Happy National Hamburger Day!

Today is National Hamburger Day, and for a lot of people, that’s a good excuse to grab a burger for lunch or dinner.

If you’re not sure where to go, a reviewer named Burger Beast released a list of the best burgers from national restaurant chains. To qualify, the restaurant had to operate in at least 10 states, which meant some well-known chains like Fuddruckers, Steak ’n Shake, and Red Robin were left out.

Here’s the list:

1. Buffalo Wild Wings
   A double smashed burger with American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, pickled Fresno chili peppers, and Hatch chile aioli on a challah bun.
2. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
   A quarter-pound burger with four slices of bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions on a brioche bun.
3. Cheesecake Factory
   Double patties and double cheese on a toasted sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and secret sauce.
4. Chili’s
   Nearly half a pound of beef topped with Thousand Island dressing, American cheese, diced red onions, pickles, and shredded lettuce on a brioche bun.
5. Denny’s
   Two hand-pressed beef patties with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and pickles on a brioche bun.
6. Outback Steakhouse
   A half-pound burger topped with Bloomin’ Onion petals, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, house-made pickles, onion, and Bloomin’ Onion sauce.

The list covers a wide range of styles, from classic diner burgers to larger restaurant-style burgers with extra toppings and sauces.

And if you’re planning to stop by Whataburger today, they’re also running a “Win Whataburger for a Year” contest for National Hamburger Day.

If you ask me, nothing beats a burger that you grilled in the backyard. Happy National Burger Day!

Doug O’Brien