Is your favorite fast-food restaurant grilling authentic burgers? Let’s find out!

When we are yearning for some good, authentic burgers, we look for places that offer freshness and cook them the proper way, right? These are two essential factors that can totally change how a burger tastes, and because of this, we tend to run away from places like Shake Shack, which uses a flat-top griddle.

Don’t get us wrong; their burgers are also delicious, but when you are looking for authentic burgers, we know that you want that open-flame taste, and hopefully, there are plenty of places that cook them this way.

We also love them cooked over an open flame, which is why we made a list that will help you find the best authentic burger fast-food chains! Read on and see if your favorite place is mentioned.

1. Dairy Queen

Most of us know Dairy Queen as this incredible summertime destination where you can find the best ice cream in town, but this is not all they have to offer; there is more!

Surprisingly, this is one of the places that sells authentic burgers. Unlike many other places that rely on flat-top griddles, Dairy Queen keeps things old-school and uses the classic flame-broiling system. This is how their signature burger is so juicy and tender while also having that smoky char taste, which can easily rival many well-known sit-down restaurants.

Now, we need to mention that this is a thing that differs from location to location. Most of them still use the classic method that we love, while others upgraded and now use the safer flat-top grills. The easy way to find out if a Dairy Queen location sells authentic burgers or not is to check the online reviews. There, you’ll find all you need to know.

2. Burger King

This place has been one of the most popular fast-food restaurants in America since 1954, and a big part of its success lies in its commitment to making flame-grilled authentic burgers. Compared to many competitors, Burger King refuses to use flat-top grills and remains devoted to the open flame, which gives their burgers that distinctive taste we all love and crave.

But why are grilled burgers so tasty? It’s all about the process! The high heat of the open flame sears the exterior of the patty. This leads to a juicy interior and crispy char exterior that everyone loves. This is called the caramelization process and adds the smoky depth of flavor that Burger King has.

But these aren’t authentic burgers just because they are grilled. This fast food chain makes its patty from 100% beef with no fillers, preservatives, or artificial ingredients! Also, add the freshly sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and any other in-store-prepared toppings, and this is how you get the perfect authentic burger.

Considering that over 11 million customers visit Burger King locations worldwide every day, we can easily say that this is one of the best fast food places for burger enthusiasts, and for sure, their flame-grilled chicken is one of the things that attracts so many people.

3. BGR

For this one, it is literally in their name because BRG stands for “Burgers Grilled Right.” As you would already expect, what makes this fast food so special is its authentic burgers, which are, as their name says, cooked using the open flame method.

But the list of things that make BGR one of the best choices when you are looking for authentic burgers doesn’t stop at the grilled burgers. They use top-notch ingredients that, besides making their burgers tasty, also make them satisfying and healthier than other available options.

Another thing that we like about this place is that they have a large variety of burgers to choose from. Maybe one time you feel fancier and decide it’s time for the Wagyu truffle burger or the Bison Chipotle Burger, and other times you just want something simple like the bacon cheeseburger. Whatever you are looking for in terms of burgers, you will probably find it at BGR.

Even more, you can also choose which bun you want your burger to have. From classic brioche to trendy pretzels, or even a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap for a carb-conscious option, this is the place where you can build the perfect burger from scratch.

The only disadvantage of this fast food chain is that you can’t find them all across the US, but if you are living in Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Utah, or Virginia, or just passing by, you are among the lucky ones who are able to enjoy some authentic burgers at the BGR locations.

4. Hardee’s

This is another one of the best places where you can find amazing authentic burgers, and many people mistake it for another incredible fast food chain for burger lovers, Carl’s Jr. Their menus might look alike because they have the same parent company, but believe us when we tell you that the taste is different.

The story is the same as with other entries on this list; they are devoted to the charcoal cooking technique, which is good for both aesthetics and the unmistakable taste we all think about when we imagine a properly cooked burger.

Hardee’s also has an extensive menu with a lot of variety for their hungry clients. One of the favorites is by far the classic Frisco Burger, made with a 100% Angus beef patty, melted Swiss cheese, crisp bacon, and fresh toppings on toasted sourdough bread. Read this again and tell us: Who can say no to something that sounds so delicious?

If you are truly hungry and looking for authentic burgers, you can go big and try their Monster Burger, which is made with a double-stacked patty with four strips of bacon and triple American cheese!

So, the next time you’re in the Southern, Midwestern, or Eastern United States and craving a burger that goes beyond the ordinary, be sure that you’ll never go wrong with Hardee’s.

5. Carl’s Jr.

Since we told you about Hardee’s, we also have to tell you more about Carl’s Jr. This is not just another restaurant on the West Coast, but a haven for those who are in love with authentic burgers and try to find them everywhere they go.

The 100% all-beef patties in their signature items like the “Single Famous Star,” combined with the delicious melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, and their iconic special sauce, create some of the most perfect burgers you are going to find in a fast food chain.

If you are looking for something more challenging and you are a fan of eating spicy, then you can’t miss “El Diablo.” This burger gracefully and tastefully combines bacon with jalapeño poppers, creating one of the best experiences in the fast food burger world.

Here, you can also find other foods beyond burgers. From chicken sandwiches to loaded breakfast burritos and classic sides like natural-cut fries, you can enjoy them all in the over 1,000 locations you can find all over the US.

If you want to learn how to cook authentic burgers at home, this book might be incredibly helpful: The Great American Burger Book (Expanded and Updated Edition): How to Make Authentic Regional Hamburgers at Home

You should also read: Top 6 Seniors’ Favorite Fast Food Options in America