This Is Officially the No. 1 Burger Chain in America, According to Yelp

Summer road trips and all-American burgers seemingly go hand-in-hand. If you’re planning a cross-country excursion this year, we’ve got a few suggestions for stops along the way. 

Yelp just released a list of the top 25 burger chains in the entire country — and one viral burger joint has emerged as an overwhelming favorite. The ranking, published today in celebration of National Burger Day, seeks to quantify diners’ favorite spots based on Yelp’s extensive archive of visitor reviews. 

In-N-Out Burger, which boasts more than 119,000 reviews for its 400-plus locations, secured the top spot in Yelp’s report. Known for its saucy, “animal-style” fries and Double-Double burger stacks, In-N-Out has amassed a devoted following on social media over the years. 

The California-based restaurant, which has been serving burgers since 1948, attracts diners for reasons beyond social media hype, as Yelp trend expert Tara Lewis tells Food & Wine.

“Based on the reviews we’re seeing, it has to do with the ingredients, drive-thru experience, and the not-so-secret ‘secret’ menu,” Lewis says. “Of course, customization and consistency are big factors when it comes to this list, and I think In-N-Out does it really well. 

In the No. 2 spot is The Habit Burger Grill, a casual chain with locations on the West and East Coasts. It is the go-to for many diners thanks to its consistently high-quality chargrilled burgers, according to the report. Close behind is Shake Shack in third place, followed by Midwestern staple Culver’s and Southern Californian favorite Islands Restaurants rounding out the top five. 

Further down the list, fast-food staples like McDonald’s and Burger King still made the top 20. The Golden Arches were ranked in the 17th spot, while Burger King was ranked No. 19. 

The restaurant review platform, which has been active since 2004, considered various criteria for this ranking. Their research team focused exclusively on burger chains with more than 100 locations and restaurants across multiple states. Eligible chains are also categorized under the “burger” section on Yelp, according to the methodology. The research team included insights on the volume of reviews and positive elements — such as speed of service, quality, and customizations — that customers mention in their glowing ratings.  

“You want to be able to access a burger that you know you’re going to love regardless,” Lewis tells Food & Wine. “When you look at the regionality, a lot of that has to do with accessibility and consistency of service. You know you’re going to get delicious food every time, which taps into your nostalgia and the comfort food [element] of eating at a burger place.”

Regional tastes vary significantly across the United States, according to Yelp’s rankings. In the Midwest and South, Culver’s has emerged as the top-rated burger chain, while folks in the Northeast seemingly prefer Shake Shack. Out West, In-N-Out Burger reigns supreme. While availability and accessibility play a role in the regional favorites — as some chains, like In-N-Out Burger, aren’t available nationally — this data point also suggests differing tastes among American diners. 

Ready to branch out and try something new this summer? This ranking might be a good roadmap on where to start.