The top spot for the best fast-food burger in America has once again been claimed by the Double Char burger from Habit Burger & Grill, according to USA TODAY’s 2026 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the third year in a row that this fan-favorite burger has earned this distinction, highlighting its popularity across the nation.
Known for its unique cooking method, Habit Burger & Grill has been charring burgers over an open flame since its inception in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California. Now, with over 350 locations, the restaurant chain is celebrated not just for its revered burgers but also as the best fast-casual restaurant for the second consecutive year.
USA TODAY describes the Double Char as “two freshly chargrilled beef patties, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and tomato, pickles and mayo on a toasted bun.” Customers can enhance this flavor-packed offering by including cheese from the menu inspired by California’s food scene.
Despite its fame, the Double Char burger is not available in every state, yet its charm has captivated Americans coast to coast.
In the broader USA TODAY survey, the Double-Double burger from In-N-Out secured the second position. The burger is noteworthy for its freshly baked bun created from slow-rising sponge dough, classic American cheese, beef patties, garden-fresh toppings, and a distinctive spread recipe long unchanged since 1948.
Freddy’s Original Double rounded out the top three with its classic steakburger patties, topped with cheese, onion, pickles, and mustard.
The Papa Burger from A&W ranked fourth, characterized by its beef patties, American cheese, and signature Papa Sauce. Culver’s double ButterBurger Cheese claimed the fifth position, noted for using fresh, never-frozen beef and authentic Wisconsin cheese.
Other burgers completing the top ten include Shake Shack’s SmokeShack cheeseburger, Five Guys’ cheeseburger, Burger King’s Whopper, Wendy’s Son of Baconator, and Whataburger’s Double Meat Whataburger.
Owned by Yum! Brands, which also operates Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, Habit Burger has expanded to over 380 locations across 14 states and beyond, including Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.