If there’s one food California has mastered, it’s the burger. From legendary fast-food chains to neighborhood favorites, the Golden State has long been home to some of the most iconic spots in America.
But when USA Today set out to find the best burger in the country, one California favorite beat out some of the biggest names in the industry. But it was Habit Burger & Grill’s Double Char that took home the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.
The Santa Barbara staple has once again been crowned the best burger in the U.S., thanks to thousands of online votes from both fans and experts, beating out famous names like Five Guys and Shake Shack, and even In-N-Out.
What makes the Double Char the best burger in America?
Habit Burger & Grill’s winning recipe starts with its signature cooking method. The chain has been grilling burgers over an open flame since 1969, creating the smoky char and bold flavor that have become its trademark.
The Double Char features two freshly chargrilled beef patties topped with caramelized onions, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles, and mayo, all served on a toasted bun. That combination of flame-grilled beef, fresh toppings, and a classic California-style build helped the Double Char stand out among the country’s biggest burger names.
The 10 best burgers in America, according to USA Today
- Double Char, Habit Burger & Grill
- Double-Double, In-N-Out Burger
- Freddy’s Original Double, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
- Papa Burger, A&W
- ButterBurger Cheese, Double, Culver’s
- SmokeShack, Shake Shack
- Cheeseburger, Five Guys
- Whopper, Burger King
- Son of Baconator, Wendy’s
- Double Meat Whataburger, Whataburger
