Having driven from the East Coast to the West Coast when moving to California, I know the importance of good food on a road trip. But sometimes you’re in a pinch and fast food is your only option (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the convenience factor certainly plays a role!). If you’re planning on going somewhere in the future, you should know which quick-service restaurants are worth stopping by.
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We’ve narrowed down the top eateries by region: West Coast, New England, South, Midwest, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic. Each has its signature fast food chain that locals rely on, so it makes sense to partake in that culture by sampling their menu during long road trips. Here are our top restaurant recommendations, starting with In-N-Out.
West coast: in and out
Now, this chain is actually quite famous nationwide, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth spending your hard-earned dough on. The restaurant currently operates in 10 states from California to Tennessee, with plans to open in New Mexico by 2027. If you want to get serious, order the Double Double Animal Style and Animal Style Fries featuring In-N-Out’s famous sauce. Another pro tip: If you want your fries to be super crispy, order them “well-done.”
New England: Dunkin Donuts; D’Angelo grilled sandwich
As someone who grew up in Connecticut, believe me when I say Dunkin’ Donuts is a New Englander staple (ever seen the Ben Affleck commercial?). I was more than fair about the frosted donuts with sprinkles, but they’re also known for their extensive breakfast menu and Munchkin boxes (also known as donut holes) that you can order for large parties. The coffee chain offers customizable sweet iced coffee and additional pastries like croissants, perfect for a morning snack while on a road trip.
If you’re looking for a lunch spot, D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, a popular chain with locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, is also worth adding to your list.
South: Bojangles; Hattie Bees Hot Chicken
Bojangles is best known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and seasoned fries. So basically, it’s all about mouth-watering Southern food. Stock up on the 4-piece Chicken Supreme Combo, which comes with fries, biscuits and a drink, or the Family Meal, which comes in 8- or 12-piece chicken meals. We currently have locations in 17 states from North Carolina to Virginia.
Another well-known spot is the more local Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, known for its sandwiches, tender plates, and signature Nashville-style hot chicken served in a variety of spice levels.
Midwest: Culver’s
You can’t travel around the Midwest without spending money at Culver’s. The Double Deluxe Butterburger, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Onion Rings, and North Atlantic Cod Fish Fry are fan favorites. Additionally, the restaurant has over 100 flavors including Caramel Pecan, Mint Explosion, and plenty of rich, creamy custard options perfect for your sweet tooth. Top states for this restaurant chain include Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
Southwest: grow a caneWhataburger
Nothing upgrades a long car ride like chicken fingers. Raising Cane’s is popular for its box combos consisting of hand-battered chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, buttery Texas toast, coleslaw, a drink, and our secret Cane’s sauce (a cult favorite).
Or, if you love burgers, you can take a peek at Whataburger and try their famous patty melt, chicken strip sandwich, or classic burger.
Mid-Atlantic: Sheets
Sheetz has been a family-owned convenience store since 1952, serving fresh, made-to-order food. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the restaurant offers everything from macaroni and cheese snacks to baked goods such as freshly baked cookies, donuts and muffins. You can also get burgers, pizza, and hot dogs, so the options are truly endless. Stores are currently located in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, and Michigan.
This post first appeared on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
Source: The Real Deal by RetailMeNot – www.retailmenot.com
