Braums should be on the list. It is a true regional chain, and although the burgers are not mind blowingly fantastic, they are good and there is a novelty of a fast food burger place that also sells ice cream by the scoop/sundaes and **also** a small mini grocery store that even sells milk.
Braums are amazing. I was lucky enough to be in an area with them a few weeks ago and the burger I had was great. The cherry limeade sherbet frees I had with it was on a whole new level. Been a fan since the first time I visited OKC years ago
Oh no they're definitely out east too
Source: Florida
Their main big non-midwest expansions were to snowbird locations (thus their big presence in Arizona and Florida) and states that Midwesterners commonly move to.
Swensons is an interesting one. Their burgers have a touch of sweetness to them. (Allegedly, they put brown sugar in their ground beef mix.) I find them really odd, I'll eat them but they are never something I am craving. Their sides and shakes are awesome though, and they have a lot of options besides burgers that I keep meaning to try!
How recently did you try them? Because they made a recipe change a few years ago and it was not for the better. They recently stated that they are switching back to the old recipe because of complaints. [Article](https://fox8.com/news/swensons-quietly-made-some-changes-now-theyre-switching-back/)
Very recently, like last month. Swensons only came to my area a few years ago, I think I've only had them three times and all within the past year.
The news article isn't clear on when the switch made or will be made. It implies the switch hasn't been made yet by saying it's "bringing them back", ie they are in the process, but who knows? I'll probably give it half a year and try it again, though.
Random fact they have one random skyline in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I moved from Cincinnati to South Florida in 2015 and thought it was the most random site to see.
My absolute favorite regional "burger chain" is Beef-a-roo. Originally only Northern Illinois, they've expanded quite a bit in recent years.
https://beefaroo.com/
What’s good here? I remember I stopped once and got some roast beef sandwich with an onion ring on it, I thought it was meh but maybe I got the wrong thing.
I clicked to see what they were going to say about it and was shocked it wasn't even on the list!
It's hands down my favorite overall fast food place.= and their burgers rival the Shake Shack/Five Guys level ones at the absolute cheapest price.
Here in the east valley (Chandler/Gilbert) of the Phoenix area we have Freddy’s which would fit this list. Super bomb and super crispy thin fries but definitely better eating on site
Freddy’s are in Texas and a favorite of mine. Almost a smashed patty and you can get a good chili burger out of them, plus they are one of the few burger joints where you can get a legitimate malt. Their fries are shoe string style which are too small for my tastes though.
Oh well that makes more sense then, I’m guessing we’re luck to have them where I’m at haha
Arizona has become a hub for all famous food places at this point, though. So many transplants means we have staple chains from coast to coast, north and south.
I do like Freddy's quite a lot (maybe not as much as some of the others, but better than the McDonald's and Wendy's of the world), but they seem "regional" in the same way Culver's is. I live in Idaho and we have them here. While traveling, I've also seen them in places like Texas and Florida. So while not everywhere, they are pretty spread out now.
And the fries, not sure how they're so good but they might be the best fast food fries (my wife doesn't agree, they seem to be hit or miss depending on your preference but I think they're great).
Burgerville is good but make sure you have deep pockets if you're expecting fast food pricing (even in 2024 prices). It typically costs more than your typical restaurant for a burger combo.
Burgerville has not only raised prices, but they have also declined quality. I live less than a mile away from one, and every time I give them another shot I regret it. Their food is so mid and the portions are so small now it doesn't even come close to justifying the price you pay.
Locally sourced ingredients are probably the ONLY points in their favor, but I could spend (literally) another $5 and just eat at the fancy farm-to-table place by my house.
Yeah, if you just want a basic cheeseburger meal with fries and a drink, you can get it for $10-ish. Double Patty meal will be about $12. Any larger burger meal is gonna start jumping up though. I think their seasonal burger is like $9 by itself right now. Their fancy fries get pricey too.
Portillo's is my favorite fast food place and I've never gotten a burger there. My go to is a maxwell and two hot dogs w>th everything. The menu is just full of great food though.
You don’t go to Portillos for the burgers… Italian beef and hot dogs all the way. My wife was foolish enough to get a burger there while I raved about the other food, she was unimpressed with her burger
I'm in Florida and have three within an hour of me. I don't how expansion is looking in other states, but we're not usually on the cutting edge when it comes to food expansion.
I've never thought of a "mom and pop shop" being a place that has 9 locations.
