The United States boasts a dynamic and diverse fast-food culture, ranging from classic hamburger establishments founded in the mid-20th century to modern chains specializing in chicken and customizable sandwiches.
Whether you are seeking iconic regional specialties or massive international franchises, the chains listed below represent the most celebrated, innovative, and critically reviewed quick-service restaurants in the nation.
This guide provides detailed insights into their history, key menu items, and what makes them favorites among both casual diners and committed enthusiasts.
1. Subway: The Personalized Sandwich Experience
Subway is a privately held American fast-food franchise primarily known for serving salads and customizable submarine sandwiches (subs).
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises globally, the company maintained approximately 45,000 stores across more than 100 countries as of June 2017.
While its subs are a staple, many customers highly praise its personal-sized pizza, often claiming it surpasses offerings from dedicated pizza restaurants.
This rapidly baked pizza is generously topped with two distinct layers of cheese—one placed both beneath and above the giant deli pepperoni—before being finished with a sprinkle of parmesan after being cut into quarters.
Despite sometimes receiving reports of rude service from staff, the delicious quality of the food often compensates for any shortcomings.
2. Chick-fil-A: Quality Chicken and Exceptional Service
Headquartered in College Park, Georgia, Chick-fil-A is a prominent American fast-food chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, tracing its foundation back to May 1946.
The company currently operates over 3,000 restaurants, predominantly throughout the United States, and offers a supplementary breakfast menu.
Customers frequently appreciate Chick-fil-A as a healthier alternative compared to many other fast-food options.
Beyond the famous chicken sandwich, the chain is noted for its “very good fries,” “wonderful hand-crafted milkshakes,” good iced tea, and lemonade.
Furthermore, the company stands out in the industry for having amiable employees, a positive trait often lacking in competing establishments. Many patrons consider the chicken nuggets here to be of better quality than those offered by McDonald’s.
3. Wendy’s: Commitment to Freshness
Wendy’s, an American international fast-food chain, was established by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15, 1969.
The company moved its headquarters to Dublin, Ohio, in 2006 and had become the third-largest hamburger fast-food chain globally by the end of 2018.
Customers frequently view Wendy’s as superior to rivals like Burger King and McDonald’s, often praising the restaurant for consistently serving fresh, hot food.
The chain is also well-regarded for its “great salads”. Although the overall quality is highly rated, some long-time fans expressed disappointment over the removal of items, such as the spicy chicken nuggets, from the menu.
Wendy’s commitment to freshness and quality continues to define its position among the top fast-food burger establishments.
4. In-N-Out Burger: The West Coast Treasure
In-N-Out Burger is a popular regional fast-food chain found primarily along the Pacific Coast and throughout the American Southwest.
Founded in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, the company maintains its headquarters in Irvine, California.
The chain has attained cult status, with enthusiasts proclaiming that In-N-Out offers the “best hamburger on the planet” and constitutes a major “perk of living on the west coast”.
Patrons highly recommend ordering a freshly made Double Double, paired with the signature animal-style fries, and completed with a refreshing milkshake.
Although some customers prefer the offerings from Five Guys because they find them less messy, the overall quality and taste of In-N-Out’s burgers are widely celebrated.
5. Taco Bell: Flavorful Tex-Mex and Value
Taco Bell, based in Irvine, California, operates as an American fast-food chain and is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc..
The menu provides a substantial array of Tex-Mex items, including various specialty and novelty dishes, tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and numerous value menu options.
While customers sometimes report that the service is not always exceptional, the food itself is often described as “flippin delicious” when orders are processed correctly.
Favorite items mentioned by customers include the “absolutely perfect” churros and hard tacos that are cited as being “full of flavor”.
The selection of sauces is also appreciated for accommodating various moods. However, some critics suggest the food is not authentic Mexican cuisine and can taste bland due to the use of pre-frozen ingredients.
6. KFC: The Original Fried Chicken Icon
KFC, an acronym for its former name Kentucky Fried Chicken until 1991, is a major American fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
The chain is globally famous for its unique, “world famous chicken” flavor. By December 2015, KFC had established a vast international presence, operating nearly 20,000 locations across 123 countries and territories.
Although customers recognize the food as distinct and delicious, they also acknowledge that it is quite unhealthy.
A classic and satisfying meal combination, described by some as “HEAVEN,” involves pairing the iconic chicken with KFC mac n cheese and mashed potatoes.
Despite its recognized status, some patrons question why it might be ranked lower than competitors like Chick-fil-A.
7. Domino’s Pizza: A Global Pizza Leader
Domino’s Pizza, Inc. is an American pizza restaurant chain founded in 1960 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The company achieved a major milestone in February 2018 when it became the world’s largest pizza seller, based on global retail sales.
Enthusiasts highly recommend the chain, noting that the company has “changed its crust and menu” for the better.
Patrons enthusiastically state that Domino’s is an “excellent pizza chain” and is now the “best that you can buy”.
This success highlights the chain’s ability to adapt and improve its offerings, ensuring its continued relevance and popularity within the competitive US fast-food landscape,.
8. Steak n’ Shake: Premium Burgers and Unique Shakes
Steak n’ Shake is highly regarded by customers for its high-quality offerings, which include “wonderful burgers” and an impressive variety of milkshakes.
Customers especially enjoy the “awesome chili cheese fries”. A unique feature that sets the chain apart is the option to add “shots of flavor” to drinks, a service that some patrons note is available only at a few other locations, such as Pilot/Flying J Travel Stops.
The chain is considered by some to be the “best fast food burger joint” they have visited. While the food might be “a little pricey,” customers believe the quality is worth the wait, as staff consistently “take their time cooking their food to perfection”.
9. McDonald’s: The Global Hamburger Originator
McDonald’s is an American fast-food company that traces its origins back to 1940, when it was founded by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California.
The business was later rechristened as a hamburger stand. The iconic Golden Arches logo was first adopted by a McDonald’s franchise in 1953.
Although some critics express strong disapproval, citing the use of “cheap horrible toxic things” in the food and questioning the integrity of items marketed as “good” or “healthy,” others admit that the burgers are “not bad”.
Some commentary suggests that the company is the “best fast food place in the world,” even claiming it is “a thousand times better than Subway”.
10. Burger King (BK): Home of the Whopper
Burger King (BK) operates as an American global chain of hamburger fast-food restaurants. The company, founded in 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida, is now headquartered in an unincorporated area of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Burger King is famous worldwide for its signature hamburger, the Whopper. Patrons often describe the chain as offering “amazing food”.
While some customers may prefer competitors like Wendy’s, the chain remains a significant contender in the industry, maintaining a vast global presence and satisfying the cravings of customers who enjoy its classic menu,.
Declan Kelly