Back in Time Today
Explore a flavorful journey through time as we reminisce about 20 iconic burgers that once graced fast-food menus but have since vanished.
These culinary creations, from McDonald’s McDLT to Burger King’s Rodeo Cheeseburger, each hold a special place in fast-food history.
Whether due to changing tastes or corporate strategies, these burgers have become a rarity. Join us as we discover the stories behind these delicious but now elusive classics.
1. The McDLT (McDonald’s)
The McDLT was McDonald’s innovative attempt in the ‘80s to keep ingredients at their ideal temperatures until the last moment.
This unique burger came in a distinct Styrofoam container with two compartments, one for the hot beef patty and bun, and the other for the lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
The concept was to allow customers to assemble the burger themselves, ensuring freshness with each bite. Despite its clever design, environmental concerns over the Styrofoam led to its discontinuation.
Nostalgic aficionados still remember the fun of piecing together their burgers before taking that first satisfying bite.
2. The Big King XL (Burger King)
The Big King XL was Burger King’s answer to those with a hearty appetite, offering a larger twist on their famous Big King burger. With two beef patties, lettuce, pickles, onions, and a special sauce, it promised a mouthful of flavor with every bite.
Though it reappeared periodically as a limited-time offer, its size made it a challenging option for the average diner. While not a permanent fixture on the menu, it remains a beloved memory for those who reveled in its indulgence.
This burger is a testament to the bold and larger-than-life approach that Burger King occasionally takes.
3. The Arch Deluxe (McDonald’s)
Launched in the mid-‘90s, the Arch Deluxe was McDonald’s ambitious attempt to cater to an adult palate with a sophisticated twist on the traditional burger.
Featuring a quarter-pound beef patty, peppered bacon, leaf lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, ketchup, and Dijon mustard sauce on a split-top potato bun, it was marketed as a ‘gourmet’ option.
Despite its premium positioning and hefty marketing budget, the Arch Deluxe failed to resonate with its target audience, leading to its discontinuation. Yet, it remains a curiosity in the annals of fast-food history, remembered for its bold departure from the norm.
4. The Rodeo Cheeseburger (Burger King)
The Rodeo Cheeseburger was a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger, featuring crispy onion rings and tangy barbecue sauce atop a juicy beef patty. Initially launched as a promotional item, its unique flavor combination quickly garnered a loyal following.
Though it occasionally resurfaces on value menus, its availability remains sporadic, making it a rare find. This burger exemplifies the creativity that Burger King brings to its menu offerings, delighting adventurous eaters with its bold taste.
For fans, spotting the Rodeo Cheeseburger on a menu is like rediscovering an old favorite, bringing back a wave of nostalgia.
5. Hardee’s Huskee Junior
Hardee’s Huskee Junior was a beloved smaller-sized burger that packed a punch with its robust flavor and satisfying ingredients.
Perfect for those seeking a quick and filling meal, it featured a juicy beef patty, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and a creamy sauce, all nestled within a soft bun. This burger was particularly popular for its simplicity and accessibility, appealing to diners of all ages.
Over time, menu shifts and changing consumer preferences led to its decline, but it remains fondly remembered by those who enjoyed its hearty goodness during its heyday.
6. The Yumbo Burger (Burger King)
Originally introduced in the 1970s, the Yumbo Burger was Burger King’s take on a hot ham-and-cheese sandwich. This unique offering featured slices of ham, melted cheese, lettuce, and mayonnaise, all housed within a warm, soft bun.
Revived briefly in later years, its return was celebrated by those who cherished its distinct taste. However, it once again faded into obscurity, leaving only memories of its delightful combination of flavors.
The Yumbo Burger is a testament to the diverse menu offerings that fast-food chains experimented with, capturing the adventurous spirit of their culinary explorations.
7. The Mushroom Swiss Burger
The Mushroom Swiss Burger was a staple on many fast-food menus, known for its savory combination of sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese atop a juicy beef patty.
This burger appealed to those seeking a more refined flavor profile, offering a departure from the usual toppings. While it remains a popular choice in non-fast food restaurants, its presence in major fast-food chains has dwindled.
The Mushroom Swiss Burger is remembered for its ability to elevate the typical burger experience, providing a taste of culinary sophistication that delighted mushroom lovers everywhere.
8. The Cheesarito Burger (Taco Bell)
The Cheesarito Burger, though not a traditional burger, was a cheesy delight from Taco Bell’s secret menu. This mashup featured a soft tortilla filled with melted cheese, scallions, and taco sauce, offering a unique fusion of flavors that appealed to those craving something different.
It was a treat for the adventurous eater, blending the essence of Mexican cuisine with fast-food convenience. While it never achieved mainstream status, it remains a fondly remembered item among fans of Taco Bell’s more experimental offerings.
The Cheesarito was an example of culinary innovation that pushed the boundaries of fast-food conventions.
9. The Burger Buddies (Burger King)
Burger King’s Burger Buddies were a playful and novel addition to the menu, offering mini sliders that came connected in pairs. These bite-sized burgers were perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick snack.
Each slider featured a small beef patty, cheese, and pickles, all encased in a fluffy bun. While the concept was fun and innovative, it eventually disappeared from the menu, leaving behind a legacy of whimsy and delight.
For those who experienced them, Burger Buddies are fondly remembered as a charming and convenient option that brought a smile to many faces.
