The debate between a steak burger and a regular burger has been a hot topic in my friend group. In my opinion, both are amazing! But there is just something special about a steak burger from a fast food place when you are craving something greasy. A whole lot of factors go into the decision about which fast food restaurant has the best steak burger though: fries, ice cream, accessibility.
Here is my ranking of the best fast food restaurants to get the best steak burgers and experience. It only includes restaurants I’ve been to as well.
- Freddy’s
Freddy’s is the top place to get a steak burger. Not only are the burgers juicy and yummy, but everything else accompanying the main meal is as well. The mini fries are the perfect size to pop in your mouth, seasoned with their signature fry seasoning. The custard and ice cream are to die for. If it’s not a burger at Freddy’s, it’s the fries and blizzards. Freddy’s is all over the country as well!
- Five Guys
If I had to personally compare Freddy’s burgers versus Five Guys burgers, Five Guys would win. My love for Freddy’s includes the whole experience though. Five Guys burgers are out of this world, greasy and full of toppings. I do love the Five Guys fries, but not as much as Freddy fries. I will give credit to the peanuts at Five Guys though, a perfect appetizer to snack on as you wait for your burger.
- Winstead’s
If you are from Kansas City, this nostalgic fast food restaurant will always be in your heart. The first one opened in 1943, and to this day the restaurant carries that back-in-the-day vibe with the leather seats and jukebox. Unfortunately, most Winstead’s are closing, and the plaza location is one of the only restaurants left. While the food is not amazing, it’s the nostalgia and late-night times with your friends that conquer others. I recommend the banana milkshakes and the sky-scraper sundae!
- Whataburger
There is a reason why Whataburger was requested to come to Kansas City by Chief’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is a Texas native, and that is where I had my only Whataburger burger. I have not been to the new Kansas City location, especially after the bopping opening day. I plan to check it out again to re-taste that delicious steak burger.
5. In-N-Out
In-N-Out is a staple of the west coast, specifically California. I’ve had In-N-Out once, and while it was a memorable experience, to me it was just a regular steak burger. Besides the need to go to an In-N-Out while in California, to me, it’s not that great. The fries were delicious though, and the name is catchy. Will I go back to an In-N-Out again? Yes. But with it not widespread in locations, it’s harder to rank high on this list personally.
6. Shake Shack
I’ve only been to a Shake Shack once, and I vaguely remember it being good but average. There is a location at the plaza in Kansas City, which is always busy when I walk by. I haven’t been to that location, but I’ll have to go back soon! The fries are good, and the bright green theming is very memorable.
7. Culver’s
Despite Culver’s being a steak burger restaurant, my mind just thinks of its ice cream. We used to get Culver’s burgers and fries when I was little, but in recent years I’ve only gotten its ice cream. So just for the ice cream, Culver’s is not that memorable. The fries are also just basic crimp fries, basic but classic. I will need to get a burger again soon, and maybe it can go up on my list.
8. Steak n’ Shake
I think I’ve had Steak n’ Shake once in my entire life. To be honest, whenever I drove past I always had a negative connotation of it in my mind. I’m not sure why, but Steak n’ Shake is just not on my list if I want a steak burger. To some, it might be the restaurant for late-night cravings with friends. This isn’t the place for me though.
Here’s my ranking of fast food restaurants with steak burgers. There are so many more out there, local and chain. But from my experience, Freddy’s is the place to go, followed by Five Guys!