The cheeseburger has been a favorite in America for nearly 100 years. It even has its own holiday.
Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day. The origins are a little fuzzy, but many say it first showed up in the 1920s and became a true staple in the 1940s.
Juicy beef, melted cheese, crunchy pickles, and a soft bun. That combo has made the cheeseburger a classic at backyard cookouts and fast-food joints alike.
To celebrate, Chowhound ranked five of the best fast-food cheeseburgers in the U.S. Here’s the list.
- Culver’s ButterBurger
Midwestern pride runs deep with this one. Culver’s calls it “a family specialty with a little extra.” Fresh, never frozen beef, seared to order, real Wisconsin cheese, and a toasted, buttered bun. About $5.50. - Shake Shack’s ShackBurger
Born in New York, now in 30 states. The ShackBurger has 100% Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. Prices range from $8 to $11. - Five Guys Cheeseburger
Five Guys fans love the peanuts, fries, and of course, the burger. Melted American cheese between fresh patties, served on a toasted sesame bun. It’s a bit pricey at around $11, but still a top pick. - Wahlburgers Our Burger
Started by Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, this burger has Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Wahl Sauce. Depending on location, it runs $9 to $11. - McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese
An icon since 1973. A ¼-lb. of fresh beef, seasoned and cooked to order, topped with onions, pickles, and two slices of cheese on a sesame bun. At $5 to $7, it’s one of the most affordable favorites.