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14 Fast Food Chains That Nail The Bacon Cheeseburger—And 1 That’s A Total Letdown

14 Fast Food Chains That Nail The Bacon Cheeseburger—And 1 That’s A Total Letdown

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Who doesn’t crave a juicy bacon cheeseburger when hunger strikes? That magical trio of sizzling beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon creates pure fast-food heaven when done right.

But not all bacon cheeseburgers deserve your hard-earned dollars – some chains absolutely nail this American classic while others leave you wishing you’d ordered something else entirely.

15. Five Guys’ Bacon Cheeseburger Reigns Supreme

Five Guys' Bacon Cheeseburger Reigns Supreme
© Manchester Evening News

Holy smokes, Five Guys doesn’t mess around when crafting their bacon cheeseburger masterpiece! Fresh-ground beef sizzles on the grill while thick-cut, crispy bacon awaits its perfect placement.

The melted American cheese acts as the delicious glue holding this magnificent creation together. Want toppings? Choose from their famous 15+ free additions!

14. Shake Shack’s SmokeShack Brings The Heat

Shake Shack's SmokeShack Brings The Heat
© The Pursuit of Food Perfection – WordPress.com

Ever wondered what happens when premium Angus beef meets applewood-smoked bacon and cherry peppers? Shake Shack’s SmokeShack answers that delicious question with authority!

Their signature ShackSauce ties everything together with tangy perfection. Though slightly pricier than competitors, the quality ingredients and expert preparation justify every penny spent on this magnificent creation.

13. Smashburger’s Bacon Smash Delivers Flavor Explosion

Smashburger's Bacon Smash Delivers Flavor Explosion
© froth_and_fodder

What if I told you Smashburger’s signature smashing technique creates the perfect crispy-edged patty for maximum flavor? Their Bacon Smash combines this perfectly-seared beef with applewood-smoked bacon and aged cheddar.

Smashburger’s toasted artisan buns cradle this magnificent creation while their signature Smash Sauce adds the perfect tangy finish. Grab extra napkins – this beauty gets deliciously messy!

12. Whataburger’s Bacon & Cheese Whataburger Satisfies Texas-Sized Appetites

Whataburger's Bacon & Cheese Whataburger Satisfies Texas-Sized Appetites
© X

Y’all haven’t lived until you’ve sunk your teeth into Whataburger’s legendary bacon cheeseburger! The Texas-based chain serves up 5-inch patties topped with three strips of crispy bacon and melted American cheese.

Their toasted five-inch bun somehow contains this massive creation. Fans drive hours just for a taste of this iconic burger. Share your Whataburger experience with friends who haven’t yet discovered this Southern treasure!

11. Culver’s ButterBurger Bacon Deluxe Masters Midwest Flavor

Culver's ButterBurger Bacon Deluxe Masters Midwest Flavor
© Taste of Home

Behold the wonder of Culver’s ButterBurger Bacon Deluxe! Fresh, never-frozen beef gets seared to perfection then topped with Wisconsin cheese and hardwood-smoked bacon.

The magic happens when they butter and toast their buns – hence the name “ButterBurger.” Culver’s commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every bite. Midwesterners know – this chain deserves its cult-like following!

10. In-N-Out’s Not-So-Secret Bacon Cheeseburger Wows West Coast Fans

In-N-Out's Not-So-Secret Bacon Cheeseburger Wows West Coast Fans
© Cheapism

Though not officially on the menu, In-N-Out’s “secret” bacon cheeseburger has achieved legendary status among West Coast burger aficionados! Request your Double-Double “with bacon” to unlock this customized treasure.

Fresh-ground chuck, American cheese, and crispy bacon create harmony with their famous spread. In-N-Out’s commitment to never-frozen ingredients makes this off-menu gem worth seeking out. Try it animal-style for extra flavor!

9. Wendy’s Baconator Delivers Meaty Magnificence

Wendy's Baconator Delivers Meaty Magnificence
© Summer Yule Nutrition and Recipes

Carnivores rejoice! Wendy’s Baconator doesn’t skimp on the good stuff – featuring two quarter-pound fresh beef patties and SIX strips of Applewood smoked bacon!

American cheese melts perfectly between each layer of this meaty masterpiece. No vegetables dare interrupt this protein paradise. The Baconator has spawned an entire family of bacon-centric menu items – try the Breakfast Baconator next time morning hunger strikes!

