10 Fast-Food Restaurants That Still Cook Burgers On An Actual Grill
There’s something undeniably magical about the smoky flavor of a burger cooked over open flames. It’s more than just taste, it’s an experience that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
While many fast-food chains have transitioned to flat-top griddles in pursuit of speed, efficiency, and consistency, a number of dedicated establishments continue to embrace the art of traditional grilling.
These flame-kissed patties carry a rich, charred flavor that can’t be replicated on a griddle. Each bite brings back memories of backyard barbecues, warm summer evenings, and the unmistakable aroma of meat sizzling over real fire, shared with family and friends.
1. Burger King: The Original Flame-Grilling Monarch
I’ll never forget my first Whopper, that distinct smoky aroma hit me before I even unwrapped it. Since 1954, Burger King has proudly flame-grilled their patties, creating that signature char-broiled flavor that’s impossible to replicate on a flat griddle.
The chain uses real fire to cook their 100% beef patties, giving each burger those authentic grill marks and that backyard BBQ taste. When other chains switched to faster cooking methods, BK stuck to their guns.
Their commitment to flame-grilling isn’t just marketing fluff, it’s the foundation of their entire brand identity. “Flame-Grilled Since 1954” isn’t just a slogan; it’s their culinary philosophy.
2. Carl’s Jr.: California’s Charbroiled Champion
Walking into Carl’s Jr. as a teenager, I was mesmerized watching those thick patties sizzle on the open flame grill. Founded in 1941 as a hot dog cart, Carl’s Jr. built its reputation on charbroiled burgers that deliver authentic grilled flavor in every bite.
Their Famous Star with Cheese showcases a 100% Angus beef patty with that unmistakable smoky taste. The charbroiling process creates a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Fun fact: Carl Karcher started with a single hot dog cart and $311 in savings before building his charbroiled empire. The chain’s commitment to flame-grilling has remained unchanged through their expansion across 44 states.
3. Hardee’s: Southern Flame-Grilling Tradition
My road trip through the South introduced me to Hardee’s charbroiled goodness, a revelation after miles of mediocre truck stop food. This chain has been flame-grilling since 1960, creating burgers with distinctive smoky notes that flat-top cooking simply can’t match.
Hardee’s Thickburger line features 100% Black Angus beef patties cooked over open flames. The char from real fire creates complex flavor compounds that penetrate throughout the meat.
Though technically the same company as Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s maintains its own identity in the Eastern and Southern states. Their commitment to quality shows in every juicy, flame-licked bite, proving fast food doesn’t have to sacrifice authentic cooking methods.
4. The Habit Burger Grill: California’s Open Flame Sensation
Stumbling into The Habit during a California vacation changed my burger expectations forever. Founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara, this chain cooks every patty over an open flame, creating a distinctive char that’s become their hallmark.
The Charburger features fresh ground beef seared over an 1800-degree flame, giving it those gorgeous grill marks and that smoky flavor that keeps fans coming back. What impresses me most is watching the cooks flip burgers over actual flames right in front of you.
Unlike many chains that hide food preparation, The Habit’s open kitchen showcases their flame-grilling prowess. This transparency isn’t just for show, it’s proof of their commitment to traditional grilling techniques that elevate fast food to something special.
5. BGR (Burgers Grilled Right): Flame-Grilling Specialists
I nearly walked past BGR until the unmistakable aroma of grilling beef pulled me inside like a cartoon character floating on scent waves. This growing chain lives up to its name, Burgers Grilled Right, by cooking every patty over an open flame.
Their premium burgers feature unique options like the Wellington (with roasted mushrooms and blue cheese) and The Greek (with feta and tzatziki). What makes them special is their dedication to cooking over natural gas flames that reach 1500 degrees.
BGR’s grilling technique creates a caramelized crust while maintaining a juicy interior. Founded in 2008, they’re relatively new to the burger scene but have rapidly gained a following for their authentic grilling methods that honor traditional burger craftsmanship.
6. Backyard Burgers: True to the Name Grilling
“This tastes just like my dad’s backyard cookouts!” I blurted to my friend after my first bite at BackYard Burgers. This chain doesn’t just talk the talk, they actually cook every single burger over an open flame, just like the name promises.
Founded in 1987 in Mississippi, BackYard Burgers distinguishes itself by grilling 100% Black Angus beef over hickory flames. The result is a smoky, authentic taste that immediately transports you to summer barbecues.
What’s remarkable is their commitment to cooking fresh, never frozen patties one at a time. While this approach takes longer than assembly-line methods, the flavor difference is unmistakable. Their signature seasoning blend caramelizes on the grill, creating a flavor profile impossible to achieve on a flat griddle.
7. Smashburger: Searing on the Custom Grill
“Are they really smashing that burger?” I whispered to my wife as we watched the cook press a ball of beef onto the hot grill. Smashburger has developed a unique approach to flame-grilling that combines traditional open flames with their signature smashing technique.
Founded in 2007, Smashburger cooks their Certified Angus Beef on a custom grill that maintains high heat from below. The smashing process creates a seared crust that locks in juices and flavor while the flames impart that unmistakable grilled taste.
Their butter-toasted artisan buns complement the flame-kissed patties perfectly. Though their technique differs slightly from traditional grilling, the open flame element remains central to their cooking process, creating that authentic char that elevates their burgers beyond typical fast food.
8. Whataburger: Texas-Sized Flame-Grilling
My first Texas road trip wouldn’t have been complete without experiencing the legendary Whataburger grill. This orange-and-white Texas institution has been flame-grilling their signature 5-inch patties since 1950, creating a cult following across the South.
What makes Whataburger special is their commitment to cooking each patty over an open flame only after you order. Nothing sits under a heat lamp! The flame-grilling process gives their 100% pure beef patties that distinctive smoky flavor Texans swear by.
Founder Harmon Dobson’s vision was a burger so good you’d exclaim “What a burger!” after taking a bite. Seven decades later, their flame-grilling tradition continues to honor that vision. The chain’s dedication to traditional cooking methods has helped them expand to over 800 locations while maintaining their authentic grilled flavor.
9. Five Guys: Griddled Yet Flame-Kissed
“Wait, is that a grill?” I asked, peering over the counter at Five Guys. While primarily known for cooking on flat-top griddles, many Five Guys locations actually incorporate flame elements in their cooking process, creating a hybrid approach that delivers both griddle sear and flame-kissed flavor.
Their hand-formed patties get the benefit of both cooking methods at select locations. The chain’s open kitchen concept allows customers to watch the entire cooking process, from fresh patty formation to the final flame-enhanced sizzle.
Founded in 1986, Five Guys’ cooking approach varies by location, but their dedication to fresh, never-frozen beef remains constant. Their unique cooking setup often includes flame elements that contribute to the distinctive flavor that’s earned them a devoted following and rapid expansion to over 1,500 locations worldwide.
10. Fatburger: Hollywood’s Flame-Grilled Icon
Stepping into Fatburger for the first time, I was hypnotized by the open kitchen where flames leapt around juicy patties. This Hollywood-born chain has been flame-grilling since 1952, when founder Lovie Yancey created what she called “the last great hamburger stand.”
Fatburger cooks their fresh ground beef patties over an open flame grill, creating that distinctive backyard barbecue flavor. Their flame-grilling technique allows fat to drip away while sealing in juices, resulting in a burger that’s both flavorful and less greasy than many competitors.
Celebrity fans like Pharrell Williams and Magic Johnson have helped spread Fatburger’s fame beyond California. What keeps people coming back isn’t the star power though, it’s the authentic flame-grilled taste that hasn’t changed in over 70 years.