From breakfast to burgers, here are the best fast food restaurants in the United States
Eating quickly and cheaply is certainly a pleasure, especially when you’re traveling. And since fast food restaurants are usually easy to find, convenient to access, and offer a variety of options for different tastes and dietary preferences, they’re a natural choice for groups on the go. Not to mention, some fast food chains offer regional specialties, allowing you to try new dishes and cuisines.
To find the best restaurants, USA TODAY 10Best editors and a panel of fast food enthusiasts chose from 10 categories of fast food and quick-service restaurants. Then, our readers chose the winners by voting for their favorites.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners:
Best fast-casual restaurant: QDOBA Mexican Eats
Almost everything on the QDOBA 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.
Full list of winners: Best Fast Casual Restaurant »
Best Quick Breakfast: Biscuitville
Who doesn’t love a delicious biscuit breakfast? With locations in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, Biscuitville’s freshly baked biscuits can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from simple bacon, egg and cheese or fried chicken biscuits to more elaborate breakfast sandwiches like their spicy chicken and jalapeño cheese biscuit.
With breakfast platters and sides of oatmeal, hash browns or country gravy, as well as sweet treats like their blueberry muffin, it’s no wonder people come back again and again.
Full list of winners: Best Quick Breakfast »
Best Fast Food Burger: Double Char – The Habit Burger Grill
Habit Burger Grill, which has been cooking burgers over an open fire since 1969, started in Santa Barbara, California, and now has some 350 locations. Order the Double Char from the California-inspired menu and get ready to enjoy two freshly grilled beef patties, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, pickles and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. You can also add cheese.
Full list of winners: Best Fast Food Burger »
Best Fast Food Fried Chicken: Jollibee
With 100 stores in North America and over 1,500 stores internationally, Jollibee is the world’s largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant chain. It is best known for its juicy and flavorful fried chicken, Chickenjoy. Order it in buckets or with side dishes, and don’t forget to dip it in their silky sauce.
Full list of winners: Best Fast Food Fried Chicken »
Best Fast Food Fries: Del Taco
Known for its Mexican-inspired menu, Del Taco has a strong following for its crinkle-cut fries. Their shape holds in salt and crunch, which really helps if you order them topped with chili, queso, or carne asada.
Full list of winners: The Best Fast Food Fries »
Best Fast Food Restaurant: Del Taco
This popular taco restaurant serves all sorts of hearty Mexican dishes, including burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. It also offers burgers and fries. Additionally, Del Taco has a dedicated breakfast menu, as well as a vegan and vegetarian menu.
Full list of winners: Best Fast Food Restaurant »
Best Fast Food Sides: Tempura Green Beans – The Habit Burger Grill
Habit Burger Grill’s tempura green beans are a popular addition to this bicoastal fast-food chain’s beloved charcoal-grilled burgers. Made by dipping fresh green beans in tempura batter and then deep-frying them, this unique side dish combines the crunch of tempura with the fresh flavor of green beans and is served with ranch dressing.
Full list of winners: The Best Fast Food Side Dishes »
Best regional fast food: Skyline Chili
This Cincinnati-style chili restaurant chain started in Ohio 75 years ago, but has expanded over time to a few neighboring areas (and not-so-neighboring Florida).
You’ll definitely find its namesake on the menu (a meaty sauce served over a plate of spaghetti topped with tons of cheddar), but they also serve hot dogs, salads, wraps, burritos, and chili bowls. They even have a few vegetarian-specific menu items.
Full list of winners: Best Regional Fast Food »
Best restaurant for fast and healthy food: El Pollo Loco
This West Coast chicken restaurant chain is known for its fire-grilled chicken, which already makes it healthier than any fried chicken option. El Pollo Loco also offers bowls, salads, and a selection of healthy sides.
Full list of winners: Best restaurant for fast and healthy food »
Best Sandwich or Sub Shop: PrimoHoagies
If you love Italian sandwiches, PrimoHoagies is definitely the place for you. Their menu features 10 categories of sandwiches to choose from, including Italian classics (like their Sharp Italian), Philly Cheesesteaks (including a Pizza Steak), Schwartzies (think corned beef and roast beef), and even meatless sandwiches (like Nonna’s Veggies with eggplant and broccoli rabe).
Full list of winners: Best Sandwich or Sub Shop »
Congratulations to all these winners! Don’t forget to visit 10best.usatoday.com every day to vote for more Readers’ Choice Awards.
This article was originally published on 10Best.com: Here Are the Best Fast Food Restaurants for Breakfast, Burgers, and More
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