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15 Burger Chains That Are Actually Worth Going To

Skip the overpriced disappointments and head to these spots instead.

By Joan Weisman

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Dec. 5, 2025

If your go-to burger spot has been raising prices without improving quality, you'll be happy to know that some chains still deliver delicious burgers for good value. These are tried-and-true chains that understand customers want fresh ingredients, generous portions, and fair prices, making it easier to go out to eat more without overspending.

From West Coast legends to Southern comfort food favorites, here are 15 burger joints that earn their loyal followings by delivering consistent quality that's worth the price point.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Habit Burger & Grill

Quietly serving some of the nation's finest burgers since 1969, Habit boasts "charburgers" that offer the backyard BBQ effect that other chains dream of. Their signature double charburger features two juicy beef patties, flame-seared, and is topped with caramelized onions and a tangy house sauce.

You can get the burger for just over $7, plus everything from the lettuce to the tomatoes is fresh, crisp, and vibrant.

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In-N-Out Burger

Simplicity and legendary quality control are In-N-Out's winning strategy. You'll get two fresh beef patties, two slices of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature spread on a toasted bun at prices that seem frozen in time (kind of like the diner decor).

Fresh-cut fries and hand-spun milkshakes finish the classic combo.

Regulars know secret customization options, like "animal style," which is a mustard-seared burger with grilled onions, pickles, and extra sauce.

Whataburger

Whataburger started in Texas in 1950. Since 2020, it has added over 200 locations across the U.S., and for good reason. Their fresh, never-frozen beef patties are cooked to order, and the Double Meat Whataburger starts at around $11.

The Wataburger Patty Melt on Texas toast is legendary, and their spicy ketchup has a cult following. You'll wait longer for your meal, but that's the trade-off for fresh.

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Culver's

Hailing from Wisconsin, Culver's serves up ButterBurgers on buttered and toasted buns. This gives their fresh, never-frozen beef patties a homestyle, comfort food feel for about $7.

In addition to the standard fries and onion rings, you can enjoy fried cheese curds, mashed potatoes and gravy, or add a veggie option, like steamed broccoli or coleslaw. For dessert, don't miss out on a shake or sundae, made with their frozen custard.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

This Kansas-born chain is another winner with its focused menu and fresh ingredients. You can visit their more than 500 locations across 37 states.

Their BBQ brisket and prime rib steakburgers are smashed thin and cooked crispy. The shoestring and chili cheese fries are addictive, and the frozen custard desserts come in fun flavors like Peanut Butter Bananza. A burger combo is about $13.

Fatburger

If you want more meat on your sandwich, California's "build your own" burger pioneer has what you need. Their fresh ground beef patties range from ⅓ lbs to a whopping 1.5 lbs. Enjoy an Original Fatburger for about $9 and a combo for $12.

You can customize your Fatburger by adding all the fresh toppings you want, most of which are available at no extra charge.

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Cook Out

With an extensive menu including over 30 milkshake flavors, crispy chicken wraps, hushpuppies, quesadillas, and BLTs, Cook Out has something for everyone.

Plus, you can get a simple hamburger for around $4 and a BBQ plate for about $7.

Late-night hours, easy drive-through access, and beef that is ground and delivered fresh every day make this North Carolina-based burger joint a winner.

Sonic Drive-In

Step back in time with roller-skating carhops and Sonic's huge menu that varies by location. From a simple cheeseburger for about $6 to the bacon double cheeseburger combo at about $11, you can satisfy your craving for a reasonable price.

They also have a $1.99 value menu for a low-cost snack. Creative sides include groovy fries, tater tots, and Ched 'R' Peppers.

Steak 'n Shake

If you're in the Midwest, Steak 'n Shake serves up hand-dipped milkshakes and steakburgers on checkered tablecloths. With 100% beef burgers, shakes made from real ice cream, and a shift away from seed oils, this fast food establishment is committed to quality.

You can get the Original Double 'N Cheese for under $6. While service may be slower than at some drive-through places, the quality of the ingredients justifies the wait.

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Wayback Burgers

Having grown from a single Delaware location called Jake's Hamburgers in 1991 to over 180 locations today, this chain stands out for its attention to detail.

It's hand-formed, 100% beef patties are cooked to order. They encourage their franchises to use locally sourced meat and produce wherever possible. The hand-dipped milkshakes are made to order with Blue Bunny ice cream and milk.

You'll pay about $9 for a basic burger.

Checkers & Rally's

If you crave bold flavors and seasoned fries, one of Checkers & Rally's almost 750 locations may be your new favorite spot.

The double drive-thru design speeds up service, while the 100% all-beef burgers pack bold flavors like smoky BBQ. Their famous seasoned fries and standout desserts have a devoted following.

With a Classic Burger starting under $3, Checkers is fit for any budget.

BurgerFi

Although BurgerFi is largely located in Florida, it has 63 locations across 13 states. Their commitment to quality is reflected in burgers made from hormone- and antibiotic-free certified Angus beef. By starting with well-marbled high-quality meat, they deliver burgers with a rich, buttery taste.

You'll pay about $10 for a BurgerFi Burger, which comes with two patties. For $13, you can get the CEO Wagyu Burger with truffle aioli and tomato bacon jam.

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Krystal

The Southern slider chain, Krystal, has built a loyal following. It offers everything from sliders on steamed buns to chicken and waffle sandwiches, and who can resist the biscuits and gravy with pulled pork?

The Original Krystal, a small slider, starts under $2. You can add bacon and cheese and stay under $3. If you're looking to feed a crowd, you can get sliders by the "Sackful," which includes 12 for less than $17.

Dick's Drive-In

A Seattle-area regional favorite with 10 locations, Dick's Drive-In makes the list for its reliable simplicity and excellent prices. They use fresh, never-frozen beef patties that are grilled to order and served on locally-made buns with minimal toppings.

The Dick's Deluxe includes a quarter pound of meat, cheese, lettuce, mayo, and pickle relish for under $6.

Milo's Hamburgers

Started in 1946 by a former army mess hall cook in North Birmingham, AL., Milo's is a local favorite. This spot is known for fresh beef and the generous amounts of sweet, smoky sauce. The sweet tea and Milo's sauce are so popular that you can buy them by the bottle.

At about $5 for a burger, Milo's delivers Southern comfort food at fair prices, including fried pies. There are 23 locations with plans to expand.

Bottom line

If you're tired of burger chains that have sacrificed quality for profit margins, try one of these 15 spots. Inflation is driving everything up these days, but that doesn't mean you can't still find a delicious, fresh burger for a fair price.

Keep this list handy for road trips. Many of these regional gems are perfect meal stops — especially if you're trying to travel on a budget.

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