Have you ever asked yourself if there was one particular eatery whose taste appeals to nearly everyone – the polar opposite of a French fry without enough salt or an overdone burger? Well, despite frequent visits to your local fast-food spots; it seems nobody has decided on a winner yet. This data comes from survey questions posted by YouGov where they ask participants their opinions on different restaurants and specific dining items – such as chips or sandwiches – before recording their responses.
A whopping 81% percent of respondents either had no opinion at all or found everything equally appetizing (despite asking specifically about favorites) when presented with this question. What does this mean for our country’s future food culture?
There are a plethora of options out there for you when it comes to fast food. Whether it be from McDonald’s – famous for their cheeseburgers and world-famous fries; or Subway, with an endless amount of delicious wraps – chances are there is something out there just waiting to make your mouth water. And let’s not forget the beloved Drive Thru Joint that we all frequent at one point or another!
But what if you wanted to expand your palate? What if you’re looking for some variety in this realm of deliciousness? If so then do keep reading because we have compiled a list of America’s top 5 best-rated Fast Food restaurants just for you. So without further ado, continue reading as these five different types of American Fast Foods await to be enjoyed by your taste buds!
To ease digestion, we narrowed the list of quality dining brands to those which offer fast-food cuisine. This was an arduous process made easier by finding those places which are least likely to upset one’s stomach. There are plenty of options out there for eating out when one craves a quick meal.
From well-known fast food giants such as Mcdonald’s, Burger King, and KFC to smaller but still delectable franchises like Wendy’s or Dairy Queen – there is no shortage of choices for American diners looking for a quick fix. As these cuisine staples continue to grow in popularity, this accessibility will continue unabated into every corner of our world; making it easier than ever before to satisfy even the most discriminating taste buds without sacrificing convenience or price.
50 Best Fast Food Restaurants In The U.S.
1. Sbarro
Sbarro has long been known for it’s delicious, larger than average slices of pizza which can be found in most food courts.
2. Jamba Juice
There really is something for every type of person at this smoothie shop- besides frozen drinks they offer smoothie bowls and yummy bites to go with it.
3. Firehouse Subs
Yes, the founders of Firehouse Subs were actually working as firefighters when they decided to branch out into sandwich-making.
4. Carvel
This wonderful establishment has lots of different flavors and days where the customer can enjoy two sundaes for the price of one! Who could ask for more?
5. Checkers & Rally’s
Looking for a classic burger? You can’t go wrong with this place, it’s what we’re famous for!
6. Shake Shack
What began as a small hotdog stand in Madison Square Park, New York has blossomed into an iconic burger joint that patrons travel from all over the United States to visit.
Shake Shack is fast food America adores – and for good reason. They serve up cheeseburgers, hamburgers, French fries, and even make some pretty amazing chicken sandwiches too!
7. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box offers many options for food including nuggets, milkshakes and even tacos. Jack in the Box is one of many restaurants that offer a variety of foods. One great thing about this restaurant is it offers swaps to make your meal healthier too!
8. Whataburger
These mouthwatering burgers come from a company named Wow-Burger because of how big they are – and also because you’ll be exclaiming wow! at how satisfying they will make you feel.
Look up the secret Whataburger menu before you go so that you know what to order when at this amazing restaurant! A favorite of mine is their grilled cheeseburger which I would recommend to anyone.
9. Einstein Bros. Bagels
When you’re in desperate need of some carbs but don’t want to spend hours trying to find parking at the local bagel shop, Einstein Bros. does the trick!
10. Church’s Chicken
Church’s Chicken is an iconic fast food restaurant founded in 1952 that has been selling America’s favorite fried chicken for years. Their establishment sits just across from the famous The Alamo, where many great battles were fought at in history.
11. Jersey Mike’s
While Subway has more locations than Jersey Mike’s, it still managed to make its way into the top fifty.
12. Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s is the king of quickly delivered sandwiches, which are made fresh and ready-to-eat. There’s no need to wait around for hours after ordering when you order from this restaurant; in fact, it will arrive just about as soon as you hang up the phone!
13. Long John Silver’s
Ahoy, matey! This seafood-based fast food chain comes in at number 18 out of 50 for the best fast food chains in America.
14. Carl’s Jr.
Are a mouth-watering charbroiled hamburger and sweet, sugary milkshake awaiting you? A trip to Carl’s Jr. might be what brings these pleasures your way!