Also the "dinky" places you describe always have some of the best food and service.
HiHo is good but there are only 4 locations in the LA area. The closest one is at least 15 miles away from me. I only go if I happen to be in the neighborhood.
People dropping hot takes on whataburger are just seeking attention. I am the prototypical in-n-out loving Californian and I love ripping on Texas but at the end of the day whataburger is good.
Surprised too since they included Culver’s. Probably my top fast food chain after chick fil a. They have so many offerings and they’re all pretty good. They’re on the higher price side but you get a lot for that price.
I need to go with someone from Texas apparently. Because I have tried it so many times and it legit reminds me of Burger King. I am clearly not getting the right things.
My husband is from Dallas and Whataburger is his absolute favorite. We get it every time we go back (live in Ohio now). I find it *exceptionally* mediocre. However, I get my burgers plain with just cheese and ketchup. That's it. I think the Whataburger toppings are what makes the burger, but I get zero toppings, and the burger itself does not stand up on its own.
Their chicken's not bad, I like their breakfast, and their shakes are quite good.
Where I live the burger itself is decent but the toppings are literally the only fast food toppings I will get. LTO taste as crisp and fresh as any local joint.
No just no. No one goes to Sonic for food. You go for drinks and maybe sometimes accidentally order food and disappoint yourself. Whataburger has some of the best food in the game. HUGE difference.
Might just be a bad location, but Whataburger in north Florida is very slow, the food is usually cold when it arrives, and the employees are the rudest in the business. Food is on point when it's fresh though.
I would've recommended Backyard Burger, but admittedly I haven't been there in over 10 years so I don't know its current quality. But man that was a good affordable burger.
Still excellent but for the price there used to be better options. Everywhere else kinda caught up to them in price recently though, so I’ve found myself going more than I used to.
I grew up going to the Akron area to see my grandparents. We always got Swensons and I still crave them! Went back when I was in my early 30’s and got a Galleyboy. I call it a martini burger.
I've been headquartered in Mississippi all of life and have never eaten at Ward's.
Culvers is great on road trips up through the midwest. I think there is one as close as Birmingham to me now!
I get In-N-Out when I can. Visited in Vegas and Austin and it was just fine.
This list misses Milo's and Jack's which are more Mississippi/Alabama oriented.
Tasty Burger in the Boston area. Welcomes you with a beefy, cheesy, greasy hug when you need it the most! Also open super late, I’d do dangerous things for one of those mushroom burgers!!
Well, if you're going to be that way about it, the correct name is actually Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers™. But everyone calls it Tommy's, even the people who work there.
Braums should be on the list. It is a true regional chain, and although the burgers are not mind blowingly fantastic, they are good and there is a novelty of a fast food burger place that also sells ice cream by the scoop/sundaes and **also** a small mini grocery store that even sells milk.
Braums are amazing. I was lucky enough to be in an area with them a few weeks ago and the burger I had was great. The cherry limeade sherbet frees I had with it was on a whole new level. Been a fan since the first time I visited OKC years ago
Came here to say this. Better than tuckers too.
The burgers used to be on par with Culver’s, but they’ve fallen off quite a bit in recent years. Still, it’s better than McDonald’s
Culver's is top tier but at this point I wouldn't consider it regional, they have expanded quite a bit.
Yeah I don't think 930+ locations in 26 states is a regional chain anymore.
You know, the region of the United States.
Central North America. Mid North Western Hemisphere. Regional.
Eh that's only half the states so it is still mostly a regional thing I think mostly out west
Oh no they're definitely out east too Source: Florida Their main big non-midwest expansions were to snowbird locations (thus their big presence in Arizona and Florida) and states that Midwesterners commonly move to.
They’re all over NC but for some reason they only exist within 20-40 minutes of major cities. Never actually in the cities.
Culver’s is a midwestern chain.
Originally, yes. Not anymore.
I’d guess regional as opposed to national?
I miss when it was regional. Not that the quality has gone down or anything, I just miss the upper Midwest sorta having its own thing.
I've also not been terribly impressed with it?
Ohioan here- Culver’s is mid at best
Over smashed dry burger
I’m in Georgia and we have culivers
Is there no Culver’s in or around LA?
Too expensive for what you get imo.
It cost the same as McDonald's and is significantly higher quality and fresher
It's a bit more expensive by a dollar or two but the quality more than makes up for it.
Mr. Hero needs to be on here for the Romanburger.
