California burger chain is No. 1 in the nation, USA Today says. Which one?
Searching for a quick bite to eat? A California-based burger chain is dishing up the most delicious meals in the nation, according to USA Today readers.
The publication recently ranked the best fast casual restaurants in the United States in 2025, searching out quick-service eateries that maintain a “perfect balance of speed and quality.”
“They deliver fresh, customizable meals; inviting atmospheres and exceptional value, all while maintaining the efficiency that diners crave,” USA Today said, proving that fast casual food can be “both affordable and unforgettable.”
Habit Burger & Grill — founded in Santa Barbara and headquartered in Irvine — nabbed the No. 1 ranking on the list.
Here’s why it snagged the top spot:
.jpg "Charburger Combo hi res jpg (1).jpg")
Why is Habit Burger & Grill No. 1 in the US?
Habit Burger & Grill earned first place on USA Today’s list of best fast casual restaurants for its delectably diverse menu — with options ranging from a mango miso crunch salad to an ahi tuna filet and a barbecue bacon burger with cheese.
“The restaurant chain really shines when it comes to red meat,” USA Today said.
Habit Burger specializes in burger patties cooked over an open flame.
“Charburgers are a particular menu highlight thanks to their method of preparation, with each individual sandwich chargrilled over an open flame before serving,” USA Today said.
The California-based fast casual chain has been around since 1969.
Since then, it’s expanded to more than 350 restaurants across the country.
USA Today: California company has best burgers in the nation
In addition to being named the nation’s No. 1 fast casual restaurant, Habit Burger & Grill took the top spot on USA Today’s list of the 10 best fast food sides to try in 2025.
In that ranking, USA Today praised Habit Burger & Grill’s tempura green beans as a tasty side dish that “combines the crispiness of tempura with the fresh flavor of green beans.”
Habit Burger also serves up the best fast food burgers in the United States, according to USA Today.
The chain has landed best burger bragging rights for two years in a row, taking the crown in 2024 and 2025.
Which restaurant chains with California ties made the list?
A total of eight restaurant chains with locations in California earned spots on USA Today’s list.
San Diego-based Qdoba Mexican Eats was No. 2 on the publication’s list for letting customers create their “own Mexican masterpieces,” USA Today said.
USA Today named Illinois-based Portillo’s as the third-best fast casual restaurant in the nation. The chain has locations in Southern California and is known for its Italian beef sandwiches.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is headquartered in Newport Beach, was No. 6 on USA Today’s list. Its menu features burritos, bowls, tacos and salads.
New York City-based Shake Shake nabbed the No. 7 spot on the list. The burger and milkshake chain has locations across California.
Moe’s Southwest Grill — headquartered in Atlanta — was ranked No. 8 for its “fresh salsas” and “famous queso.” It has two locations in the Golden State.
Panera Bread started near St. Louis and has nearly 200 locations across California. The bakery-cafe landed the ninth spot on USA Today’s rankings for its sandwiches, salads and soups.
The 10th and final place on the list went to Five Guys, based in Virginia. Across its California locations, the chain is known for its burgers, fries and shakes.
Where are Habit Burger & Grill locations in California?
Habit Burger & Grill has more than 270 locations in California, including:
- 7340 El Camino Real in Atascadero
- 839 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo
- 4730 Freeport Blvd. in Sacramento
- 8124 Delta Shores in Sacramento
- 3520 North Blackstone Ave. in Fresno
- 702 West Shaw Ave. in Fresno
- 3680 G St. in Merced
- 1801 McHenry Ave., Suite D, in Modesto
Where are top 10 fast casual restaurants in US?
These were the 10 best quick service restaurant chains in the United States in 2025, according to USA Today:
- 1. Habit Burger & Grill
- 2. Qdoba Mexican Eats
- 3. Torchy’s Tacos
- 4. Portillo’s
- 5. Culver’s
- 6. Chipotle Mexican Grill
- 7. Shake Shack
- 8. Moe’s Southwest Grill
- 9. Panera Bread
- 10. Five Guys
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To narrow down its list of the best fast casual joints in the nation, USA Today said it called on a panel of experts to nominate their favorites.
The publication then asked readers to vote for their top picks.
The best fast casual restaurants with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California burger chain is No. 1 in the nation, USA Today says. Which one?."
