As a lifelong fan of the Big Mac I think it’s important to point out that I have always enjoyed the taste, substance and goodness of the McDonalds Big Mac.  I have also always loved Carl’s Jr hamburgers (probably my most frequented lunch choice).  This was an exciting review to do and one that surprised me, so here goes:

The McDonalds Big Mac is an iconic thing of beauty.  The tangy sweetness is very refreshing and the combination of light meat, middle bun and crispy pickle all topped off with the shredded lettuce and saucy goodness makes it a very unique burger.  I was reminded of this when I bit into today’s Big Mac.  It’s a truly unique burger and after one bite I was excited to try the Big Carl.

The Carl’s Jr. Big Carl is a phenomenal burger.  It’s a great value at $2.49 and it’s loaded with meaty goodness.  It certainly has more meat than a Big Mac and it’s much messier (a good thing).  You really feel like your eating a burger and the double patties, double cheese and fresh lettuce really hit home.  The Big Carl also has it’s own version of the thousand island dressing that makes the Big Mac so special.  The only problem is you don’t taste it because there’s so much meat and cheese.  In fact, the meat and cheese are so good and plentiful that the Big Carl is simply a great burger…..and not a Big Mac alternative.

The conclusion is simple.  The Big Carl is both meaty and cheesy and a great value (exactly like the commercials say).  The Big Mac is sweet, tangy and one of a kind…still.  The Big Mac truly is in a league of it’s own and that’s why it has withstood the test of time.  Every fast food chain dreams of having a menu item like the Big Mac and Carl’s Jr. can keep dreaming.  The Big Carl is a good burger but shouldn’t even be in the same category as the Big Mac.

As a standalone burger (not compared to a Big Mac) the Big Carl is delicious and the best burger you’ll find at $2.49-$3.99.  To sum up my experience: If you want a good hamburger, you can’t go wrong with a Big Carl. When I order a Big Mac I’m not ordering a hamburger, I’m ordering a Big Mac.  That’s the difference and that’s the official Burger Voice!.

Now the real fun starts.  Carl’s Jr has decided that if McDonalds wants to compete with them, than Carl’s Jr. wants to compete with McDonalds.  And thus was born, the Big Carl (pictured to the right).  I’ll be eating this for lunch today and will share my opinions but this article in the LA Times pretty much nailed everything I’m expecting.  The most quotable aspect in this battle is by Dan Coudreaut, McDonalds Executive Chef.   “The Big Mac is the Big Mac,” Coudreaut said, calling the burger “an iconic product.” As for the bigness gap between Big Mac and Big Carl, “I don’t know if bigger is always better,” he said. “You have to find a balance.”

Let the battle rage on! Read the Official Big Carl vs Big Mac Review here