California's Habit Burger Grill Opens Today in Delray Beach

The wait for a taste of what could be America's best fast-food burger is officially over. The Irvine, California-based Habit Burger Grill is celebrating the grand opening of its first Florida location today, in Delray Beach.

The fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in made-to-order char-grilled burgers made its official debut on the East Coast earlier this year in New Jersey. Founded in 1969, Habit has since grown to more than 115 locations. Though most are in California, the brand has also expanded to Arizona, Utah, and now Florida. Moving forward, the company plans to open more than 25 restaurants this year.

What makes this burger joint so special is that — according to a survey issued by Consumer Reports — out of 65 burger chains, Habit Burger is considered the “Best Tasting Burger” in the nation. Last summer, the report-based magazine published a list of the country's best (and worst) fast-food restaurants. Part of that report meant finding the nation's favorite burger, and Habit beat out competitors including White Castle, Steak 'n Shake, Smashburger, Five Guys, and even In-N-Out. 

Today, the company will open its first South Florida location at 10:30 a.m. in the new Delray Place shopping plaza, located at the southeast corner of Linton Boulevard and Federal Highway. 

The company distinguishes itself in the fast-casual burger segment with its signature Charburger, burgers that are hand-made to-order using fresh, never frozen, 100 percent USDA ground beef, the company states. All burgers are chargrilled over an open flame for extra flavor. 

To add to the handcrafted allure, the company stresses that all produce — including lettuce, tomatoes, and onions — are cut fresh daily; tuna steak sandwiches are made with line-caught, sushi-grade albacore flown in several times per week from Fiji; chicken breasts are hand-filleted and marinated in-house, as is the tri-tip; all salads are made to-order and include house-made ranch dressing prepared fresh daily; and fries, onion rings, and sweet potato fries are trans-fat free and cooked in soybean oil.

So, is Habit Burger Grill really deserving of the title of America's "best" fast-food burger? We'll let you know as soon as we try one. Stay tuned.
Habit Burger Grill Delray Beach is located at 1801 S. Federal Highway, Delray Beach. Visit habitburger.com. 

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.