3 Must-Try Fast Food Burgers in the West Coast of USA

Summer is the perfect time for one of America’s classic comfort food, the burger. Visitors to California often make a beeline for the popular In-N-Out burger, but we are going to tell you where else to go for juicy, succulent and messy burgers. Get those paper napkins ready!

1. In-N-Out

For the uninitiated, In-N-Out is a West Coast legend and is famous for its “Not So Secret” menu? This burger chain has been around since 1948, serving up three types of burgers from its rather Spartan menu. Deciding on the burger you want should be easy here. There’s the “Double Double”, the Cheeseburger and the Hamburger.

Urban legend has it that there’s a “secret menu” that only insiders know and order from. In-N-Out has debunked that myth by saying it’s just how customers like their burgers prepared. In fact, I once had a burger at In-N-Out that was not even on their secret menu. I wasn’t in the mood for meat that particular day and the server suggested a tomato patty to replace the beef. Give it a try the next time you are there, make it a special order and see what you get.

The décor of the stores is retro burger joint meets fast food. They have open concept kitchens where you get to watch how your order is prepared. I like how the fries are dropped straight into the fryer immediately after they cut the potatoes. That’s as fresh as you can get.

Today, there are some 300 stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah. It is no longer ONLY found in California. Another myth debunked!

In-N-Out Burger, www.in-n-out.com

2. Habit Burger

The Consumer Reports ran a survey a while ago and The Habit Burger Grill was rated “The Best Tasting Burger” in America. A true blue Californian, the Habit started in the coastal town of Santa Barbara back in 1969. Today, there are over 115 restaurants in California, Arizona, Utah, New Jersey and Florida.

The Habit’s motto is “Respect the Burger” so they only char-grill the 100% fresh ground beef over an open flame. The result is a smoky and juicy burger topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and caramelised onions. It’s easy to see why they are rated the best tasting burger.

If you like something fancy, you can order a side of sweet potato fries to go with your burger. And in keeping with their coastal roots, they have beach-inspired items such as albacore tuna sandwich and fresh made-to-order salads.

In terms of value, dining at The Habit feels like you are getting a gourmet burger but at fast food price.

Habit Burger, www.habitburger.com

3. Super Duper Burgers

I’ve saved my favourite for last. Super Duper is in the “real-food fast food” category (as opposed to highly processed fast food) but with an artisanal twist.

To ensure they have the best and freshest ingredients, they sourced ingredients locally so expect to pay a little more. The milkshakes and soft serve ice cream are made with organic cream from the Straus Family Creamery. I am a huge fan of their milkshakes because it has just the right amount of sweetness.

But the star is the burger they serve up. Because they buy locally, the meat they use is never frozen and ground fresh each day. The burger patties have 20% fat and are cooked medium (about 1 minute per side). That means Super Duper burgers are juicy, messy business. To enjoy this American classic, order a side of garlic fries that are dripped with melted aged cheddar. And to wash it all down, order a glass of beer or wine.

Given their commitment to being local, Super Duper can only be found in the Bay Area. There are currently 10 locations, six in San Francisco and two each in the North and South Bay respectively.

Super Duper Burgers, superduperburgers.com