15. Wingstop
Wingstop is an American franchise restaurant best known for its delicious chicken wings that can be ordered without bones or with them. Customers are able to choose from a variety of wing flavors such as Garlic Parmesan, Atomic (if they want something really spicy), and Lemon Pepper too.
16. Orange Julius
Whether you crave an ice-cold smoothie on a hot day or want to refuel after a strenuous workout, Orange Julius has got you covered.
17. Chipotle
True fans know that guacamole is extra- and they’re willing to pay for it. Check out these awesome menu items!
18. In-N-Out Burger
It might be considered a California staple, but In-N-Out’s absence from the top ranks probably has to do with its exclusivity rather than other qualities. Locals can order anything they want at this fast food joint – there are the famous animal style fries or even a protein style burger for celebrities on the go – and if you’re lucky enough to live near one, you’ll find that it has everything you need.
19. Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne’s pretzels are unmatched for their level of quality and taste.
20. Hardee’s
Hardee’s is a recognizable fast food restaurant that has been around for years, serving up tasty charbroiled burgers. If you’re looking for a place with large hamburgers but don’t want to break the bank – Hardee’s is the spot! Try one of their monsterous 2/3 pound Monster Thickburgers when your stomach demands it most!
21. Panda Express
With over 7,000 locations nationwide, Panda Express is one of the highest ranking Asian food chains in America. This was indicated on the 2018 QSR 50 Ethnic Segment Report which put together rankings for some of the top-rated restaurants around and divided them up into categories based on their ethnicity.
When you’re craving some delicious American-Chinese fare but don’t want to wait for takeout, visit Panda Express. Their menu has loads of great dishes and they’ve got awesome deals too so you can save money while getting what you crave. Check out their Orange Chicken or Teriyaki Grilled Chicken today!
22. Nathan’s Famous
When you’re feeling hungry and you want to eat something quick, then there is no better option than ordering hot dogs from Nathan’s.
23. White Castle
Harold and Kumar are two of many loyal customers who keep coming back to White Castle for a taste of those iconic sliders. Now, there’s even an Impossible Slider on the menu – one can’t live without them!
24. Boston Market
The mouth-watering rotisserie chicken and mac and cheese are just two of the many tantalizing options available at Boston Market. With a variety of dishes perfect for every taste, this restaurant offers some of the best food in town.
25. Papa John’s
Papa John’s has been boasting about how they use better ingredients in their pizzas, but there still seem to be many people ordering them.
26. Little Caesars
Pizza will always have its friends. It’s a cheap, fast food that people can’t resist for some reason or another- maybe it tastes good or just because it fills you up really quickly so you don’t need to think about dinner again for an hour. But how does your state stack up in terms of the most popular toppings?
27. Starbucks
Starbucks has amassed a reputation for being the go-to destination during Fall season. Their pumpkin coffees and frappuccinos offer an assortment of tasty drinks for both coffee lovers, as well as those who want something different.
28. Quizno’s
At Quiznos, there are all kinds of classic sandwiches made with only the freshest ingredients. There’s no denying that they offer something special at their freshly prepared pepper bar!
29. Five Guys
While Five Guys does offer some well-seasoned burgers and fries, it also offers peanuts. Peanuts are available at every location so you can enjoy them while you wait for your food to come out.
30. Cold Stone Creamery
This ice cream shop makes every customer happy- you can customize anything you want! It’s like a dream come true.
31. Sonic
Sometimes all you want is a Sonic milkshake and hamburger at the end of a long day.
32. Burger King
While it may not be the most popular fast food chain in America, Burger King still retains its spot at number two. Those flame-broiled Whoppers are just as tasty as ever – and what’s more is if you want an Impossible Whopper instead of a beef patty then all you need to do is ask!
Want to know where you can find some of the most delicious hamburgers ever? Look no further than this list of burgers from all over America.
33. KFC
The colonel is still going strong! Why would anyone want to eat their chicken out of a bowl?
34. A&W Restaurants
A&W Restaurants have been around for over 100 years now and you can find them in countries all over the world. As if their signature root beer wasn’t enough, they also offer a range of desserts – from deep fried twinkies to milkshakes – to go along with it.
35. Mrs. Fields
Those delicious yet tempting chocolate chip cookies that would make anyone want them? It’s no surprise why they can be found in every Mrs. Field location, but if you wanted to enjoy one once in a while it wouldn’t hurt either way!
