Habit Burger’s Double Char Named America’s Favorite for Third Year

The Double Char burger from Habit Burger & Grill has earned the title of America’s favorite fast-food burger for the third consecutive year. This recognition came from USA TODAY’s 2026 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Additionally, Habit Burger was celebrated as the best fast-casual restaurant for the second time in a row.

Established in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California, Habit Burger & Grill has expanded to over 350 locations. The restaurant specializes in chargrilled offerings, with the Double Char featuring two beef patties, caramelized onions, fresh vegetables, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. Additional cheese is optional.

“Charring burgers over an open flame since 1969, Habit Burger & Grill started in Santa Barbara, California, and has grown to include over 350 restaurants,” USA TODAY reported.

Beyond burgers, Habit Burger offers a wide menu range from chicken clubs to ahi tuna. Yet, the Charburgers, cooked individually over flames, stand out as a customer favorite.

The USA TODAY awards cover various travel and lifestyle categories, voted by readers. In-N-Out’s Double-Double burger secured second place, praised for its freshly baked bun and unchanged spread recipe since 1948. Freddy’s Original Double claimed third with its classic steakburger appeal.

Other notable entries include A&W’s Papa Burger in fourth, marked by its hearty ingredients, and Culver’s double ButterBurger Cheese in fifth, renowned for its seared-to-order beef and Wisconsin cheese.

Also in the top 10 were offerings from Shake Shack, Five Guys, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Whataburger. Habit Burger’s success reflects its ownership under Yum! Brands, which includes Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut.

Habit has over 380 locations across 14 U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Florida, and others. The expansion also reaches international markets.