While California is renowned for its breakfast burritos, sourdough bread, fish tacos and the aptly named California roll, it’s also known for its burger prowess, and one fast-food chain is renowned beyond the "Golden State" borders. Of course, we're talking about arguably the most popular burger chain in the state, In-N-Out Burger. But, while patty-loving patrons clamor for the brand's juicy double cheeseburgers and "animal style" fries, according to USA Today readers, In-N-Out isn't even the best burger joint in the state.
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There's another lesser-known Cali-based burger chain that's not only making a superior burger but also apparently making the best burger in the country. (Yes, you read that right.) As part of USA Today's Readers' Choice 2025 Awards, Habit Burger & Grill's Double Char was named the best burger in the entire United States, although In-N-Out did make the list at number four overall.
The Double Char is as classic as burgers get. There's no random barbecue sauce, onion rings, or overly hot jalapeno slices—instead, it's made up of two chargrilled beef patties, a smattering of caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. What doesn't it include? Cheese. It's so flavorful, it doesn't even need it. (You can add it, though, if you want to.)
Other burgers that made the top ten include the Double Meat Whataburger, the Burger King Whopper, Freddy's Original Double, Shake Shack’s ShackBurger, Five Guys' Cheeseburger, Culver’s Double ButterBurger Cheese, the In-N-Out Double-Double, the Jack in the Box Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger, and the A&W Papa Burger.
While it might not have the national appeal of In-N-Out, Habit Burger & Grill is not an upstart operation. With its genesis in 1969, this burger chain began in Santa Barbara, California and now includes more than 350 locations. Stop into one of these locations to try the best burger in the country.