Habit Burger Named Best Fast Food Burger in US for 2025

The best fast food burger in America comes from California—but it’s not from In-N-Out. According to USA Today’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, that honor goes to Habit Burger & Grill, a chain praised for its signature Double Char burger and flame-grilled patties.

Why Habit Burger Beat In-N-Out

Founded in Santa Barbara and now headquartered in Irvine, Habit Burger ranked No. 1 on USA Today’s list for its flavorful and customizable menu. The winning item: the Double Char burger, made with two freshly char-grilled beef patties, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo—all on a toasted bun.

“You can also add cheese,” USA Today noted. “It’s a California-inspired burger packed with flavor.”

Habit Burger uses an open-flame grilling technique that sets it apart from other quick-service chains, giving its burgers a smoky, charred taste that fans love.

Top 10 Best Fast Food Burgers in 2025

Here’s the complete list of USA Today’s top 10 fast food burgers in the United States this year:

  1. Double Char – Habit Burger & Grill

  2. Papa Burger – A&W

  3. Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger – Jack in the Box

  4. Double-Double – In-N-Out Burger

  5. ButterBurger Cheese, Double – Culver’s

  6. Cheeseburger – Five Guys

  7. ShackBurger – Shake Shack

  8. Freddy’s Original Double – Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

  9. Whopper – Burger King

  10. Double Meat Whataburger – Whataburger

Habit Burger Also Wins Best Fast Food Side

In addition to claiming the best fast food burger title, Habit Burger also took the top spot for best sides. USA Today’s panel awarded its tempura green beans as the best side dish of 2025, citing their crispy texture and fresh flavor.

This marks the second year in a row that Habit Burger has swept both categories—proving it’s not just about the burgers, but the full meal experience.

Habit Burger Locations in California

Habit Burger & Grill operates more than 270 locations in California alone, with over 350 restaurants nationwide. Some California locations include:

  • 7340 El Camino Real, Atascadero

  • 839 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

  • 4730 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento

  • 3520 North Blackstone Ave., Fresno

  • 3680 G St., Merced

  • 1801 McHenry Ave., Suite D, Modesto

To find your nearest Habit Burger, visit The Habit Burger Grill website.

Source: USA Today