36. Subway
People surveyed described this sandwich shop as being of good value for money. And if you are one of those many who adore Subway, then we have news for you- there are so many delicious options to choose from when it comes time to eat at the famous restaurant chain! Check out our list of every tasty item offered and ranked according to nutrition below- now go ahead and head over with an open mind!
37. McDonald’s
Are you still loving it? You might have expected McDonald’s to claim a higher rank, but those golden fries and Big Macs seem to have some stiffer competition than before.
38. Domino’s
The pizza from Domino’s has been heralded by many to be just as tasty and satisfying as a meal you would buy at any other restaurant. Alongside their delicious brownies or cinnamon rolls, it really doesn’t matter what type of pie you are craving; they’ve got it all!
39. Popeyes
Plenty of diehard Popeyes patrons can be found eating at this establishment on a regular basis. And, for good reason – it’s well known that the chicken sandwich is quite good.
40. Panera
From the house made lemonade to that savory mac and cheese, Panera has everything a person could want. With how highly it ranked on YouGov’s list, no one can deny how good of an establishment this is.
41. Taco Bell
This taco joint has made it clear they value their loyal customers, ringing the bell of appreciation when ordering. Did you know Taco Bell season their beef with 100% kosher salt?
42. Chick-fil-A
Although loyal customers cannot satisfy their fried chicken cravings on Sundays, Chick-fil-A is still one of the best spots to visit when you’re in the mood for a delicious chicken sandwich and crispy waffle fries.
43. Pizza Hut
With an abundance of different crusts, cheese-topped possibilities and grilled vegetables to choose from – people who love pizza know they’ll always have something new at the Hut.
44. Arby’s
For those who love meat, especially roast beef, Arby’s is the restaurant for you. They’re known for their famous roast beef sandwich as well.
45. Dunkin’
America actually does run on Dunkin’, doesn’t it? Those delicious little Munchkins are hard to resist.
46. Cinnabon
I always take a moment to stop by Cinnabon whenever I’m out shopping at the mall – because how can you leave such a perfect place without indulging in one of their warm, gooey, perfectly sticky cinnamon buns?
47. Wendy’s
Ranking higher than McDonald’s and Burger King is America’s favorite red-headed company! You guessed it – we’re talkin’ about Wendy’s! Whether you prefer the sweet taste of chocolate or the classic vanilla, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: Wendy’s has got us covered.
48. Krispy Kreme
There are so many reasons people keep coming back to Krispy Kreme. From the affordable prices of coffee to the deliciously crispy donuts, it’s clear this place knows how to please their followers.
49. Baskin-Robbins
Craving some ice cream? You won’t regret visiting Baskin Robbins. They have a variety of mouth-watering scoop flavors for you to choose from.
50. Dairy Queen
Majority rules! Customers raved that the fast-food chain is good quality, never gets old, and is a good value for money. A five dollar blizzard seems like it would always be worth it to anyone. In 1985 when they came out, DQ sold over 100 million Blizzards which just shows how popular they were.
For more, check out this list of the top 108 most popular sodas ranked by their toxicity.
51. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is arguably one of the best Fast Food establishments to come out of America, and has since been spreading all over the globe. Specializing in tacos and burritos, Chipotle have made quite an international name for itself in terms of quality catering.
Customers are free to fill up their Chipotle order with whatever ingredients they would like; from meats such as steak or carnitas (pork) to vegetables such as lettuce or spinach, there truly is something for every person who wants a satisfying meal.
52. Bojangles’
Bojangles is an incredibly popular American fast-food chain that serves delicious buttermilk fried chicken the Southern way. You can’t leave without getting one of those buttery biscuits.
53. Zaxby’s
Fried chicken lovers unite! Zaxby’s isn’t just your average fast food joint. It offers fresh-tasting and healthy options for when you’re looking for something lighter, but don’t want to compromise on flavor either. Their fried chicken has been praised by many an individual (including myself), as well as their crispy crinkle-cut French fries- which are a necessity at this point.
54. Culver’s
What makes Culver’s one of the best fast food chains out there is a mixture of their delicious fried cheese curds, their delicious and popular custard-based Cement Mixers, and their signature Butter burgers. Order all three of these items together for an amazing combination!
Final Thoughts
The greatest and cheapest American fast-food chains are all listed here! You can’t go wrong when you’re hungry but either short on money or time. Just check any of these places out for some quick and easy bites without the pricey price tag attached to them! If you’re sick of eating unhealthily when there’s nothing else around, take a look at what we suggest would be the most healthy menu items from these restaurants – because who doesn’t love eating healthy?
