Additional Coverage:
- I tried cheeseburgers from Shake Shack, McDonald’s, and Burger King. There was only one I’d order again. (businessinsider.com)
Burger Battle: Local Food Writer Ranks Fast Food Favorites
A local food writer, no stranger to the classic cheeseburger, recently embarked on a taste test to determine which fast-food chain reigns supreme in the burger arena. The contenders?
Shake Shack, Burger King, and McDonald’s. Here’s the juicy verdict:
Shake Shack’s ShackBurger: A First-Time Favorite
Experiencing Shake Shack for the first time, our writer was eager to see if the restaurant lived up to the hype. The ShackBurger, complete with cheese, lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce, and pickles, was a resounding success.
The crispy, charred edges of the Angus beef patty, combined with its tender texture, made a strong first impression. Fresh toppings, a soft potato bun with a hint of sweetness, and the signature ShackSauce created a harmonious blend of flavors.
Verdict: A definite reorder.
Burger King’s Cheeseburger: A Classic with a Messy Twist
Next up was Burger King. Ordering a classic cheeseburger with the standard fixings (plus lettuce and tomato for consistency), our writer found the experience to be a mixed bag.
While the flame-broiled flavor delivered a satisfying backyard barbecue taste, the overwhelming amount of ketchup and mustard masked other flavors. The sesame seed bun, though light and fluffy, lacked character.
Verdict: Probably wouldn’t order again.
McDonald’s Cheeseburger: A Disappointing Trip Down Memory Lane
Finally, the taste test landed at McDonald’s, a familiar favorite from our writer’s childhood. However, the cheeseburger, ordered with the standard toppings plus lettuce and tomato, proved to be a letdown.
The bun was overly sweet and slightly stale, and the patty itself left an unpleasant aftertaste. The burger was also structurally unsound, with toppings slipping and sliding with each bite.
Verdict: A no-go, despite fond memories of the Quarter Pounder.
And the Winner Is…
Shake Shack emerged as the clear winner, despite being the priciest option. The ShackBurger’s balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and perfectly cooked patty earned it top marks. While the other contenders offered glimpses of satisfaction, Shake Shack ultimately delivered the most enjoyable burger experience.