If there’s one thing Reddit users take seriously, it’s burgers. Not artisan, grass-fed, truffle-oil-drizzled ones. We’re talking good old-fashioned drive-thru burgers. Flame-grilled, sauce-slathered, cheese-smothered fast food greatness. And when a thread recently asked, What’s the best fast food burger out there?, the responses were passionate, detailed, and brutally honest.
After sifting through hundreds of replies, one thing became clear—taste is personal, but some burgers spark more loyalty than others. Here’s a look at 11 fast food burgers ranked from worst to first, based on flavor love, praise intensity, and how many people kept going back for more.
11. McDonald’s (Except the Big Mac)
Let’s just get it out there. McDonald’s may be the king of fast food, but their burgers got roasted in the Reddit thread. A lot of users called out the plain cheeseburgers and hamburgers for being small and underwhelming. The Big Mac did get a pass—mostly for that iconic Mac sauce. “Honestly it’s just the sauce,” said one user. Fair. Sometimes the secret sauce is the whole show.
10. In-N-Out
In-N-Out might be a West Coast legend, but the thread showed it’s not universally loved. Some praised the freshness and simplicity, while others thought it didn’t live up to the hype. “Boring,” “overrated,” and “not better than Steak n Shake,” were common comments. Still, plenty of fans jumped in to defend the Double-Double, calling it consistent and made with “legitimate ingredients.”
9. Sonic
Sonic was a wild card. People love the nostalgia, the drive-in vibes, and some of the burgers—especially the double bacon cheeseburger. The new smashburger also got a lot of hype. But not everyone was sold on Sonic’s consistency. One day it’s fire, another day it’s flat. Still, when Sonic gets it right, fans say it’s one of the best.
8. Burger King
The Whopper has been around forever, and BK fans are still loyal. People love the size, the flame-grilled flavor, and the price. “Bang for the buck,” said one user. But BK’s biggest issue? Inconsistency. Some stores serve hot, juicy burgers. Others… not so much. “A good Whopper is amazing,” one user said, “but a bad one is brutal.”
7. Carl’s Jr. (and Hardee’s)
Carl’s Jr. made the list thanks to its bold burgers, especially the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger. It’s smoky, saucy, and stacked with flavor. Users also shouted out the El Diablo burger, calling it fiery and unforgettable. The only downside? Availability. Not everyone has one nearby.
6. Shake Shack
Shake Shack isn’t exactly fast food by some standards, but it still earned a spot. The burgers are juicy, flavorful, and consistently good. The SmokeShack burger got a lot of love. The catch? The price. “Tasty but spendy,” said one user. If money’s no object, Shake Shack might be your top pick. But your wallet might say otherwise.
5. Five Guys
Like Shake Shack, Five Guys drew praise for taste but criticism for cost. Redditors agreed the burgers are delicious—especially with customizable toppings. But at some point, it stops feeling like fast food. “Too expensive to be considered fast food,” argued one person. Still, if you’re looking for quality, it’s worth the splurge.
4. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s is catching on fast, and Reddit loves it. Their Original Double with mustard, onion, and pickles on a toasted bun got shoutouts for its classic smashburger vibes. People also love the fries. It’s a chain on the rise, and Redditors are already claiming it deserves more attention.
3. Wendy’s Baconator
Wendy’s fans showed up in full force for the Baconator. It’s beefy, cheesy, and piled with crispy bacon. The best part? It’s consistently good, no matter where you go. “The Baconator is amazing every time,” said one fan. That kind of reliability earns points.
2. Whataburger
Whataburger didn’t quite snag the top spot, but it came close. The Patty Melt and Sweet and Spicy Bacon Burger were big hits in the comments. People compared it to In-N-Out and claimed it had better value and better flavor. It’s not everywhere yet, but fans say it’s worth seeking out.
1. Culver’s ButterBurger
Culver’s took the crown with its iconic ButterBurger. Redditors couldn’t stop raving about the flavor, the freshness, and the fact that it tastes like it came from a real diner, not a fast food chain. “Culver’s 100%. Nothing is even close,” wrote one user. Others praised the price, service, and seasoning. Some even claimed Culver’s beat out non-fast food burgers.
Fast food burgers are personal. One person’s favorite might be another’s regret. But when real fans speak up, patterns emerge. Whether you’re a Big Mac loyalist, a Shake Shack snob, or a Culver’s convert, one thing is clear—burger talk is serious business. So next time you’re in the drive-thru lane, consider trying something new. Reddit might just be on to something.
