When I go to the West coast, I like to go to In-N-Out.
EDIT: If you don’t eat fast food anymore, what was your favorite fast food place?
It used to be Fuddruckers, but the one near me closed. That was my birthday treat since the mid 80s. Then it was Five Guys, but I need a co-signer to afford to eat there now. Probably Culver's now.
I used to love Fuddruckers!
I used to call it Ruddf*ckers. I loved that place. I thought it was a sit-down restaurant. Am I remembering it incorrectly?
You went through the line, ordered, paid, sat down with a light up buzzer, then retrieved your order. I remember the booths having 50s themes, like the Elvis booth. It was definitely a sit down restaurant.
And you could add your own fixins to the burger at a bar that looked like a salad bar. They had those big tomato slices. Fries were good, too. Damn I miss that place.
They are really hard to come by now. There used to be one inside Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana, but it closed fairly recently. It wasn’t a full service restaurant, but I could still get a really good burger and fries there.
And yes, Five Guys. They don’t even give you a mountain of fries anymore when you get takeout. I’d be willing to pay the $20+ per meal if I got enough fries for the two of us, but they are onto that trick now, and they just fill the little cup. 😢
The first time I went to a Fuddruckers it was a "where have you been all my life?" moment. The whimsical open ambience, good food, then "ENDLESS CHEESE SAUCE????? You've got to be fudd-rucking kidding me!
Was that the one with visible hanging sides of beef? Dead animals as decor? And the smell.
Culver’s by far. Butter burger and concrete mixer
Another vote for Culver’s: made fresh—more like a diner but served as fast food.
I’m from Connecticut, and visited the Midwest in January to see family. We drove from MN through WI to get to Chicago, and along the way back we stopped at a Culver’s. Tried their Culver’s Deluxe and fried cheese curds. I practically ascended when I took the first bite of that burger. My god. Such a fantastic burger especially for fast food! Blew me away. I enjoyed the hell out of that burger.
Culver’s is awesome! Butter burger and cheese curds.
This is the only place I'll get a burger from. I love the mushroom Swiss burger.
Culver's pork tenderloin. Every time.
On behalf of the great state of Wisconsin - you're welcome 😋
I'm addicted to the lemon ice cooler.
For sure! I love Culver’s. It’s probably the closest thing I have to In-N-Out.
Their onion rings are fabulous!! The custard! Yum!
What's a concrete mixer?
At one point I would have agreed but the one near me always has half-ass cold burgers with unmelted cheese. It's always a disappointment.
Jersey Mike’s. Love their hot sandwiches
Cold ones are bomb too!
Arby's. I just love a Beef 'n' Cheddar and a Jamocha shake.
There's just something about their classic with lots of Arby's sauce and Horsey sauce that I just love. Which, much like Del Taco, I recognize it's not traditional roast beef. I'm okay with that - everything has its time and place.
I miss the potato cakes.
My buddy used to call it reconstipated beef. If you don't like sauce, it tastes like nothing, not beef for sure.
I like their fries the best out of all them!
That Jamocha shake is heavenly
I find they're very uneven. In the Sacramento area, there's one we will never will go to again (guess they don't clean their shake machine) and another we go to whenever we're nearby.
Culver’s. I like the variety.
I hate most of ‘em. But if I’m on the road and hungry enough, I’ll eat a Wendy’s Chicken Asiago Club sandwich.
Yes - Wendy’s! I don’t really eat fast food anymore, but I used to LOVE Wendy’s when I was in college in the 90’s. Biggie fries and a Biggie Dr. Pepper were my 2 favorite things in the world.
Unfortunately, I think they changed their fries years ago. On the bright side, it’s easier to resist the new fries.
ETA: And it only cost me $2 + tax!!!
Culvers
Waffle House…. Can’t be beat!
There are ten Waffle Houses in Pennsylvania
That is a shame, here in South Carolina, I have ten waffle houses within a 20 minute drive.
Yep,they’re all over the south and if you haven’t been in a Waffle House late night,you haven’t lived..😂😂
I've literally stood on a SC Waffle House and saw another one!
