In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of a cheeseburger renaissance. This year, we’ve seen multiple impressive new handhelds, including Red Robin’s gourmet-inspired A.1 Steakhouse Burger and Shake Shack’s Big Shack burger, which boasts a half-pound of Angus beef. Not to mention, fast food chains like Sonic and Culver’s are constantly upping the ante with premium creations served on non-traditional buns and loaded with unique toppings, such as a giant cheese curd patty that you won’t find anywhere else.
Now, Carl’s Jr. is entering the arena with a new burger that’s twice the size of McDonald’s Big Mac—and you can try it for free.
Carl’s Jr. Introduces the Cali XL Burger
Carl’s Jr. just dropped an all-new burger that might just have you rethinking your dinner plans. The Cali XL burger features two hefty charbroiled beef patties piled high with slices of gooey American cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and tomatoes. Each burger is served on a toasted sesame seed-topped bun slathered with Classic Sauce. Guests can snag the stacked burger for just $5.99 and add an order of fries and a drink for just $2 more.
As part of this release, Carl’s Jr. is also launching the “Sad Mac Buy Back” deal. The chain is encouraging fans to upload a photo of any McDonald’s burger receipt dated between Jan. 1, 2025, and Nov. 11, 2025, to its website. Those who do will receive a free Cali XL loaded directly into their Carl’s Jr. rewards account.
“People want a burger that’s actually worth it. Our new Cali XL has more meat, more flavor, and more value,” said Paz Romero, vice president of brand at Carl’s Jr. “The ‘Sad Mac Buy Back’ is our way of letting guests try it for themselves by swapping disappointment for something better—no questions asked.”
According to an FAQ on McDonald’s website, the Big Mac contains approximately 90 grams of beef per sandwich before cooking, which is equivalent to just over 3 ounces. For comparison, the Cali XL uses 7 ounces of beef per sandwich—more than double the meat of Mickey D’s.
In a recent Reddit thread, a user shared an appetizing photo of the handheld, and the comment section quickly filled with excitement. “That looks amazing,” said one user.
“That looks mighty tasty and bigger than the Big Mac,” another wrote.
In a separate thread, one Redditor compared it to another popular chain. “I quite enjoyed it,” they said. “[It’s] similar to In-N-Out’s Double Double with grilled onions, but a lot bigger.”
The Cali XL Burger is only available for a limited time, so be sure to stop in and see for yourself how it stacks up against your favorite burger chain.
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