Fast food is part of a USA trip, and the selection is enormous. You know many chains from home, but the more interesting ones are those we do not have. Here are the most important, sorted by type, and what makes each one special.
The Big Burger Chains
You know McDonald's and Burger King, they are everywhere and a safe bet. It gets more interesting with Wendy's, which serves fresh, never frozen burgers, and with the Frosty, a cross between a milkshake and soft serve.
The real favorites, though, are regional. In-N-Out on the West Coast is a cult classic, with a short menu, fresh ingredients, and a secret menu everyone talks about, such as Animal Style. Five Guys is nearly everywhere, you top your burger freely and get fries in huge quantities, plus free peanuts while you wait. Whataburger is the home chain of Texas and the South, Culver's the star of the Midwest with its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. Shake Shack comes from New York and plays a notch higher, a bit pricier but more upscale. Add to that Sonic, a drive-in where they still bring the food to your car, and White Castle with its tiny slider burgers.
Chicken
For chicken, many put Chick-fil-A first, famous for its sandwich and its notably friendly service, but closed nationwide every Sunday. Popeyes goes for spicy, crispy Cajun style chicken. You know KFC. Raising Cane's does only one thing, chicken fingers, and does it well. In the South you can add Bojangles.
Mexican and Tex-Mex
Taco Bell is cheap and quirky, American style Mexican, more cult than authentic. Chipotle is fresher, you build your own burrito or bowl at the counter. Qdoba works similarly, as does Del Taco, common in the West.
Sandwiches and Subs
You know Subway. Faster and, for many, more popular are Jimmy John's and Jersey Mike's. Panera Bread is more of a bakery cafe, with soups, salads, and sandwiches, good for a quieter break.
Coffee and Donuts
Besides Starbucks, Dunkin' in particular is worth a try, formerly Dunkin' Donuts, an institution in the Northeast for coffee and donuts. Krispy Kreme is worth it when the Hot Now sign is lit, that is when the glazed donuts come off the line fresh and warm.
Almost Restaurants
Two names keep coming up, even though they are not classic fast food. Waffle House in the South is open around the clock and is a small institution for breakfast at any time of day. Cracker Barrel is a sit down restaurant chain with hearty Southern cooking and a country store at the entrance, ideal for a stop on a long drive.
