Sometimes, raiding the fridge just doesn’t cut it. You’re staring at leftovers, wondering if there’s any good food nearby that can truly satisfy your cravings. The good news is that human creativity has blessed us with fast food. So, let’s dive into a list of awesome fast-food joints, ranked from good to best based on personal experiences and preferences.
Food Near Me: Taco Bell
Taco Bell started in San Bernardino, California, thanks to Glen Bell. He initially ran a hotdog/hamburger stand, selling it in 1952. Glen loved Mexican food but was concerned about the prep time for tacos. Eventually, he opened a taco place called Der Weinerschnitzel (odd name, right?) with his wife and a friend. He focused on tacos, and soon enough, he had 100 restaurants. Taco Bell officially went public in 1962.
The reason for Taco Bell’s inclusion? Many love it, but some have reservations, like the late-night hours catering to the post-bar crowd and the incredibly low prices that make you wonder what exactly is in that meat. What I typically order? An Apple Empanada.
Food Near Me: KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken
Founded in Corbin, Kentucky, by Colonel Harlan Sanders in his gas station, KFC officially sold its first franchise in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952. Before that, in 1940, he created his famous Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices, selling it in his gas station’s dining area, Sander’s Court & Café.
After some financial struggles in 1955, he hit the road to sell his chicken recipe. By 1969, KFC had over 600 franchises in the U.S., Canada, and even England. That same year, KFC was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. What I typically order? A 10-piece bucket of Original Recipe Chicken.
Food Near Me: McDonald’s
Ah, the Golden Arches! McDonald’s started around the same time as Taco Bell in San Bernardino, California. Brothers Dick and Mac McDonald owned the restaurant. It wasn’t until Raymond Croc heard about their use of 8 milkshake machines (Multimixers) that things changed. He went to talk business in 1954.
Ray convinced the McDonald brothers to open more restaurants. He opened his own McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. In 1963, Ronald McDonald appeared in his first TV commercial. The franchise quickly became famous. What I typically order? Two sausage, egg, and cheese McGriddles with large orange juice for breakfast, or a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese value meal and a Coke for lunch/dinner.
Food Near Me: Checker’s
Also known as Rally’s in some areas, Checker’s is relatively new to the fast-food scene. Founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, Checker’s merged with Rally’s in Louisville, Kentucky. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, it went public in 1991 with 85 restaurants. Recognizable for their vibrant retro look, double drive-thru windows, and walk-up windows. What I typically order? Two Big Buford sandwiches, one large Rally fry, and a large chocolate or banana milkshake.
Food Near Me: Hardee’s
Founded by Wilbur Hardee in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1960, Hardee’s became a Midwest and Southeast staple. Known for cinnamon raisin biscuits baked fresh in their hexagonal buildings. These hexagonal shapes were also reflected in their hamburger patties. In 1997, CKE Restaurants (owner of Carl’s Jr.) purchased Hardee’s, making it hard to distinguish between the two since Carl’s Jr.’s logo was incorporated into Hardee’s. Most Hardee’s now serve food more reminiscent of Carl’s Jr. What I typically order? A ½ lb. Six Dollar Burger, large order of Crispy Curls, and a large chocolate malt.
Food Near Me: White Castle
In 1921, Walter Anderson and Billy Ingram created America’s first fast-food restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. They served the infamous “Slyder” mini burger for just 5 cents. Overcoming the public’s fear of unsafe meatpacking practices (thanks to Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”), they created small, white, clean-looking establishments. Workers wore white butcher gowns, and the kitchens were stainless steel. The plan worked, and White Castle is still going strong. What I typically order? A 10 sack of Slyders with cheese (you’ll understand the name if you’ve had them before).
Food Near Me: Arby’s
In 1964, brothers Leroy and Forrest Raffel opened a restaurant in Boardman, Ohio, serving roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and giant iced teas. They named it Arby’s, standing for R.B. or Raffel Brothers and roast beef. Clever, huh? It only took a year to sell the first franchise. Arby’s became well-known for its roast beef sandwiches, Arby’s sauce, spicy Horsey Sauce, and Curly Fries. What I typically order? Mix and match 5 for $5.95: 3 Arby melts, mozzarella sticks, potato wedges, and a large Pepsi.
