A Burger Chain is Now Serving Some of America’s Best Chicken
There’s been a quiet shake-up in the fast-food world, and it’s not coming from the usual suspects with fried drumsticks on their signs. A new national analysis of nearly 10,000 Yelp reviews has turned the pecking order upside down, placing a burger chain near the very top of America’s best chicken list. The surprise contender isn’t a small regional hit or a fancy newcomer. It’s a brand that started as a hot dog cart in New York City and became a burger heavyweight. Somehow, that same kitchen now ranks right behind Chick-fil-A in chicken.
When The Burger Joint Beats The Chicken Spot
Image via Wikimedia Commons/5chw4r7z
Affordable Seating’s 2025 study compared chicken-related reviews across the 50 biggest fast-food chains in the 10 largest U.S. cities. Chick-fil-A still took first with an average rating of 3.73 out of 5, but Shake Shack followed close behind with 3.65. That might sound like a small difference, yet it placed the burger chain ahead of Popeyes, Raising Cane’s, Bojangles, and KFC.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers rounded out the top three, proving that chicken success isn’t limited to chicken-only joints anymore. The data paints a clear picture that customers care more about flavor and quality than brand tradition.
While some chains continue to ride their old reputations, others are winning over diners by delivering consistency, texture, and real value. As one analyst explained, specialization doesn’t automatically mean superiority. And right now, burger-focused restaurants are holding their own against the poultry veterans.
The Rise Of Shake Shack’s Chicken Shack
Shake Shack’s Chicken Shack isn’t complicated, which may be part of its charm. It’s a crispy fried chicken breast layered with lettuce, tomato, and a buttermilk herb mayo, served on the brand’s signature potato bun. What sets it apart, based on thousands of reviews, is that it actually tastes like chicken. The sandwich is thick, juicy, and well-seasoned, offering the crunch and tenderness customers expect when paying Shake Shack prices.
When fast-food prices have climbed across the board, diners have grown picky about what feels worth their money. A $9 chicken sandwich has to deliver more than nostalgia, and Shake Shack seems to be doing that. The chain now operates over 400 U.S. locations, so more people are finding out firsthand why it’s topping charts usually reserved for dedicated chicken houses.
Chicken Wars, Round Two
A few years ago, the “chicken sandwich wars” were all about Popeyes. Social media made their sandwich a viral hit, lines wrapped around blocks, and competitors scrambled to copy it. But trends fade, and taste wins over time. The latest rankings show that Shake Shack’s steady performance, not viral hype, has built lasting credibility. Popeyes, once the hero of the chicken craze, slid to the bottom of the Yelp list with a 2.27 average rating, alongside KFC and Burger King.
The shift also hints at how much diners have changed. People expect menu variety, but they won’t tolerate mediocrity. A burger place offering excellent chicken isn’t odd anymore. It’s a smart move in a market where everyone is chasing flavor over loyalty.
Chick-fil-A might still hold the crown, but the throne has company. If a burger joint can win America’s trust with fried chicken, the fast-food map might be due for another rewrite soon.