Here are my Top 5 Fast Food/Fast Casual Burger Chains:
1. In-N-Out. Undisputed champion of the World. Double-Double animal style, fries, and a drink for like $6.50ish. People who knock the fries must drive 35 min before trying to eat them. Get them xtra crispy and enjoy that they have no cholesterol. On the price-quality-freshness-taste-service scale, there isn't a chain that can beat it. Period. Full stop.
2. Shake Shack. The East Coast's whiny answer to In-N-Out because they don't get In-N-Out. Thing is: it's really good. Very good rip-off of the champ. IDK if it's possible for a poor man's In-N-Out to cost 3x more, but if it is, you'll find it at Shake Shack. Fries are from a frozen bag of Ore-Ida crinkle cut. Serves beer, though, so . . .
3. Wendy's. A classic single with cheese will do the trick. Nice flavor, decent freshness, and for some reason, I dig the default ketchup/mayo combo with the onions. Very solid fries. Sub them out for spicy nuggs if you're feeling frisky.
4. McDonald's. There, I said it. But I will limit it to a fresh Big Mac. It's hard to explain, but sometimes you might not be in the mood for a cheeseburger per se, but you just want a Big Mac. Fries could be the best on this list.
5. Five Guys. It's not as if it's gross or anything. It's a good burger. Kinda sloppy, and the bun will disintegrate in the double grease before you're done. Fries are meh. The gripe I have with this place is they don't really have a default. They want you to tell them what to put on it. Cop out. Put your best foot forward, and I'll make mods as I see fit. Also, be prepared to pay as much if not more than Shake Shack.
Burger King and Carl's Jr. don't belong on any list of top anything. Pure trash.
Opinions?