No In-N-Out Near You? These 11 Burger Joints Might Be Even Better

I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect burger ever since my first bite of an In-N-Out Double-Double back in college.

While In-N-Out holds a special place in my heart (and stomach), not everyone has access to this West Coast legend.

Luckily, America’s burger landscape is more exciting than ever, with regional chains and national favorites that might actually outshine the California icon.

1. Shake Shack: The East Coast Answer

Born in a humble New York City hot dog cart, Shake Shack has transformed into burger royalty that makes my taste buds dance with joy. Their SmashBurger technique creates an irresistible crust on 100% Angus beef patties that’s simply magical. What really sets them apart?

Those potato buns toasted in butter, special ShackSauce with its tangy kick, and crinkle-cut fries that maintain their crispiness longer than any others I’ve tried. The frozen custard concrete mixers will make you forget In-N-Out’s shakes ever existed. Last summer in Chicago, I watched a tourist take their first Shake Shack bite – their eyes widened with that unmistakable “where have you been all my life” expression. That moment perfectly captures the Shake Shack experience.

2. Five Guys: Customization Kings

My brother-in-law once counted – there are supposedly 250,000 ways to customize your burger at Five Guys. While I haven’t verified this math, I can confirm their dedication to personalization is unmatched in the burger world. Red checkered décor and peanut shells crunching underfoot create that distinctive Five Guys atmosphere.

The burgers arrive wrapped in foil, keeping everything piping hot while the juices mingle together. Those hand-cut fries – cooked in peanut oil and served in hilariously generous portions – might be the real stars of the show. Unlike In-N-Out’s secret menu, Five Guys puts everything right out in the open. Their straightforward approach to burger excellence proves sometimes simplicity (with endless toppings) makes for the most satisfying meal.

3. Whataburger: Texas-Sized Flavor

Orange and white stripes signal burger paradise to Texans, and after my first Whataburger experience during a road trip through San Antonio, I understood why. These burgers are genuinely massive – living up to that “What a burger!” exclamation that inspired the name back in 1950. The buns come five inches wide, perfectly toasted and supporting patties that extend beyond the edges of most competitors’ offerings.

Their signature Whataburger Sauce adds a creamy, tangy complement that ties everything together beautifully. The 24/7 operation puts In-N-Out’s limited hours to shame. A Texan friend once told me, “You don’t understand Texas until you’ve had Whataburger at 2 AM.” After trying their breakfast taquitos during a late-night stop, I’m convinced this chain might be worth moving to Texas for.

4. Culver’s: Midwest Butter Burger Bliss

Cheese curds changed my life at Culver’s. While that might sound dramatic, this Wisconsin-born chain introduced me to these squeaky delights alongside their famous ButterBurgers – named for the lightly buttered bun rather than butter in the meat (a revelation that disappointed yet simultaneously relieved me). The frozen custard alone warrants a pilgrimage to any of their locations.

Denser and creamier than regular ice cream, their Flavor of the Day program keeps customers coming back to try seasonal specialties. The beef is always fresh, never frozen, and pressed on the grill to order. During a summer road trip through Wisconsin, I witnessed three generations of a family excitedly planning their Culver’s order from the highway. That level of anticipation speaks volumes about the quality that makes this Midwest treasure worth seeking out.

5. Habit Burger: California’s Other Gem

Santa Barbara’s best-kept secret has finally escaped! The Habit began in 1969 as a beach burger joint, and that laid-back coastal vibe remains despite their expansion. Their signature Charburger, flame-grilled over an open fire, delivers a smoky depth that In-N-Out’s flat-top grilled patties simply can’t match. My first encounter with their tempura green beans completely changed my perspective on fast food sides.

These crispy, light vegetables somehow make you feel virtuous while still satisfying that fried food craving. The Santa Barbara Char – featuring avocado and cheese on grilled sourdough – showcases their California roots beautifully. A friend who grew up near the original location swears the quality hasn’t changed despite their growth. That consistency, combined with reasonable prices and that distinctive char-grilled flavor, makes The Habit a worthy challenger to In-N-Out’s California crown.

6. Smashburger: Seared To Perfection

The sizzle is half the experience at Smashburger. Watching the cook press a ball of beef against the scorching grill creates that perfect meat-to-crust ratio that burger enthusiasts dream about. The technique locks in juices while creating crispy, caramelized edges that deliver flavor in every bite. Their rosemary, olive oil, and garlic fries completely upended my french fry expectations. These aromatic potatoes complement their creative regional burgers like the New Mexico green chile or the truffle mushroom Swiss.

