These are the 10 best regional fast food chains in America

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. 

Photo courtesy of Culver’s

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.

Photo courtesy of Cook Out

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.

Photo courtesy of Whataburger

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.

Photo courtesy of Sheetz

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.