Most of us are familiar with the fast food giants, whose famous signs can be seen all over the world. But how about America's local and regional restaurants, which are less widely available but have won legions of loyal fans? From the small chains that have begun to spread their wings (chicken or otherwise) to cult brands that may have slipped under your radar, here's our pick of the fast food restaurants in the US you probably haven’t tried – but really should.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America’s hidden gem fast food chains, counting down to the most iconic of them all.
We've based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each restaurant in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.
Florida-based Huey Magoo's specialises in a single fast food item cooked to absolute perfection: chicken tenders, served hand-breaded, grilled or smothered in sauce. The tenders are made with what the chain calls ‘The Filet Mignon of Chicken’, and fans rave about the quality and freshness of the meat. The tenders are served inside a range of wraps and sandwiches and can be bought in hefty boxes of 20 or 30 pieces, with sides like Texas toast and crinkle-cut fries. Huey Magoo's was founded in 2014 and now has more than 100 franchises across several states including Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.
With its family-friendly atmosphere, comforting diner food and extensive ice cream menu, Friendly’s is pure nostalgia for diners who grew up on America’s East Coast. The first Friendly’s restaurant was opened in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1935 as an ice cream shop, selling double-dip cones for five cents each. These days it has more than 100 branches, but following a string of recent restaurant closures, the brand is long past its heyday. However, it maintains a loyal fanbase who love its retro vibe, many flavours of ice cream and fast food classics like waffle fries and chicken tenders.
One of the less traditional chains to crack the US in recent years, Chicago-based Egg Holic serves up sensational egg dishes, curries, sandwiches, wraps and rice bowls inspired by Indian street food. It only opened in 2019 but has expanded at a rapid clip – there are currently more than 25 locations across the US and Canada, in states ranging from Kentucky to Pennsylvania with several more due to open.
Those wanting a tasty slice of pizza in the Last Frontier go to Great Alaska Pizza Co., which has locations throughout Anchorage, Fairbanks (including North Pole), Eagle River, Palmer and Wasilla. It serves thick, fully loaded pies – and the toppings are always fresh not frozen, with cheese shredded daily.
Bangin’ Buns was founded by four childhood friends with one shared ambition: to bring Nashville-style hot chicken to California. Thankfully, their mission succeeded and there are now two locations across the state. This small but mighty chain serves up crisp, flavour-packed chicken, loaded fries and house-made sauces; highlights include the chicken tender sandwiches, hot chicken burritos and juicy nuggets topped with spicy honey. We can't wait to see where Bangin’ Buns goes next.
Unless you’re from Florida, you might not know about the citrus-marinated grilled chicken at Pollo Tropical, which comes with a choice of complimentary sauces (including guava barbecue and pineapple rum). It opened in 1988 and experienced rapid expansion – these days it has more than 120 locations in the Sunshine State, as well as a handful of outposts in Puerto Rico and South America. Some people love the Caribbean-inspired chain so much they even get married there.
This diminutive chain may only have five locations, but it's been a must-visit pit stop for anyone travelling through Oklahoma since 2011. As the name suggests, the brand has become renowned for its onion burgers. These fresh beef patties are stuffed inside a golden bun – and they come complete with caramelised onions and a choice of toppings, from shredded lettuce to crinkle-cut pickles.
With locations scattered across the country, Wayback Burgers deals in hearty sandwiches filled with cooked-to-order beef patties, plus chicken tenders, cheesesteaks and hand-dipped milkshakes. The chain started out in Newark, Delaware in 1991 before spreading its rib-sticking deliciousness further afield; however, it's still relatively small fry, with around 150 locations in the US and a burgeoning global presence. The brand frequently makes waves with limited-run specials like the Halloween-themed Frankenburger (a mash-up of a burger and a hot dog).
Founder Allen Schoop began slinging his now-famous burgers in 1948 – and they quickly became beloved for their fresh beef and distinctive hand-formed shape. In the 1980s, franchising began, and the brand now boasts multiple locations across Indiana and Illinois. This regional chain continues to grill its freshly ground beef burgers to order, with tasty toppings like mushrooms, olives, chilli and grilled onions available.
