I Tried Every Chain Restaurant Burger In America Welcome to the world of fast food, where prices are rising rapidly — often outpacing value. But here’s a twist: chain restaurants are making a comeback, promising more bang for your buck. So the big question is — is the food actually worth it?
Today, we’re putting that to the test. I’m tasting and ranking major chain burgers across America, to see which one deserves your time, your money, and your taste buds.
And joining me is our OG guest — Damon.
🍔 1. Chili’s (Austin, TX – 45th & Lamar)
Visual: Giant burger, ~2-inch thick patty.
Review:
- Pros: Juicy, fatty meat; decent toppings.
- Cons: Dry bun, soggy lettuce, no sauce, underseasoned.
- Overall Taste: Like a hotel burger.
- Ratings: Damon: B– | Me: C+
- Average: C
🍳 2. IHOP (Breakfast Burger)
Visual: Fried egg on top, bacon, soft bun.
Review:
- Pros: Juicy patty, bacon shines, egg adds character.
- Cons: Severely lacking salt on patty and egg.
- Taste: Surprisingly okay, but unremarkable.
- Ratings: C
- Verdict: C Tier
🥃 3. Applebee’s (Whiskey Bacon Burger)
Visual: 1,600-cal monster with fried and raw onions.
Review:
- Pros: Juicy, flavorful, good whiskey sauce, well-balanced toppings.
- Cons: Slightly sweet, underseasoned patty.
- Ratings: B
- Verdict: B Tier — Best so far!
🧅 4. Outback (Bloomin’ Burger)
Visual: Bloomin’ onion topping, soft patty.
Review:
- Pros: Delicious fried onions.
- Cons: Bland patty, dry texture, entire flavor depends on onions.
- Ratings: D
- Verdict: D Tier
🍅 5. Red Robin (Gourmet Burger)
Visual: Crisp bun, loaded with veggies.
Review:
- Pros: Juicy, well-seasoned beef, fresh veggies, balanced toppings.
- Cons: Slightly hard bun.
- Ratings: A+
- Verdict: First A Tier!
🐓 6. Buffalo Wild Wings (Triple Burger)
Visual: Juicy, picture-perfect presentation.
Review:
- Pros: Perfect sear, seasoned beautifully, crispy veggies, balanced sauce.
- Cons: None.
- Ratings: S Tier
- Verdict: Near flawless burger!
🥑 7. Denny’s (Avocado Burger)
Visual: Soft bun, pale patty.
Review:
- Pros: None worth mentioning.
- Cons: Dry, stale bun, mushy, no seasoning.
- Ratings: D
- Verdict: D Tier
🐮 8. Texas Roadhouse
Visual: Thick patty, sautéed onions and mushrooms.
Review:
- Pros: Juicy, nice texture.
- Cons: Overpowered by BBQ sauce, bland beef.
- Ratings: C
- Verdict: C Tier
🧀 9. Cheesecake Factory (Mac & Cheese Burger)
Visual: Fried mac puck on beef.
Review:
- Pros: Juicy patty.
- Cons: Bitter oil taste, bland cheese, no salt.
- Ratings: F
- Verdict: Worst burger so far.
🍳 10. Waffle House (Bacon Cheeseburger)
Visual: Simple presentation, griddle-seared.
Review:
- Pros: Great bacon, griddle-toasted bun, well-seasoned.
- Cons: Lacks myard, a bit greasy.
- Ratings: B
- Verdict: B Tier — Best value burger!
🧅 11. BJ’s (Smokehouse Burger)
Visual: Barbecue sauce, onion rings.
Review:
- Pros: Peppery sauce, decent bun.
- Cons: Undercooked patty, relies too much on toppings.
- Ratings: C
- Verdict: C Tier
🪑 12. Cracker Barrel
Visual: Soggy bun, unappealing patty.
Review:
- Pros: None.
- Cons: Overwhelming bad taste, soggy, underseasoned.
- Ratings: F
- Verdict: Worst burger. Period.
🦞 13. Red Lobster
Visual: Sesame bun, bacon-heavy.
Review:
- Pros: Good bun, solid bacon.
- Cons: Dry patty, bland flavor.
- Ratings: C
- Verdict: C Tier
🥩 14. LongHorn Steakhouse (Final Stop)
Visual: Thick juicy patty, no gimmicks.
Review:
- Pros: Perfect seasoning, amazing cook, meaty flavor shines, bold sauce.
- Cons: None.
- Ratings: S Tier
- Verdict: Best Burger of the Day!
🏆 Final Ranking Summary
| Tier | Restaurant | Burger Name |
|---|---|---|
| S | Buffalo Wild Wings | The Triple |
| S | LongHorn Steakhouse | Signature Burger |
| A | Red Robin | Gourmet Burger |
| B | Applebee’s, Waffle House | Whiskey, Bacon Cheeseburger |
| C | Chili’s, IHOP, BJ’s, TX Roadhouse, Red Lobster | Various |
| D | Outback, Denny’s | Bloomin’, Avocado |
| F | Cheesecake Factory, Cracker Barrel | Mac N Cheese, Classic |
🎯 Conclusion
This journey through America’s top chain burgers proves one thing: price doesn’t always mean quality. While most landed in mid to low-tier territory, Buffalo Wild Wings and LongHorn Steakhouse delivered excellence worthy of any burger lover.
Best Overall Burger: LongHorn Steakhouse
Most Surprising Win: Buffalo Wild Wings
Biggest Letdown: Cheesecake Factory
👉 Stay tuned for Day 2 as we continue our fast food showdown!