# Who has the best hambuger (fast food joints) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 22, 2011, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025 "2011-07-22T20:47:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/101 "2011-07-24T16:54:19Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > šŸ™‚ > > However, as much as I agree, um, what about In N Outā€™s hamburger sauce? Thatā€™s **mayo-based** , isnā€™t it? Mayo-based isnā€™t mayo. Thatā€™s like saying [this](http://www.militarypictures.info/d/183-3/US_Hummer_SF.jpg) is the same as [this](http://carreleasedates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/hummer-limo-hire-in-manchester.jpg). Ketchup and pickle relish can save all sorts of things. šŸ˜› ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/102 "2011-07-24T17:00:00Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Mayo-based isnā€™t mayo. Thatā€™s like saying [this](http://www.militarypictures.info/d/183-3/US_Hummer_SF.jpg) is the same as [this](http://carreleasedates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/hummer-limo-hire-in-manchester.jpg). > > Ketchup and pickle relish can save all sorts of things. šŸ˜› Well, the ketchup and mayo **dropzone** likes on his burgers is essentially the same as ā€œhamburger sauce.ā€ Does it really matter if itā€™s mixed or if itā€™s separate? I donā€™t think so, but YMMV. For me, In N Out has always been an outlier in my tastes, because I consider it to come with mayo by default, even though itā€™s in the form of a special spread. All I know is, my friend who has an aversion to mayo wouldnā€™t touch it with a ten foot pole. (Or, rather, heā€™d order it sans sauce.) Meanwhile, I just came across [this video](http://vimeo.com/23302663) of the most ridiculous and complicated burger Iā€™ve ever seen. Seems like a lot of faffing about for a hamburger, but, I confess, I would love to have a bite. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/103 "2011-07-24T17:16:56Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Well, the ketchup and mayo **dropzone** likes on his burgers is essentially the same as ā€œhamburger sauce.ā€ Does it really matter if itā€™s mixed or if itā€™s separate? I donā€™t think so, but YMMV. By that standard, since mayo is just oil, egg yolk and vinegar we should just serve his burger with those ingredients applied instead of the mayo. I would like to try that OCD burger, just because. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/104 "2011-07-24T17:42:49Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > By that standard, since mayo is just oil, egg yolk and vinegar we should just serve his burger with those ingredients applied instead of the mayo. This is a silly sidetrack, but, no, not really. Surely you see the difference. When oil, yolk, and vinegar are emulsified, they become a completely different foodstuff in terms of texture and taste. Taking a spoon of mayo and a spoon of ketchup and applying it separately vs. taking a spoon of mayo and a spoon of ketchup and giving it a quick stir hardly alters the basic texture or flavor of the base. Youā€™re welcome to your own definitions, but for me, In N Out burgers come with mayo by default, in the form of their hamburger sauce. At any rate, if I know somebody hates mayo or mayo on their burgers, I will point that fact out. I guess to turn it around, what is so unforgivable about mayo and ketchup on a burger separately that isnā€™t unforgivable about mayo and ketchup on a burger mixed together? ---
**Author:** ![Jman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jman/32/4416_2.png) [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/105 "2011-07-24T17:46:05Z")
Sonic. I donā€™t go there often, but a double from Sonic among the great gifts from above. ---
**Author:** ![Hennessy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hennessy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hennessy)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/106 "2011-07-24T18:57:24Z")
Steak & Shake, White Castlesā€¦ No In & Out aroundā€¦ 5 Guys is only located in the richer neighborhoods but I will make that trip one day Iā€™m sureā€¦ How much is a burger at 5 Guys? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/107 "2011-07-24T19:00:47Z")
Too much. $5.19 for a basic burger at the one nearest here. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/108 "2011-07-24T19:16:24Z")
> [@Alan\_Smithee](#): > > Any credibility you may have had for your first sentence went out the window with your second, IMO. > [@Red\_Barchetta](#): > > Wow. I canā€™t even imagine how you could say this with a straight face. Burger Kingā€¦wow. lol ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/109 "2011-07-24T19:28:15Z")
I voted Wendyā€™s, but Krystals are my guilty pleasure. (And yes Iā€™ve tried White Castle. Krystal is is better.) ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/110 "2011-07-24T19:35:29Z")
We still have an A&W with roller-skate equipped carhops. And, yes, the Papa Burger is excellent. That said, Five Guys gets my vote. ---
