How do you define a good fast food cheeseburger? For some, it’s all about the bread—flat buns can make or break your meal—whereas others feel the beef patty is the cornerstone. Or maybe it’s the toppings? Even the most lackluster burger can be perked up with crisp, fresh add-ons and your favorite sauce.
Recently, we asked our team of Allrecipes Allstars which fast food chain has the best cheeseburger, and the responses came pouring in. Steak ‘n Shake and Culver’s both earned honorable mentions, but the chain name-dropped most often was a nearly 40-year-old favorite that got its start on the East Coast.
The Best Fast Food Cheeseburger, According to Allrecipes Allstars
Our Allstars’ favorite fast food cheeseburger comes from Five Guys—and it’s no surprise, really. The chain keeps its menu focused, mainly serving up flat-top-made entrées such as burgers, hot dogs, patty melts, and BLTs. Don’t worry—you can still snag fountain drinks, milkshakes, and top-tier fries, too.
Five Guys
“Five Guys hands down!” wrote Allstar Lisa Altmiller. “Their ingredients are always fresh and they taste amazing! Add their homemade fries and a shake, and it’s heaven!”
Another chimed in to share why it’s one of their go-tos. “I love Five Guys! They make your order fresh. I like that for a fast food burger, I can get caramelized onions and mushrooms as a topping,” wrote Beckie Green Bergeron. “Also doesn’t hurt that you can get hand-cut, freshly cooked fries to order with bottles of malt vinegar on the table. Delish!”
So, what exactly makes Five Guys burgers so good? Well, it’s not the seasoning—because the chain, surprisingly, doesn’t use any. According to the restaurant’s FAQ, the beef is juicy and flavorful enough on its own without any additions, though salt and pepper can be added upon request. And it’s not the selection of cheese either, because Five Guys only offers one kind: American.
Aside from the hearty patties and sesame seed-topped buns, one reason the chain is so beloved is its customization options. “They have a vast selection of high-quality toppings to choose from (15 toppings, but who’s counting?) Not only can you have it your way at this burger joint, but their burgers beat out the prices for specialty burgers at many other fast food competitors,” said BriandWalter Evans.
At Five Guys, the burgers come made to order with your choice of fixings, including pickles, lettuce, grilled onions, fresh onions, jalapeños, and plenty more. There are even six sauces to choose from, so you can customize every bite. Best of all, all the toppings are free, and you can add as many as you’d like. It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
And for those curious, our Allstars’ second-place pick was California-based In-N-Out, which also happens to be our chef-chosen favorite. It sounds to us like there could be an East Coast versus West Coast battle brewing. But if the chicken sandwich wars taught us anything, it’s that the customer always wins.