8. Steak ‘n Shake’s Frisco Melt Puts A Tasty Twist On Tradition

Steak 'n Shake's Frisco Melt Puts A Tasty Twist On Tradition
© Samsung Food

How brilliant was Steak ‘n Shake to reinvent the bacon cheeseburger with their Frisco Melt? Two steakburger patties nestle between sourdough bread with American and Swiss cheeses plus crispy bacon.

Their signature Frisco sauce elevates this creation beyond ordinary burger territory. Founded in 1934, this chain still grinds their premium steakburgers in-house daily. Grab this melty masterpiece with their famous thin fries for the full experience!

7. Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger Brings BBQ Flair

Hardee's/Carl's Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger Brings BBQ Flair
© carlsjr

Yee-haw! Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger lassoes bold flavors with its charbroiled Angus patty topped with bacon, American cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce.

The unexpected crispy onion rings INSIDE the burger provide delightful crunch and sweetness. This iconic offering has remained virtually unchanged since its 1980s debut. Saddle up and try this unique take on the bacon cheeseburger tradition!

6. A&W’s Bacon Cheeseburger Pairs Perfectly With Root Beer

A&W's Bacon Cheeseburger Pairs Perfectly With Root Beer
© Remind Magazine

Since 1919, A&W has perfected the art of classic American fast food, and their bacon cheeseburger stands as delicious proof! 100% U.S. beef patties sizzle on the grill before meeting crispy bacon and melted American cheese.

A&W’s signature Papa Sauce adds creamy tanginess to each bite. Pair this timeless burger with their famous draft root beer for the ultimate nostalgic combo. This underrated chain deserves more love from burger enthusiasts!

5. Sonic’s SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger Delivers Drive-In Delight

Sonic's SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger Delivers Drive-In Delight
© DoorDash

Zoom to Sonic for their SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger – a drive-in delight that satisfies serious hunger! Two quarter-pound beef patties team up with crispy bacon, two slices of American cheese, and all the classic fixings.

Sonic’s toasted brioche bun provides the perfect vehicle for this flavor-packed creation. Order through their iconic drive-in speaker system and enjoy this masterpiece with their famous cherry limeade. Don’t forget to tip your carhop!

4. BurgerFi’s Breakfast All Day Burger Breaks The Rules

BurgerFi's Breakfast All Day Burger Breaks The Rules
© Reddit

Morning, noon, or night – BurgerFi’s Breakfast All Day Burger satisfies cravings whenever they strike! Angus beef meets American cheese, bacon, maple syrup, hash brown, grilled onions, and a fried egg in this rule-breaking creation.

The sweet-savory combination might sound strange but tastes absolutely divine. BurgerFi’s commitment to all-natural, hormone-free beef makes this indulgence slightly less guilt-inducing. Tag us in your yolk-dripping burger photos!

3. The Habit Burger’s Charburger With Cheese And Bacon Earns Cult Following

The Habit Burger's Charburger With Cheese And Bacon Earns Cult Following
© DoorDash

Fire up your taste buds with The Habit Burger’s flame-grilled Charburger topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese! Their signature caramelized patties develop incredible flavor from open-flame cooking.

Fresh California ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions add brightness to each bite. The Habit’s mayo-based secret sauce ties everything together perfectly. This West Coast chain continues expanding nationwide due to rabid fan demand!

2. McDonald’s Bacon Quarter Pounder Surprises Skeptics

McDonald's Bacon Quarter Pounder Surprises Skeptics
© USA Today

Against all odds, McDonald’s revamped Bacon Quarter Pounder has transformed from fast-food afterthought to legitimate contender! Their switch to fresh beef in 2018 revolutionized this burger’s quality.

Thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon adds satisfying crunch to the juicy quarter-pound patty. Three slices of melty American cheese create the perfect gooey texture. Who knew the Golden Arches could create such a worthy bacon cheeseburger contender?

1. Burger King’s Bacon King Falls Flat On Flavor

Burger King's Bacon King Falls Flat On Flavor
© Sports Illustrated

Alas, Burger King’s Bacon King represents the ultimate bacon cheeseburger disappointment! Despite boasting eight bacon strips and two beef patties, the execution consistently falls short of expectations.

Flavorless bacon, dry patties, and unmelted cheese plague this sad creation. The flame-grilled promise rarely delivers meaningful taste. Save your money and bacon cravings for literally any other option on this list – your taste buds will thank you!