Americans consume an estimated 50 billion burgers each year. Amongst the beach restaurants hamburgers and cheese burgers seem to be a staple. Nationally the industry has grown in the number of hamburger chains offering specialty burgers. Several of those chains have opened operations along the Alabama gulf coast.

In a recent ranking conducted by Tasting Table, a news publication focused on food, Jack in The Box was given the designation of the worst out of 21 other national burger chains. The outlet stated "we've put together a list of burger chains ranked from worst to best according to our tastes, national polls, options available, and above all, the quality of the ingredients used to prepare the food."

First you can review the entire list and notice that 2 of the top five have local locations:

1. In-N-Out Burger
2. Five Guys
3. Shake Shack
4. Culver’s
5. Habit Burger and Grill
6. BurgerFi
7. 7th Street Burger
8. Whataburger
9. Bareburger
10. Fatburger
11. Steak N‘ Shake
12. Red Robin
13. Smashburger
14. Freddy’s
15. Checker/Rally’s
16. Wendy’s
17. McDonald’s
18. Carl’s Jr
19. Burger King
20. White Castle
21. Jack in the Box

But what about the small local burger restaurants? We have several and Alabama locals have ranked them Which do you prefer?

THE 10 BEST BURGERS IN GULF SHORES OR ORANGE BEACH - Vote

There are numerous great restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores that serve burgers. These are the TOP 10 voted on by locals and tourist. ''The ground steak sandwich became popular in the U.S. after it was introduced at the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis. Afterwards, a business named White Castle took it around the country in 1916 and we all know how McDonalds expanded with the burger in the 1950s.

Todays there are many more varieties of the 'made to order' custom hamburgers. It is estimated that there are over 84,000 burger restaurants in the U.S.. Many of those are fast service chains which may limit your choice of toppings and quality.

In the Gulf Shores area there are several locations for 'gourmet' style hamburgers. Each has a unique list of toppings and some have amazing waterfront views. Local residents have told visitors of their favorites for many years. Typically if you ask 3 people you will 3 different responses about which hamburger is the best.

Here are a few Gulf Coast burger spots worth checking out:

BLEU’S BURGERS
This craft burger kitchen features a whopping 16 beef burgers and 3 chicken options. A few highlights include: The Reuben Burger: Half-pound beef patty, Swiss, pork belly pastrami, and spicy garlic slaw on marble rye. The Beer Cheeseburger: Smoked cheddar, beer-pickled jalapeños, grilled and crispy onions, and house beer cheese on brioche. The Easy Rider: Caramelized onions, arugula, smoked Gouda, and spicy aioli. Each month, one burger becomes a “Donation Burger,” where 25% of its sales go to charity. All come with fries or a side salad.

TACKY JACK’S
With three coastal locations, Tacky Jack’s has long been known for its burgers. The TJ Burger includes two quarter-pound burger balls, smashed and seared for maximum flavor. Served on a toasted buttered bun with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, fries, and chips. Customize it with add-ons to “Jack It Up.”

SUNLINER DINER
Located in the heart of Gulf Shores, Sunliner is famous for its photogenic plates. The Jukebox Burger is a showstopper—three beef patties stacked with Swiss, cheddar, and American cheeses, bacon, fried green tomato, onion ring, fried egg, and fried pickles—all drizzled with Creole hollandaise on a brioche bun.

FLORA-BAMA YACHT CLUB & OLE RIVER GRILL
At these waterside locations, you can build your own burger, starting with a char-grilled patty on a brioche bun. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mushrooms, bacon, jalapeños, and both Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Served open-faced with a side of fries.

THE GULF
The Gulf Burger keeps things simple and delicious with 100% natural beef cooked to juicy perfection. It’s topped with a flavorful garlic aioli that adds a rich, savory finish. Enjoy this coastal classic with a waterfront view and a side of laid-back vibes.

LULU’S GULF SHORES
LuLu’s burgers come seasoned with their signature Salty Peppa blend. Choose from the “Pa-menna” with bacon and fried green tomato, or the Crazy Sista Burger with traditional toppings and your choice of cheese. Extras like sautéed onions or jalapeños cost $1, while bacon or guac run $2.

COSMO’S RESTAURANT & GTS ON THE BAY
Both spots offer a premium burger made from Angus chuck, short rib, and brisket. It’s grilled to order and served on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Cheese costs an extra dollar; bacon, $1.50.

COASTAL ORANGE BEACH
The Signature COASTAL Burger is a flavor-packed creation featuring aged white cheddar, cherrywood smoked bacon, and caramelized sweet onions. It’s topped with tomato, dill pickle chips, green leaf lettuce, wild mushroom demi-glace, and a rich bacon aioli. Served with your choice of house fries, pasta salad, or a fresh fruit medley, this burger is a must-try on the beachside menu.

THE HANGOUT
Right on the beach, The Hangout delivers six burger options. Try the classic Hang 10, the Mushroom-Swiss, or the towering Lifeguard Burger with two half-pound patties, bacon, egg, onion straws, and three cheeses. Other standouts include the Alabama Wagyu Burger, the Shaka Burger with fried shrimp, and the Bama BBQ Burger with slaw, cheddar, and smoky sauce.