Americas 5 best fast-food cheeseburgers ranked, from iconic classics to newcomers

The cheeseburger has been an American favorite for nearly a century, and it has its own special day.Sept.18 marks National Cheeseburger Day in the United States.

Though the origins of the beloved dish are murky, many believe the cheeseburger was created in the 1920s before becoming an American staple in the 1940s.The combination of grilled beef, creamy American cheese and juicy pickles on a soft bun makes it a staple from barbecues to fast-food drive-thrus. If you feel like celebrating, Chowhound has ranked five of the best fast-food cheeseburgers across the U.S.See the picks below.The deliciousness of Culver’s ButterBurger — and the popularity surrounding it — is a point of pride for many Midwesterners.Culver’s describes the ButterBurger as “a family specialty with a little extra.”“We use only fresh, never frozen beef, seared on a grill after you order,” the Wisconsin-based chain’s website states.“Topped with real American cheese made in Wisconsin and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.”While prices vary by location, ButterBurgers are generally affordable, with Culver’s site listing it at $5.50.The ShackBurger is the signature burger of Shake Shack, a chain that began in New York but has since expanded to 30 states.Shake Shack’s website describes the made-to-order burger as having “a quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef.”The burger also features American cheese, tomato, lettuce and the chain’s signature ShackSauce, all on a toasted potato bun.The ShackBurger can cost between $8 and $11, depending on your location and whether you opt for two patties.Many Americans flock to Five Guys for its delicious burgers and fries — plus the barrels of peanuts and quaint checkered decor.The Virginia-based chain boasts 2,000 locations worldwide, per its website, and its cheeseburger reigns as one of its most popular meals.The burger features “American-style cheese melted between fresh patties and placed on a soft, toaste...