Fast food. We’ve all been there, we all love it. But are we all aware of the top 50 fast food chains in America? We have some ideas of the top 50 fast food chains in the United States, whether from personal experience or just reports from other people. Did your favorite make the cut, or was it pushed to the side?
Don’t worry because we’ll cover it all here. In fact, we’ll be ranking all 50 restaurants and giving some thoughts on each of them as well. (Although there are a few chains that are more in line with an honorable mention instead of a true ranking.)
There’s certainly a variety of cuisines that we’ll be talking about here, ranging from chicken joints, to burger spots, and even some ice cream and milkshakes mixed in as well; we’ll be discussing it all, so be sure to stay tuned!
What’s your favorite fast food chain? Did it make the list? Read on to find out more!
Unfortunately, I have not tried the first 17 restaurants on this list, but we have learned a lot about them. So, instead of really ranking them (although they do have ranks in general here), we are going to describe them in case you are in the same boat.
Check out our 50 through 34 restaurants in the next slide and tell us your thoughts on these chains in the comments.
50. Tropical Smoothie Cafè
Serves more than just smoothies, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, flat-breads, and brand new bowls (2017).
49. Marco’s Pizza
I know this joint from ‘Undercover Boss’; Fresh dough made daily, and always available for carry-out, delivery, or dine-in options.
48. Church’s Chicken
This is a southern fried chicken chain located and based in Atlanta, GA.
47. Papa Murphy’s
This is a take-and-bake pizza company based and founded out of Vancouver, WA.
46. Moe’s Southwest Grill
In some ways this is kind of like the off-brand version of Chipotle, right? American/Tex-Mex fast-casual also based in Atlanta, GA.
45. Tim Horton’s
Delicious K-Cup Keurig coffee, but never been in one myself. Originally a Canadian fast-food chain, slowly creeping its way into the US.
44. Del Taco
Food looks delicious, but we don’t have one in my area, it’s mainly a west-coast ordeal; Serves up American-style Mexican fast food, much like Taco Bell itself.
43. Firehouse Subs
This chain is known for its commitment to first responders. But how does it compare to Jersey Mike’s? Founded in Jacksonville, FL.
42. Checker’s/Rally’s
Only heard or and seen these eating establishments; drive-in style and one of the largest chains of double drive-thrus within the entire US.
41. Qdoba
But how does it compare to Chipotle? Serving up some delicious fast-casual Mexican-style eats for all to enjoy.
40. El Pollo Loco
I have only heard of this place, never even seen one in person. One of two independent restaurant chains both owned by different people/companies.
39. Bojangles’
Never even heard of this place; American food, specializing in delish Cajun flavors.
38. Raising Canes
Who doesn’t want a giant piece of bread with their tenders? Idiots.
37. Zaxby’s
Is this more of a Southern sort of thing? Let me know! Offers a variety of different styles and flavors of both chickens and salads alike.
36. Whataburger
American, privately-owned chain based out of San Antonio Texas, that (obviously) specializes in Hamburgers….duh.
35. Dairy Queen (Savory)
While I’ve had my fair share of their sweet treats, I’ve never even tried the savory treats that they have to offer. They serve up a variety of things, also owns Orange Julius.
34. Sonic Drive-In
I know what you’re thinking….crazy that I haven’t tried Sonic (yet); Also a drive-thru option in 46/50 states, inspired by their sister companies, Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Next up, we’ve got a super popular, but super overrated burger joint to start us all off for real. What do you think of this fast food chain?
33. In-N-Out Burger
Can I just say overrated? Oh wait, no. Very overrated. Can I say that? Like honestly, when on vacation on the West Coast on the Las Vegas strip, we decided to try it out. With those long lines, I was expecting something completely out of this world, only to be disappointed.
I honestly wouldn’t care if I ever stepped foot in one ever again.
32. Shake Shack
Don’t get me wrong: the food was good, but for the price you’ll be paying, it sucks. Imagine this in your brain: 4 people go there, and each get the same thing, plus a shake to try. Does $83 sound fair to you? For burgers, fries, and shakes? Absolutely not.
