a person holding a sandwich in their hands

5 Chains Where the Burgers Don’t Justify the Cost Anymore

If you’ve noticed your burger cravings don’t feel as rewarding lately, you’re not alone. Prices at some popular burger chains have climbed while the quality or portion size hasn’t kept up, leaving many customers feeling like their meal isn’t worth the cost.

This article looks at five burger chains where the price no longer matches what you get in your meal, helping you avoid paying more for less. Knowing where not to spend can save you money and make your next burger run more satisfying.

Tasty cheeseburger with layered beef patties, cheese, and bacon on a plate.
Photo by ramon rangel

Burger King

If you’re craving a Whopper, be ready to pay more than you might expect. The price of a meal, including fries and a drink, can easily top $10 now.

You might notice the quality isn’t always consistent either. Sometimes your burger feels just okay, not quite worth the higher price.

Overall, if you’re watching your budget, Burger King might not give you the best bang for your buck these days.

The Habit Burger Grill

If you’ve tried Habit Burger Grill recently, you might notice the prices feel a bit steep for what you get. It started as a solid fast-casual spot known for chargrilled burgers, but the cost often creeps up when you add extras.

The quality is decent, but sometimes it doesn’t match the premium price tag. Plus, they dropped the Impossible Burger, which might disappoint plant-based fans. If you’re watching your budget, Habit Burger may not be the best place to splurge on a burger right now.

Shake Shack

If you’ve been to Shake Shack recently, you might have noticed the prices creeping up. A basic Shackburger can cost around $7.50, which feels steep compared to other fast food spots.

The chain promotes quality ingredients, but some customers say the taste doesn’t quite match the price. You’re paying a premium, but the portion size and flavor might leave you wanting more.

People on Reddit and review sites often mention that Shake Shack feels overpriced for what you get, especially when similar or better burgers are available elsewhere for less.

Red Robin

If you’ve been to Red Robin lately, you might notice the prices feel a bit high for what you get. Their famous bottomless fries are a nice bonus, but the burgers themselves often come across as just average for the price.

You might also spot fewer locations around, as Red Robin is closing many underperforming restaurants to stay affordable. This means your local spot could change, and the overall dining experience might vary more than you expect.

If you’re after value, the inconsistent quality and higher prices could make you think twice before choosing Red Robin for your burger fix.

Carl’s Jr.

If you’ve been to Carl’s Jr. lately, you might have noticed the burgers don’t feel like they’re worth the price anymore. The chain has been trying to stay competitive with new value menus and larger burgers, but quality and consistency have taken a hit.

You might also be missing some favorites, like the Beyond Burger, which they recently discontinued. While they still offer bold, charbroiled beef options, many customers have said the taste and service don’t match what they pay for anymore.