Five Guys beats In-N-Out as America's favorite burger
For a lot of people, In-N-Out has the best burger, undeniably. It’s basically fast-food gospel at this point. West Coast loyalty, secret menu energy, the whole thing.
But a study from YouGov just flipped that narrative. Researchers looked at responses from U.S. diners over nearly a full year, not just a single tasting panel. And somehow, Five Guys edged out everyone else, barely beating Burger King, with In-N-Out right behind.
Five Guys' victory was not a landslide. It was just by 0.5%, which is basically a statistical tie. But it is enough to claim the crown.
Why Five Guys keeps winning people over
If you’ve had it, this result probably doesn’t shock you. Five Guys has always played a slightly different game with no drive-thru rush or massive menu.
Add to that the fact that its burgers, fries, and shakes are also done really well. Everything is cooked fresh, the patties get that crispy sear, and the toppings are added generously.
You can go from basic cheeseburger to full-on chaos stack with grilled onions, jalapeños, and mushrooms all without paying extra. That is something noteworthy when you’re used to “pickles or no pickles?”
It’s Not Cheap
The catch here is that Five Guys is expensive. Compared to traditional drive-thru spots, it sits in that awkward middle space where it’s still “fast food,” but priced closer to casual dining.
The burgers don’t pretend to be light either. They are bigger, richer, and way heavier on calories, fat, and sodium than your average drive-thru order.
But for a lot of people, that’s the point. People aren’t just chasing convenience anymore. They’re okay paying more if it feels fresher and more customizable. If it feels a little more “real.” Right now, that’s exactly where Five Guys wins, even if your wallet disagrees.
Source: AllRecipes