If you’re looking to choose between your children’s college fund and eating, don’t eat here.
31. Jason’s Deli
I haven’t had this place in years, but who doesn’t love a good sandwich place (but trust me: better ones are certainly ahead on this list here).
Pretty basic stuff served here at reasonable prices in my opinion, so that’s good. I definitely would love to try this again to see if anything’s changed or jogs my little-kid memory at all. Thoughts?
30. Carl’s Jr.
I’ve had this once on a college road trip a few years back, and in all honesty, since I don’t remember it too much, it couldn’t have been that good, am I right?
What’s your favorite thing from Carl’s Jr.? Is it good, or does it suck? I can’t seem to remember.
29. Hardee’s
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all-day, I believe, so there’s definitely something for everyone at any time of the day!
Here are some of their top menu item choices:
- BLT Ranch Angus Burger
- Hand-Breaded Chicken and Waffles Sandwich
- Monster Biscuit
- Breakfast Platter(s)
28. Five Guys
Founded and based out in Washington, here’s what the founder, Jerry Murrell’s mother, said to him one day, and boy wasn’t/isn’t she dang right:
"“If you can give a good haircut or if you can serve a good drink at a bar or if you can serve a good hamburger, you can always make money in America.”"
27. Dunkin’ Donuts
This choice and placement on this list may surprise many, besides myself of course. The reason why I placed it so low on this list is because in terms of food, they’re just okay. Sure, I would happily choose to go there for breakfast, but there are definitely other places that I like better. I’m a Caribu girl (for both drinks and food) thru and through (but since there are none around me anymore, I’m a Starbucks girl, but always a Caribu girl at heart! Forever and always!
26. Wingstop
I love boneless wings, as many do. And while Wingstop used to be one of my favorite fast food places when I was a kid, I definitely think that even my local grocery store has better options. For the price, come here. For the quality, head on over to Buffalo Wild Wings instead; trust me: you’ll surely thank me later! All I can say.
25. Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen
It’s good. But just good. Super overrated, if you ask me (besides their Chicken Tenders and Blackened Ranch Sauce). Their sandwich? Wouldn’t wait more than ten minutes for, and only if I was desperately hungry. The rest? Could definitely take it or leave it, for sure.
24. Jack in the Box
I’ve only been to Jack-in-the-Box a time or two. And trust me: it’s good eats. However, given the caliber of the other places that are on the rest of this list, it sits at Number 24! Not too shabby (in the top half, we can technically say, am I right?)!
Next up, we start with an underrated fast food pretzel place! Thoughts on it?
23. Auntie Anne’s
A classic pretzel place. Or a pretzel dog place. Or a cinnamon sugar pretzel with some nice warm icing to dip it into. The perfect place to get a pretzel with nacho cheese sauce. What’s missing? How about a cheeseburger with an Auntie Anne’s pretzel-style bun? (*That was your chance to listen up and take notes, Auntie Anne’s, just sayin’!*)
22. Chick-Fil-A
A good place for a chicken sandwich, not a great one.
Personally, I think it’s a tad bit overrated. Wanna know why I think that? Because every time I’ve gotten it, I’ve literally always had cold fries. In the tried and true words of Alexis from Schitt’s Creek, “Ew, David.”
21. Papa John’s
My favorite thing from here, since I really don’t remember the actual pizza part of it, is their Papadias. During a WWE pay per view, my boyfriend, his cousin, and myself, got one of each of their Papadia’s (back when they first came out), and let’s just say one thing: GO THERE AND TRY THEM ALL RIGHT EFFING NOW! Go ahead and save time and just thank me later!
20. McAlister’s Deli
McAllister’s Deli is actually a really great place to get a sandwich; however, I’m a simple girl, and all I need is a classic Subway or a so-fast-you’ll-freak sub from Jimmy John’s. However, the Avocado BLT from McAlister’s, their soup, and their house-made flavored lemonades is reason enough to at least give the place a try! Go right on ahead!
