Today’s top restaurant chains know that vegetarian diners want more than just a salad or plain steamed vegetables in exchange for their hard-earned cash and that many meat-eaters are looking for healthier fare. So, savvy eateries have found a simple and satisfying way to please both vegetarians and carnivores—veggie burgers! To find out which popular chain has the best beef-free burgers, PETA’s hardworking judges chomped their way through vegan burger after vegan burger at some of North America’s tastiest establishments.

Winner: Houston’s

A very meaty Phoenix-based national chain wins an award from PETA? Yep! Once our testers bit into Houston’s groundbreaking vegan burger, we had no choice. Simply put, this amazing creation takes veggie burgers into the realm of fine dining. One meat-eating panelist raved, “The veggie burger at Houston’s is better than any meat-based burger I’ve ever experienced, and growing up in Oklahoma, I’ve had a lot.” Houston’s meatless burger is massive and very tender with a rich, smoky, barbecue flavor.

First Runner-Up: Harvey’s

With its richly dark color, wide assortment of toppings, and delicious flame-broiled taste, Harvey’s veggie burger is a huge hit in Canada. One of our panelists, who travels often through Ontario and is a self-proclaimed veggie burger connoisseur, swears that Harvey’s is the best. Try it for yourself and see.

Honorable Mention: Johnny Rockets

The Johnny Rockets Streamliner—a vegan Boca Burger cooked to perfection, smothered with grilled onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard and served on a toasted bun—is a treat for everyone. The restaurant’s diner-style décor and entertainment makes it the perfect place to enjoy this old-fashioned-style burger with a side of fries and a flavored fountain soda.

Try These, Too!

Village Inn’s Boca Burger is even better with avocado!

Lauren’s Portobello Burger at Red Robin is a delicious experience.

Burger King’s BK Veggie is now vegetarian but not vegan. Ask your nonvegetarian friends to give it a try.

The McVeggie, available in Manhattan and in about 900 Southern California McDonald’s, is fabulous. Click here to ask McDonald’s to take it to your hometown.