Buzz
Sometimes, the food in my kitchen just doesn’t spark any excitement. I open the fridge door, expecting something delicious, only to be greeted by an old, forgotten dish hiding behind tin foil. And then there's that strange creation from a previous night, made after a few too many drinks. In those moments, I often wonder if there are any tasty options nearby.
Luckily, after the creation of humankind, our ingenuity led to the invention of fast food. And it was good. We embraced it with open arms.
Now, let's take a look at the most renowned fast food spots. This list reflects my personal experiences and tastes, ranked from worst to best.
16. Local fast food gem: Taco Bell
Taco Bell was founded by Glen Bell in San Bernardino, California. He started by running a hotdog and hamburger stand, which he operated by himself until he sold it in 1952. Glen had always been a fan of Mexican food, particularly tacos from local take-out spots in Mexican neighborhoods. However, he was frustrated by how much time it took to prepare these tacos.
Eventually, Glen opened a taco restaurant with an unusual name, Der Weinerschnitzel (which means 'breaded veal' in German), alongside his wife and a friend. Over time, he honed his taco-making skills, and before he knew it, he owned 100 restaurants. Taco Bell officially went public in 1962, and the brand's history took off from there.
So why did I include Taco Bell here? It's simple: nearly everyone I know LOVES Taco Bell, but personally, I refuse to eat there. Why is that?
Taco Bell stays open well past 4 a.m. when the bars and pubs in my area close. It's also so inexpensive that you could easily get a full day's worth of food for just $3.00. That raises some concerns for me. Want to try an experiment? Head to the grocery store, find the cold cuts section, and ask for souse or head-cheese. Grind it up and put it in a hard shell taco—that’s pretty much what Taco Bell uses for their meat. And they actually use a caulk gun to squirt way too much sour cream into the middle of their tacos!
What I typically order from this establishment:
Apple Empanada
15. Food near me: KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken
Founded in Corbin, Kentucky by Colonel Harlan Sanders in the front room of a gas station that he owned and operated, Colonel Sanders officially sold his first franchise of Kentucky Fried Chicken to a man in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1952. Before that he had created his infamous Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices in 1940 and sold it in the dining area of his gas station which he affectionately called Sander’s Court & Café.
After a series of financial failures that left him nearly broke in 1955, he hit the road again, determined to sell his chicken recipe to restaurant owners. His efforts proved successful, as by 1969, KFC had over 600 franchises across the U.S. and Canada, with its first international location opening in England. This was also the year KFC became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.
What I usually get when I visit this place:
A 10-piece bucket of Original Recipe Chicken
14. Nearby fast food: McDonald's
Ah, the iconic Golden Arches. McDonald's, the world-renowned fast food chain, began around the same time as Taco Bell, in San Bernardino, California. It was founded by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald. The name didn’t achieve global fame until Raymond Croc, a man selling milkshake machines, heard about the McDonald brothers operating eight of his Multimixer machines. Croc headed out west in 1954 to strike a deal with them.
After Ray persuaded the McDonald brothers to expand and buy more of his milkshake machines, he decided to open his own McDonald's location in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. In 1963, the iconic character Ronald McDonald made his debut in a TV commercial. Following the success of the original McDonald's franchise, which is now a museum dedicated to McDonald's history, it was clear the restaurant would rise to fame.
What I usually order from McDonald's:
For breakfast, I get 2 sausage, egg, and cheese McGriddles along with a large orange juice. For lunch or dinner, I go for the Double Quarter Pounder with cheese value meal and a Coke.
13. Nearby fast food: Checker's
Known as Rally’s in some parts of the U.S., Checker’s is a relatively recent addition to the fast food world. It was founded in Mobile, Alabama in 1986, before merging with Rally’s in Louisville, Kentucky, forming a larger corporation. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Checker’s went public in 1991 with 85 restaurants in its chain. Its restaurants are easily recognizable due to their bold retro aesthetic, distinctive double drive-thru windows, and two walk-up windows.
What I usually order at Checker’s:
2 Big Buford sandwiches, 1 large serving of Rally fries, and a large chocolate or banana milkshake
12. Nearby fast food: Hardee's
Founded in 1960 by Wilbur Hardee in Greenville, North Carolina, Hardee’s has become a beloved fixture in the American Midwest and Southeast. The uniqueness of Hardee’s comes from its renowned cinnamon raisin biscuits, freshly baked inside their signature hexagonal buildings. This distinctive shape was also reflected in the franchise’s early hexagonal hamburger patties.