19. Baskin Robbins
While their specialty is specifically ice cream-related sweet treats, they still deserve such a pretty decent spot on this list. While the location nearest to me is more like a ‘Four Flavors’ as opposed to a ’31 Flavors’, it’s still delicious. My favorite thing to order is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream, blended into a milkshake. You won’t be sorry, if you try it.
Other than that, gimme a Reese’s PB Sundae and I’m so totally in as well!
18. KFC
There’s only one thing that I think of whenever I think of KFC: The mashed potato, corn, gravy, and fried chicken bowl. Honestly, I think that alone is better than their actual fried chicken itself! However, I would like to get my hands on trying a fried chicken sandwich and some classic chicken tenders as well. De-Lish!
17. Subway
Subway is a good, quick sandwich place, but definitely not nearly as (freaky) fast as Jimmy John’s, that’s for sure (but don’t worry, we’ll get to them later on here). Here are my two faves: Chipotle Steak and Cheese and the Cold Cut Combo!
But let’s be honest, the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki and the classic Ham are always great choices too! What’s your favorite Subway sub?!
16. Little Caesar’s
For the longest time, this was the traditional meal that my boyfriend, his brother, and myself would get on Big Brother and/or Survivor nights, so it will always hold a special place in my heart!
Delicious pizza, crazy bread, marinara sauce, and of course, try their cheddar jalapeño sauce as well!
15. Burger King
Classic cheap burger or chicken sandwich place. Absolutely love their onion rings (drove back through a drive thru once just because I forgot to order them) and their pretzel king line was also super amazing as well.
Great for both kids and adults alike, so no worries there!
14. Chipotle
In the past, Chipotle sat more so second fiddle for me; however, for my birthday this year, I was gifted a bunch of food-related gift cards, one of them being for Chipotle of course. I went their with my boyfriend, and we both fell in love with it!
My advice? Get a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side for only 0.25 cents extra! Also, you can never go wrong with the white queso, unless you don’t get it of course. Then and only then are you going wrong, totally and utterly wrong with(out) it!
Coming in hot, we open with a pizza joint, and end with some classic fast food!
13. Domino’s
The crust, the crust, the crust. I don’t know if it’s garlic butter type of crust or what, but normally, I hate garlic or anything just even with the smallest amount of garlic; however, there are a few exceptions for me, and Domino’s pizza crust is for sure one of them.
Domino’s, consider it an honor.
12. Jersey Mike’s
What a solid sandwich place. Like most, every sandwich is not only made fresh, but made fresh right in front of you, kind of like an elevated version of Subway (still good, though).
My personal favorite from here is their Chipotle Cheesesteak. Haven’t tried it yet? Do it!
11. Jimmy John’s
I know a lot of people hate on Jimmy John’s, but there’s just something, and I’m still not quite too sure what, about their bread that just truly takes the cake for me.
What’s my order? A #4 (Turkey Tom) with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado added to it. Throw me a side of legit any of their chips and a nice cold fountain drink, and you’ve got yourself a meal, folks!
10. Pizza Hut
My favorite pizza from here: Meat Lovers. However, I think I enjoy eating from Pizza Hut is their Chicken Alfredo with Parmesan Breadsticks. Top notch, let me tell ya. And thank you to my wonderful boyfriend for introducing me to it and getting me completely hooked! Don’t sleep on it!
9. Culver’s
Culver’s is delicious. Their classic Butter Cheeseburger is nothing to shy away from. Their cheesecurds? Awesome. Their onion rings? Perfectly crunchy. Their chicken and fried fish dinners? Superb. Their custard, mixers, concrete creations, and plain ole vanilla custard? Fresh and cold!
8. Panera Bread
Such a fresh and delicious place to have lunch. For some reason, I definitely associate Panera Bread as more of a lunch or breakfast place, rather than a dinner place; however, it really doesn’t make a different because it’s delicious no matter the time of day.
If you’re like me and you can never decide on just one thing to eat and enjoy, try the You Pick Two. Mine usually consists of some sort of sandwich and almost always consists of the Cream of Chicken Rice Soup (get it in a Bread Bowl – don’t worry, you can thank me later – you’re welcome)!
