Fast food restaurants are a staple of American culture, and it’s easy to see why. They’re usually quick, convenient, and affordable places to stop for food after work or on a road trip. Thanks to drive-thru windows, you don’t even have to leave your car to fulfill your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, Tex-Mex, or fried chicken, you’ll be able to find a restaurant that suits your tastes. From Culver’s to Del Taco, here are 7 of the best fast food joints around the country.
1. Culver’s
Culver’s is a fan favorite in the Midwest. The chain is known for its butter burger, which gets its name from the local butter that’s generously spread on the bun. Culver’s custard is also super rich and creamy thanks to the high percentage of butterfat. You can customize your custard with tons of toppings from brownie pieces to caramel to cheesecake bites. We’re also big fans of Culver’s onion rings and chicken sandwiches because they’re perfectly moist and crispy. And best of all, the prices are pretty reasonable, so there’s no reason not to love Culver’s!
2. Portillo’s
Another Midwest chain we can’t get enough of is Portillo’s. It was ranked the fourth best fast casual joint by USA Today in 2020, but we’d argue the drive-thru makes it a fast food restaurant. On the menu, you can expect to find delicacies like regular and plant-based Chicago dogs, which feature pickles, sport peppers, relish, mustard, and fresh tomato. Don’t forget to add a side of onion rings, cheese fries, or garden salad if you’re feeling healthy. To wash it all down, try the famous chocolate cake shake. It’s made by blending vanilla ice cream, a whole piece of chocolate cake, and rich chocolate syrup together.
3. Del Taco
Del Taco is a Tex-Mex fast food restaurant with hundreds of locations across more than 15 states. According to Mashed, the best menu items are the habanero crispy chicken taco, bacon double cheeseburger, and the gooey caramel cheesecake bites. But don’t forget to grab a classic Del Taco, Epic Burrito, or plate of loaded queso nachos while you’re there. Del Taco also serves breakfast and has a plant-based menu, so there’s something for everyone. That’s probably why it was rated the best fast food restaurant by USA Today this year.
4. KFC
Coming in at the number two spot on USA Today’s list of top fast food restaurants is KFC. The chain has over 25,000 locations worldwide and is known for its famous mascot Colonel Sanders. Our favorite thing to order is obviously a bucket of crispy fried chicken, which features 11 different herbs and spices. Sides like a warm biscuit, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes with gravy round out the meal perfectly. Top it all off with an iced tea and a s’mores brownie and you’ve got a “finger lickin’ good” meal.
5. Arby’s
Arby’s lives up to its tagline “we have the meats.” Whether you’re craving a roast beef sandwich, chicken tenders, or a burger, Arby’s delivers. The chain also serves up delicious sides like mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and fried macaroni and cheese bites. For dessert, try one of their thick milkshakes, turnovers, or cookies. When we’re feeling peckish, we order off the value menu, which features lighter bites like sliders and wraps at affordable prices. With thousands of locations across the US, you’re never far from an Arby’s when hunger strikes.
6. Shake Shack
According to TimeOut, Shake Shack is the second-best fast food restaurant in the country. The chain has over 300 locations nationwide and counting. The restaurant serves up classic American eats like the Shack Burger, cheese fries, and rich, custardy milkshakes. Plus, we love that Shake Shack offers vegetarian options, including a fried portobello mushroom burger. There are even limited-time specials to give customers even more options and variety. We recently tried the truffle fries, which were a decadent treat.
7. Taco Bell
Last but not least is Taco Bell, which is our favorite place to get a late-night bite. This fast food restaurant is famous for its innovative takes on Tex-Mex classics. We particularly love the crunchwrap, cheesy gordita crunch taco, Mexican pizza, and nacho fries. Taco Bell is also relatively affordable thanks to in-app deals and the value menu. Although Taco Bell is known for comfort food, the chain has been making strides to offer healthier options, such as veggie and chicken bowls.
Fast Food Restaurants Offer a World of Flavor
It’s a common misconception that fast food restaurants only serve mediocre burgers and fries. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a chain out there for you. From roast beef sandwiches at Arby’s to fried chicken at KFC, fast food joints offer a world of flavor that’s just waiting to be explored! The next time you’re feeling hungry, swing by one of these popular chains and prepare to be impressed.