Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The hamburger, the most iconic fast food item.

Since 1921, when White Castle debuted the first fast-food eatery in the United States, Americans have found comfort in the ground beef patty on a bun.

To decide which Northeast Ohio fast food and fast casual chain has the best burger, Cleveland's Best reporters Brenda Cain and Yadi Rodriguez taste-tested the offerings at 13 restaurants, then ranked them.

The rankings below are based on one unannounced visit to a location and the experience we had on that day. All burgers were ordered as the restaurant serves them.

Five Guys won our taste test, but check out how your favorite burger ranked below. And where to avoid.

Related: Who has the best fast food cheeseburger? The worst? We have answers after 13-stop taste test

Don't Edit

No. 13 McDonald's

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

This bun was toasted, which helped the small patty a bit. The burger was served cold and definitely had been sitting for a while.

It also was difficult to taste the patty since it was drowning in condiments.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 12 Dairy Queen

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Another burger drowning in ketchup, which totally overwhelmed the taste of the meat. However, it was served piping hot! We did detect a slight after-taste of grease.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 11 Rally's

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

While the sesame bun was fresh, the burger was not. It was dry and tasteless.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 10 Swensons

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Swensons did not totally measure up to its reputation on our visit.

Hamburger buns get a bit soggy when microwaved and this burger bun was either microwaved or had been steamed mercilessly before it was served to us.

The look of the burger was less than appetizing, with its smashed appearance.

The burger itself was flat. Swensons starts out with a plain burger -- with your choice of condiments. Perhaps adding them would have boosted the taste of the meat.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

No. 9 Burger King

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Our "flame-broiled patty" did have a grilled taste, but was very dry.

The condiments were not evenly distributed, which made the sesame bun soggy on one side.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 8 Sonic

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

After encountering a number of burgers that were more bun than meat, it was refreshing to find a burger that equaled the size of the bun.

This patty, served with tomato, chopped onion, pickles, shredded lettuce, ketchup and mustard, was thicker than most so you could still taste the meat.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 7 Hardee's

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

While most fast food restaurants serve frozen patties, this one tasted more frozen than most.

We were able to detect a slight flame-cooked taste. The best part of this burger was the fresh-toasted sesame seed bun.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 6 Mr. Hero

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Hungry for a burger? And looking for a unique one?

Mr. Hero is your place since its burger consists of two patties served on a 7-inch bun.

The meat, which was dry and mushy, had a bit of a Middle Eastern spice to it.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 5 Steak 'n Shake

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

These burger patties are made fresh when you order them, so they are served hot, and the meat fills the bun.

The toppings -- pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo and ketchup -- are plentiful and fresh as well.

All in all, a solid burger.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

No. 4 Wendy's

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Wendy's is home of the square patty, but at least you will get a piece of meat in every bite.

Again, the burger is cooked fresh, so it was delivered hot and moist, topped with pickle chips, one onion slice, ketchup and mustard.

It was a tasty burger.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 3 Culver's

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

If you are looking for texture, we suggest you order a burger at Culver's.

Cooked fresh, the edges of the burger were crispy, and the toasted bun provided a nice crunch as well.

Best of all, you could taste the full flavor of the beef.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 2 Shake Shack

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Possibly the most unique aspect of the Shake Shack burger is the patty is bigger than the bun!

The not perfectly-shaped patty has size, is crispy around the edges and is cooked fresh when you order it, providing a nice crunch. You definitely get that backyard grilled taste.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

No. 1 Five Guys

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

A visit to any Five Guys location shows off how its burgers have been heralded in reviews and publications all around the country. One bite and we could tell why.

Cooked fresh when you order it, the burger is served hot on a toasted, buttered sesame seed bun.

The burgers are juicy and full of flavor, and you can customize your toppings from an extensive list of free options.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

More fast food rankings

Ranking French fries from 24 fast-food chains; No. 1 will surprise many

Ultimate onion rings rankings from 11 fast food chains

Ranking best fast food chicken: 34 nuggets, tenders taste-tested from 22 chains

Ranking the best fast food salads from 11 chains; not all were fresh

Ranking 26 milkshakes from 14 fast food chains

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Hungry for more? Check out more food rankings