Photo courtesy of iStock / RyanJLane
No matter where in the U.S. you live, chances are there’s that one fast food joint that locals crave when they’re away – food you can only get in the state or surrounding region. These 10 regional fast food joints – voted as the best in the U.S. by our readers – are so good that they really should be nationwide, but unless you’re in the area, you’ll have to travel to get them.
No. 10: Culver’s
Culver’s started as a small family-owned restaurant in rural Sauk City, Wisconsin. Today, the restaurant known for its fresh frozen custard and ButterBurgers has expanded to states throughout the Midwest and American South.
Photo courtesy of Biscuitville
No. 9: Biscuitville
Headquartered in North Carolina with 55 locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Biscuitville is a family-owned line of restaurants specializing in Southern food. Biscuits are baked fresh every 15 minutes for the menu of breakfast sandwiches.
Photo courtesy of In-N-Out Burger
No. 8: In-N-Out Burger
“No visit out west is complete without a visit to In-N-Out,” says 10Best contributor Gerrish Lopez. In-N-Out Burger has long been a cult favorite fast food staple for West Coast residents, who come for Double-Double cheeseburgers, perhaps ordered “Animal Style” from the not-so-secret menu.
No. 7: Cook Out
Founded in North Carolina and available throughout much of the South, Cook Out is a regional favorite for burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and Southern-style barbecue.
No. 6: Whataburger
“Other states can keep their burger chains – ask anyone from Texas and they’ll let you know how their fellow Texans feel about Whataburger,” says 10Best contributor Eric Grossman. A trip to Texas wouldn’t be complete without a late night trip through the Whataburger drive-thru.
This quick-service concept, now available in 10 states, has earned a loyal following for its patty melts, saucy burgers and breakfast taquitos (available throughout the night).
Photo courtesy of Schoop’s Hamburgers
No. 5: Schoop’s Hamburgers
Residents of Indiana’s Calumet Region southeast of Chicago have been enjoying Schoop’s Hamburgers since 1948. The menu includes fresh, never frozen patties cooked to order on a grill and served on a toasted bun alongside fries, onion rings and classic soda shop beverages.
Photo courtesy of Skyline Chili
No. 4: Skyline Chili
Available in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Florida, Skyline Chili is perhaps best known for its Cincinnati-style chili, best eaten over spaghetti or a hot dog topped with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese.
No. 3: Sheetz
If you’re in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio or North Carolina, be sure to stop at Sheetz, a combination gas station and made-to-order sandwich shop. The menu is available 24/7, with options like subs, sandwiches, salads, wraps and smoothies.
Photo courtesy of Pal’s Sudden Service
No. 2: Pal’s Sudden Service
A Pal’s Sudden Service location is easy to pick out, thanks to its giant fiberglass hamburger, hot dog and fries adorning the blue-green buildings. This quick-service concept takes “quick” seriously, with fast service through their drive-thrus.
“We finally tried Pal’s for the first time in 2020,” says 10Best contributor Eric Grossman, “and I was impressed by the friendly, old-time service and how everything was hot and fresh.”
Photo courtesy of Habit Burger
No. 1: Habit Burger
Habit Burger was born in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. Today, hungry diners can pick up a a smoky Charburger at locations throughout California and 11 other states.
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The Experts
The ExpertsMarla Cimini
Marla is a journalist with a passion for travel,… Read More
Marla is a journalist with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (combining all three whenever possible)! An avid globetrotter, she has covered topics such as exotic Tahitian getaways; Santa Fe’s chocolate trail; Argentine wines; and Japan’s Washoku cuisine. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or see more of her work on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a journalist with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (combining all three whenever possible)! An avid globetrotter, she has covered topics such as exotic Tahitian getaways; Santa Fe’s chocolate trail; Argentine wines; and Japan’s Washoku cuisine. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or see more of her work on her website.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer who has… Read More
Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer who has visited more than 50 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer who has visited more than 50 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Gerrish Lopez
Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel… Read More
Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer whose adventures have taken her from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, including smoked pork jowl in Thailand and whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.
Gerrish Lopez
Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer whose adventures have taken her from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, including smoked pork jowl in Thailand and whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.
Lydia Schrandt
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers’ Choice… Read More
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers’ Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and now Houston. When she’s not at her computer in a cafe, she’s out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.
Lydia Schrandt
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers’ Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and now Houston. When she’s not at her computer in a cafe, she’s out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.
