Soda at a fast-food place is nice and all, but it doesn't come close to the perfect trifecta of burgers, fries and milkshakes. Like the Three Musketeers, this triad comes to the rescue of those who are hungry for something quick, greasy and cheap.
Some people think of milkshakes as a bonus. But those who know better understand that the key to a good fast-food binge is a great shake. So, which shakes sog up the whole meal and which elevate it? This is our ranking of fast-food milkshakes, from worst to best.
10. McDonald's
Molly M. / Yelp
Year founded: 1940
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
No. of states with a franchise: 50
Bottom Line: McDonald's
Aaron S. / Yelp
As a whole, we think McDonald's has one of the worst regular shakes in the fast-food industry. Go ahead, order a vanilla one, and try to tell us it's not sugared water with a bit of texture.
The clown manages to redeem himself with the one and only McFlurry, which is actually pretty darn good. But this treat made with soft serve and either M&M's or Oreos isn't technically a milkshake, so it doesn't count in the grand scheme of milkshake rankings.
9. Burger King
Gabriel T. / Yelp
Year founded: 1954
Headquarters: Miami, Florida
No. of states with a franchise: 50
Bottom Line: Burger King
Annie T. / Yelp
Burger King's shakes aren't terrible. They're definitely edible. But let's do an experiment: Try to recall what they taste like. Can't come up with anything? Us either.
And that's because the King delivers generic shakes that at most inspire a "meh" from us.
8. In-N-Out Burger
Year founded: 1948
Headquarters: Irvine, California
No. of states with a franchise: 6
Bottom Line: In-N-Out Burger
Helen N. / Yelp
We hate to do this to In-N-Out, but the truth is the truth. These shakes are decent, but the chain clearly puts no effort into them, simply offering three flavors.
We won't even tell you which ones because you already know them. Yawn.
7. Chick-fil-A
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Year founded: 1946
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
No. of states with a franchise: 48
Bottom Line: Chick-fil-A
Jessica A. / Yelp
We know a lot of people are going to be enraged by this, but we don't think Chick-fil-A's milkshakes are anything to write home about. We appreciate the whipped cream topping. But it doesn't make up for the uninspired flavor underneath.
Plus, this fast-food chain is constantly embroiled in controversy, and drama is as tasteless as its shakes.
6. Five Guys
Hazel Nicholson / Wikimedia Commons
Year founded: 1986
Headquarters: Lorton, Virginia
No. of states with a franchise: 50
Bottom Line: Five Guys
Gary L. / Yelp
We're typically big fans of Five Guys, ranking the chain highly for its burgers and fries. But we have to admit milkshakes are its weak point. Not that they're bad, but they are pricy and don't deliver anything special.
Plus, the chain offers a bacon milkshake, and that's just a crime against decency and the human body.
5. Wendy's
Christine I. / Yelp
Year founded: 1969
Headquarters: Dublin, Ohio
No. of states with a franchise: 50
Bottom Line: Wendy's
Aleana W. / Yelp
Listen, we know Wendy's frosty shakes aren't the fanciest out there. But there's just something about their thick simplicity that is irresistible.
Between the big three (Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King), we'd go for a frosty every time.
4. Dairy Queen
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Year founded: 1940
Headquarters: Bloomington, Minnesota
No. of states with a franchise: 49
Bottom Line: Dairy Queen
Megan A. / Yelp
Dairy Queen comes in to compete against burger places with its absolutely delicious shakes. You'll get some of the most varied flavors in the fast-food game, all for pretty reasonable prices.
The only problem with these shakes is they have to stand on their own because we don't recommend ordering Dairy Queen's burgers or fries.
3. Steak 'n Shake
Celia C. / Yelp
Year founded: 1934
Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
No. of states with a franchise: 28
Bottom Line: Steak 'n Shake
Jennifer P. / Yelp
Offering over 15 flavors, Steak 'n Shake will make it difficult for you to choose a milkshake — all the more reason to come back and try every flavor!
But the chain doesn't just deliver in quantity. The quality of these shakes competes with those of fast-casual restaurants like Fuddruckers.
2. Sonic Drive-In
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Year founded: 1953
Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
No. of states with a franchise: 46
Bottom Line: Sonic
Jacqueline T. / Yelp
Sonic milkshakes are famous throughout the country for their deliciousness. Legend has it that they're hand-mixed and made with actual ice cream, which convinces people to pay double what they do at other fast-food joints. You'll have plenty of choices when it comes to flavor; plus, every shake has whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Want our advice? Try the strawberry cheesecake master shake. It's just too good.
1. Shake Shack
Carolina T. / Yelp
Year founded: 2001
Headquarters: New York City, New York
No. of states with a franchise: 12
Bottom Line: Shake Shack
Faye L. / Yelp
Shake Shack, as a whole, tends to blow other fast-food places out of the water. It delivers on quality and speed, and its shakes are so good, our mouth waters just thinking about them.
Sure, the joint doesn't offer as many flavors as the runner-ups, but it doesn't have to. Once you've tried the black and white shake, other fast-food milkshakes will never hit the same.