I went to Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Smashburger with a $20 budget. One chain offered the best food and the most value.

I visited Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Smashburger with a $20 budget to determine which fast-casual burger chain offered the best food and value. I ordered similar menu items at each restaurant— a cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake or soda. At Shake Shack, the ShackBurger ($7.79) consisted of an Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce.

The ShackSauce was creamy and tangy, while the crinkle-cut fries ($4.99) were crispy and well salted. A vanilla shake ($6.49) rounded out the meal, totaling $19.27. The ShackBurger, fries, and shake provided a solid meal for the price.

Next, I visited Five Guys, where the Little Cheeseburger ($9.25) included one beef patty and customizable toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and ketchup. The Little Fry ($5.30) was larger than expected, making the meal more affordable. However, the burgers tasted similar to traditional fast food, and the high prices made it hard to justify the cost. I opted for a Diet Coke ($3.30) for $17.85 before tax and tip, resulting in less variety for my money.

Finally, I tried Smashburger, where the Classic Smash ($7.89) came with an Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, ketchup, and Smash Sauce. The burger tasted fresh, and the fries were delicious. Although I couldn't afford a milkshake, the overall meal left a lasting impression and provided excellent value for the money.