Craving something different from your usual fast food order? Get ready to hit the road because some of the country’s tastiest, most talked-about menu items are only available in select U.S. regions. From cult-favorite burgers in the Midwest to spicy chicken creations down South, these local legends have foodies raving and travelers detouring for a bite. Today, we’re bringing you the 12 best regional fast food items you won’t find anywhere else.
12. Westside Drive-In’s Chef Lou’s Famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato
If you’re from Idaho, chances are you’ve tasted the famous ice cream potato from Westside Drive-In. It features Chef Loa Aaron’s creation of a large potato-shaped ball of vanilla ice cream that is dusted with cocoa powder. Toppings include crushed Oreo cookies, whipped cream, and diced peanuts. It sits on a plate full of chocolate syrup for the “dirt” look.
11. Pork Chop John’s Fried Pork Chop Sandwich
We’ve all had beef burgers, chicken burgers, fish burgers, and even vegan burgers. But have you ever had a Pork Chop Burger? Yup, that’s a Montana staple, and one local restaurant called Pork Chop John’s has been a staple since 1924. Their Fried Pork Chop Sandwich is filled with breaded pork chop on a soft bun with the usual burger inclusions of mustard, onion, tomato, and lettuce.
10. McDonald’s Lobster Roll
It’s no secret that McDonald’s used to serve Lobster Roll on their nationwide menu, but they had to take it away due to the expensive lobster. In locations around New England, it’s a seasonal menu released every summer! This affordable seafood roll is filled with North Atlantic lobster meat and crunchy lettuce in a bun.
9. Nick Tahou Hots’ The Garbage Plate
Don’t let its name fool you, as this restaurant from Rochester, New York, is one of the celebrated meals in the place. The Garbage Plate is filled with creamy macaroni salad, baked beans, crinkle-cut fries, and a choice of mains that diners get to pick. The dish is smothered with hot sauce (or meat sauce to Rocesterians) and finished with thick-cut slices of Italian bread.
8. Whataburger’s Green Chile Double
If you’re from the Southwest region, you’re lucky to have the regional favorite, Green Chile Double. Belonging to the chain’s “All-Time Favorite” menu, the burger is filled with two beef patties, two slices of cheese, and green chiles on a toasted bun. Don’t miss out on this regional favorite when you’re in the Southwest.
7. Portobello’s Chocolate Cake and Cake Shake
Even if you’re not from the Chicago area, social media has probably shown you Portobello’s Famous Chocolate Cake. While you can get a chocolate cake in whatever state or region you’re in, it’s the Portobello way that’s making it different from the rest. The cake is said to be really moist and rich, and many customers have requested to add the cake to their vanilla milkshake.
6. Voodoo Doughnut’s Voodoo Doll Doughnuts
There’s no other place to get Voodoo Doll Doughnuts but in Orlando’s Voodoo Doughnut. They’re these creepy-shaped doughnuts from raised yeast. The doughnut is filled with raspberry jelly and topped with chocolate frosting. It’s decorated with a pretzel stake as a “sharp object” to jab the doughnut doll. Voodoo Doughnut offers creepy-looking doughnut treats with unique flavors, such as their best-selling Bacon Maple Bar and new Cherry Cola.
5. Lucky 13’s Kangaroo Burger
You thought you’d tasted all burgers? We doubt that you’ve tasted the Kangaroo Burger from Lucky 13 in Ohio. Yup, kangaroo. The burger is filled with ground kangaroo mixed with their signature blend of seasonings on a pile of baby greens, tomato, and onion slices, all on a French rosette.
4. What-A-Burger’s Witch Doctor
Ever heard of a pickle drink? Yup, one restaurant from North Carolina called What-A-Burger is serving them. It’s a local drink that everyone enjoys long before the establishment opened. It’s a mix of all of the available sodas in the soda machine with pickle juice and a few pickles. Now you get why it’s called Witch Doctor.
3. Capriotti’s The Bobbie
Missing Thanksgiving food a little extra today? If you’re from Delaware, then you’re lucky to satisfy your cravings. Head over to Capriotti’s and get their sandwich called The Bobbie. It’s a cold sandwich filled with roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise. It’s a Thanksgiving feast on a sub!
2. Burger Stands’ Duck Fat Fries
Tired of boring, old fries? Gone are the days when they’re just these crispy appetizers that you pair with your burger. Now, they’re a meal themselves, just like the unique Duck Fat Fries from Burger Stand in Kansas. The duck fat adds a unique umami taste to the fries that helps them keep their crispiness.
1. RU Hungry’s Fat Sandwich
Made for every hungry traveler, RU Hungry’s Fat Sandwich is everything you ever dreamed of in a sandwich and more. Located in New Jersey, this sandwich is a favorite of many locals as it’s loaded with chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, cheesesteak meat, and Italian sausage, all drenched in marinara sauce and ranch dressing.