The Waffle House I ate at in Dallas was the opposite of "fast" food, but I admit those grits were very good. I couldn't figure out why the line at the drive thru at McDonald's next door was so long and the parking lot at Waffle House was empty. Now I know.
You can. Usually with a bat at 2:00am.
A&W has good burgers and they have a good better burger too! Wendy’s for fries and chicken sandwich. McDonalds for fries and fish sandwich. Dairy Queen has great hotdogs. Haha I’ve had to grow up and adult to be healthy so I don’t really eat fast food much these days! Pizza! I love all the pizza!
Fish sandwich is healthy. Used to be $1. Now it’s expensive.
OMG I did not expect someone to say A&W, I was going to say this! I sometimes work in Boulder City and I always goto the A&W there. I love their mushroom swiss burger and washing it down with their awesome root beer. They are almost as expensive as 5 Guys, I paid $17 for that Swiss burger, fries and drink. Back in 1978 when I was a kid, my mom would take me to the A&W restaurant in San Mateo and she would buy me a burger and a root beer. I was so happy to eat there.
White Castle- unfortunately, the nearest one is 200 miles away
The closest In-N-Out to me is in Texas.
I feel your pain.
Yep, as an Illinoisian, I wish it was here. Maybe one day it will come here. Otherwise, I will have to go to Texas until they open the one in Tennessee.
wouldn't mind having them on the East Coast, either
Since I moved to Texas, we've gotten In-N-Out and Trader Joe's. Made me very happy.
Same. Houston is the closest to me. 350 miles. When I go on an IKEA pilgrimage, I also make an In-N-Out pilgrimage.
The manager gave me a buy 5, get 5 free cheeseburgers yesterday. There were 3 left a half hour ago, now there are 2. Ten little cheeseburgers for 6+ dollars, not bad
every time we drive through NJ, we stop for White Castle
I usually buy 10 burgers (no cheese), eat 6-8, and save the rest for later
I feel you. The nearest one to me is 469.7 miles, Nashville. I’m suddenly craving a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. The one on Lake Street and Blaisdell Ave in Minneapolis back in the 90s-00s used to make these breakfasts for less than $4.00. Bacon, a couple of eggs, toast… perfection!
Braums. Its only n North Texas and southern Oklahoma. Its an ice cream place, but they have burgers as well. They have their own dairy, and its some of the best ice cream I've had. I'd put t up against Tillamook. Burgers are delicious, and they have really good crinkle cut fries.
Edit: they are apparently in more states than i thought, hooray!
We have them in southern Missouri too.
Arkansas too!
Georgia also!
They've obviously expanded, they used to only operate within a single days drive of their dairy.
Im so glad to know i might find Braums in other parts of the US! Fucking love them!
My closest Brauns is 40 miles, but when I go that way a stop is mandatory. I like the ice cream, but the burgers are amazing.
Well, it's hard to beat well-made McDonald's. Then again it's also hard to find well-made McDonald's. Believe it or not, my favorite McDonald's was on Ponce De Leon Avenue in midtown Atlanta. The guy who owned it ran a tight ship. I used to eat there all the time in the 80s and 90s, and never once got lukewarm fries or a sloppily put-together burger. It was always hot and fresh and good.
Chick-fil-A is one of my favorites for consistency. I've been eating at CFA since they opened one at North DeKalb Mall when I was 5 years-old, and don't think I've ever had a bad meal or service experience at CFA. That said, if you're not in the mood for chicken, it's the wrong place to be.
So I guess I'll say Culver's. There's a new one in my town, and all the other burger places should be embarrassed by how much better Culver's is.
Haven't heard the name Ponce de Leon in awhile! There's so much amazing stuff in Midtown Atlanta. They have a Cafe Intermezzo there now finally. Open very late, perfect for a very fancy coffee and slice of cake. Everyone I take to those is so stunned by how great the atmosphere and items are.
