For quick burgers, tacos and drive-through delights that don't disappoint, check our list of the best fast food in America
Fine, we'll admit it: There are few things better than that first bite into a greasy burger or chicken sandwich from your favorite fast food spot. And no matter who you ask, everyone has a favorite—even if they swear they don't. It's their go-to on a busy day, their pick-me-up when they don't feel like cooking and their favorite place to go for a bite after an alcohol-fueled night on the town.
Sure, you could spend a mortgage payment on a Michelin-starred tasting menu, but you could also get hundreds of nuggets for the same price. Decisions, decisions...
In this official ranking of the best fast food restaurants in America, we pay homage to the country's best spots, from McDonald's and In-N-Out to Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell. None of them has won a Michelin star, but all of them will satisfy your greasy cravings.
RECOMMENDED: What to order at McDonald's, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A and Arby's
A hot chicken sando from Chick-fil-A hits any day of the week—unless it's a Sunday. The signature Chick-fil-A sauce is perfect for dunking your waffle fries or nuggets, and the buttery sandwich buns are among the best in the game.
What to order: Spicy chicken sandwich and fries
Where to find it: In 48 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico
Shake Shack is both a fast-food spot and a destination restaurant, depending on where you live. Make the queue at its original location in Madison Square Park for a leisurely (read: the lines are long) meal amid one of NYC's most beautiful green spaces. One thing is true of all Shake Shack locations (of which there are about 380 in the U.S.): the burgers are excellent and made from 100-percent, all-natural Angus beef. And so are the all-beef hot dogs, crispy crinkle-cut fries and the milkshakes. If we’re being honest, we love it all.
Taco Bell shows no sign of slowing down, debuting a new item seemingly every week. But despite all the additions and newfangled spins on its Mexican fast food, one thing remains constant: a stoner-friendly, late-night-worthy and budget-conscious menu that hits all the right notes—as long as you’re stoned, out super late or broke.
What to order: Chalupa
Where to find it: There are more than 8,000 locations (!) across 51 states
True to its Wisconsin roots, the secret to Culver’s exceptional burger is butter. The patties come sandwiched between buns that get a swipe of dairy before hitting the grill, resulting in a delicious package that’s best paired with another Midwest specialty: frozen custard.
What to order: ButterBurger
Where to find it: In 26 states, mostly in the Midwest, and across the northern and southern borders
It’s all about the spice, people. Popeyes’ hush-hush blend imbues Cajun flavor into many of its beloved dishes, from the signature fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes to those generously seasoned fries. It’s no wonder the New Orleans-born restaurant has amassed an uber-passionate following.
What to order: Spicy chicken
Where to find it: Across 49 states, with the most restaurants located in Texas
Two words: flame broiled. Miami-born Burger King has made its mark with this signature cooking style since it opened in 1954. It's one of the few burger chains to use fresh toppings, was among the first to feature plant-based options and is known for its innovation. Does anyone remember the black Whopper? And who could resist the rodeo burger? Surely, not us.
What to order: Whopper
Where to find it: Across 51 states and territories
Down south, Whataburger’s orange and white stripes are almost as iconic as McDonald’s golden arches, signaling meaty goodness in the form of wide, thin patties on a toasted five-inch bun. They’re not just skilled with beef, however—as much as its namesake hits the spot, Whataburger devotees will tell you that there’s no better hangover cure than the honey butter chicken biscuit.
What to order: Patty melt
Where to find it: Southern states, mostly in Texas
Say what you will about McDonald’s, but the home of Grimace and Co. helped define fast food. The Big Mac is iconic for a reason—two patties, special sauce and a heavy portion of nostalgia. For a whole lot of us, this was our first fast food, the thing that defined it for a childhood. The fries are salty, the McFlurry is as sweet as an Easter basket and the burgers are not great—but hey, they’re just like you remember. It’s McDonald’s, and wherever you are in the world, there’s probably one nearby.
What to order: Big Mac
Where to find it: In more than 100 countries and territories across the world—so, basically everywhere
Carl’s Jr. is the kind of place you stop on a high desert road trip, discovering that the Western Bacon Cheeseburger is one of the best in the fast-food business. The charbroiled patty is smoky, the bacon crispy, the onion rings add a nice crunch, and the sweet BBQ sauce brings a whole lot of decadence. Yes, Hardee’s is Carl's Midwest/East Coast cousin—but bro, they don’t do onion rings.
What to order: Western Bacon Cheeseburger
Where to find it: Western and southern states, from California and Washington to Louisiana
Here’s the thing about Wingstop: they concentrated on one thing in a quest to do it pretty well. Whether you’re a purist or someone who likes your wings so spicy they make you sweat, they’ve got it. The lemon pepper is bright and has a bit of a kick, the garlic parmesan is rich and flavorful, and the mango habanero is sweet, with just a little heat at the end. Bonus points for wings that stay crispy despite being drenched in sauce—a small miracle in fast-food engineering.
What to order: All-In Bundle (because, hey, you’re here)
Where to find it: In 47 states, with the highest concentration along the eastern, southern and western borders
Zaxby’s is one of the rulers of the fried chicken roost—at least in the South. Dreamed up by two childhood pals on a Statesboro, Georgia basketball court, the comfort-food spot slings out crispy bird in a number of forms (tenders, wings, etc.), plus a house-made, addictive Zax sauce.
What to order: Chicken finger plate
Where to find it: Southeastern states, including Georgia, Alabama and Florida
Fun fact for young folks: Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas starred in more than 800 commercials for the brand, hawking its burgers in a soft-spoken, grandfatherly demeanor. He passed away in 2002, but his signature never-frozen beef patties and iconic Frosty desserts live on.
What to order: Chocolate Frosty
Where to find it: In 50 states, with Florida, Texas and Ohio having the most locations
Among fast-food chains, those focused on chicken dishes are in the highest demand lately. And none are expanding as quickly as Raising Cane's, which got its start in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the 1990s. The restaurant has found success by never straying from its original fan favorites: crispy chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and buttery Texas toast.
What to order: Chicken fingers
Where to find it: Across 42 states, with locations in more states opening soon
Five Guys offers everything you'd want in a great fast food restaurant—a straightforward menu, fresh ingredients and greasy burgers. The burgers are massive, and the fries are fresh, but it hits the spot every time. With locations in every U.S. state, it's come a long way since its inception in 1986.
What to order: Cheeseburger and fries
Where to find it: All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
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