We love burgers, in all their glorious forms—juicy patties, melty cheese, toasted buns, you name it. And we love restaurants where scanning the menu makes your stomach rumble all over again. At these Framingham spots, it’s worth giving the beef your full attention, even if you’re typically a salad person.
McDonald’s
$ | (508) 875-9771 | WEBSITE
In case you aren’t fluent in fast-food lingo, we’ll just cut right to the chase—the Unsweet Iced Tea with lemon wedges is the highlight, and you must order it every time you are at McDonald’s, a fast-food spot in Framingham. A staff member will bring it out to you no matter where you sit, with the helpfulness of someone who routinely drinks iced tea all day.
What you choose off of that menu doesn’t even matter all that much—you’re getting this for the convenience—but if you get overwhelmed, just ask for the $12 slushy chocolate shake.
Wendy’s
$ | (508) 620-7360 | WEBSITE
The sun is up, you pull into the drive-thru—one of many cars in the ample free parking lot beside the small front garden—and the friendly server at Wendy’s asks about your order. Always choose the Frosty. Swirled with creamy vanilla speckled with chocolate, the frosty treat arrives perfectly chilled, as if it just got scooped from a winter wonderland. It’s sweet, it’s smooth, it’s everything you want.
Five Guys
$ | (508) 879-7500 | WEBSITE
There can be some hesitation in ordering your burger at a fast-casual spot. You don’t know how it’s going to arrive! But rest assured that when you finish up your fries after a round of classic American fare at Five Guys, you’re going to be in the mood for a shake. A creamy, thick vanilla shake cuts through the richness of the meal. It’s satisfying and straightforward.
IHOP
$ | (508) 270-2694 | WEBSITE
Whether through its late-night hours or consistent family-friendly vibe, this Framingham IHOP has maintained its status as a reliable spot for casual dining. While it’s true that service can sometimes lag during busy periods, we’ve appreciated servers like Carlos who provide attentive care. Each of the large meal photos makes ordering particularly straightforward and satisfying.
Murphy’s Eats & Treats
$ | (508) 434-7744 | WEBSITE
This Framingham burger spot is a restaurant we’d visit just for the ice cream and a casual meal. All of the seafood dishes are quite solid, but we’re here for their standout one, the Fishermen Platter, served with perfectly crisp fried clams and chips.
Burger King
$ | (508) 875-9832 | WEBSITE
The Impossible Whopper at this Framingham fast-food spot reminds us of a perfectly grilled backyard burger. We love how the juiciness of the fresh tomatoes contrasts with the crispness of the lettuce, and how the plant-based patty adds an unexpected hint of savory satisfaction. Can’t make it to a gourmet burger joint? Check out the crispy French fries at this Burger King location, from the same reliable team.
Marao Burgers
$ | (508) 309-4001 | WEBSITE
At this Framingham burger spot, there’s a chalkboard menu right by the entrance—to remind you of the solid options, right when you walk in. While we’re always tempted by the ‘x’ burger or the steak tips, we usually default to the classic burger with all the works: a juicy patty and fresh toppings stacked on a soft bun, topped with that unique green sauce everyone raves about. On a busy evening, get one to take with you on a drive home, since the wait can be a bit long but the food is worth it.
