Who makes burgers wrapped in lettuce?

Introduction

Who Makes Burgers Wrapped in Lettuce?

Lettuce-wrapped burgers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a low-carb, gluten-free, or simply lighter alternative to traditional burgers. By replacing the bun with crisp lettuce leaves, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of a burger without the extra carbs and calories.

But who makes burgers wrapped in lettuce? The good news is that many fast-food chains, health-conscious restaurants, and casual dining establishments now offer this option on their menus—or are willing to customize your burger to meet your needs. From iconic burger chains like In-N-Out and Five Guys to sit-down restaurants like Red Robin, lettuce-wrapped burgers are more accessible than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore why lettuce-wrapped burgers are a hit, highlight popular restaurants where you can find them, and provide tips for customizing your order to make it perfect for your diet and preferences.

Why Choose Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers?

Choosing a lettuce-wrapped burger comes with plenty of benefits:

Low-Carb Option: Ideal for keto, paleo, or low-carb diets.
Gluten-Free: A safe alternative for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Fewer Calories: Swapping the bun for lettuce significantly reduces the calorie count.
Fresh and Crisp: Lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.

With these benefits, it’s no wonder lettuce-wrapped burgers are gaining popularity among health-conscious diners.

Popular Restaurants That Offer Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers

Many fast-food chains and casual dining establishments have embraced lettuce-wrapped burgers, making it easier than ever to enjoy this healthy option. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular restaurants offering lettuce-wrapped burgers:

Fast-Food Chains with Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers

1. In-N-Out Burger

Menu Option: The famous “Protein Style” burger replaces the bun with large, crisp lettuce leaves.
Why It’s Great: In-N-Out uses fresh iceberg lettuce that adds a satisfying crunch to its juicy patties.
Customization Tip: You can request any burger on their menu to be made “Protein Style.”

2. Five Guys

Menu Option: Any burger on their menu can be wrapped in lettuce upon request.
Why It’s Great: Their customizable toppings mean you can build the perfect low-carb burger.
Customization Tip: Add fresh vegetables like grilled onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.

3. Wendy’s

Menu Option: While not officially listed, you can ask for any burger without a bun and with lettuce wraps.
Why It’s Great: Their burgers are large, and the lettuce provides a sturdy alternative to the bun.
Customization Tip: Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

4. Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s

Menu Option: The “Low Carb Thickburger” uses lettuce wraps instead of a bun.
Why It’s Great: The Thickburger is a hearty, filling choice for low-carb diners.
Customization Tip: Opt for the smaller size if you prefer a lighter meal.

5. Shake Shack

Menu Option: You can request any burger to be served in a lettuce wrap.
Why It’s Great: Their high-quality ingredients ensure a fresh and flavorful wrap.
Customization Tip: Add their signature Shack Sauce for a tangy twist.

Health-Conscious Restaurants

1. Chipotle Mexican Grill

Menu Option: While not a burger chain, Chipotle offers customizable bowls or wraps using fresh lettuce as a base.
Why It’s Great: Their focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients aligns with a low-carb lifestyle.

2. Smashburger

Menu Option: Any burger can be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
Why It’s Great: Their “Create Your Own” menu makes it easy to build a lettuce-wrapped burger that fits your dietary needs.

Casual Dining Restaurants

1. Red Robin

Menu Option: The “Wedgie Burger” is a menu staple featuring a burger wrapped in fresh lettuce.
Why It’s Great: Red Robin’s extensive menu and focus on customization ensure plenty of options.
Customization Tip: Pair your lettuce-wrapped burger with a side of steamed broccoli or a salad.

2. The Cheesecake Factory

Menu Option: While not explicitly listed, Cheesecake Factory will prepare your burger in a lettuce wrap upon request.
Why It’s Great: Their diverse menu allows for creative customizations.

3. Bareburger

Menu Option: Offers lettuce wraps for all burgers on their menu.
Why It’s Great: Known for using organic, sustainable ingredients, Bareburger’s lettuce wraps are fresh and flavorful.

With so many restaurants offering lettuce-wrapped burgers, you have plenty of choices for enjoying a healthier twist on this classic favorite.

Customizing Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers

One of the best things about lettuce-wrapped burgers is their adaptability. Whether you’re dining at a fast-food chain or a sit-down restaurant, you can customize your lettuce-wrapped burger to suit your preferences, dietary needs, and taste buds.

Choosing Your Protein

Beef Patties: The classic choice, offering rich flavor and satisfying protein.
Chicken: Grilled or crispy chicken patties are a leaner, lighter option.
Veggie Patties: Perfect for vegetarians, veggie patties pair wonderfully with fresh lettuce.
Turkey Patties: A flavorful, lower-fat alternative to beef.
Double Protein: For a protein-packed meal, some restaurants let you double the patty.

Selecting Toppings

Toppings can make or break your burger, and lettuce-wrapped options are no different.

Vegetables: Add layers of crunch and freshness with tomatoes, onions, pickles, jalapeños, or avocado slices.
Cheese: Opt for classic cheddar, Swiss, or even a slice of pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Premium Toppings: Many restaurants offer extras like fried eggs, guacamole, or sautéed mushrooms.

Pro Tip: Balance heavier toppings with lighter ones to avoid overloading the wrap.

Sauce Selection

Sauces add flavor and moisture but should be used sparingly to keep the lettuce from becoming soggy.

Classics: Ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise are simple and satisfying.
Specialty Sauces: Try tangy barbecue, creamy ranch, or spicy chipotle sauce for added flavor.
Low-Carb Options: Many restaurants offer sugar-free or keto-friendly sauces.

