American fast food chains have come a long way since White Castle opened its first restaurant in Wichita back in 1921. Before long, as cars moved faster and highways filled the landscape, fast food restaurants became a fixture from sea to shining sea. Today, American fast food is some of the best fast food on earth.
Discover 13 American fast food chains not to miss whether you’re visiting the US or on a cross-country road trip.
1. Shake Shack
Originally opened as a hot dog cart in 2001, Shake Shack has a pedigree that transcends its fast food status. Its owner, restauranteur Danny Meyer, operates some of New York City’s top restaurants. Its original location was in Madison Square Park on the southern end of Midtown Manhattan. Iconic menu items include the ShackBurger, SmokeShack and Black & White Shake.
2. McDonald’s
Almost everything on the McDonald’s menu is iconic. We’re talking about things like Big Macs, Quarter Pounders and Happy Meals. Even the chain’s Egg McMuffin is a breakfast icon. But nothing surpasses this chain’s addictively tasty french fries in both popularity and flavor.
3. Chipotle
Chipotle put a spin on Mexican fast food with is made-to-order burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads and tacos made from a variety of proteins, rices, beans, salsas and accoutrements. Some people call this popular chain fast casual instead of fast food. We just call it lunch.
4. In-N-Out
The secret is out about In-N-Out. Literally. The fast food chain’s ‘not-so-secret’ menu is on its website. That special, clandestine menu contains six items – Double Meat, Triple Triple, Quad Quad, Grilled Cheese, Protein Style and Animal Style. Its non-secret menu items include Double Double, Cheeseburger, Hamburger, French Fries, Beverages and Shakes.
5. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s conservative political positions have alienated many chicken sandwich loving clients to the point of boycott. Whatever you think about thouse positions, there’s no denying that Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches are among the best, if not the very best, at American fast food chains. The same goes for their waffle fries and lemonade.
6. Five Guys
Five Guys distinguishes itself by living up to its mission of serving ‘burgers and fries cooked to perfection’ throughout the US and in countries like the UK and Spain. Fifteen toppings ,including A1 sauce, BBQ sauce, green peppers, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, hot sauce, jalapeño peppers, ketchup, lettuce, mayonnaise, mustard, onions, pickles, relish and tomatoes, are available for no extra charge.
7. Wendy’s
Wendy’s was already famous for its square patty burgers when it achieved next level status by asking “Where’s the beef?” in a commercial that went viral. Those square burgers are still famous as are the fast food chain’s Frosty shakes made wit both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
8. KFC
Originally called Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC is a classic American success story that doubles as a fast food restaurant chain. Harland Sanders, i.e. the Colonel, came from humble roots before he opened his first restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky at age 40. Over the years, he created a secret recipe with ’11 herbs and spices’, donned a white uniform, grew a goatee and conquered the world of food.
9. Taco Bell
Originally a hard-shelled taco shop when it first opened in 1962, Taco Bell has evolved over the years. It took a couple decades of franchised growth before the successful taco fast food chain got creative with its value meals and recipes. That creativity hasn’t stopped yet with menu like the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, Mexican Pizza, Mountain Dew Baja Blast, Doritos Locos Tacos and Crunchwrap Supreme.
10. Burger King
Originally named Insta-Burger King, Burger King achieved fame with its flame-broiled Whopper but the fast food chain didn’t stop there. Other options include the plant-based Impossible Whopper, the compact Whopper Junior and the chain’s ginormous Triple Whopper with Cheese.
11. Popeyes
Popeyes started out as a traditional fried chicken eatery in New Orleans. Despite its national footprint an a men that now includes shrimp and flounder, chicken continues to rule the roost at Popeyes. Some of that chicken is served in nuggets and on sandwiches. But, for many people, there’s nothing better than biting into a piece of spicy fried chicken flavored with Cajun spices.
12. Arby’s
Brothers named Forrest and Leroy Raffel founded the original Arby’s more than a half century ago with three things on the menu – roast beef sandwiches, chips and sodas. It wasn’t until later that the menu expanded to include a range of meats plus fries and milkshakes. Other menu items include chicken sandwiches, reubens and gyros as well as curly fries, crinkle fries and mozzarella sticks.
13. Subway
Subway was originally called Pete’s Super Submarines when the original shop opened in 1965. Today, Subway has locations in all 50 states and even more countries. Regardless of the geography, each shop offers a myriad of topping options that includes fresh veggies, cheeses and condiments. And, at least in the US, Subway’s bread is baked fresh daily.
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About the Authors
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.