10. The McFeast (McDonald’s)
The McFeast was a deluxe burger offered by McDonald’s, known for its generous toppings and hearty flavor. It featured a beef patty accompanied by lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, and a special sauce, all sandwiched within a sesame seed bun.
Popular in the ‘90s, the McFeast was a favorite for those seeking a more substantial meal. While it remains available in some international markets, it has become rare in the U.S., much to the disappointment of its fans.
The McFeast is remembered for its satisfying taste and the joy it brought to countless burger enthusiasts during its prime.
11. The Whopperito (Burger King)
The Whopperito was Burger King’s bold experiment in combining the elements of a classic Whopper with the convenience of a burrito.
This hybrid creation featured all the familiar Whopper ingredients, including beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a creamy sauce, wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
Despite its intriguing concept and initial buzz, the Whopperito failed to gain lasting traction and was eventually phased out.
However, it remains a notable example of Burger King’s willingness to push the boundaries and explore new culinary territory, appealing to those in search of something truly different.
12. The A&W Papa Burger
The A&W Papa Burger was a classic staple of A&W’s menu, featuring a double-decker design with two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and a tangy sauce.
This burger was known for its generous size and flavorful combination of ingredients, making it a favorite among burger aficionados. Though still available in some regions, its presence has diminished over time, cherished by those who remember its satisfying taste.
The Papa Burger is a testament to A&W’s rich history and its commitment to providing hearty and delicious meals that left a lasting impression on its customers.
13. Jack in the Box Bonus Jack
The Bonus Jack was Jack in the Box’s answer to the multi-layered burger craze, featuring three beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and a special sauce on a three-part bun.
This towering creation was known for its bold flavor and satisfying size, appealing to those with a hearty appetite. While it occasionally reappears for special promotions, it remains a rare find on the regular menu.
The Bonus Jack is celebrated for its nostalgic charm and the way it encapsulated the fast-food culture of its time, offering a filling and flavorful experience that was hard to resist.
14. The Jumbo Jack with Cheese (Jack in the Box)
Once the flagship burger of Jack in the Box, the Jumbo Jack with Cheese was known for its generous size and classic toppings. Featuring a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and cheese, all nestled within a toasted bun, it was a satisfying option for burger lovers.
Over time, newer menu items overshadowed it, leading to its decline in prominence. However, the Jumbo Jack with Cheese remains a nostalgic favorite for those who enjoyed its straightforward yet delicious appeal.
It represents a bygone era of fast-food simplicity, cherished by fans who appreciate its enduring charm.
15. The Hot ‘n Now Double Cheeseburger
The Hot ‘n Now Double Cheeseburger was a beloved option from the now-defunct Hot ‘n Now chain, known for its affordability and straightforward appeal.
Featuring two beef patties, cheese, and pickles, all sandwiched within a soft bun, it was a favorite among budget-conscious diners. Despite its simple ingredients, it delivered a satisfying and flavorful experience.
As the chain’s restaurants closed, the Double Cheeseburger became a thing of the past, remembered fondly by those who valued its no-frills approach. This burger symbolizes the accessible and unpretentious nature of fast-food dining during its peak.
16. The Royal with Cheese
Though more of a pop-culture nod than a menu staple, the Royal with Cheese gained fame through the iconic film ‘Pulp Fiction.’ This fictional burger represents a ‘fancier’ cheeseburger, highlighting the differences in fast-food terminology across the Atlantic.
While not a real menu item, the Royal with Cheese has inspired real-life interpretations that capture its essence. It serves as a cultural symbol, sparking curiosity and conversation among movie buffs and burger enthusiasts alike.
The Royal with Cheese is remembered for its unique place at the intersection of film and culinary imagination, forever immortalized in pop culture.
17. McDonald’s Triple Cheeseburger (Original)
The original McDonald’s Triple Cheeseburger was a more substantial version of today’s offering, featuring three beef patties, layers of cheese, and the classic fixings of pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard.
This burger was a popular choice for those seeking extra indulgence, providing a filling and flavorful meal. Over time, portions were downsized, leading to a leaner version available today.
However, the original Triple Cheeseburger remains a nostalgic favorite, cherished by those who remember its hearty, no-holds-barred approach to fast-food dining. It stands as a testament to the evolving nature of fast-food portion sizes and consumer preferences.
18. The Texas Double Whopper (Burger King)
The Texas Double Whopper was Burger King’s spicy twist on their iconic Whopper, featuring two beef patties, jalapeños, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and a spicy sauce.
This bold creation was a hit among those who craved a little heat in their meal. While its availability has become sporadic, with regional appearances, it remains a treasured memory for spice lovers.
The Texas Double Whopper is a prime example of Burger King’s commitment to offering diverse and adventurous flavors, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of kick in their fast-food experience.
19. The Sonic Crave Cheeseburger
The Sonic Crave Cheeseburger was known for its distinctive tangy signature sauce, which set it apart from other offerings. Featuring a beef patty, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, it promised a burst of flavor with every bite.
While often rotated off Sonic’s main menu, it remains a favorite among those who had the chance to try it. The Crave Cheeseburger exemplifies Sonic’s knack for innovation, providing a memorable and zesty dining experience.
Fans of this burger eagerly await its return, hoping to relive the unique taste that made it a standout choice during its limited run.