Discover the 10 best of MA

deleciousfood | August 1, 2024 | Fast Food | No Comments

Fast casual restaurants are all the rage these days.

The feeling of being able to sit in a restaurant and eat food prepared quickly and to order is a commercial concept and privilege that has only been perfected in the 21st century.

USA Today recently released a list of the top 10 fast-casual restaurants in the United States. The list was created using a selection process in which a panel of voters narrowed down the options and then the general public was allowed to vote.

Here are the 10 best fast casual restaurants and whether or not they are in Massachusetts.

#10 Chipotle: Is Chipotle in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are several Chipotle Mexican Grills in Massachusetts.

Chipotle’s generous portions have won the hearts of fast-casual diners across the country. With staples like the barbacoa burrito and the adult quesadilla on a slightly secret menu, Chipotle is always popular.

#9 Portillo’s: Is Portillo’s in Massachusetts?

There are no Portillo locations in Massachusetts.

Portillo’s is a must-try for its Italian beef, served dipped in gravy, drizzled with gravy, or with the gravy on the side. No matter how you take your Italian beef, Portillo’s has become one of the best in the Chicago area, as well as the entire country, with its original recipe served on freshly baked French bread.

One can only hope that it will cross the Appalachians and land in the Bay State.

#8 Five Guys: Is Five Guys in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are Five Guys Burgers and Fries locations in Massachusetts.

While a bit pricier than some other casual burger joints (a bacon cheeseburger costs $11.39), this place is an institution in the burger and fries world for the quality of its burgers and the generosity of its fries.

Along with a regular order of fries (which can be ordered classic or spicy with a Cajun option), any Five Guys location worth its salt (literally) will offer a brown bag overflowing with fries and a cup inside to share.

#7 Culver’s: Is Culver’s in Massachusetts?

No, unfortunately there are no Culver’s locations in Massachusetts, much to the chagrin of former Midwesterners who now live in Massachusetts.

It’s hard to say no to a crispy ButterBurger at this Midwestern mainstay that’s now expanded south, west, and east. Add in Wisconsin staples like gooey cheese curds and fresh-frozen custard, and you’ve got yourself a delicious treat from start to finish. Their turtle sundae, with caramel, hot fudge, and toasted pecans, is a sure hit.

#6 Mendocino Farms: Is Mendocino Farms located in Massachusetts?

Mendocino Farms is available in Massachusetts.

Diners at Mendocino Farms, a fine dining chain that debuted in Southern California in 2005, can enjoy a wide range of options. Sandwiches come from all over the world, with choices ranging from aji amarillo-marinated Peruvian steak to chimichurri and bacon steak to Mendo’s Original Pork Belly Banh Mi.

#5 Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Is Tropical Smoothie Cafe located in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are several tropical smoothie cafes in Massachusetts.

The Tropical Smoothie Café offers an impressive selection of various flavors, vegetables and fruits, but the Tropical Smoothie experience is much more than that.

A wide selection of wraps, flat sandwiches and salads round out the lunch and dinner menu. For breakfast, try the crunchy peanut butter and banana flatbread (which is a kind of smoothie sandwich).

#4 Halal Guys: Is Halal Guys in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are Halal Guys stores in Massachusetts.

The Halal Guys began in 1990 as a food stand in New York City by three Egyptian immigrants who moved to the United States. Today, you no longer need to travel to the Big Apple to enjoy these American halal favorites, like chicken, gyros and fresh falafel. The Halal Guys now ranks among the fastest growing chains in the United States.

#3 BurgerFi: Is BurgerFi present in Massachusetts?

There are no BurgerFi locations in Massachusetts; however, there are a few locations in Connecticut.

BurgerFi makes their burgers and sandwiches with premium Angus beef, premium Wagyu beef, free-range chicken, Beyond Meat or their award-winning VegeFi patty. Burgers are served with made-to-order sides like beer-battered fries and onion rings, and you can finish your meal with their custard-filled frozen desserts.

#2 Torchy’s Tacos: Is Torchy’s Tacos located in Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, there are no Torchy’s Tacos locations in Massachusetts.

This chain is a perfect example of Austin’s Tex-Mex cuisine. This Texas staple features Hillbilly Queso, a yellow cheese infused with chorizo and served with the crispiest chips.

It also features the literally named Republican taco, a jalapeño cheddar sausage taco with pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese and poblano sauce, juxtaposed with the Democrat taco, which features soft barbacoa, sliced avocado, cotija cheese, onions and a lime wedge for a citrus punch with tomatillo salsa on a corn tortilla.

#1 Qdoba: Is Qdoba in Massachusetts?

Yes, QdobaMexicanEats is in Massachusetts.

Almost everything on Qdoba’s menu, from guacamole to flame-grilled steak, is prepared in-house. Diners create their own Mexican masterpieces in the form of tacos, burritos, grilled quesadillas, bowls, salads or nachos.

USA Today contributed to this article.