This actually isn't the first time I've tried Carl's Jr. I think it was actually when I traveled to Oklahoma several years ago. But, it is the first time I've remember to document it.



Carl's Jr. is essentially a West Coast Hardee's. 



"This is Carl Jr's menu. This is Hardee's menu. A quick glance will prove the only difference is that Carl Jr's served green burritos, and Hardee's serves red. Oh, and Carl's Jr serves salads (classic West Coast move!)

But once you peel apart the layers of the menu -- and the culture of each brand -- you start to see the subtleties that actually make a difference.

Since the merger, Carl's Jr has been marketed and developed as a more "in your face," type of brand. They seemingly aimed their advertising and menu expansion at younger people (who may or may not be visiting a Carl's Jr. for late night munchies/drunchies). At Carl's Jr, you'll find jalapeno poppers and fried zucchini. You can order a super spicy, "El Diablo" burger. In the AM, there's an extensive menu of breakfast burritos. Carl's Jr. isn't afraid to get a little weird. As far as fast food is concerned.

Hardee's -- on the other hand -- has always been the more "traditional" sibling. They have kept southern accents throughout their menu, like hand-breaded chicken and biscuits made in-house. Their advertising tends to be softer, cleaner, and aimed more at embracing Americana. It's slight, but noticeable." -  Thrillist


The Big Carl is their classic sandwich - "Two charbroiled all-beef patties, our Classic Sauce, two slices of American cheese, and lettuce all on a seeded bun."



The Big Hardee is "Two charbroiled all-beef patties, our classic sauce, two slices of melted American cheese, and lettuce all on a toasted seed bun." The only difference I see here is that the Hardee apparently toasts their bun. 

This is essentially a mushed Big Mac, which isn't a bad thing. There's a reason the Big Mac sells as many as it does. It's that special sauce and cheese and bun that make it taste so good and make up for the fact that the beef is just OK. Decent for a fast food sandwich. Interesting to compare the differences.