Top 11 Fast Food Spots Other States Wish They Had

Kokomo - Circa November 2016: Culver's Fast Casual Location. Culver's is Famous for their Butterburgers and Frozen Custard II

When you travel, your eyes are opened to new cultures, sights, and even new fast-food restaurants. According to a recent online forum, the following regional chain restaurants are the most popular spots people miss the most.

Cookout

AUGUST, UNITED STATES - Mar 08, 2022: Augusta, Ga USA - 03 08 22: Cookout fast food restaurant drive thru menu
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If you’ve never heard of Cookout, you’ve probably never been to North Carolina. This popular fast food joint originated in Greensboro, NC, and has grown to 250 locations in the area. They’re known for their fresh, never-frozen burgers, as well as shakes, hot dogs and BBQ.

Bojangles

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA/USA - 01-10-2020 Fried chicken tenders, french fries, and a buttermilk biscuit at a Bojangles’ restaurant in Columbus, GA.
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Bojangles also originated in North Carolina and is similar to KFC in that it offers fried chicken and biscuits, but it’s known for its special Cajun seasoning. This chain has locations in 17 different states, mostly in the American South.

Culver’s

Kokomo - Circa November 2016: Culver's Fast Casual Location. Culver's is Famous for their Butterburgers and Frozen Custard II
Photo credit: Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock.com

If you’re not in the Midwest, you’re missing out on Culver’s frozen custard and ButterBurgers. What’s a ButterBurger? According to Culver’s, “We call our ButterBurgers ‘ButterBurgers,’ not because they’ve been cooked, marinated, dunked, fried or drizzled with butter but because we lightly butter the crown of the bun for an extra touch of goodness.”

Zaxby’s

Avon - November 5, 2023: Zaxby's Chicken restaurant drive thru. Zaxby's has over 900 locations.
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Popular in the south, Zaxby’s offers chicken in every form: wings, fingers, sandwiches, and salads. Their dipping sauces are popular and come in varying levels of spice from mild to “nuclear.”

Sonic

Las Vegas, NV 12-10-20: Sonic Drive-In location on Sahara Ave. The fast food chain has been increasingly popular during the Covid pandemic because customers can order and eat on their car.
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Sonic is one of the few fast food chains that still offers the popular 50’s drive-in style, where you can drive up to different stalls, and an employee will come out to your car to take your order. They offer standard fare like burgers and fries but are known for their various specialty flavors of milkshakes and slushies.

In-N-Out

Los Angeles, CA, USA - May 2, 2022: Exterior of an IN-N-OUT BURGER restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA.
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If you’ve ever been to California, you know that In-N-Out usually has a line of cars wrapped around the block waiting for the drive-thru. People are fanatical about In-N-Out because of their simple, freshly-made french fries and burgers. If you’re a true fan, you might even order from their secret menu (animal fries, anyone?).

Raising Cane’s

JOLIET, IL, USA - NOVEMBER 24, 2022: Raising Cane's is an American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in chicken fingers.
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Raising Cane’s is a chicken finger restaurant that started in Louisiana but has expanded throughout the United States and internationally, with locations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Although they’re known for chicken, they also serve Texas toast. One Redditor said, “I’ve gone to get just bread. Ask for butter on both sides. And yeah the sauce is always good.”

El Pollo Loco

Los Angeles, California, USA - April 20, 2016: El Pollo Loco is a restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-style grilled chicken.
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Originally from Southern California, El Pollo Loco serves rotisserie-style chicken, Mexican-style sides, and tortillas. One commenter said, “Probably the healthiest, most affordable, most delicious fast food. I have one about 20 minutes away but they should be everywhere!”

Whataburger

CORPUS CHRISTI, USA - OCT 20: Whataburger fast food restaurant in Corpus Christi. October 20, 2008 in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
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Primarily located in Texas and parts of the Southwestern United States, Whataburger offers burgers and fries. In addition to their food, Whataburger is known for their signature orange and white striped A-frame buildings.

Waffle House

Dayton - Circa November 2021: Waffle House Iconic Southern Restaurant Chain. Waffle House was founded in 1955.
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Waffle House has such die-hard fans that even those who’ve never been to the south or the midwest know what it is. This iconic restaurant chain is famous for its waffles, steak, chicken, and, of course, being open 24 hours a day.

Japanese Style 7-11

YAMANASHI, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 30: 7-Eleven convenience store on November 30, 2015 in Fujikawaguchiko, Japan. Seven-Eleven Japan is held by the Seven & I Holdings Co. holding company.
Photo credit: jajaladdawan // Shutterstock.com

Although this may not technically be considered a fast food spot, 7-11 in Japan deserves a special mention due to its popularity with commenters. One user said, “They have decent take out food, unlike the stuff that’s been under the heating lamp for hours. Their Karaage is definitely worth a try, and after the exchange rate, it’s like $1.50 for a good size piece of delicious chicken.”

Source: Reddit

The Best Food to Try in Each of the 50 States, According to Americans

Kansas City Style BBQ pork ribs
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In this article, we will take you on a mouthwatering tour through all 50 states, exploring the most iconic and beloved dishes each region has to offer. From hearty Southern BBQ to New England seafood delights and from Tex-Mex feasts to Pacific Northwest treats, the diverse flavors of American cuisine await. Bon appétit!

Read more: The Best Food to Try in Each of the 50 States, According to Americans

12 of the Best ‘American’ Foods According to Non-Americans

pretty long redhead ginger girl eating fries chicken in studio pink background
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Unveiling the essence of American cuisine from an outsider’s perspective, these 12 mouthwatering delights showcase the country’s rich and fascinating culinary heritage.

Read more: 12 of the Best ‘American’ Foods According to Non-Americans

14 of the Most “American” Cooking Ingredients and Foods

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 8, 2020: Frank's Red Hot Wings spicy hot sauce for chicken, meat, and other meals.
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When it comes to American culture, food is undoubtedly a major player. With a melting pot of different cultures, it’s no surprise that American cuisine boasts an impressive array of ingredients and flavors. But have you ever wondered what the quintessential American cooking ingredient or food is? Well, wonder no more! I scoured the depths of an online platform to gather insights from different people and compiled a list of the top contenders. Let’s explore the most American cooking ingredient and foods!

Read more: 14 of the Most “American” Cooking Ingredients and Foods

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Each of the 50 U.S. States, According to Travelers

Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii view from sea sunset cruise tour. Nature coastline landscape in Kauai island, Hawaii, USA. Hawaii travel.
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From the lush forests of Oregon to the majestic peaks of Colorado and the idyllic beaches of Florida, each of the 50 states boasts its own array of extraordinary destinations.

Read more: The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Each of the 50 U.S. States, According to Travelers