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Habit Burger & Grill’s Double Char burger has captured the top ranking in USA TODAY’s 2026 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, marking its third consecutive victory in the annual competition. The chain also earned recognition as the best fast-casual restaurant for the second year in succession. The accolade reflects sustained reader preference for the flame-grilled sandwich among a field of major fast-food chains.
The Double Char features two chargrilled beef patties prepared over an open flame, paired with caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo and a toasted bun. Customers have the option to add cheese to the sandwich. Founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California, Habit Burger & Grill now operates more than 380 locations across 14 states and internationally, according to company information.
In-N-Out’s Double-Double burger secured second place, celebrated for its slow-rising sponge dough bun, two American cheese slices and proprietary spread formula maintained since 1948. Freddy’s Original Double took third with two steakburger patties, cheese, onion, pickles and mustard. A&W’s Papa Burger finished fourth, while Culver’s double ButterBurger Cheese rounded out the top five.
The top 10 list also included offerings from Shake Shack, Five Guys, Burger King, Wendy’s and Whataburger. Habit Burger operates in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Washington. The chain is owned by Yum! Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.
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