McDonald’s Classic Hamburger Still Ranks as a Fan Favorite on the Modern Menu

Despite the growing variety on McDonald’s menu, the classic hamburger continues to be a standout favorite. With its straightforward ingredients and nostalgic charm, this iconic burger has held its place as a go-to option for fans, offering a simple, satisfying, and affordable choice.

McDonald’s Classic Hamburger Tops 2024 Menu Rankings for Its Simplicity and Nostalgic Appeal

The modern McDonald’s menu offers many choices, from beverages to combo meals and kid-friendly options, spanning breakfast to dessert. This starkly contrasts the simplicity of the original menu, which by 1949 featured just two burger options (with or without cheese) and nine items, including drinks. Remarkably, in the 1950s, a couple of dollars could buy everything on the menu. Yet, despite the evolution of McDonald's offerings, the classic hamburger still holds its ground as one of the best, according to Chowhound’s Katie Melynn.

Melynn, joined by her family—including three children with differing preferences—ranked nine standard burger options from McDonald’s 2024 menu, ranging from the Big Mac to the Double Quarter Pounder with cheese. She noted specific parameters for the rankings, such as her children's preference for chopped onions over sliced (which provide a more robust flavor) and her partiality for plain buns. For those who enjoy bolder flavors and more toppings, the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with bacon may top their list, but for Melynn and her pint-sized panel, the classic hamburger claimed the No. 1 spot.

McDonald’s Classic Hamburger Stands the Test of Time with Simple Satisfaction and Affordability

McDonald’s classic hamburger is a quintessential fast-food icon, maintaining much of its original charm since its debut in the 1940s. Although it has undergone some changes over the decades—such as flash-frozen patties, softer buns, and caramelized onions—today's version still delivers the same simple satisfaction. For a time-traveling fan of the original, the modern hamburger remains a familiar and nostalgic treat.

In her rankings, Melynn highlights the hamburger’s balanced taste and texture. It’s a straightforward combination of a soft bun, a single beef patty, and simple condiments—ketchup, mustard, pickles, and finely chopped onions—that complement the seasoned patty without overpowering it. Its simplicity also lends itself to practicality: the burger’s compact form ensures no sliding buns or spilled ingredients, making it a perfect option for eating on the go.

Another reason the classic hamburger stands out is its affordability. It’s a key component of one of the most economical kids' meals available, and even on its own, it’s a bargain. HackTheMenu lists it at $2.69 (depending on location), which, while slightly above the inflation-adjusted price of the original 15-cent burger from 1949 ($1.99 today), is still far below the 2024 average fast food burger price of $8.41, according to Bloomberg. You could enjoy three McDonald’s hamburgers for that price, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for those craving a classic.