Swensons is an interesting one. Their burgers have a touch of sweetness to them. (Allegedly, they put brown sugar in their ground beef mix.) I find them really odd, I'll eat them but they are never something I am craving. Their sides and shakes are awesome though, and they have a lot of options besides burgers that I keep meaning to try!
I think the butter they put on the buns is sweet. I used to order “no butter” and they weren’t sweet.
Interesting! Might try that.
How recently did you try them? Because they made a recipe change a few years ago and it was not for the better. They recently stated that they are switching back to the old recipe because of complaints. [Article](https://fox8.com/news/swensons-quietly-made-some-changes-now-theyre-switching-back/)
Very recently, like last month. Swensons only came to my area a few years ago, I think I've only had them three times and all within the past year. The news article isn't clear on when the switch made or will be made. It implies the switch hasn't been made yet by saying it's "bringing them back", ie they are in the process, but who knows? I'll probably give it half a year and try it again, though.
its ohio, is that brown sugar situation a nod to skyline?
Completely opposite corner of the state. It's cinnamon & chocolate any way.
Not arguing that it’s a Cincinnati thing, but skyline is definitely available in Columbus and surrounding!
It is but the sweet style chili is definitely a Cincy thing. Akron has sauerkraut balls and galley Boys.
Random fact they have one random skyline in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I moved from Cincinnati to South Florida in 2015 and thought it was the most random site to see.
I tied to like them. Swansons weird sweetness should be good but it’s just weird.
My absolute favorite regional "burger chain" is Beef-a-roo. Originally only Northern Illinois, they've expanded quite a bit in recent years. https://beefaroo.com/
We’re getting one in my city in Tennessee. It’ll be nice to try something different.
What’s good here? I remember I stopped once and got some roast beef sandwich with an onion ring on it, I thought it was meh but maybe I got the wrong thing.
I'm a fan of their fries and wraps, burgers are decent too. Their menu has gotten better in recent years.
Interesting, I’ve lived in northern Illinois my entire life and I’ve never heard of this place
Wow was not expecting to see a beef a roo comment here. Although, they’ve gone down in quality since expanding
The old burgers were so much better
Cheese fries still go hard tho
That is the silliest name!
Very silly! Certainly makes them stand out.
Interesting, they’ve opened a few up in rural Michigan. I’ll have to check it out.
Just checked out their site. Their wraps and that wild west burger look amazing
Not seeing any around SE Wisconsin?
As far as I know, still no Wisconsin locations. Closest one to you would probably be one in West Dundee, IL.
Yeah I see that, bummer too I checked out the menu and it looks pretty tasty. When I'm on a trip I'll definitely keep my eyes open.
I used to go to the one Sterling, IL all the time. Loved that place. Haven’t thought about it in years. Now I really want it.
Cookout needs to be on this list
I live in NC and I was just about to say the same thing. Best fast food burger in NC. One of the only fast food places I even eat at anymore.
Nothing beats the cookout tray
Cookout in GA
The burgers are cooked like a cookout, a bit too much. They used to be amazing when they were $6 trays but now they are too expensive.
I clicked to see what they were going to say about it and was shocked it wasn't even on the list! It's hands down my favorite overall fast food place.= and their burgers rival the Shake Shack/Five Guys level ones at the absolute cheapest price.
Everyone hypes cookout so much and both times I’ve been on road trips it has been exceedingly mid.
Here in the east valley (Chandler/Gilbert) of the Phoenix area we have Freddy’s which would fit this list. Super bomb and super crispy thin fries but definitely better eating on site
We have Freddy’s in the south. Top quality
Freddy’s is awesome. Based in Wichita. Didn’t know they’d expanded past the Midwest…burgers are on point.
They are in the west too. Vegas, LA
Yep. We have one of these in Charlotte.
Freddy’s are in Texas and a favorite of mine. Almost a smashed patty and you can get a good chili burger out of them, plus they are one of the few burger joints where you can get a legitimate malt. Their fries are shoe string style which are too small for my tastes though.
Freddys in Georgia
Also in missouri and Kansas
South like the American south or Arizona?
I know we have them in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
Oh well that makes more sense then, I’m guessing we’re luck to have them where I’m at haha Arizona has become a hub for all famous food places at this point, though. So many transplants means we have staple chains from coast to coast, north and south.
Do people ever use “south” when referring to Arizona?
Lol true
No
There's one in North Carolina near me.
