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Yelp has released a new ranking of the nation’s favorite burger chains for National Burger Day, and a West Coast icon takes the top spot. The list, driven by customer reviews, highlights regional loyalties and menu trends that matter for anyone deciding where to eat this summer.
How Yelp built the list
Yelp compiled the ranking using customer reviews for brands with at least 100 locations that operate in multiple states and are primarily categorized as “burgers” on the platform. The result is a snapshot of chains that attract consistently positive feedback from diners across the country.
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The practical takeaway: these are nationwide (or multi-state) burger brands that customers are actively reviewing, so the list reflects broad popularity rather than single-location cult favorites.
Top 10 burger chains (Yelp-ranked)
- In-N-Out Burger — A California-born chain leads the pack, backed by more than 120,000 Yelp reviews and steady praise; it’s slowly expanding eastward, with new openings planned beyond Texas.
- Habit Burger & Grill — Known for chargrilled patties and signature builds such as the Charburger, the chain mixes West Coast roots with growing national reach.
- Shake Shack — From a New York hot‑dog cart to a national fast-casual brand, Shake Shack remains a Northeast favorite and offers both beef and vegetarian options.
- Culver’s — A Midwestern staple famous for its ButterBurgers and toasted, buttered buns; a top performer in Yelp’s Midwest rankings.
- Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks — A regional chain in Arizona and California whose tropical-themed menu (think pineapple and guacamole) resonated enough with reviewers to land it in the top ten.
- Freddy’s — Built around thin, crisp-edged steakburgers and signature seasonings, Freddy’s traces back to Wichita and has expanded into dozens of states.
- Five Guys — Famous for an open kitchen format and simple, highly customizable burgers; reviewers frequently praise the flavor and freshness.
- Wayback Burgers — Started as Jake’s Hamburgers in Delaware, Wayback offers build-your-own options alongside signature sandwiches.
- Mooyah — Emphasizes customization and dietary-friendly choices with its “Lifestyle Burger” lineup that includes paleo, keto, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Red Robin — A casual-dining chain focused on gourmet-style burgers, known for items like the Royal Red Robin topped with an egg and indulgent barbecue variants.
These top ten illustrate two clear currents in U.S. burger culture: customers reward both classic, regional brands and concepts that emphasize customization and dietary flexibility.
What to watch — trends reflected in the rankings
Several patterns stand out from Yelp’s data. Chains that emphasize customization and clearer menu options for special diets are scoring well. So are brands that maintain a distinct regional identity—Midwestern ButterBurgers and West Coast chargrilled patties both draw loyal reviewers.
Expansion plans can also affect perception. When a beloved regional chain opens in new markets, it becomes part of the national conversation—and accumulates more reviews that can move it up rankings like this one.
Remainder of the top 25
Below are the chains that round out Yelp’s list, ranked 11 through 25:
- 11. Jack in the Box
- 12. Cook Out
- 13. BurgerFi
- 14. Whataburger
- 15. Wahlburgers
- 16. Smashburger
- 17. McDonald’s
- 18. Sonic
- 19. Burger King
- 20. White Castle
- 21. Fatburger
- 22. Wendy’s
- 23. Carl’s Jr.
- 24. Checkers/Rally’s
- 25. Steak ’n Shake
For diners, the list offers both practical guidance and a glimpse at where tastes are moving. If you prioritize regional specialties, chargrilled flavor or build-your-own flexibility, the top-ranked chains reflect those preferences. For businesses, the rankings underscore that customer reviews remain a powerful currency in shaping national reputation.
As National Burger Day draws attention to the category, these Yelp results give a useful, review-driven map of where Americans are still most satisfied with their burgers—and where new openings and menu innovations may be worth trying next.
