Driving LA to SoFlo - Best Fast Food Options Across America 2020
The debate is over. The best fast food burger is from Freddys Frozen Custard, and there will never be convincing me otherwise. Since my childhood I have been an In n Out purist, and for me it is still a close second, but Freddies is King. Yes, we could stop now, but that’s no fun. So, the shake out from there gets a bit more difficult depending on who your with, where you are, and what your in the mood for. Lets dive into Gabi and my top 10 best Fast Food stops in America.
The idea of writing a blog dedicated to fast food seems a bit ridiculous and uncharacteristic of my typical reverence for food done the “right way”, but here we are, and I will indeed be deep diving into the world of American Fast Food.
Freddys - If you have not had the privilege of eating Freddys (you’re like me until last year) make a point to find one. The menu is simple, just order a double cheeseburger, some delicious shoe string fries and take your pick on the 30 options of frozen custard. These steak burgers are from above, perfectly crispy yet juicy and flavorful, there is NO denying how delicious Freddys is.
Menu Must: Double Cheese burger, Shoe String Fries, Frozen Custard
In n Out - The legend of In n Out is a lovely bit of nostalgia for me as I grew up idolizing this California burger chain. Now they have spread to a handful of states in the southwest, and just opened their first locations in Colorado to 23hr drive through waits. That is absurd. BUT the burgers are iconic for a reason, especially with that special sauce and grilled onions!
Menu Must: Double Cheese Burger with Grilled Onions, Animal Fries, Chocolate shake.
Sonic - The culture around Sonic is as much a part of my highschool experience as the food itself. Lunch time spent with loads of friends crammed into a few cars parked in stalls next to each other, I can literally smell the Chili Cheese Coney as I reminisce :). The food is consistent, the service is always good, and there is simply no other fast food doing it quite like sonics old school drive up and drive through options.
Menu Must: Chili Cheese Coney with Onions, Jalapeno Poppers, Mozzarella Sticks and a Cherry Lime-aid // Ocean Water
Arbys - I can remember eating a classic Beef n Cheddar with my mom when I was young. I have no discernable memories, just the fact that we ate them together and we enjoyed them together. That distant memory has always been enough to make me pull into an Arby’s and grab a roast Beef n Cheddar and of course, some curly fries. Arbys holds a silly but special little place in my heart and had to make this list!
Menu Must: Beef n Cheddar, Curly Fries
Jimmy Johns - My love affair with JJ’s goes back to college and ordering 2 sandwiches almost everyday for months on end. One California Club, and one Totally Tuna - before and after practice. This was my routine for at least my entire freshman year if not more, and the love has only grown from there. I do not order anything else but these two sandwiches, and they never disappoint. Great classic bread, game changer from other sandwich chains.
Menu Must: Totally Tuna, California Club
Popeyes - For me, the best fast food fried chicken. Something perfect about that crunchy batter and those perfectly soft biscuits. Great spot when you are craving that homey feeling; terribly delicious comfort food at its finest.
Menu Must: Bucket of Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Biscuits, Red Beans and Rice
Chick Fil A - I am not one of the religious Chick Fil A people out there you come across often these days. I do love a good chicken sandwich with pickles. Simple and satisfying. And the nuggets, those are the real gold mine.
Menu Must: Classic Chicken Sandwich, Nuggets
Chipotle - Is this fast food? Not really sure, but it is fast and it is food and it is delicious. Growing up in Colorado in the early 2000’s Chipotle quickly became iconic and undoubtedly Coloradan. We love to claim this one as our own, the original opening up in Boulder. If you cannot find some enjoyment out of Chipotle, you have no soul…or taste buds.
Menu Must: Steak or Barbacoa, Bowl or Tacos, always Pinto, White Rice, Corn Salsa, Hot Salsa, Sour Cream, Cheese, Lettuce.
Boston Market - Truthfully I have not had Boston Market in some years, but if my memory serves me it is as simple classic American comfort as you can find anywhere outside of your own kitchen in November. Swap the turkey for Chicken and you have a very thanksgiving esq meal. All the starchy cheesy classics we all love!
Menu Must: Whole Rotisserie Chicken, Mash Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Sweet Corn, Garlic Dill New Potatoes, Corn Bread
Taco Bell - I have a love hate relationship with Taco Bell. If I think about what I am eating too much, I go down a negative path. On the other hand a couple of Supreme Tacos (make it 5) is one of the most tasty lunches you can find. Of course with some mild and hot sauce.
Menu Must: Supreme Tacos, Gordita
Honorable Mentions:
Wendys- Spicy Chicken Sando Qdoba - Chicken Queso Burrito
Jersey Mikes- Chipotle Philly Cheesesteak Einstein’s Bagels- Bagel Dog
Honorable Mentions: “SWEETS” - Krispy Kreme, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, A&W Root Beer Floats