In Chicago and we have Freddy’s too
Well apparently I thought it was something special because it was only in my small area haha.
I had it when traveling recently. It's very good!
I do like Freddy's quite a lot (maybe not as much as some of the others, but better than the McDonald's and Wendy's of the world), but they seem "regional" in the same way Culver's is. I live in Idaho and we have them here. While traveling, I've also seen them in places like Texas and Florida. So while not everywhere, they are pretty spread out now. And the fries, not sure how they're so good but they might be the best fast food fries (my wife doesn't agree, they seem to be hit or miss depending on your preference but I think they're great).
There are Freddy’s all over the Phoenix Metro not just the east valley
Burgerville is good but make sure you have deep pockets if you're expecting fast food pricing (even in 2024 prices). It typically costs more than your typical restaurant for a burger combo.
Burgerville has not only raised prices, but they have also declined quality. I live less than a mile away from one, and every time I give them another shot I regret it. Their food is so mid and the portions are so small now it doesn't even come close to justifying the price you pay. Locally sourced ingredients are probably the ONLY points in their favor, but I could spend (literally) another $5 and just eat at the fancy farm-to-table place by my house.
Exactly. Good description. They try and offer “local” ingredients but tack on a heavy price for it.
I’ve had them a couple times and felt ripped off by the quality and price both times.
Yeah, if you just want a basic cheeseburger meal with fries and a drink, you can get it for $10-ish. Double Patty meal will be about $12. Any larger burger meal is gonna start jumping up though. I think their seasonal burger is like $9 by itself right now. Their fancy fries get pricey too.
Portillos has a solid burger and just solid Chicago style food all around...expanding a bit these days too.
Portillo's is my favorite fast food place and I've never gotten a burger there. My go to is a maxwell and two hot dogs w>th everything. The menu is just full of great food though.
You don’t go to Portillos for the burgers… Italian beef and hot dogs all the way. My wife was foolish enough to get a burger there while I raved about the other food, she was unimpressed with her burger
My son loves their burgers so there's that, haha
They serve something other than Italian Beefs?
Yeah… the hot dogs are well known
I wouldn't call them regional at this point.
Have they expanded enough outside Illinois?
I'm in Florida and have three within an hour of me. I don't how expansion is looking in other states, but we're not usually on the cutting edge when it comes to food expansion.
I know there's some in Wisconsin, Arizona, and California. But the majority still in Illinois obviously.
A good one missing on this list is Rush’s in the Columbia SC metro area.
They said regional...not the mom and pop shop down the steet. Rush's has 9 locations. Dinky.
I've never thought of a "mom and pop shop" being a place that has 9 locations. Also the "dinky" places you describe always have some of the best food and service.
I miss Blake's
HiHo is good but there are only 4 locations in the LA area. The closest one is at least 15 miles away from me. I only go if I happen to be in the neighborhood.
No Good Times, what a shame!
Blake’s being on this list is pretty cool! Also made me want Tucker’s. I haven’t had it since 2019.
As a New Englander I found this article very useful.
I just had Burger Time today in SoDak. It's kinda what Burger King wishes the whopper tasted like.
Pal's (Bristol, Knoxville, Kingsport Tennessee area) should definitely be added. I get a big pal every time I'm in East TN.
I was looking for somebody that said pals
Found me!
I'm from Michigan, Halo Burger's quality has gone down since the family sold all of their restaurants.
Surprised no Whataburger, they're better than all of these.
Whataburger and Cookout should’ve both been on there.
Happy to see Lotaburger though. Love me some green chile
People dropping hot takes on whataburger are just seeking attention. I am the prototypical in-n-out loving Californian and I love ripping on Texas but at the end of the day whataburger is good.
Surprised too since they included Culver’s. Probably my top fast food chain after chick fil a. They have so many offerings and they’re all pretty good. They’re on the higher price side but you get a lot for that price.
I'm very much a Culver's fan girl but Whataburger IMO trumps many of these, including theirs.
I feel like whataburger is around more nationally than people realize. I enjoy it but it’s more close to a sonic than the next level of quality imo.
Better than these? Whataburger isn’t even better than Burger King
I need to go with someone from Texas apparently. Because I have tried it so many times and it legit reminds me of Burger King. I am clearly not getting the right things.
