Craving something beyond the usual drive-thru? Skip the popular fast food chains and sink your teeth into the regional spots only locals rave about. Across the U.S., hidden gems of the fast food world are serving up iconic flavors from juicy fried chicken in the South to secret-recipe burgers in the Midwest. These spots may not have gone national, but they’ve earned cult followings for a reason. Buckle up and bring your appetite, here are 10 regional fast food chains you have to try on the road!
10. Boise Fry Company
When you’re around Boise, Idaho, don’t forget to stop at Boise Fry Company (BFC)! Since Idaho is known for its potatoes, BFC offers the best pair to their burgers, which are Fries. The chain offers “basic” fry recipes, which are made from Russets, golds, purples, or reds. They also offer fries that are made out of Brussels sprouts. How cool is that?
9. Biscuitville
Looking for breakfast options in the South? Check out Biscuitville, which serves made-from-scratch biscuits that are used in their breakfast sandwiches. They actually began in North Carolina, but now, they already have 60 shops around the areas of North and South Carolina and even Virginia.
8. D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches
If you’re on the Northeast side, then you might want to try the sandwich shop that Bloomberg says is the “finest fast food sandwich in the land.” D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches is quickly growing with 90 locations around a five-state area. They offer hot and cold sammies of Korean BBQ, cold Italian meats, hot soup, and even lobster.
7. Zippy’s
When you’re spending your vacation in the Hawaiian Islands, you can’t leave without trying the local favorite Zippy’s. The diner emerged on the island scene since the 1960s with locations in Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii. At Zippy’s, you can get a usual American breakfast or a Hawaiian classic, to noodles and soup, and even classic American staples like a burger. The chain is also famous for their Chili, so better to include it in your order.
6. Taco Time
You’d often think of Taco Bell when you’re craving tacos and Mexican food classics. But when you’re in the Northeast, head over to Taco Time instead. The chain boasts garden fresh ingredients with unusual options like pumpkin seeds in their vegetarian burrito. Aside from the usual taco and burrito, there are also taco burgers to try to combine the two.
5. Sheetz
If you’re travelling around the Mid-Atlantic region, then you might want to stop by Sheetz. It’s a convenience store that is different from your usual ones. Here, you can grab a fresh, made-to-order meal while refueling your car.
4. Iceberg Drive-Inn
If you’re in the areas of Utah, California, and Arizona, you might happen to pass by Iceberg Drive-Inn, but don’t just drive past it, pay a visit! Kids around the area usually had their first job working in the Iceberg Drive-Inn, and the first thing that they taught their employees was to make guests feel at home. In here, you can order a Rodeo Burger, along with some shakes and Tater Tots — just a few of their “Favorite Food Items” menu.
3. Penn Station
If you’re around the Midwest and craving Subway, you might want to try their local alternative, which is Penn Station. It’s a fast-casual sandwich store that started in Ohio, serving East Coast subs. You might want to grab their cold-deli classics, off-the-grill subs, or create your own. Make sure to add some fries to go along with your subs and complete the Penn Station experience.
2. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
You can find Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in major cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Dallas, which makes them easy to reach. But the chicken chain will always have its home in Nashville. They serve Hot Chicken that you can customize according to the spice level you prefer. Don’t forget to pick a side of Crinkle-Cut Fries or Pimiento Mac & Cheese. But if you want them cold, get Red Skin Potato Salad.
1. In-N-Out
Surprisingly, the popular In-N-Out chain isn’t at a national chain level. They only have locations around California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Oregon. If you happen to travel in any of these stated areas, then you have to head to the nearest In-N-Out and grab their famous cheeseburgers along with fries and a shake.