Forget In-N-Out, This Unknown Chain Apparently Has the Best Burger in the US
Fast food rankings rarely change in a way that actually surprises people. One burger chain has held its place for years, reinforced by habit, loyalty, and repetition. In 2024, that pattern broke when a reader-driven poll named a different chain as the best in the country.
The result came from USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and was decided entirely by public votes. It unsettled a long-standing assumption about fast food and reopened the question of who truly makes the best burger in America. The answer caught many off guard, partly because the winning chain had been there all along.
The Burger That Beat the Favorite
USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards crowned Habit Burger & Grill’s Double Char as the best fast food burger in America in 2024. The vote placed In-N-Out’s Double-Double at number two. Tens of thousands of voters weighed in, and the Double Char held the top position for four straight weeks before the final tally was announced.
This result was not a fluke. Habit Burger & Grill has appeared near the top of similar rankings before, including several consumer-driven lists that focus on taste and consistency. What changed this time was scale and attention. A national outlet, a clear number one placement, and a result that directly challenged fast food’s most protected reputation made it harder to ignore.
Why This Chain Still Flies Under the Radar
Habit Burger & Grill started in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969, and for decades, it stayed small. Expansion did not begin in earnest until the late 1990s, and even then, growth was still measured. That slow pace shaped public perception. While other chains rushed to expand nationwide, Habit focused on steady growth without much attention.
As of 2025, the brand operates more than 380 locations worldwide. Yum! Brands acquired the company in 2020, placing it under the same corporate umbrella as Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut. In 2024 alone, Habit opened 14 new locations in the United States. Even with that growth, many diners still consider it a regional California spot rather than a national player.
What Separates the Double Char Burger
The Double Char leans into a simple idea that many large chains abandoned years ago. The burgers cook over an open flame. That method creates a charred exterior and a unique smoky flavor in a category dominated by flat-top grills.
The build remains uncomplicated. Two beef patties, melted cheese, caramelized onions, fresh vegetables, and a toasted bun. There are no extra elements layered on top. The appeal comes from how consistently those parts come together, which helps explain why readers continue to vote for it.
Habit Burger & Grill also benefits from a menu that supports the burger rather than competing with it. Sides like tempura green beans and onion rings have earned their own following, which keeps customers returning without diluting the brand’s core identity.
The In-N-Out Comparison That Won’t Go Away
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Wendy Berry
Any conversation about Habit Burger & Grill eventually turns toward In-N-Out. Both brands began in California and built their menus around a small number of items made fresh. The difference comes down to reputation and reach. In-N-Out developed a devoted following that shaped its public image. Habit focused on steady execution and consistency across locations.
The 10Best ranking temporarily flipped that dynamic. Habit even acknowledged the win with playful billboards congratulating In-N-Out on second place, a move that sparked conversation well beyond burger forums. The stunt worked because it leaned on confidence backed by data, not bravado alone.