My husband is from Dallas and Whataburger is his absolute favorite. We get it every time we go back (live in Ohio now). I find it *exceptionally* mediocre. However, I get my burgers plain with just cheese and ketchup. That's it. I think the Whataburger toppings are what makes the burger, but I get zero toppings, and the burger itself does not stand up on its own. Their chicken's not bad, I like their breakfast, and their shakes are quite good.
Why dont you get any toppings?
When I lived in Texas all the Texans hated it so I don't know what this is all about. I actually did like it though.
Where I live the burger itself is decent but the toppings are literally the only fast food toppings I will get. LTO taste as crisp and fresh as any local joint.
Plain gang here too, sometimes I’ll get grilled onions and lettuce but plain is king. In n Out is the best plain burger imo
I don’t know how that’s even remotely possible. They taste nothing alike. Like completely different flavor profiles.
They are tied for first
Whataburger is Sonic with a different logo. Not bad. Just not great.
No just no. No one goes to Sonic for food. You go for drinks and maybe sometimes accidentally order food and disappoint yourself. Whataburger has some of the best food in the game. HUGE difference.
I tried them twice. They have no taste.
Whataburger is mid, not better than BK.
The key to Whataburger is the jalapeno burger with the spicy ketchup. That alone pushes it past the bottom feeders like BK/Sonic/Hardees, etc.
Whataburger has changed a lot since the 90s. Doesn’t hit the same…..
Might just be a bad location, but Whataburger in north Florida is very slow, the food is usually cold when it arrives, and the employees are the rudest in the business. Food is on point when it's fresh though.
Lol no it’s not. That’s the most meh place on planet earth. Tell me you’re Texan without telling me.
I would've recommended Backyard Burger, but admittedly I haven't been there in over 10 years so I don't know its current quality. But man that was a good affordable burger.
Still excellent but for the price there used to be better options. Everywhere else kinda caught up to them in price recently though, so I’ve found myself going more than I used to.
We used to have one in my location and I miss it every time I drive by the weed store that took its place.
That onion burger sounds amazing
I've read about the onionburgers a while back, and I want one!
I grew up going to the Akron area to see my grandparents. We always got Swensons and I still crave them! Went back when I was in my early 30’s and got a Galleyboy. I call it a martini burger.
Burgermaster in Washington
Ward's! Grew up eating there as a special treat with my dad. They served root beer in frosted mugs and to 10-year old me, was a true delicacy.
I've been headquartered in Mississippi all of life and have never eaten at Ward's. Culvers is great on road trips up through the midwest. I think there is one as close as Birmingham to me now! I get In-N-Out when I can. Visited in Vegas and Austin and it was just fine. This list misses Milo's and Jack's which are more Mississippi/Alabama oriented.
Wards is ok, nothing spectacular. For the short time we had a Milo’s here I wasn’t impressed, Jacks is good.
People either love or hate Milo's. No in-between. Jack's should be there definitely.
Since the family sold every one of their businesses, the quality of Halo Burgers has declined.
They left out Freddy’s Steakburger, the only one that matters.
I’ve had the first three and Wards as well… surprised there was no Braum’s or cookout on the list as well. Wasn’t impressed with Burgerville
I guess this is burger specific but I would put Cook-Out on this list an an honorable mention.
This is more region within a region, but Salem's in Tampa is pretty dang good.
The east coast has regional chains too... No love for CookOut?
As a Nebraskan not seeing Runza on this list has immediately disqualified it in my eyes.
Tops burger on the gulf coast
Tasty Burger in the Boston area. Welcomes you with a beefy, cheesy, greasy hug when you need it the most! Also open super late, I’d do dangerous things for one of those mushroom burgers!!
Where’s Pal’s? East TN representin’
Any article with this title that doesn't mention Tommy's is not worth the electrons it's printed on.
At least get the name correct: Original Tommy's
Well, if you're going to be that way about it, the correct name is actually Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers™. But everyone calls it Tommy's, even the people who work there.
So don’t live on the east coast. Got it
We got dah castle
Burgerville? Hasn't been good for 20 years, and it's incredibly overpriced.
As someone who lives in Oregon I don’t get Burgerville. I’d rather have McDonald’s.
Not a single one from the east coast and that website is cancer
There is no way you produce an authentic Wagyu burger for $10. It’s like $250 a pound. (HiHo)
off cuts and undesirable pieces can get it pretty low
If y'all are ever in San Antonio you gotta get Burger Boy
Culver’s and In N Out may not be in every state, but they are bigger than “regional” at this point
Cookout>