The egg buns maintain their integrity despite the juicy fillings – a technical achievement worth celebrating. Last month, I converted a vegetarian friend with their black bean burger – she texted me three days later confessing she’d returned twice more. Smashburger’s ability to elevate fast-casual dining without pretension makes it a standout in the increasingly crowded better-burger category.

7. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Retro Revival

Freddy’s thin, crispy-edged steakburgers transported me straight back to 1950s Americana during my first visit. The nostalgic black and white photos adorning the walls aren’t just decoration – they tell the story of Freddy Simon, the WWII veteran who inspired this rapidly growing chain. The patties get pressed so thin they develop lacy, crispy edges that extend beyond the bun – creating that perfect textural contrast against the soft steamed buns.

Their frozen custard, spun fresh throughout the day, achieves that perfect dense-yet-creamy consistency that puts regular ice cream to shame. My grandmother, notoriously picky about burgers, declared Freddy’s “just like the ones from the drive-in when I was dating your grandfather.” That endorsement, plus their signature fry sauce (a tangy mayo-ketchup blend), has made Freddy’s my go-to when craving a taste of classic Americana.

8. BurgerFi: Eco-Conscious Indulgence

Guilt-free burger indulgence isn’t usually possible, but BurgerFi comes surprisingly close. Their commitment to natural Angus beef (certified humane, no antibiotics, no steroids) creates a cleaner-tasting burger that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The branded buns – with the BurgerFi logo toasted right in – add a fun touch. Their onion rings, hand-cut and beer-battered, converted me from a strict french fry loyalist.

The concrete shakes, particularly the Red Velvet, provide the perfect sweet counterpoint to their savory offerings. Vegetarians rejoice over their Beyond Burger and VegeFi options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. During a Florida vacation last year, I discovered their secret menu item – the CEO Burger with double wagyu and brisket blend patties – that made me temporarily forget In-N-Out’s not-so-secret menu entirely. Their sustainable practices and chef-crafted options elevate the fast-casual burger experience to something truly special.

9. Mooyah: Serious About Fun

Mooyah won me over before I even tasted their food. The playful cow-themed décor, complete with silly puns scrawled across the walls, creates an atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously – while taking their burgers very seriously indeed. Their buns deserve special mention – baked in-house daily with options including potato, wheat, or lettuce wrap for the carb-conscious. The hand-cut fries, cooked in trans-fat-free oil, achieve that perfect balance between crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Their milkshakes, made with real ice cream, come in flavors ranging from classics to monthly specials. During a lunch rush in Dallas, I watched a Mooyah employee high-five a regular customer’s kid while reciting their “usual” order perfectly. That combination of personality and consistency makes Mooyah feel like a local joint even as they expand nationwide – something In-N-Out has struggled to maintain during their growth.

10. Fuddruckers: DIY Toppings Paradise

“World’s Greatest Hamburgers” is a bold claim, but Fuddruckers backs it up with a build-your-own-burger concept that puts you in control. The patties – available in multiple sizes from 1/3 pound to a full pound – are grilled to your specified doneness, a rarity in the fast-casual burger world. The freshly baked buns emerge from on-site bakeries throughout the day, creating a sweet, yeasty foundation for burger perfection.

Their legendary produce bar lets you customize with everything from basic lettuce and tomato to more adventurous options like sliced jalapeños and pico de gallo. Last Father’s Day, I watched my dad methodically construct his perfect burger with surgical precision at the toppings bar. His satisfied smile after the first bite reminded me why Fuddruckers has survived while many burger chains have disappeared – they understand that sometimes the perfect burger is the one you help create yourself.

11. In-N-Out: The Benchmark

No conversation about top burger chains would be complete without acknowledging the cult phenomenon that inspired this list. In-N-Out’s simple menu belies the passionate devotion it inspires. The not-so-secret menu items like Animal Style (mustard-cooked patty, pickles, grilled onions, extra spread) have created a language all their own. Fresh ingredients define the experience – never-frozen beef, hand-cut fries made from whole potatoes right before your eyes, and real ice cream shakes.

Bible verses printed on the bottom of cups and wrappers add that distinctive touch of company culture that hasn’t changed since 1948. My college roommate once drove four hours just to satisfy an In-N-Out craving. While that might seem extreme, anyone who’s experienced their perfect balance of quality, value, and consistency understands the devotion. In-N-Out remains the measuring stick against which all other fast-food burgers are judged.