Forget Taco Bell – this 24-hour taco joint is where Texans and New Mexicans go for quality Tex-Mex. The pillowy, freshly made tortillas are some of the finest around and they’re even better when they're loaded up with cheese and beans. Fun fact: the reason Taco Cabana initially started staying open all night wasn’t to serve the party crowd, but to prevent furniture theft from its patio area.
Originating in Stephenville, Texas, regional pizza chain Mr. Gatti’s has been serving up its signature pan pizzas since 1964 – and it continues to be a fast food favourite. From classics like barbecue chicken to build-your-own options, the spot wins over pizza lovers with its golden cheese blend, crisp crusts and fresh toppings. Big things are to come for the brand, too; in July 2024, Walmart announced it would be teaming up with Mr. Gatti’s to open more than 90 restaurants in stores across four US states.
When Five Guys franchisees John Rigos and Andy Stern decided it was time to branch out, grilled cheese sandwich chain Melt Shop was the result. Its menu is dangerously irresistible, with items such as a fried chicken melt loaded with pepper Jack cheese, red cabbage slaw and tasty melt sauce. Try it for yourself at one of the chain's five locations in New York.
The loose meat or tavern sandwich has been the pride of Iowa since 1926, when beloved local chain Maid-Rite started selling it from a small shop in Muscatine. The dish consists of seasoned ground beef that’s cooked loose (similar to a sloppy joe, but without the sauce mixed in) and served in a bun with mustard, pickles and onions. Alongside its signature creation, Maid-Rite also sells a range of sandwiches, wraps, salads and milkshakes, and diners love the old-school vibe of the joint. These days there are more than 15 locations across Iowa, and the chain also has outposts in several other states.
Washington and Oregon’s answer to Five Guys, Burgerville has been serving local beef since 1961, when its burgers were just 19 cents. Today they’re still good value, with an original hamburger costing under $4 (£3.15). If you’re hungry, the 1/2lb (226g) Colossal Burger is the one to get, containing two 1/4lb (113g) patties, American cheese, signature Burgerville spread, pickles and salad.
If you want pizza delivery in Iowa or Wisconsin, Pizza Pit, not Pizza Hut, is your go-to. It's been serving its much-loved pizzas, topped with fresh ingredients, since 1969. Create your own by choosing a size and toppings – or select a speciality pizza like the Bacon Onion Cheeseburger Pizza, which comes with minced beef, bacon, onions and Cheddar.
One of the healthier options on our list, Tropical Smoothie Cafe serves a menu of delicious fruit smoothies, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, wraps and flatbreads, with sides such as maple-kissed sweet potatoes and kale and apple slaw. The first branch opened in Destin, Florida in 1997, and now there are more than 1,000 locations scattered across the States.
Part of Missouri’s food culture since 1967, Lion’s Choice has become renowned for its signature roast beef sandwiches. While its menu has expanded since it launched, it’s still the lightly toasted buns loaded with shaved slow-roasted beef and a secret seasoning that foodies return for time and time again. These days, Lion’s Choice boasts multiple locations across the St. Louis and Kansas City areas.
Opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill recently celebrated its Double Char burger being named the number one fast food burger for 2024 by USA Today, knocking In-N-Out Burger’s Double-Double off the top spot. It was so overjoyed to receive the accolade that it even took out adverts commiserating its rival. The award-winning burger features two chargrilled beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, caramelised onions and mayo on a toasted bun. There are Habit Burger locations in several other states.
This small-scale drive-thru chain's restaurants, located in Tennessee and Virginia, are easy to spot – they're bright blue and have a giant hot dog, burger, box of fries and drink sitting on the roof. You'll find plenty to tempt you at Pal's, from a breakfast menu featuring the likes of sausage and country ham biscuits to the signature Big Pal burger and Frenchie Fries.
Born in Wichita, Kansas, Freddy's is in the process of opening 21 new locations across the country, including an outlet in Seattle, Washington for the first time. Famed for its cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, freshly churned frozen custard and speciality sundaes, Freddy's is also opening locations in Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey and Texas, bringing the total number of Freddy’s restaurants to more than 530 across 36 states.
