(Via.)

“The hamburger is definitive, greasy but oddly clean-tasting at the same time and the sauce actually is ‘special.’ And the shake tastes the way shakes tasted back when I was a kid. It makes me tear up just thinkin’ about it.”

—Alton Brown, host of Iron Chef America

“I dare anyone to tell me their burgers aren’t as good as any you’ll fine anywhere, from fast food to fine dining.”

—Tyler Florence, host of Tyler’s Ultimate

“It’s fast, it’s hot, there are code words – what’s not to enjoy?”

—David Myers, Sona and Comme Ca, Los Angeles

“It’s the perfect example of classic American fast food. It satisfies my craving for meat, crisp fries, and their special sauce.”

—Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville, California and Per Se, New York City

“It’s a rite of passage for all visitors to California.”

—Nate Appleman, A16 and SPQR, San Francisco

“The places are incredibly clean. I’m impressed as hell by that. And whatever’s in that sauce is tasty.”

—Charlie Palmer, Aureole, New York City and Charlie Palmer Steak, multiple locations

The Best Fast Food in America: Esquire’s Chef Survey (Esquire)

(Via.)