Many people have tried to claim the invention of the burger.
Similar ground-meat-based dishes have been around since ancient Roman times. However, many sources agree that the hamburgers we know and love today originated in the Midwest of the US.
As a Midwest native from Kansas City, I wanted to see which popular chain near me had the best basic cheeseburger.
I went to Sonic, Culver’s, and Freddy’s to find out.
First, I ordered from Culver’s.
I love a good trip to Culver’s. The Wisconsin-based chain is a Midwest staple that’s expanded across 26 states since 1984.
I ordered a ButterBurger with cheese, which cost me $5.46.
Culver’s ButterBurger was the freshest-tasting option.
I liked the way Culver’s burger was wrapped in its yellow-and-white paper. I could easily peel it back to neatly eat the meal on the go.
My deluxe single cheeseburger came with one flat patty, tomato, American cheese, lettuce, sweet red onion, pickles, and the brand’s signature mayo. The bun was buttered and nicely toasted, and the produce was crisp. It tasted fresh.
I had no complaints.
Next, I swung through Sonic Drive-In.
For those who aren’t as familiar with the Oklahoma-based fast-food chain, Sonic only has drive-in and drive-thru options — customers don’t go inside.
It is by far the largest chain in this taste test, with over 3,500 locations in 47 states.
Sonic locations have stalls where you can pull in, push a button, and order your meal. Carhops then walk or skate the food to your car, giving it a nostalgic 1950s vibe.
However, you can also use the more modern drive-thru if you don’t want the production.
I was quickly in and out of there with my $5.96 burger.
Sonic’s cheeseburger was the most filling.
Sonic’s cheeseburger came wrapped in foil and paper, and it was slightly smashed on the side after riding in a paper bag to my final destination.
The patty was thick and juicy, and stacked with crinkle-cut pickles, American cheese, onions, ketchup, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Sonic’s burger patties were the juiciest and packed the most flavor. However, there was a lot of sauce, so the toasted bun was soggy by the time I sat down to eat.
I picked up Freddy’s burger last on my way home.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002. Today, there are over 500 locations across 36 states.
Inside, Freddy’s also has a bit of a ’50s diner aesthetic, with bright white-and-red decor and fun signs pointing to the pickup stations.
My cheeseburger cost $7.52 and came in a square, insulated sleeve. Since it wasn’t wrapped as tightly, I had to rearrange the bun and toppings a little when I got home.
The chain’s burger fell a little flat.
Freddy’s does flat patties with crispy edges, so its regular burgers come with two. Those are layered with two slices of cheese, crinkle-cut pickles, ketchup, mustard, onions, and a toasted bun.
I don’t know if it was the packaging or the commute, but my burger tasted more chewy and dry than crispy at the edges.
It was still a dense and delicious meal, but I missed the tomatoes and lettuce the other two came with.
If Freddy’s patties had been as crispy as I’ve had them before, I would’ve liked it more.
Culver’s cheeseburger took the crown.
The winner of the three-burger showdown was Culver’s.
The fresh, crispness of the produce and thicker tomato slices added texture and flavor. The patty was a good size, and the buttery, toasted bun was a nice touch.
Culver’s also ended up being the cheapest burger, which is a plus.
I’d definitely eat at the other two chains again, but Cuver’s burger was just too good to beat.
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