Also there's a Mamouns in Atlanta now. If you like falafel by any chance, that is THE place to get it. Used to only be in NYC in Greenwich Village. I think its my "last meal alive" choice. Never had anything like it. I've looked all over America and it's never like that
Chic-Fil-A is still the bomb. If we could go back in time the 1980's McDonalds with good fries and such i'd probably pick that, but modern McDonalds is absolute trash.
I remember McDonald’s fries started to taste different around the time of the pandemic.
They changed them in the 80s because a bunch of whiny vegetarians sued them for using delicious beef tallow to cook their fries. I will never be a vegetarian.
The fries have been trash since the 80’s.
Yes it is!!
Portillo’s. I love both Italian beef and Chicago Style hot dogs. Not to mention the chocolate cake shake is a killer.
I used to go to Chicago several times a month and Portillos was one of my favorites for the Italian beef sandwich, dunked and with the hot giardiniera. Now I go to Phoenix a few times a year and they have seven stores, so yay!
Waffle house
Taco Bell, no competition. When I need something quick, cheap and filling I get the runs at the border.
If you're vegetarian, taco bell is the greatest fast food option.
I’ve got food allergies and, believe it or not, Taco Bell is the only fast food I eat anymore.
My daughter is gluten and lactose intolerant. If those happen to be your issues as well, I would sincerely appreciate a recommendation of what to get from Taco Bell.
I’m gluten intolerant. I get the crunchy tacos. You can order them without cheese. I like the Chicken Power Bowl a lot. You can order without cheese and sour cream. The avocado ranch dressing is my favorite part but it has buttermilk in it. The online menu will tell you what has gluten and dairy in it.
Even in my little town, in the middle of nowhere, there is a Taco Bell. It's cheap and reliable.
I eat Taco Bell and get the runs, but not at the border.
Yes to In-N-Out. Also to Rubio's for fish tacos, unless I can get to Palomino's in San Diego which has even better fish tacos.
I always order the lobster bowl at Rubio's, good stuff
East coast Five Guys.
West Coast: Del Taco, Weinerschnetzel (sp), In-N-Out
I remember when it used to be Der Weinerschnitzel, & the restaurants were all triangle shaped. I loved the hotdogs from there! There was one just down the street from my grandparents house, when they lived in L.A. We'd always beg to go there, when we were kids.
Yep. They were great. I grew up in Diamond Bar, CA
Zantigo’s was so much better than Taco Bell, but corporate buyouts caused it to disappear.
I remember Zantigos. Their tostadas were so good.
There's still 4 of them left. All in the Twin Cities.
I take my 95 year old Dad Chick-fil-A every Saturday for lunch for both of us. He gobbles up that sandwich :)
That’s really sweet. I hope my dad lives to 95.
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14d
I actually take it to him. He doesn't like to go anywhere but church now. In my book he gets what he wants.
Raising Canes and Culver’s
Unfortunately the nearest Culver’s is an 8 hour drive from me
I’m there with you, friend. I found one that is slightly closer but I don’t think it’s going to be the same as the ones in the Twin Cities. I went to one in the Atlanta area last August and was very disappointed.
I don't have one single. I would say Culver's, In N Out, The Habit and Chickfil are my top four. Panda Express is an honorable mention. Others like Chipotle and Fives are premium fast food and a different category to me.
Taco Bell, Wendy's.
Chick-Fil-A
Give me delicious free samples in malls in my 20’s, keep me for decades.
Probably Freddy's
DEFINITELY Freddy’s.
I had to scroll too far to find Freddy's. I love fast food though, I think McDonald's is goddam delicious, but I think my favorites are probably Freddy's, Culver's, and In-n-Out, all tied.
also, Sheetz
Dairy Queen, love me a hot fudge sundae with my chicken strips!
I love that they still have Peanut Buster Parfaits on the menu.
Peanut Buster Parfaits are my fave!
I love Sonic's Cherry Limeade & tatertots, mmmm
I love the Cherry Limeade too but the food has gotten really bad the last few times I’ve been. Idk if it’s just the one in my area or all of them
It has...I only get the 2 items
The tots are still good. And the corn dogs. The burgers are crap. Love the cherry limeade!
