Burger masters – master burgers

The title of this post comes from the character in the animated holiday special Santa Claus is Coming to Town – the Meisterburger-burgermeister.

Source: toptenz.net

Here is a list of my favorite hamburger chains (fast food and gourmet). Figured there are way too many individual burger joints, so I’m just doing the chains where I have eaten (with one exception). They are rated based on taste and value. Please feel free to send along your list of favorites.

• In-N-Out Burger (California) easily the best. Immaculate stores and very friendly staff. Hint – try the secret menu. ; )
• Steak n’ Shake (Midwest and Southeast) strong runner up, but can be pricey
• Wannaburger (Edinburgh, Scotland) okay, only one location, but superb burgers when one would not expect it.
• Dairy Queen (Nationwide) lover the brazier burgers.
• Bagger Daves (Michigan) yummy gourmet burgers with beer.
• Sonic (nearly National) enjoy the drive-in concept.
• Braums (South Central) great regional chain with terrific ice cream too.
• Culver’s (Midwest and South) Butterburger tastes better than it sounds.
• Burger Chef (Midwest) – no longer exists
• Whataburger (South) Another nice regional chain.

• Wendy’s (Nationwide) still the best among the big three, but not what they used to be.
• A & W (Nationwide) too few locations
• Max & Erma’s (East,  Midwest, and South) been around for quite a while – gourmet.
• Five Guys (Nationwide) – good, but too greasy for my taste.
• Johnny Rockets (Nationwide) – overpriced
• Burger King (Nationwide) – not what they used to be either.
• Jack in the Box (Midwest and West) – okay, but not stellar
• McDonald’s (Nationwide) – only in a pinch
• Carl’s Jr. (West) – okay
• White Castle (East and Midwest) – not my style or taste.
• Hardees (East) – okay

Not rated – Back Yard Burgers, Burgerville, Checkers, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Krystal, Rally’s, Red Robin, Smashburger, and other chains where I have not eaten.