The recognition of the best fast-food burger in America isn’t universal. Habit Burger & Grill’s Double Char burger has been named the fan-favorite for the third consecutive year, as per USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Habit Burger & Grill was also acknowledged as the best fast-casual restaurant for two years in a row. The chain’s tradition of charring burgers over an open flame dates back to its origins in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California. It has since expanded to more than 350 locations.
Order the Double Char from the California-inspired menu, which features two freshly chargrilled beef patties, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. Cheese is an optional addition.
USA TODAY reported that the restaurant offers a diverse menu, ranging from chicken clubs to Caesar salads and ahi tuna filets. Despite this variety, the Charburgers cooked individually over an open flame are highlighted as their main attraction.
The annual readers’ choice contest features various travel and lifestyle categories, nominated by experts and voted for by USA TODAY readers.
The second place went to In-N-Out’s Double-Double burger, known for its freshly baked bun made with slow-rising sponge dough, two slices of American cheese, two patties of 100% American beef, onions, tomato, lettuce, and a proprietary spread recipe unchanged since 1948.
Freddy’s Original Double took the third position, offering two savory steakburger patties loaded with cheese, onion, pickles, and mustard.
A&W’s Papa Burger, featuring two beef patties, two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and A&W Papa Sauce, ranked fourth.
Culver’s double ButterBurger Cheese rounded out the top five. This burger is made with fresh beef, seared to order, and topped with Wisconsin-made American cheese.
The ranking continues with Shake Shack’s SmokeShack cheeseburger, Five Guys’ cheeseburger, Burger King’s Whopper, Wendy’s Son of Baconator, and Whataburger’s Double Meat Whataburger.
Habit Burger is owned by Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut. The chain’s website indicates over 380 locations across 14 states and internationally.
Habit Burger locations include Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
Teresa Mull contributes as a freelance writer for Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.
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