It’s so weird. Both of ours in town are amazing. The super sonic burrito is my go to when it’s the only thing I’m eating today.
We are at Sonic right now! Jalapeño poppers and Cherry Limeaid for me. Jalapeño poppers and the new Orange Cloudsickle for my daughter. Tater tots and a “spite” for the little un.
Chipotle or Panera probably.
Moe's or Jersey Mike's
Wendy's - chili and a Frosty!
Entrees - Burger King. Sides - Long John Silver's
Don't give me any lecture about how awful they are for you - if you're eating at either killing you faster is a feature not a bug.
Schlotzsky’, Chicken Express, DQ, Taco Bueno, Palio’s Pizza,.
omg i miss Schlotzskys so so much. is there still one around?!
Yes, in Texas there are quite a few.
I miss Schlotzkys!
I still love McDonalds. As a young power lifter trying to gain mass, I used to go get dollar menu double cheeseburgers. They are more than a buck now, but I still love to go down memory lane and get 3 double cheeseburgers, a small fry, and a chocolate shake a few times a year.
Long John silvers unfortunately they are hard to find
Been all over the country for fast food. My youngest is in his Wimpy stage and will only eat burgers right now. Out of all those places I would go with Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A.
What a Burger, tastes great.
Culver's. I've never even SEEN an In-N-Out. But I've heard good things about them, except for their fries. But Culver's fries are really good. So are their cheese curds and fish sandwiches. If you want a burger, get the deluxe double butterburger.
Dairy Queen. I love their blizzards! Especially the Chocolate-covered Strawberry (which, at my location has seemingly been discontinued!)
I don’t eat very much fast food. KC has a place I’ve gone to since I was young. In-a-tub.
Five Guys and Chick-Fil-A
Schlotskys or Whataburger
In and Out--California
Steak n Shake--Midwest
I always forget about Steak n Shake! They have them here in the south, thank goodness. I used to have to drive about 300 miles for one, but now there’s one that’s about 50 miles away. I love to grab a couple of cans of chili for at home.
Jack in the Box or In-n-Out.
Upvoting Jack in the Box. I moved to the East Coast and definitely miss their random offerings. Want a chicken pita with an egg roll? Sure. Mini tacos and a burger? No problem.
Chick-fil-A
Culver’s is pretty good, a decent menu and great ice cream.
Chipotle.
Chipotle - it’s fresh, fast, tastes good and reasonably priced. What’s not to like?
Before I cut out carbs- I loved Cane’s!!
Wendy’s used to be my favorite- back in the 90s. When the biggie fries were 99 cents….They changed the fries recipe so many times, they’re not even good anymore. My kids will never know the joy of fresh Wendy’s fries dipped in frosty.
Now, I’m really enjoying Jimmy John’s.
Culvers
Home 🏡
Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries could end wars. I’d join the peace talks if they catered.
Chipotle, Jersey Mike's, Firehouse Subs, Chick Filet (Hate the company though so I try to avoid them), Culver's, Wawa.
The Varsity & Chick-fil-A
Pizza
The best pizza I have ever had was in Italy. I have found a place that makes pizza similar to the ones I had in Italy near my town.
Our Dominos is killing it. Hands down the best pizza for only $6.99. In this economy…hands down.
Skyline Chili. It’s a Cincinnati thing.
Other than that, none. I’m not much of a fast food person.
Jason Kelce is still looking for his Super Bowl ring in that kiddie pool of Skyline Chili
I think I have heard of that place.
It was in N out but then I found out they supported Trump. Then they wouldn’t allow their employees to wear masks to protect them selves from COVID.
So it’s home cooked burgers for me! Not fast, but tasty!
Five Guys, hands down.
So expensive now.
Worth every penny.
In ‘N Out, & Burgerville in the PNW.
Burgerville! Man, I miss them from my days in Oregon!
WAY expensive now. Halibut fish and chips is $14 for 3 pieces
OMG.
Drive out to Seaside and get fish and chips off the boat from Bell Buoy on 101
https://visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/seaside/dine/bell-buoy-of-seaside/
Going there in early June. Thanks.
