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 wait lines. 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
Steak and Shake - As you can tell, I am all about the thin pressed steak burgers. There really is no other way to eat a fast food burger. The best part of Steak and Shake though, is the price. While so many other chains will easily put you over $25 for two people, you can still stay under $20 here. Cant beat that in this economy!
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.
Buds Chicken and Seafood - A local chain here in Florida, and one taht absolutely slaps. Fried chicken and fish plates with fries, collslaw and a pickle. Best part though, the hush puppies; theyre sweet and savory, and absolutely delicious.