6 Unhealthiest Burgers In The U.S. & 6 You Should Definitely Try
Burgers are as American as apple pie, a quintessential part of the country’s culinary identity, but not all patties are created equal. Over the years, I’ve embarked on a cross-country burger quest, one that has truly tested both my taste buds and, admittedly, my belt notches!
Along the way, I’ve encountered burgers so massive, packing enough calories and fat to fuel a small car, that I wondered how anyone could finish them.
But then, there are others—burgers that strike the perfect balance of mouthwatering flavors, offering a satisfying experience without turning into a nutritional nightmare.
1. Hardee’s Monster Thickburger: The Caloric Catastrophe
My jaw literally dropped when I first saw this burger in person. Two massive third-pound beef patties towering with four bacon strips and three slices of American cheese slathered in mayo. It’s the burger equivalent of a heavyweight champion – weighing in at a staggering 1,400 calories!
The Monster Thickburger packs 79 grams of fat (that’s more than you should consume in an entire day) and enough sodium (2,580mg) to make your blood pressure do a double-take. I couldn’t finish half before feeling like I needed a nap.
The potato bun does little to redeem this caloric bomb that could fuel you through an entire day – and then some.
2. Steak ‘n Shake 7×7 Steakburger: The Tower of Terror
Seven beef patties. Seven cheese slices. One pound of meat and dairy stacked higher than some skyscrapers I’ve seen! The first time I ordered this monstrosity, the server actually warned me with a knowing smile.
Clocking in at a jaw-dropping 1,660 calories and 128 grams of fat, this burger contains more saturated fat than you should eat in three days. The sodium content? A blood-pressure-raising 3,800mg that had me chugging water for hours afterward.
Attempting to take a bite requires unhinging your jaw like a snake. Even my teenage nephew couldn’t finish this beast, and that kid can usually eat his weight in burgers!
3. Denny’s Double Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger: The Breakfast Chain’s Burden
Avocado might make you think ‘healthy,’ but don’t be fooled! Last summer, I ordered this deceptive burger thinking the avocado made it a better choice. Boy, was I wrong!
This burger sneaks in 1,460 calories and a whopping 100 grams of fat (38g saturated). The combination of two beef patties, bacon strips, cheese, and yes, that innocent-looking avocado creates a calorie bomb that left me feeling sluggish all afternoon.
The toasted bun adds little nutritional value while the 2,230mg of sodium would make even salt lovers wince. Despite the fresh ingredients, this breakfast chain creation belongs firmly on the ‘occasional treat’ list.
4. Applebee’s Swiss Burger: The Neighborhood Nemesis
The fancy name fooled me! When I visited my hometown Applebee’s, this burger sounded sophisticated with its mushrooms and Swiss cheese. What arrived was a heart attack on a plate masquerading as casual dining fare.
This neighborhood grill disaster packs an astonishing 1,590 calories and 105 grams of fat. The glaze adds unnecessary sugars while contributing to the shocking 2,910mg sodium count. The mushrooms might be the only redeeming nutritional component.
My friend and I split one and still felt uncomfortably full. The pretzel bun adds a nice touch flavor-wise, but doesn’t offset the nutritional nightmare lurking between those buns. Save this one for your cheat day – or maybe your cheat month!
5. Ruby Tuesday’s Portabella Crispy Onion Pretzel Cheeseburger: The Fancy Failure
The name is a mouthful, and so is this burger! During a road trip last fall, I stopped at Ruby Tuesday and got suckered in by the gourmet-sounding ingredients. What a mistake!
This pretzel-bunned beast delivers a shocking 1,659 calories and 95 grams of fat. Those crispy onion straws? Deep-fried calorie contributors that push the sodium content to a blood-pressure-spiking 3,086mg.
The portabella mushrooms might offer some nutrients, but they’re drowning in a sea of excess. My dining companion remarked that we could’ve shared this with two more people and still had leftovers! Skip this fancy failure unless you’re planning to fast for the next day or two.
6. Red Robin’s Gold Medal Burger: The Triple-Threat Takedown
Gold medal? More like gold medal for artery-clogging! I once ordered this during a celebratory lunch, thinking “go big or go home.” I nearly had to be carried home afterward!
This monstrous creation features three beef patties and three cheese slices that together deliver a whopping 1,770 calories and 126 grams of fat (51g saturated). The sodium content reaches Olympic heights at 3,820mg – more than you should consume in two days.
