Midwest chains Culver’s and Maid-Rite make America’s best fast food list
When Taco Bell beats Culver’s for America’s Best Fast Food, you know we have a problem.
Time Out, a media outlet focused on dining, entertainment and the arts, released its Best Fast Food Restaurants in America in January. Fifteen restaurants made the list, along with a suggested order for each.
Some of the restaurants included Shake Shack, Raising Cane’s and Taco John’s.
While there aren’t really any right or wrong answers when it comes to ranking popular fast food chains, we’re just going to make a little case for fast food chains originating in the Midwest.
Which Midwestern fast food chains were featured and how did they rank?
Culver’s, from Wisconsin, is in last place on the list. Established in 1984, Culver’s captivated diners with its ButterBurgers – burgers topped with a buttered, toasted bun – cheese curds and frozen custard.
Ranked just above Culver’s is Dairy Queen, probably best known for its soft serve treats and Blizzards. Dairy Queen got its start in Illinois in 1940. Iowa City will tell you: you know the warm weather months are coming when the Dairy Queen on Riverside Drive (walk-up orders only) is open.
And at No. 10, Iowa’s Maid-Rite makes the list. Founder Fred Angell is responsible for Maid-Rite’s signature “loose meat” sandwiches. The chain has locations throughout Iowa and in Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota and Missouri.
Which fast food chain was ranked first?
At number one: California’s iconic burger chain, In-N-Out Burger. This is a restaurant with a simple menu of burgers, fries and shakes that has been praised by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and has seen stars dining there. And its classic burger has its own style: thin patties, a generous amount of crisp lettuce, your preference of grilled or raw onions, and a sweet and tangy spread.
Where is an In-N-Out Burger near me?
Iowans are out of luck when it comes to conveniently enjoying In-N-Out. If you’re ready to get serious about traveling, Denver and Texas will be your closest options.
What other fast food chains are from Iowa?
Des Moines residents are familiar with B-Bop’s, the hamburger restaurant established in 1988. B-Bop’s has several locations in metro Des Moines and Ames. Find classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, chili and cheese fries or treat yourself to a chocolate shake.
Another chain originating from Iowa is Pancheros, the fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its fresh-pressed tortillas. The first location was in Iowa City in 1992. Since then, Pancheros has expanded to 13 states across the country. Stuff your burrito with your choice of meat, salsa and queso or opt for a bowl at Pancheros.
Paris Barraza is a trends and general assignments reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
