Bonus points for those from the Chicagoland area…its hot dogs are Vienna Beef.
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 66%
Beyond hamburgers, Sonic seemingly has EVERYTHING. All the normal stuff plus breakfast burritos, corn dogs, mozzarella sticks (yes!), French toast sticks, cherry slushes, tater tots, and even a Sour Dragon Fruit Recharger with Red Bull!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 66%
My personal favorite burger, Five Guys is a study in minimalism. It has burgers, fries, and milkshakes…and that’s about it outside of the complimentary peanuts. But if you like to customize your burger, this is the place. It has plenty of high-quality ingredients to top your delicious meat gift!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 67%
Burger King cracks the top 5. Who doesn’t love a flame-broiled Whopper?
Or an Impossible Whopper for those looking to avoid beef. I know I was floored by how close it comes to the original. It really is a little difficult to tell them apart.
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 68%
If you’re in the Midwest, you almost surely LOVE Culver’s!
Their ButterBurgers are simply delicious. And their sides are wonderful…the fries and onion rings are great, but you have to try the Wisconsin cheese curds if you’re there.
And, yes, for dessert, Culver’s has frozen custard, with each location featuring a flavor of the day.
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• 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!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 68%
It’s kinda surprising how much people love A&W. And how many of them there are…nearing 500 of them across the US!
The key at A&W, of course, is to get a root beer float or a root beer cream freeze with your burger.
Otherwise, what’s the point?!?!?
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 69%
You can only find Islands in California and Arizona.
It features a Hawaiian theme and burgers with names like Kilauea, Big Wave, Maui, Longboarder, and Bleunami (yes, it has bleu cheese dressing on it).
Only 42% of people surveyed knew about this chain (vs. 99% for the #1 burger restaurant on this list), so if you haven’t had it yet, put it on your to-do list!
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Percent of people who know it who like it: 72%
Surprised?
I was.
I’ve long been a fan of Wendy’s burgers and have argued it would be even more popular if it was a regional chain.
But even with that disadvantage, Wendy’s beat out the likes of In-N-Out and Whataburger as well as McDonald’s and Shake Shack.
None of which made the top 10…
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Here are America’s top 10 burger restaurants:
1) Wendy’s
2) Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks
3) A&W Restaurants
4) Culver’s
5) Burger King
6) Five Guys
7) Sonic
8) Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
9) Back Yard Burgers
10) Steak ‘n Shake
Do you think America is wrong? Let us know in the comments section!
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