17 Best Fast-Food Cheeseburgers In America

Is there a more classic American meal than a cheeseburger—ideally with a soda and french fries? Whether you like to grab cheeseburgers from a fast food chain, casual restaurant, or high-end steakhouse, the fact is that Americans eat a lot of cheeseburgers, and there are many different spots to grab one. 

According to a recent poll, the average American eats about five burgers per month, which works out to about 60 burgers per year. Plus, while some respondents would be open to trying something new, over half were driven by nostalgia when choosing the perfect burger. In fact. 1/3 said that the perfect burger reminded them of family and friends, a stat that has fueled several of the iconic fast-food chains we feature in this list of the best cheeseburgers in America.

The first hamburger made its debut in the United States in 1904 at the St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The first recorded cheeseburger came a few years later, in 1934 when Charles Kaelin in St. Louis supposedly added cheese to bring extra flavor to his hamburger offering. Louis Ballast of Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver is the one who trademarked the name "cheeseburger" in 1935.  It's been a national love affair ever since, and with so many great places to get cheeseburgers all over the country, it's hard to know which is worth your time and money.

When looking for a great cheeseburger, "Look for burgers made with fresh, high-quality ingredients," says Kyle Jones, head chef at Craft Wood Fired Catering. "The menu should also specify the type of bun used (e.g. brioche or potato) and if it is toasted or not—these details can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the burger,"  While all of that might not be on the menu at every fast food restaurant, these are all good starting points.

We looked at the most award-winning, best-selling, and best-loved fast-food cheeseburgers in the U.S. and came up with this definitive list. 

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