One Of The Hands-Down Best Chains For BBQ Cheeseburgers Drenches Every Bite In Flavor

Cheeseburgers and barbecue are two of America's most beloved culinary traditions, and many burger chains have started to combine the two popular offerings. We set out to find the very best barbecue cheeseburgers out there and determined that Steak 'n Shake has one worth ordering. While the chain may not have started as a burger joint, it has certainly perfected the art with its Western BBQ 'N Bacon Steakburger. Featuring two of Steak 'n Shake's smashed patties topped with American cheese, hardwood-smoked bacon, diced and crispy fried onions, and a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce, this burger has won over customers' hearts and stomachs.

A Redditor deems it one of "Steak & Shake's better items," while another Reddit user gave it a solid 8/10 and said it was " very greasy and hit the spot!" Considering smash burgers are prone to drying out, a moist Steakburger is quite the achievement. Fat from the thick-cut bacon and barbecue sauce bring even more moisture, while drenching every bite in flavor. One customer on Facebook also said they "loved the BBQ sauce, which has a hint of sweetness." 

A glowing YouTube review gave the Western BBQ 'N Bacon Steakburger an 89/100, proclaiming, "I like the fact that you're getting diced and fried onions." They certainly upgrade the burger's texture and contribute an aromatic punch to the beef and barbecue sauce. The review also praised the patties for not being paper-thin, making for a meatier chew that feels substantial and hearty.

While many reviewers complimented the hearty beefy patties, a recommendation uttered more than once by customers was to add a third patty to the burger. Some fans online also advocated for adding pickles or other sauces for some tang or heat to cut through the richness of the cheese, patties, and bacon. Adding even more crunch to your burger by getting a side of the Steak 'n Shake's shoestring fries to stuff into the buns, along with extra fried and diced onions, is another idea. The earthiness of the potatoes and umami of the beef tallow will bolster this burger's flavor profile and make it even heartier. 

The sweet and smoky barbecue sauce featured in this cheeseburger is the perfect pairing to the umami-rich patties and salty bacon, but if you want a tangy, creamy twist, we think Frisco Sauce makes any burger taste more flavorful. You can always order it alongside the burger as a side. In fact, Frisco Sauce is even a suggested add-on for the Western BBQ 'N Bacon Steakburger on Steak 'n Shake's ordering platform.

Of course, the chain isn't called Steak 'n Shake for no reason. Given its long list of milkshakes, don't forget to order one alongside your barbecue cheeseburger. Some of our favorite Steak 'n Shake milkshake flavors include Oreo Mint Cookie, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, and Red Velvet.