In 1997, Hardee’s was acquired by a company called CKE Restaurants, which also owned Carl’s Jr. The merger made it difficult to tell Hardee’s apart from Carl’s Jr. as the latter’s iconic smiling star logo was incorporated into the Hardee’s branding. Today, many Hardee’s locations offer a menu more akin to Carl’s Jr. offerings.
What I usually order at Hardee's:
A ½ lb. Six Dollar Burger, a large serving of Crispy Curls, and a large chocolate malt
11. Nearby fast food: White Castle
Back in 1921, a daring young entrepreneur named Walter Anderson set out to create America’s first and oldest fast food restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. With the help of investor Billy Ingram, they made White Castle a household name by offering their famous 'Slyder' mini burgers for only 5 cents each.
Opening White Castle wasn’t without its challenges, especially since the American public was wary of the meatpacking industry’s unsanitary practices, an issue highlighted by Upton Sinclair’s influential novel *The Jungle*. Anderson and Ingram fought this fear by designing their small, white-painted restaurants to evoke cleanliness. Employees wore white butcher’s uniforms and worked in stainless steel kitchens, creating a sanitary atmosphere. This approach proved successful, and White Castle is still going strong nearly 90 years later.
White Castle is particularly famous for its Slyders, which are small burgers grilled with sliced onions and topped with a bun over the square patty. The burger is steamed through five tiny holes in the patty, which not only steams the bun but also eliminates the need to flip the patty during cooking.
What I usually order at this place:
A 10-pack of Slyders with cheese (if you've ever tried White Castle, you probably understand why they're called Slyders).
10. Nearby fast food: Arby’s
In 1964, in the small town of Boardman, Ohio, two brothers, Leroy and Forrest Raffel, decided to open a restaurant specializing in roast beef sandwiches, paired with bags of potato chips and large iced teas, rather than the usual hamburgers and sodas served everywhere else. When it came to naming their restaurant, they chose Arby’s, a clever combination of R.B. (for Raffel Brothers) and roast beef.
Within just one year, they managed to sell their first franchise, and since then, Arby’s franchise business has boomed exponentially. At one point, the Royal Crown Cola Company (RC Cola) took ownership of Arby’s, benefiting significantly from sales through Arby’s locations by serving their cola alongside the more common Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Arby’s is renowned not just for its variety of roast beef sandwiches but also for its signature Arby’s sauce, zesty Horsey Sauce, and crispy Curly Fries. Over the years, contract talks have made Pepsi the primary carbonated drink at all Arby’s outlets.
Here's what I usually order when I visit this place:
I usually go for the 5 for $5.95 deal: 3 Arby melts, 1 serving of mozzarella sticks, 1 order of potato wedges, and a large Pepsi on the side.
9. Nearby dining options: A&W Restaurant
In 1919, Roy Allen came up with an idea to create a refreshing drink for hot summer days in Lodi, California. Using a recipe he acquired from an Arizona pharmacist, he invented what would eventually become an iconic American brand. Thus, A&W Root Beer was born. But Roy’s vision didn’t end there.
After successfully selling his delicious root beer at his stand in Lodi and Sacramento, Roy partnered with one of his earliest employees, Frank Wright. Together, they officially launched A&W Root Beer, named after Allen and Wright. Along with their exclusive secret recipe, they began offering hot dogs and hamburgers in their growing chain of franchise stands spreading east from California.
By 1970, A&W had over 2,000 drive-thru locations across the country. The following year, the company expanded by forming a beverage and bottling division, dedicated to producing and distributing their signature drink. Today, A&W franchises can be found worldwide.
When I visit this beloved establishment, here's my go-to order:
The A&W Papa Burger, a generous portion of onion rings, and of course, a frosty mug of A&W Root Beer, complemented by a classic A&W Root Beer Float for dessert.
8. Nearby eateries: Long John Silver's
Another acquisition by Yum! Brands, Long John Silver’s drew inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic novel, *Treasure Island*. The goal was to offer high-quality seafood at an affordable price, served quickly. In 1969, the first Long John Silver’s location was opened in Lexington, KY.
