The 30 Most Delicious Regional Food Chains in the U.S.
We're lucky enough to live in sunny Southern California, meaning we have access to foods from all corners of the world.
Sometimes, however, we're not in the mood for a gourmet, luxury meal. Sometimes, all we want is a burger, fries and a milkshake. It's not too much to ask!
Since we're in the U.S., there are plenty of options when it comes to getting a quick bite. Keep reading to find out about the 30 most delicious regional food chains in the United States:
(via @krystal)
1. Portillo's
(via Shutterstock)
Portillo's is home to hotdogs, burgers, beef and salads. With locations in eight states (most of them being in Illinois), this joint is an absolute must if you happen to pass one. Perhaps the most coveted item on their menu is their chocolate cake shake. It is simply out of this world.
2. In-N-Out
(via @innout)
When you think of In-N-Out, we're willing to bet you think of California. However, it's in a total of seven states! Some people think the restaurant is overrated, but as born and bred Californians, we strongly disagree. Their Double-Doubles are out of this world, and don't even get us started on their Animal Fries (a secret menu fave).
3. Chick-fil-A
(via @chickfila)
If you've had the luxury of trying Chick-fil-A, you know how incredible their fried chicken is. From their incredible waffle fries to their spicy chicken sandwich to mac and cheese, this joint is packed with a delicious menu. Sadly, they're closed on Sundays, which somehow always ends up being the day you crave it the most!
4. Taco Cabana
(via Shutterstock)
Located in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, Taco Cabana is home to some pretty mouth-watering Mexican food. With a plethora of items on their menu including nachos, burritos, salads, tacos and more, there's plenty to choose from. But if there's one thing you must try, it's the queso.
5. Whataburger
(via @whataburger)
The popular franchise Whataburger exists in ten states, including Texas and Arizona. It's loved by people all over because of their good deals and even better food. You seriously have to try their fries if you get a chance. After all, just look at this picture! If it's good enough for a bride and groom on their wedding night, sign us up!
6. Bojangles'
(via Shutterstock)
The ever-popular Bojangles' is an east coast favorite. With locations in 13 states (and 320 establishments in North Carolina Alone) it's safe to say the restaurant is a big hit. They're known for their chicken and biscuits, which we must say have us drooling just looking at the picture.
7. Skyline Chili
(via @officialskylinechili)
If you're a fan of chili, you absolutely have to visit Skyline Chili the next time you're in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky or Florida. This well-known restaurant is known for its unique take on chili—seriously, just look at that mountain of cheese! If you go, try out their signature dish, the 3-Way, which is spaghetti topped with chili and cheese.
8. Arctic Circle
With locations in six states (prominently featured in Idaho and Utah), Arctic Circle is a delicious fast food joint known for its burgers and shakes. If you're ever lucky enough to visit one, make sure you try out their famous fry sauce—you'll become obsessed. And the best part? You can purchase a whole bottle to bring home!
9. Islands
(via @islandsburgers)
We can say with firsthand experience that Islands is a must! With locations in California, Hawaii, Arizona and Nevada, this restaurant chain will win over your heart with its tiki-inspired decor and menu. If you go, you need to get an order of their delicious cheddar fries. Make sure you ask for lots of ranch on the side!
10. Lion's Choice
(via @lionschoice)
With locations in Missouri and Kansas, Lion's Choice is a fan-fave with locals and visitors alike. They pride themselves on their roast beef sandwich, and we must say, it looks quite devourable. If you get a chance to hit up this joint, make sure to order their Concrete, a super-thick ice cream of sorts!
11. Quaker Steak & Lube
(via @quakersteak)
You might think Quaker Steak & Lube is an odd name for a restaurant, but once you learn it's also a gas station, it makes more sense. But don't let that turn you off! They serve patrons in 11 states across the country, so you just know it's got to be good. Definitely try out their wings if you go—especially if you like heat!
12. Taco Bueno
(via @tacobueno)
The hype is real when it comes to the Texas-founded food chain, Taco Bueno. Now, with locations in a total of seven states, this joint is becoming more well-known with each passing day. This place has all your heart could ever desire when it comes to Mexican food, but if you go, you need to get your hands on their famous cinnamon chips.
13. El Pollo Loco
(via @elpolloloco)
Primarily in the southwestern states, El Pollo Loco is a sort-of upscale joint to get Mexican-style food. It's great for families and their chicken is out of this world. Anyone who's ever been to this restaurant will tell you to get their fire-grilled chicken leg. It will change your life.
14. Panchero's Mexican Grill
(via @pancheros)
We know, we know—another Mexican food place! But hear us out: Panchero's Mexican Grill is another must-try. With locations mostly in the northeast and midwest, this joint exists in a total of 12 states. They're widely known for making their tortillas on the spot, the second you order it, so they're always piping fresh!