Serving freshly cooked cheeseburger sliders and waffle fries, Smalls Sliders is the fastest growing burger chain in the US, with more than 300 locations either open or under development. It also recently announced plans to open 12 more locations in North Carolina by the end of 2025. The chain houses restaurants in unique 'cans' which can be 'dropped' into the location, making expansion much speedier than with traditional bricks-and-mortar establishments.
Chicago is known for its all-beef hot dogs – served with mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, tomato slices, pickled peppers and dill pickle spears, all inside a poppy seed bun. And while plenty of vendors sell them, we say Portillo’s is the place to go. The chain has been running in Illinois since 1963, and it's expanded into other states over the years including Michigan, California, Indiana, Arizona and Florida.
A Tucson staple, Eegee's can only be found in a few select locations across Arizona. The locals love it for the crinkle-cut fries, which come covered in house-made ranch dressing, and the huge cookies. The slushies – in flavours such as strawberry, Piña Colada and lemon – provide much-needed refreshment in the sweltering Arizona heat.
The second fastest-growing fast food chain after Starbucks, the origin story of this New Jersey sandwich giant is pretty amazing: it was originally set up in 1971 by Peter Cancro, who was just 17 at the time. These days, he’s still in charge – and Jersey Mike's is one of the country's top sandwich chains, with more than 2,500 locations in all 50 states (plus outposts in Canada and Mexico). However, despite the company’s size, Jersey Mike's is praised for the consistency and quality of its overstuffed subs and various types of cheesesteak sandwiches. Fans say they're best served ‘Mike’s way’: with freshly sliced onions, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar, oil and spices.
Starting out in Nashville, Tennessee in 2012, this family-run chain quickly garnered a cult following thanks to its authentic hot chicken and fiery spice blend. Here, you can choose your heat level and dive into the likes of grilled tenders, whole wings and fried chicken sandwiches loaded with American cheese, with Belgian-style waffles or dirty fries on the side. These days you’ll find the team dishing out meals across multiple states, including Texas and Nevada.
Loyal Cook Out customers know that it’s one of the best places to get a milkshake in the southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia. There are more than 40 flavours available, including banana pudding, peach cobbler and, in the summer, watermelon, made with real chunks of fruit. Other popular menu items include barbecue plates and hush puppies (deep-fried dough balls).
In Texas they do cheesesteaks their own way: served on soft grilled rolls with a whole array of unconventional toppings (including jalapeños, queso, chipotle and ranch) and a side of tortilla chips. You can get your hands on one of these beauties at Texadelphia, a chain with locations in Texas and Oklahoma. It was established in Austin in 1980 and is particularly loved by students.
Residents of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska have been heading to Runza for its beloved German Russian–style sandwiches for decades. Somewhere between a hot pocket and a sloppy joe, the runza is made by wrapping minced beef, onions and cabbage in bread dough, then baking the whole lot. If you decide to make a pilgrimage, don’t miss out on the crinkle-cut fries, either.
Lucky residents of states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland get to enjoy the amazing culinary offerings at this convenience store chain whenever they like. What's on the menu? Freshly made meatball hoagies and a huge selection of coffees, both of which are restaurant quality, but sold at gas station prices.
This Oklahoma gem has been around since 1933 and is known for its fresh ice cream milkshakes. Loyal fans wish it would expand further, but all its stores must stay situated near to the dairy. Favourite milkshake choices include pecan praline and cream, orange sherbet and mint chocolate chip, and there's a great range of burgers, too.
This fast casual restaurant – which serves chicken, tofu and beef teriyaki rice and noodle bowls – was founded in Las Vegas in 2004. There are currently more than 150 locations, following a period of rapid expansion over the past few years. So, if you haven't heard people talking about Teriyaki Madness yet, you probably will soon.
This café, which has more than 500 US locations, is unique in that it’s only open for breakfast and lunch (which is why it’s called First Watch, a sailor’s term for the first shift of the day). It specialises in wholesome dishes such as vegetable omelettes, smashed avocado on toast and French toast, and customers love it.