Pro Tip: Request sauces on the side to control how much you add.

Adjusting the Wrap

Some restaurants use a single lettuce leaf, while others use multiple layers. If the wrap feels too thin or fragile:

Double Up: Ask for additional lettuce leaves for extra sturdiness.
Ask for Iceberg: Specify your preferred lettuce type for better wrapping support.

Pairing Your Burger with Sides

While traditional sides like fries are tempting, there are plenty of healthier options to pair with your lettuce-wrapped burger:

Side Salads: Add more greens and veggies to your meal.
Steamed Vegetables: A light and nutritious alternative.
Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier option than regular fries.

Pro Tip: Skip the fries entirely and opt for a bowl of fresh fruit for a refreshing twist.

Customizing your lettuce-wrapped burger allows you to enjoy the meal your way, whether you’re prioritizing flavor, health, or dietary restrictions.

How to Find Local Options for Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers

If you’re craving a lettuce-wrapped burger, finding a local restaurant or chain that offers them is easier than ever. With the growing popularity of low-carb and gluten-free dining options, many places are now accommodating lettuce wraps as a standard or customizable menu choice. Here’s how to locate the best lettuce-wrapped burgers near you.

Check Restaurant Menus Online

Most restaurants provide their menus online, making it simple to see if they offer lettuce-wrapped burgers.

What to Look For:
- “Low-carb,” “keto,” or “gluten-free” sections often include lettuce-wrapped options.
- Customizable burger options that allow you to request no bun or a lettuce wrap.
Pro Tip: Use the search feature on a restaurant’s website or app to find keywords like “lettuce wrap” or “low-carb burger.”

Call Ahead to Ask

If the menu isn’t clear, calling the restaurant directly can save you time.

What to Ask:
- Do you offer lettuce wraps for your burgers?
- Can I customize a burger to have no bun and use lettuce instead?
Pro Tip: Smaller, local restaurants may not advertise lettuce wraps but are often willing to accommodate your request.

Use Food Delivery Apps

Apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub often let you customize your orders or browse menus in advance.

How to Search:
- Use terms like “lettuce-wrapped burger” or “low-carb burger” in the app’s search bar.
- Check customer reviews for mentions of lettuce-wrapped options.
Pro Tip: Filter by “healthy” or “low-carb” options for more refined results.

Explore Specialty Health-Conscious Restaurants

Health-conscious eateries often cater to low-carb and gluten-free diners.

Where to Look:
- Salad-focused cafes or organic food restaurants often include lettuce wraps.
- Farm-to-table restaurants that emphasize fresh ingredients may also offer them.
Pro Tip: Check Yelp or Google Maps reviews for mentions of “lettuce wraps” or “gluten-free burgers.”

Customize at Any Burger Joint

Even if a restaurant doesn’t list lettuce wraps on the menu, you can usually customize your order.

What to Say:
- “Can I get my burger without a bun and wrapped in lettuce?”
- “Do you have iceberg or romaine lettuce for wraps?”
Pro Tip: Chain restaurants like Wendy’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s are often flexible with requests for lettuce wraps.

With a little research and communication, you can find delicious lettuce-wrapped burger options in your area, no matter where you live.

FAQs About Restaurants Offering Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers

1. Where is the best place to get a lettuce-wrapped burger?
The best place to get a lettuce-wrapped burger depends on your preferences, but popular options include:

In-N-Out Burger: Known for their “Protein Style” burgers, which are lettuce-wrapped by default.
Five Guys: Offers fully customizable lettuce-wrapped burgers with a variety of toppings.
Red Robin: Their “Wedgie Burger” is a popular choice for lettuce-wrap enthusiasts.
Smashburger: Serves lettuce-wrapped options with high-quality ingredients.
These places are reliable for fresh, flavorful lettuce-wrapped burgers.

2. What fast food makes lettuce wraps?
Several fast-food chains offer lettuce-wrapped burgers or are willing to customize your order. Some of the best include:

In-N-Out Burger: Their “Protein Style” burgers are iconic.
Five Guys: Known for customizable lettuce-wrapped options.
Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s: Offers the “Low Carb Thickburger” in a lettuce wrap.
Shake Shack: Allows lettuce wraps upon request.
Wendy’s: While not listed officially, many locations accommodate lettuce wraps.

3. Does Wendy’s make lettuce wrap burgers?
Yes, Wendy’s can make lettuce-wrapped burgers upon request, even though it’s not listed as an official menu option. Simply ask for your burger to be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, and most locations will accommodate your request. Pair it with a side salad for a lighter, healthier meal.

4. Does Five Guys lettuce wrap burgers?
Yes, Five Guys offers lettuce wraps as an option for all burgers. Their burgers are highly customizable, and you can add as many toppings as you like while skipping the bun. The lettuce is fresh and sturdy, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking low-carb or gluten-free meals.

Conclusion

Lettuce-wrapped burgers have become a popular choice for health-conscious diners, and it’s no surprise why. They offer a fresh, low-carb, and gluten-free alternative to traditional burgers while retaining all the delicious flavors of the patty and toppings.

Many fast-food chains and restaurants, including In-N-Out, Five Guys, Wendy’s, and Red Robin, provide lettuce-wrapped burgers as a menu option or upon request. These establishments prioritize customization, ensuring that anyone can enjoy a burger tailored to their dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal from a fast-food chain or a sit-down experience at a casual dining spot, there are plenty of options available. With a little research and communication, you can easily find the perfect lettuce-wrapped burger to satisfy your cravings.

Lettuce wraps are more than just a trend—they’re a delicious and practical alternative that’s here to stay.