**Author:** ![Sundrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/da6949/32.png) [@Sundrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sundrop)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/111 "2011-07-24T20:19:42Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Backyard Burger itā€™s only in a few states right now. Thankfully my city has 4 locations. šŸ˜ƒ > > Sonic is my second choice. > > We had a Steak & Shake but it closed over ten years ago. I never felt it was worth the extra money they charged. I love Backyard. Worked/ at one in college and had a blast. And the food is good enough I didnā€™t get tired of eating it working there. Theyā€™re really mostly a southeast chain, I think, that started in Miss or Alabama. It also helps that all the ones in my area are part of the same franchise. ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/112 "2011-07-24T20:28:35Z")
I voted other. Harveyā€™s ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/114 "2011-07-24T20:43:02Z")
> [@Hennessy](#): > > Steak & Shake, White Castlesā€¦ No In & Out aroundā€¦ 5 Guys is only located in the richer neighborhoods but I will make that trip one day Iā€™m sureā€¦ How much is a burger at 5 Guys? A bacon cheese burger (two patties) and regular sized fries cost me 10 bucks this saturday. ---
**Author:** ![bahia\_hombre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@bahia\_hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bahia_hombre)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/115 "2011-07-24T20:51:09Z")
> **[Salem's Fresh Eats: Cooked-to-Order Gyros, Wings, Fish, Shrimp, Bowls &...](https://salemsfresheats.com/)** > > Salem'sĀ® is a fast casual restaurant serving gyros, chicken wings/tenders, fish & shrimp, sandwiches, bowls and salads. All made fresh and cooked to order. Donā€™t let the gyros and subs bit fool yaā€¦they also have great burgers and fish sandwiches. ---
**Author:** ![Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a9a28c/32.png) [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oslo_Ostragoth)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/116 "2011-07-24T20:53:14Z")
I move that In-N-Out be disqualified. Any chain that appears in only five states can hardly be considered national ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/117 "2011-07-24T21:00:19Z")
> [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](#): > > I move that In-N-Out be disqualified. Any chain that appears in only five states can hardly be considered national :shrug: White Castle isnā€™t national either. ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/118 "2011-07-24T21:20:15Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > Has anyone tried Fuddruckers? It might be a bit of a stretch to call them fast food but Iā€™ve had great burgers at Fudds. The quality local seems to have dropped. Another not-quiet-fast-food that I like is Red Robin. I voted for Wendyā€™s off the list. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/119 "2011-07-25T02:15:06Z")
I voted Other, for [Five Guys](http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx). I see In & Out scored well but I have never had one, nor even seen one of their locations. Are they regional? ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/120 "2011-07-25T04:55:57Z")
I think one reason for the inconsistency re: Five Guys, is that theyā€™re independently owned, and Five Guys doesnā€™t have the awesome control over its franchisees that a Jack in the Box or an In and Out does. IMHO, and Iā€™ve been at multiple locations of every franchise on this list with the exception of White Castle, itā€™s Five Guys and itā€™s not close. But I wouldnā€™t call Five Guys ā€œfast foodā€ as they donā€™t have a drive through. In n Out does, and In Nā€™ Out crushes in that category. I share **silenus** ā€™s love for Carls Jr. too though. All that said, if Iā€™m grabbing a burger in Houston, itā€™s at [The Burger Guys](http://theburgerguys.com/) or at [Guyā€™s Meat Market](http://www.directoryofhouston.com/Guys/). (Burger Guyā€™s is a little upscale, and Guyā€™s only sells burgers at lunch, until they run out. Link for Guyā€™s Meat, does not list their amazing, smoked meat burgers. Line forms at 11 and continues until they run out.) ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025/121 "2011-07-25T07:25:02Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > I voted Other, for [Five Guys](http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx). > > I see In & Out scored well but I have never had one, nor even seen one of their locations. Are they regional? Part of my Californiacentrism. Since they are a staple here in Los Angeles County, I assumed their empire to be farther reaching than it is. They actually have only about 250 locations in 5 states. 200 of those in California. My bad. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-best-hambuger-fast-food-joints/590025.md?page=7)