So happy to see Burgerville listed! That's mine as well. I don't live in Oregon anymore, but I miss their seasonal specials, like the fried asparagus, strawbwlerry shortcake, and the Walla Walla onion rings. So good.
Asparagus is now at $5.95
In n Out, Pei Wei
I like plenty of others, but everything else is a tier down from those two.
In n Out. Nothing else even comes close for me.
I used to like Hardee's breakfast biscuits, Arby's roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, and BK whoppers. I quit eating fast food a long time ago.
Roy Rogers but since there's only one anywhere near me, I would go to Arby's. Burger King. That's about it, though I rarely go anymore.
Big John’s Steak and onion subs. Might just be a local Michigan thing but they’re so good!
I can't eat McDonalds anymore. I realized it made me feel like garbage for hours after eating it. That was my favorite long ago.
I can eat at Taco Bell. There's a few things (bean burritos for one) that almost border on being OK for you. But honestly I eat fast food maybe 2x a year.
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15d
Generic answer I suppose but Taco Bell.
Can’t beat In-N-Out. Tommy’s is pretty nice if I’m not afraid another heart attack.
I used to live in the Silicon Valley and my go to was In-N-Out but I retired in the mid west where there aren’t any so my favorite is Hardee’s followed closely by Culver’s
The pastrami sandwich at Douglas Burger.
Popeye's
Portillos.
Popeyes, Carl's Jr.,Burgerville
Five Guys!
In order tied for first Popeyes and KFC, next would be McDonald's, then Burger King last Wendy's
Definitely In 'n Out. That's one of our first stops when my daughter and British son in law fly over to visit. He loves it so much we got him an In 'n Out t-shirt to take home.
Culver’s walleye dinner. It’s seasonal. They have cod everyday and that’s good too.
A&W
Great char broiled burgers, well seasoned curly fries and a frosted mug full of A&W root beer.
The one I grew up by was a drive up and eat in your car type. With the tray that hooks on your window.
There still is one like that about an hour from me.
1980s era Wendy's. I miss the quality they used to have. But like most places, they changed for the worse. Tiny dry burgers compared to what used to be the thickest, juiciest burgers in the country.
Now it's my kitchen. I'm pretty fast with the lunch griddle. Breakfast is even faster. I can make French toast in 1/8th the time it takes to get it at Ihop and it's probably 1/10th the price.
I miss the salad and potato bar at Wendy's!
Firehouse subs
I'm gonna say Potbelly's. Turkey and Swiss with hot peppers.... love it! Love their bread - bread can make or break a sandwich. I wish they still carried Orangina though. Also, I miss Blimpies.
People are listing restaurants that aren't fast food. You can do better.
In-N-Out Burger, Carl's Jr. and Subway. Mmmmmm!
Cook Out. Freddy's. Skyline Chili. Portillo's.
Oh Portillo’s!
Popeyes chicken
Runza
In n Out. None other.
@culvers please come to upstate NY I miss ur burgers From the guy who went to college in st Pete’s Florida.
Mos Burger. It’s a Japanese burger chain but we have them here in Thailand. Sort of like McDonald’s but kicked up several notches and with a lot of Japanese twists.
Shake Shack- nothing beats a burger and a great shake
Cook-out. Good food (when prepared with care) variety and the price is great!
Freddy's, Culver's, In-n-Out, Five Guys, McDonald's, Hardee's, Jersey Mike's, The Varsity, Burger King, Good Times, Sonic, Mr. Subb, Sheetz, Wawa
I've also been wanting to try Dairy Queen, A&W, Cook-Out, and Shake Shack
(I’m trying to fast today and I’m pretty hungry 😭)
The Varsity is THE best.
Panda Express.
I happen to really like Panda Express. We also often get meals from Arby's, sometimes from Carl's Jr and Burger King, and less often but maybe about twice a month from Papa Murphy's.
Taco Bell. Just the cheap tacos and burritos. Everything else is trash.
Popeye’s chicken sandwich
Chick fil A
Costco. All the freebies 😋
None... the smell of those places makes me nauseous.
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