7. Panda Express
The best Chinese fast food take out that there is. They have fresh choices, choices that make you wanna splurge, appetizers, and all kinds of sauces, meats, shrimp, chicken, and veggies that one could possibly think of.
My go-to order is usually a plate with half white rice and half fried rice or half super greens with half rice of some sort (white or fried) with String Bean Chicken for sure and either Teriyaki Grilled Chicken, Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or really anything else that looks good to me at the moment (like Black Pepper Chicken or Beef as well)! Eat up and enjoy, folks!
6. Steak ‘N Shake
I’ve been here a handful of times for both breakfast and lunch/dinner, and let me tell ya – both are absolutely delicious! For breakfast, ask for the hashbrown patty with whatever else you order. For your main meal, the BBQ Burger is so smoky and delicious – great choice. For dessert, don’t sleep on just a plain Reese’s PB Shake, Hershey’s Special Dark Shake, Peppermint (Christmastime), Banana, etc….(basically what I’m trying to say here is that any ice cream shake is delish)!
5. Wendy’s
Okay, so with these last five here, we’re getting into some of the more nationally known chains, ones that you may find at every other street corner, that is. One thing to note: don’t get their Biggie Bag (it used to have 10 nuggets of your choice with either a burger or a crispy chicken sandwich; now, it’s not even worth it).
Their Taco Salad is also super delicious to dress up with some sour cream, chili, and salsa! Their celebration Birthday Cake frosty was also super delicious. Or swirl their chocolate and vanilla with the vanilla on the bottom because that’s clearly the superior flavor on over there – don’t argue!
4. McDonald’s
Delicious. Classic. Everyone loves it. There’s something for everyone. Don’t sleep on the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, their Nuggets with all of their sauces. Now call me crazy, but everyone says that they have the best Coke. I don’t see it, I don’t get it, but think whatever you’d like. I’m more of an Orange Soda or Sprite kind of gal (or spice it up with one of those Freestyle machines to customize whatever sort of flavor(s) that you’d like that you also never see in stores as well alike!
We have arrived to our final THREE fast food joints in America! Which is your personal favorite of our list? Least fave?
3. Starbucks
For people who know me, they might be thinking “OMG, Starbucks is third on your list?!” My answer to that would be the following: Starbucks’ food doesn’t remind me of fast food. It’s fresh, healthy, and great anytime of the day.
If I could either have drinks or food from Starbucks for the rest of my life, I would say drinks, but also snag myself a Spinach Feta Wrap and a Smoked Bacon Chicken Sandwich and run.
What to Get: Literally anything, drink-wise. Food-wise – try the Smoked Bacon & Chicken Panini
2. Arby’s
People may hate on Arby’s but their food is pretty freaking fantastic for some delicious fast food, if you ask me. Double Beef and Cheddars are a classic. Pecan Almond Chicken Salad is super fresh and delicious for the Summertime and Springtime. Their fries? Out of this world. The Jamocha Shake? Amazing. The Vanilla Shake? Perfectly creamy. The mozzarella sticks? Deliciously unexpected (although I wish that the marinara dipping sauce was warm).
What to Get: Try a classic Double Beef and Cheddar with Curly Fries and a Blue Powerade
1. Taco Bell
This is no surprise nor no question for me personally over here.
Taco Bell has the most customizable menu out there. Vegan or Vegatarian? They’ve gotcha covered. Don’t like certain ingredients like tomatoes or beans? Don’t sweat it. In all honesty, I can’t say enough good things about Taco Bell. The worst thing that Taco Bell’s done was to take away their potatoes and shredded chicken. The best thing that Taco Bell’s done was bring those potatoes back (shredded chicken is next or else, so listen up Mr. Bell)! Plus! You can never go wrong with a Classic Crunchwrap, am I right, or am I right?! I’ll wait….
What to Get: Try their brand new Loaded Taco Fries Burrito and their new Chicken Flatbread
What is your personal fast food joint in America? Don’t live in the states? What is your favorite fast food joint from wherever it is in the world that you live? Let’s chat below in the comments!