Food Near Me: A&W Restaurant
In 1919, Roy Allen created a cool beverage in Lodi, California, using a recipe from an Arizona pharmacist: A&W Root Beer. He teamed up with Frank Wright (A for Allen and W for Wright) to market it. They sold root beer, hotdogs, and hamburgers from franchise stands. By 1970, there were over 2,000 A&W drive-thru restaurants. What I typically order? The A&W Papa Burger, large onion rings, a huge frosted mug of A&W Root Beer, and an A&W Root Beer Float for dessert.
Food Near Me: Long John Silver’s
Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” Long John Silver’s aimed to provide great seafood quickly and affordably. In 1969, the first restaurant opened in Lexington, KY. The buildings were pirate ship-themed, with ropes, wooden interiors, and a bell for satisfied customers. What I typically order? A 2 fish and 2 chicken planks combo basket, clam strips, and a large iced tea with lemon.
Food Near Me: Dairy Queen
Often called DQ, famous for ice cream since a father and son team created soft serve in Illinois. Sherwood “Sherb” Noble opened the first official Dairy Queen in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940. By 1950, there were over 1400 locations serving frozen treats, hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken sandwiches. The Blizzard frozen treat has been a staple since 1985. What I typically order? A ¼ lb. FlameThrower Grillburger combo with Coke, butterscotch sundae, or a small cotton candy Blizzard.
Food Near Me: Sonic Drive-In
Keeping the car hop era alive, Sonic started when Troy Smith opened a root beer stand in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1953. Customers ordered using speakers and carhops delivered the food. Charles Pappe opened the first Sonic Drive-In Restaurant in Woodard, Oklahoma. The name “Sonic” reflected the speed of service. Sonic stands out for its carhop service and countless drink combinations. Customers can combine flavors of syrup or juice with slushes or limeaids. What I typically order? A Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster Sandwich combo with onion rings and a custom strawberry Limeaid with extra strawberry juice.
Food Near Me: Burger King
Established in 1954 in Miami, Florida, by Hotel Administration graduates David Edgerton and James McLamore, Burger King started as Insta Burger King. James McLamore introduced The Whopper. Despite numerous ownership changes and controversies, Burger King remains a solid franchise with the famous Whopper sandwich. What I typically order? #3 Value Meal: Triple Whopper with cheese, large Coke, and onion rings instead of fries.
Food Near Me: Big Boy
The Big Boy double-decker sandwich was introduced by Bob Wian in Glendale, California, in 1936. He created it as a challenge from customers. The name “Big Boy” came from a pudgy kid who loved the double-decker burgers. A customer drew the iconic image of the boy in checkered overalls running with a burger. Big Boy is known for the statue in front and its retro diner feel. What I typically order? Two Swiss Miss sandwiches, onion rings, Coke with vanilla syrup, and a chocolate malt.
Food Near Me: Subway
Founded by Fred De Luca and Peter Buck in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Fred borrowed money from Uncle Buck and opened Pete’s Submarines, later changed to Pete’s Subway and then Subway. Subway created custom submarine sandwiches with fresh ingredients. Franchisees can customize menus. What I typically order? A footlong meatball sub on wheat bread with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño peppers, and banana peppers.
Food Near Me: Qdoba Mexican Grill
Founded in 1995 by Anthony Miller and Robert Hauser of Denver, Colorado, and owned by Jack in the Box. Qdoba focuses on fresh ingredients tailored to the customer’s specifications. Options include various salsas, beans, rice, cheese, queso, and guacamole. What I typically order? A Chicken Queso Burrito with black beans, rice, shredded cheese, Roasted Chile Corn Salsa, medium Salsa Verde, and Nestea Raspberry tea.
Food Near Me: Chick-Fil-A
Originally founded as Dwarf House by S. Truett Cathy in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Often found in malls, Chick-Fil-A is expanding into standalone restaurants. Chick-Fil-A focuses on chicken-based dishes using peanut oil and 100% white breast meat. Known for waffle fries and Polynesian sauce. What I typically order? Two Classic Chicken sandwiches with two Polynesian sauce cups, large waffle fries, and a large Coke.
Fast food offers a quick and convenient solution when you’re short on time or simply craving something specific. From the iconic burgers of McDonald’s and Burger King to the customizable sandwiches of Subway and the flavorful Mexican cuisine of Qdoba, there’s something for everyone.
What’s your favorite fast food restaurant? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