The restaurant’s design was themed around a pirate ship, complete with ropes twisting throughout the space. The waiting areas were designed to mimic the wooden interiors of ships, and there was even a bell by the exit door for customers to ring if they were happy with their visit. I must admit, I’ve rung that bell several times myself.
Some of us might recall the restaurant chain Jerry’s, which also owned and operated Long John Silver’s locations nationwide until its bankruptcy in 1998. That’s when the company that would later become Yum! Brands took over.
Here's what I usually order when I visit this place:
My go-to meal is the combo basket with 2 fish and 2 chicken planks, sometimes adding a side of clam strips. I always get a large iced tea with a slice of lemon on the side.
7. Nearby food options: Dairy Queen
Often called DQ, this fast food chain became famous for its soft serve ice cream. It all started when a father and son in Illinois created a special ice cream blend and got it sold in a local ice cream shop. The ice cream quickly gained popularity, and Sherwood 'Sherb' Noble, the shop owner, opened the first Dairy Queen in Joliet, Illinois in 1940.
It became a dream come true for every franchisee. Dairy Queen locations rapidly expanded across the Midwest, reaching over 1,400 stores by 1950. In time, they began offering more than just frozen desserts, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. Still, Dairy Queen's flagship treat has been the Blizzard, which has been a fan favorite since its introduction in 1985. The Blizzard is crafted from the same soft serve ice cream that a young boy and his father first created more than six decades ago.
Here's what I usually order when I visit this place:
I love the ¼ lb. FlameThrower Grillburger combo, paired with a Coke, and I often get a butterscotch sundae or a small cotton candy Blizzard for dessert (trust me, they’re fantastic!).
6. Nearby dining option: Sonic Drive-In
Sonic has become synonymous with keeping the car hop tradition of the 1950s alive. This iconic chain of Drive-Ins can trace its roots back to 1953 when Troy Smith started a simple root beer stand in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The concept was unique: customers would stay in their cars and place orders using a speaker at designated parking spots, with food delivered right to them by a car hop employee.
A key moment in Sonic's history came when Charles Pappe, a satisfied customer, partnered with Troy Smith to open the first official Sonic Drive-In in Woodard, Oklahoma. They chose the name 'Sonic' not only because 'Top Hat' was already in use, but because it captured the speed with which orders were taken and delivered.
Sonic stands out not just for its car hop service, but also for its diverse menu. Customers can mix and match flavors of syrups or juices with Slushes, carbonated drinks, or Fresh Fruit Limeaids. This offers a personal touch in creating a one-of-a-kind beverage.
Typically, my go-to order from this place is:
A Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster Sandwich combo, with onion rings replacing fries, and my special drink—a regular strawberry Limeaid with an extra splash of strawberry juice added in.
5. Food near me: Burger King
One of my top fast food spots is Burger King, which was founded in 1954 in Miami, Florida by two Hotel Administration graduates. David Edgerton and James McLamore, recognizing McDonald’s success, launched a fast food joint named Insta Burger King.
Several years later, James McLamore introduced the Whopper, which became Burger King's flagship item, earning the title of America’s favorite sandwich. Over time, the menu expanded from just burgers and fries to include fish and chicken sandwiches. Despite facing challenges, the company continued to grow and evolve.
Burger King has changed ownership multiple times, and it has been a source of rivalry and controversy, particularly with competitors like Wendy’s and McDonald’s, who have clashed over claims of better-tasting burgers. In Australia, the chain goes by the name Hungry Jack, after a dispute with Pillsbury, which owned Burger King at the time due to the name's conflict with a Pillsbury product called Hungry Jack.
Despite the challenges the company has faced over the past 50+ years, Burger King has managed to remain a strong and recognizable brand, largely thanks to its iconic Whopper sandwich.
Typically, when I visit this place, I order:
#3 Value Meal: A Triple Whopper with cheese, upgraded to the large size, served with a Coke and onion rings instead of the usual french fries.
4. Food near me: Big Boy
The Big Boy double decker sandwich holds the distinction of being the first of its kind to make its debut in America. This innovation was made possible by Bob Wian, who owned a hamburger diner in Glendale, California, in 1936. The idea came to him after a group of customers challenged him to create something more exciting than a simple hamburger. He accepted the challenge, and thus the iconic burger with its signature secret sauce was born.