At this 24-hour convenience store, the sandwiches and salads are made to order – so it's a popular choice for those needing to fill up their cars (and stomachs) in several states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Sheetz is so much more than a gas station; the menu is huge, and many items are easily customisable thanks to touch screens.
Marco's Pizza was opened by Pasquale 'Pat' Giammarco in 1978 in Oregon, Ohio, and now there are more than 1,000 stores across the US as well as in the Bahamas, India and Mexico. In 2016, Marco's Pizza was ranked number 10 on the Pizza Today list of the Top 100 Pizza Companies in the United States, and is currently one of the fastest growing chains in the country.
What might be the thickest shakes in all of the USA are served at Iceberg Drive Inn in Arizona, California and Utah. This chain was opened by an ice cream salesman in Salt Lake City back in 1960, and it's been a local mainstay ever since. Look out for unusual flavours such as pineapple, mini marshmallow and bubble gum. In the mood for something more substantial? It sells burgers, hot dogs and pastrami, plus excellent chicken sandwiches, too.
Known for its 'West-Mex' cuisine – with dishes like meat and potato burritos and fried chicken tacos on the menu – Taco John’s started as a tiny taco stand in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1969, but word spread quickly about its delicious food. Now there are more than 350 restaurants in 23 states across the US, but most are still concentrated in its home state and around the Midwest. As well as delicious salsas and crispy-shelled tacos, Taco John’s is also home to Potato Olés: deep-fried potato nuggets coated in a secret blend of seasonings.
In North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, as far as locals are concerned, Biscuitville is the only breakfast place worth visiting. In operation since 1966, it gained a loyal following thanks to its tasty biscuits, which are baked fresh every 15 minutes. They’re used to make sandwiches such as the bacon, egg and cheese (with bacon that’s meaty and cooked on the griddle) and the sweet and spicy fried chicken and honey.
This regional chain, founded in 1949, has become renowned for its Cincinnati-style chilli – a dish that sees chilli ladled over piles of spaghetti, then loaded with shredded Cheddar cheese. In fact, the brand has become so popular that this American chilli style is often referred to as Skyline Chili whether it comes from the fast food chain or not. Now with more than 150 locations across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida, Skyline continues to serve its secret-recipe signature dish alongside burritos, cheese fries and salads.
One of the fastest growing chains in the US, Raising Cane’s has Chick-fil-A and KFC worried. It has a cult following, with people flocking to its restaurants for one thing: hot, crisp chicken fingers. Aside from that, chicken sandwiches, Texas toast, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and soft drinks are the only items it serves. The first Raising Cane's opened in 1996, and the brand now has more than 700 restaurants across the States.
For those in the South, Krystal is the place to get sliders. It has been ever since it was founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1932, and it's one of the country’s oldest fast food chains. It calls beef sliders Krystals, chicken sliders Chiks, hot dog sliders Pups, and sausage patty and egg sliders Sunrisers – and you can even buy Krystals by the sackful.
A regional fast food joint with a retro twist, Blake’s Lotaburger was founded in New Mexico in 1952. Now with locations throughout the state, plus more in Texas and Arizona, it’s a firmly established favourite among locals in the region. On the menu you'll find the LOTA Burger (with green chillies and cheese), burritos smothered in green or red sauce, and chilli con carne bowls.
You're guaranteed a traditional Southern feast at Bojangles, which has locations in states including Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Opt for thick, fried chicken sandwiches or drumsticks alongside fixings including dirty rice, green beans, mac ’n’ cheese and coleslaw. Fans say the flaky, buttery biscuits served at Bojangles are easily the best fast food version you can buy, and the chain offers great value family meals, too.
With roots in dairy-loving Wisconsin, Culver’s has a dedicated following for its epic ButterBurger, which is decadently served in a toasted and buttered bun. Fast food connoisseurs hail its range of classic burgers as the best you can get, comparing it to the likes of In-N-Out, Five Guys and Shake Shack. The family-run chain has expanded impressively over the last decade, with almost 1,000 restaurants in more than 25 states, though it operates primarily in the Midwest. Alongside the burgers, diners also rate Culver’s signature fried Wisconsin cheese curds, root beer and frozen custard.
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Last updated by Dominique Ayling.