Americans eat 50 billion burgers each year. That averages out to about three per person each week, according to the USDA. Some of them are bound to be terrible.
We shouldn’t have to put up with hockey puck beef, crumbling buns, and paper-thin tomato slices, but we’ve all experienced them. If you want to avoid that horrible fate, it’s probably best to steer clear of these national burger chains, which aren’t exactly known for their high-quality offerings. Here are the worst burger chains in America, according to customers.
Burger King
We know that someone must be going to Burger King, because the chain is still in existence. We just don’t have any idea who, because absolutely no one seems to like it. Its heyday was definitely the 1990s, and it has been steadily declining ever since (especially after they debuted the creepiest mascot of all time). The beef is always dry and tasteless, the grill marks look painted on, and the components are haphazardly thrown together. Paper crowns and French toast sticks are all that’s keeping BK in business.
White Castle
Although the company touts itself as America’s first fast food burger chain, White Castle doesn’t precisely live up to that esteemed position. People joke about the chain’s sliders all the time, including that they’re called sliders because they slide right through you. Not sure about you, but we prefer our beef thicker than a dime and with a little color on it, not a tiny greasy sandwich packed with onions and gray slime. So when see this chain on the side of the road, we keep driving.
Sonic
Who doesn’t like an old-fashioned drive-in, right? Burgers are the main draw, so they should be top-notch. However, at Sonic, they’re almost always terrible, which makes us sad. Sure, the carhop service is fun and nostalgic, but somehow the order is always wrong, so don’t be surprised when your burger is missing half its toppings, or they left those onions on when you ordered it without. The idea of Sonic is fantastic, but the actual food, especially the burgers, is subpar at best.
Checkers/Rally’s
Also called Rally’s in some parts of the U.S., Checkers is the most forgettable burger — let alone fast food chain — around. The Big Buford is the signature burger here, but it’s more of a big letdown than anything else, with way too much bland, dry beef and three different condiments to try and make up for it. There’s even a burger that they put fries on as a topping, but if your burger needs fries to make it palatable, you should have already given up.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is well known for catering to the late-night munchies crowd, and well, stoners are not known for being picky. This chain survives by being one of the only places open at all hours of the night, when its audience is captive and has few other options. There’s about a million things on the menu, from eggrolls to chicken fajita pitas, which never bodes well for the humble hamburger. If you’re three edibles deep and absolutely need to get something here, stick to the deep fried goodies.
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Dairy Queen
Considering that the only dairy ingredient on a burger might be cheese, it’s probably best to stick to dessert at Dairy Queen. Many locations don’t even serve hot food, so it feels like an afterthought addition to the chain. The burgers are positively boring, and the only standard toppings are pickles, ketchup, and mustard. If you want anything else on there, you’ve got to order a deluxe with deluxe prices. Save your money and get a bigger Blizzard instead.
More Disappointing Fast-Food Chains
- 6 Worst Pizza Chains in America — If you’re looking for a primo pizza for your next party or Friday movie night, it’s probably best to steer clear of these pizza joints.
- The Absolute Worst Mexican Chains in America, According to Customers — These chains are bound to disappoint you with bland burritos, watery salsa, and brown guacamole.
- The 7 Absolute Worst Dessert Chains in America — Not all sweets are created equal. Find out which dessert spots you should avoid.