The name 'Big Boy' came to be when Wian met a chubby young boy who visited the restaurant to try the now-famous double decker burger. Wian affectionately referred to the boy as 'Big Boy,' and the name stuck. Later, a customer drew the famous image of a plump boy in red and white checkered overalls, holding a Big Boy burger. This became the restaurant’s recognizable corporate icon.
Big Boy's recognition doesn't just come from its iconic statue of Big Boy in front of each location; it's also known for maintaining its retro diner ambiance. Stepping inside feels like a trip back to the 50s, a time when diners were at their peak. And of course, having a famous and distinctive burger only adds to the charm.
Here’s my usual order when I visit the restaurant:
Two Swiss Miss sandwiches, a side of crispy onion rings, a Coke with vanilla syrup, and a rich chocolate malt.
3. Nearby food options: Chick-Fil-A
This fast-food empire, which could be considered the queen mother of indulgent fast food, originally started as Dwarf House in a small suburb near Atlanta, Georgia, thanks to S. Truett Cathy. While Chick-Fil-A franchises were originally found mostly in shopping malls, they’ve recently expanded beyond them, establishing standalone restaurants.
Chick-Fil-A is unique because it focuses on chicken-based dishes instead of the usual burgers that dominate the fast food scene. They set themselves apart from competitors like KFC by using peanut oil for cooking and offering 100% whole white breast meat chicken, steering clear of the processed, mechanically separated meat found in many other fast-food chicken items. From their chicken nuggets to their famous chicken sandwich, everything is made with white meat.
Another iconic menu item is their signature waffle fries, which distinguish them from the typical French fries you find elsewhere. Pair these with their delicious Polynesian sauce, and you’ve got one of the best places to eat on the planet. S. Truett Cathy deserves to be honored with a star constellation and a massive statue in their likeness that would outshine (no pun intended) the Colossus of Rhodes. In fact, I might just start a campaign for that right now!
This is what I usually get when I visit this place:
Two Classic Chicken sandwiches, each paired with two cups of Polynesian sauce, a large serving of Waffle Fries, and a big Coke to complete the meal.
Contributor: BrotherMan
2. Nearby food options: Qdoba Mexican Grill
This incredibly mouthwatering and highly addictive spot was founded in 1995 by the brilliant Anthony Miller and Robert Hauser from Denver, Colorado, and it turns out it's surprisingly owned by Jack in the Box. The chain emphasizes fresh, made-to-order ingredients, allowing customers to create their perfect meal. So whether you’re ordering a classic chicken or steak burrito, you can customize it with a variety of salsas, black or pinto beans, rice, shredded cheese, queso, and fresh guacamole prepared daily.
Curious just how addictive this place is? All you need to do is visit one. You don’t even have to dine there. Just step inside and take a look at how long the line is. See it? It’s always like that! ALL the time! But trust me, it’s worth every minute of the wait!
Here’s what I usually order when I stop by:
A Chicken Queso Burrito, filled with black beans, rice, shredded cheese, topped with Roasted Chile Corn Salsa and a generous helping of medium Salsa Verde. To wash it down, I grab a large cup of the world’s best tea, Nestea Raspberry.
1. Nearby food option: Subway
Jared might not have the best looks, but he sure represents one of the most iconic fast food chains in American history, at least in my opinion. Subway was founded by relatives Fred De Luca and Peter Buck in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The 20-year-old Fred borrowed some money from his Uncle Buck and opened Pete’s Submarines. The name was eventually changed to Pete’s Subway after people confused the name with 'Pizza Marines' from radio ads. It was later shortened to just Subway.
The success was almost immediate. Subway revolutionized fast food by offering made-to-order submarine sandwiches, with the added appeal of fresh, healthy ingredients. This commitment to quality became Subway’s signature as it expanded into franchises worldwide, even inside the U.S. Pentagon. Additionally, each franchisee could customize their menu, giving each Subway location a unique touch tailored to the area.
Here’s my usual order when I hit up this spot:
A footlong meatball sub on wheat bread, topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeno peppers, and banana peppers (seriously, they took off the white onion recently—what were they thinking?!).