15. Board and Brew
(via @boardandbrew)
Board and Brew is mostly in California, with one location in Arizona, so this joint will be a little trickier to get to. However, it is well worth it, because they serve some of the best sandwiches money can buy. Started in sunny San Diego, this little joint was an instant hit. If you go, you must try out their Turkado, and don't forget the special sauce!
16. Wawa
(via @wawa)
Wawa has locations in seven states and is widely popular in New Jersey. This chain is a one-stop-shop for items like coffee, sandwiches, ice cream and lots of fresh food. What makes this place special is that it's also a gas station! It's giving us major 7-Eleven vibes.
17. Krystal
(via @krystal)
Krystal may seem like an odd name for a food establishment, but this joint is insanely popular in the South. Their square styled buns and burgers remind us of Wendy's, and we must say, they look rather scrumptious. However, they're different because they're actually pretty small! Most people can eat up to two or three in one sitting.
18. The Habit
(via @habitburgergrill)
With a majority of its locations in California, this burger joint is becoming popular throughout other states like Florida and New Jersey. Somewhere in between fast-food and a sit-down restaurant, The Habit is home to some pretty tasty burgers. If you make it here, make sure to get an order of their delicious sweet potato fries.
19. Waffle House
(via @wafflehouseofficial)
Waffle House has stores in half of the United States, and it's bomb. Mostly popular in the south, this food chain is sought after by waffle enthusiasts. Definitely try out their waffles with a topping like chocolate chips or peanut butter, and if you're feeling adventurous, opt for a bowl of grits!
20. Hungry Howie's
(via @hungryhowies)
Mostly in the midwest and southeast, Hungry Howie's is the place to be. Starting in Michigan, this cute pizza place quickly gained popularity and spread out across the country. In addition to selling some tasty pizza, they also offer what they call Howie Rolls, which are pizza rolls stuffed with meat and cheese—yum!
21. Runza
(via @runzarestaurants)
Runza is in four states, with a majority of its stores in Nebraska. If you're unfamiliar with this chain, they're known for their stuffed beef sandwiches, which if you're asking us, remind us of a German bierock. Also on their menu is some pretty mouth-watering chili. BRB—heading to the midwest!
22. Del Taco
(via @deltaco)
There's an ongoing feud between foodies over which is better—Taco Bell or Del Taco? Ask any Californian and they will undoubtedly answer Del Taco. This amazing Mexican fast food restaurant will seriously knock your socks off. Not only do they offer all the usuals like tacos, quesadillas and burritos, but they have crinkle-cut fries, too!
23. Cook Out
(via @cookout)
Primarily in the south, Cook Out currently exists in ten states. On top of their yummy burgers, fries and even hot dogs, they offer tons of milkshakes. With flavors like peach cobbler and peanut butter banana, we're strongly considering taking a road trip to try out one of these babies!
24. Pal's Sudden Service
(via @eatpals)
When we first came across Pal's Sudden Service, we thought it was a rather odd name, but after reading the menu, we were hooked. If you find yourself in Tennessee anytime soon, make sure you order their "Frenchie Fries" with a strawberry shake. Pro tip? Dip your fries in the shake for a salty and sweet treat!
25. Original Tommy's
(via @originaltommys)
Original Tommy's is spread throughout California and parts of Nevada. This joint has some of the best chili out there, and people travel from all over to get a taste of it. Whether it's a burger, a hot dog, a burrito or fries, you'll be sure to find it smothered in chili!
26. PDQ
(via @pdqfreshfood)
With locations spanning five states (mostly in Florida), PDQ is known for their fresh and never frozen ingredients. People always seem to go for their chicken sandwiches, so we're willing to bet they're pretty darn delicious. Make sure you get your hands on one of their hand-spun milkshakes, too!
27. Burgerville
(via @burgerville)
The pacific northwest favorite, Burgerville, is home to—you guessed it— burgers! When a new season rolls around, their menu includes some pretty cute offerings. For example, right now they have the Vampire Slayer Burger! If you're ever in the area, make sure to try out one of their world-famous burgers.
28. Sheetz
(via @sheetz)
Just seeing this little girl dig into her Sheetz mac and cheese makes us want to take a road trip! Located in six states including West Virginia and Ohio, this food chain is home to not only food, but it's a gas station and convenience store, too. Don't let that scare you though, because all of their food is fresh!
29. Biscuitville
(via @biscuitville)
As soon as we saw this biscuit, we knew we were done for. With locations in North Carolina and Virginia, Biscuitville serves up some pretty incredible southern food. With offerings like honey buns, biscuit sandwiches and biscuits and gravy, you're sure to find some sort of biscuit dish you'll fall in love with.
30. Culver's
(via @culvers)
Mainly in the midwest, Culver's has locations in 25 states. From frozen custard to ButterBurgers to fries, their menu is all sorts of deliciousness. If you have the pleasure of stopping at one of their locations, you absolutely need to try out their cheese curds!
Consider yourself a foodie? Look HERE to see which food you should have delivered, based on your zodiac sign.