Red Robin offers bottomless fries with their burgers, but after this triple-decker disaster, you won’t have room for a single fry. My server actually looked impressed when I managed to finish half. This burger deserves a gold medal in the unhealthiest category!
7. In-N-Out’s Double-Double: The West Coast Wonder
First time I bit into an In-N-Out burger, I understood the cult following! Unlike the calorie bombs above, this California classic proves that simple ingredients done right create magic between two buns.
The Double-Double features two 100% beef patties, hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, and their famous spread. What makes it special? Everything’s made fresh daily – never frozen. No microwaves or heat lamps in sight!
The secret menu offers healthy hacks too. I always order mine “protein style” (wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun) when I’m watching calories. Their commitment to quality ingredients without preservatives or additives makes this a burger you can feel good about enjoying regularly.
8. Cowy Burger’s Signature Smash: The Miami Marvel
Stumbling upon Cowy Burger in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district was the highlight of my Florida vacation! Their smash burgers have that perfect crispy-edged patty that haunts my dreams.
The signature Cowy Burger features premium beef smashed thin on the griddle, creating those incredible caramelized edges. Topped with American cheese, their homemade bacon jam (sweet and savory perfection!), grilled onions, and their secret Cowy sauce.
What sets them apart? The quality of ingredients and attention to detail. Each component plays its part in a harmonious flavor symphony. The locally-sourced beef has a clean, rich taste that puts factory-farmed patties to shame. Worth every minute in the inevitable line!
9. Bad Jimmy’s Double Burger: The Phoenix Phenomenon
“You’ve gotta try Bad Jimmy’s!” my Phoenix friend insisted during my visit. Skeptical at first (with a name like Bad Jimmy’s?), I’m now a converted evangelist for this burger joint!
Their Double Burger is smash burger perfection – two thin patties with crispy, lacy edges and a juicy center. The American cheese melts into every nook while the griddled onions add sweet caramelized notes. Their house-made Thousand Island-style sauce brings everything together.
The pickle chips add the perfect acidic crunch to cut through the richness. What makes it special? The balance! No single ingredient overpowers another. I’ve literally planned my Phoenix layovers around getting to Bad Jimmy’s – it’s that good!
10. Hundred Burgers’ Artisanal Creation: The Spanish Champion
Who knew the world’s best burger would come from Spain? Hundred Burgers in Valencia captured the 2024 global burger crown, and after trying one during my European vacation, I completely understand why!
Their commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every bite. They prepare everything daily – from the pillowy demi-brioche buns to the dry-aged Galician beef that’s ground fresh each morning. The flavor profile is complex yet perfectly balanced.
What struck me most was the texture contrast: the exterior sear giving way to a perfectly pink center. Their signature sauce (a closely guarded secret) ties everything together. If you find yourself in Spain, this burger destination is worth planning your itinerary around!
11. Briochef’s Gourmet Masterpiece: The Madrid Miracle
During my foodie tour through Spain, locals kept mentioning Briochef in Madrid. “Just one more burger,” I told myself, despite having sampled my fair share already. Thank goodness I listened!
Ranked among the world’s top 25 burger restaurants, Briochef elevates the humble burger to culinary artwork. Their signature creation features premium Spanish beef cooked to medium-rare perfection on a house-made brioche that’s both sturdy and tender.
The chef’s background in fine dining shines through in the balanced flavor combinations and thoughtful construction. Each burger comes perfectly composed – no rearranging needed! The truffle aioli (my favorite touch) adds earthy luxury without overwhelming. This is a burger experience worth traveling for!
12. Soul Coffee’s Unexpected Delight: The Valencia Surprise
“A coffee shop for burgers?” I wondered skeptically. My Spanish friend insisted Soul Coffee in Valencia served burgers that rivaled dedicated burger joints. She wasn’t exaggerating!
This unassuming café ranks among the world’s top 25 burger destinations for good reason. Their signature burger features locally-sourced beef with a proprietary blend of cuts that creates the perfect fat-to-lean ratio. The bun – slightly sweet and impossibly soft – is baked in-house daily.
What makes it special? The unexpected flavor combinations! Their coffee-infused sauce adds subtle complexity that keeps you guessing with each bite. I loved watching the baristas transition seamlessly from crafting perfect espressos to assembling these burger masterpieces. A hidden gem worth seeking out!