Best Burgers in Quick-Service/Full-Service Food Chains (The Zugat Reaction)

Alright, it is time to fight! Zugat, a restaurant review company, came out with a list of what Americans consider to be the best burgers and best fries in the planet (in terms of hamburger chains). The #1 spot was occupied by Five Guys, which came as a total upset since it wasn’t even listed the year before. In-n-Out fans are disgusted that a chain out of nowhere rises to the top, knocking down the fan favorite. Now, being that I am sort-of-sort-of a food critic, have decided to list the top burgers amongst the chains in Florida. Now, I mention Florida because some chains are much better in other states than in mine—with the best example being Sonic. Sonic in Florida sucks, bad. But, I’ve been told in Tennessee they are much better and actually bearable.

Now, before I actually begin this list, I want to point out why it will become harder for In-n-Out to become #1: lack of locations. When you are strictly West Coast, in a nationwide survey, how on earth can you gain the most votes? I demand that In-n-Out stop complaining, and try some expansion in order to reclaim its crown. With that being said, In-n-Out, White Castle, Backyard Burger, and Red Robin will not be on this list simply because I have not been in these places. This is partially not my fault, as each of these places does not have many locations, and some of them aren’t even in Florida (yet).

One other final note, Steak n’ Shake is on this list with other quick-service cheeseburger chains, but that’s because Five Guys takes around the same time to make their food as most sit-down spots like Steak n’ Shake.

The Bottom Three: The Worst Burgers in Florida

1) Sonic

I don’t have to say anymore. They suck. They will most likely always suck. This place has no hope, has no chance, and will not ever jump into the top 10 unless there is a miracle of a turnaround within the next couple of years. I’ve been to three of them, and they all fail. I will no longer dwell in this conversation.

2) Krystal’s

They say this is Florida’s answer to White Castle. I would hope not because I am not a fan of their wimpy flavor-less burgers.


3) Wendy’s

This place has changed their menu so many times, improving products, getting rid of failures, and adding some alternatives to burgers. However, when something called the Baconator fails to impress, its an insult to baconhood.



Now, on to the Top 10 Burgers in burger chains around Florida!

10) A&W
9) McDonalds
8) Dairy Queen
7) Johnny Rockets
6) Checkers/Rallys



5) Steak n’ Shake
The burgers are indeed small, they are not filling, but they are little treasures that definitely make up for the sharty-ass fries.



(Oh sourdough burgers, how I miss thee.......)

4) Burger King
Of the Big Three (McDonalds, BK, Wendys) this spot has the best variety of burgers, and also has the best-tasting morsels. Their recent inventions, like the phenomenal steakhouse burgers, are slowly pushing it towards the top 3 in overall burgers.



3) Whataburger
This place was not a success story in Central Florida. Nonetheless, its 24-hour availability and mammoth heaven-in-a-buns made this place a must-visit, no matter what time it might be.



2) Fuddruckers
Ostrich burgers? Not an option available in most places, but I applaud this place for its heavy variety amongst its burgers. If that is not enough reason to be #2, well then I introduce you to their awesome bacon cheddar burger. Nuff’ said.




1) Five Guys

If you have visited one of these places, then you know why this place is #1. While their burgers take a while to make, its only to preserve every last ounce of their award-winning flavor. They are thick, they are juicy, and they are mildly expensive yet worth every single penny. In-n-Out, I have not tried your burgers yet, but you better come up with some pure magic to top these works of art.

Now, for your reading pleasure, more lists!!



Zagat’s List of best French Fries
1. McDonald's
2. Five Guys
3. In-N-Out Burger
4. Wendy's
5. Burger King

My Personal List
1) Checkers
2) Five Guys
3) McDonalds
4) Fuddruckers
5) Burger King
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Best Ice Cream:
1. Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops
2. Häagen-Dazs
3. Bruster's Real Ice Cream
4. Rita's
5. Baskin-Robbins

My Personal List
1) Twistee Treat
2) Haagen-Dazs
3) Rita’s
4) Baskin-Robbins
5) Cold Stone
===============
Best Milkshakes
1. Dairy Queen
2. Cold Stone Creamery
3. Sonic Drive-In
4. Chick-fil-A
5. Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops

My Personal List
1) Dairy Queen
2) Steak n’ Shake
3) Cold Stone
4) McDonalds
5) Chik-Fil-A


Argue away!