The Bucket-List Fast Food Joint In Every US State
Forget mountaintops and grand canyons because America’s real must-see attractions come with fries and a drive-thru.
From the cheesiest cheesesteak in Philly to a Nashville hot chicken so fiery it should come with a waiver, we’re mapping out the fast food joints worth planning your road trip and cheat day around.
These iconic bites are the only kind of state lines you’ll want to cross, just don’t blame us if your pants start feeling a little… patriotic.
50. Alabama: Milo’s Hamburgers
Sweet tea heaven awaits at this Birmingham-born chain. Their burgers come smothered in secret sauce that locals crave.
The extra sauce served on the side makes for perfect french fry dipping.
49. Alaska: The Double Shovel
Forget fancy seafood restaurants. Locals know this unassuming joint serves the freshest catch.
Their fish and chips feature wild-caught Alaskan cod in a light, crispy batter that highlights rather than masks the seafood.
48. Arizona: In-N-Out Burger
Order from the not-so-secret menu at this desert oasis of burger perfection. Fresh-never-frozen patties sizzle while potatoes transform into fries before your eyes.
The Animal Style option remains a fan favorite.
47. Arkansas: Arlington’s
Family-owned since 1954, Arlington’s stands as a time capsule of classic Americana. The burger patties get a special seasoning blend handed down through generations.
Their hand-cut fries arrive crispy outside, fluffy inside.
46. California: Tommy’s Original
Midnight chili cheese fries call your name at this LA institution. Founded in 1946, Tommy’s signature chili tops everything from burgers to hot dogs.
Join the late-night crowd after concerts or clubs for the full experience.
45. Colorado: Smashburger
Born in Denver, these patties get literally smashed onto the grill. This technique creates a caramelized crust that seals in juices.
The Colorado burger features green chilies, a nod to local flavor preferences.
44. Connecticut: Colony Grill
Thin crust magic happens at this Stamford staple. Their signature “hot oil” pizza features a drizzle of spicy-infused oil and stinger peppers.
The bar-like atmosphere makes this place feel like Connecticut’s living room.
43. Delaware: Grotto Pizza
Beachgoers flock to this coastal pizza legend. The swirl technique—sauce applied in spirals over cheese—creates Grotto’s distinctive look.
Started in 1960 with $275, it’s now Delaware’s unofficial food ambassador.
42. Florida: Pollo Tropical
Caribbean flavors meet fast food efficiency here. Citrus-marinated chicken gets flame-grilled to perfection while you wait.
The plantains and yuca sides transport you straight to the islands without leaving the Sunshine State.
41. Georgia: The Varsity
“What’ll ya have?” barks the cashier at this Atlanta institution. Since 1928, The Varsity has served chili dogs and onion rings to presidents, celebrities, and Georgia Tech students.
Their Frosted Orange drink provides sweet relief from Southern heat.
40. Hawaii: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Plate lunches showcase Hawaii’s melting pot culture. Two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and your choice of protein (get the Kalua pork) fill the classic styrofoam container.
Mainlanders now enjoy these island flavors nationwide.
39. Idaho: Little Caesars
Potato state residents surprisingly love this pizza chain. The Hot-N-Ready concept revolutionized fast food pizza when introduced here.
Idaho’s hard-working farmers appreciate the value and convenience after long days in the fields.
38. Illinois: Portillo’s
Chicago’s fast food royalty started as a hot dog stand called “The Dog House.” Their Italian beef sandwich, thinly sliced roast beef on French bread dipped in jus – creates devoted followers.
Order it “wet” if you dare.
37. Indiana: Culver’s
Wisconsin-born but Indiana-embraced, Culver’s shines with ButterBurgers and frozen custard. The patties get a butter-toasted bun that elevates the entire experience.
Hoosiers line up for the flavor-of-the-day custard regardless of weather.
36. Iowa: Maid-Rite
Loose meat sandwiches might sound strange until you try one. Ground beef, steamed rather than formed into patties, gets served on a bun with pickles and onions.
Iowans debate proper eating technique—fork first or embrace the mess.
35. Kansas: Cozy Inn
Six stools and slider-sized burgers create big memories in Salina. Since 1922, these tiny onion-steamed burgers have remained unchanged, no cheese, no substitutions, just perfection.
The smell lingers on your clothes as a delicious souvenir.
34. Kentucky: KFC
Colonel Sanders’ legacy began in a gas station in Corbin. The 11 herbs and spices recipe remains locked in a vault.
Kentuckians still debate which location serves the most authentic version of their state’s most famous export.
33. Louisiana: Popeyes
New Orleans-born chicken with Cajun attitude. The original Popeyes opened in 1972 as “Chicken on the Run” before finding its spicy identity.
Louisianans claim outsiders will never understand just how fresh it tastes in its home state.
32. Maine: Red’s Eats
Summer tourists create epic lines at this seafood shack. Their legendary lobster rolls contain meat from a whole lobster, served with butter or mayo on the side.
The tiny roadside stand has no seating but plenty of coastal charm.
31. Maryland: Rita’s Italian Ice
Summer evenings in Maryland mean Rita’s frozen treats. Their signature gelati layers frozen custard with Italian ice for textural perfection.
The seasonal opening day creates lines around the block as winter officially ends.
30. Massachusetts: Dunkin’
Bostonians run on Dunkin’ regardless of weather. Founded in Quincy in 1950, the chain remains a cultural cornerstone throughout the Commonwealth.
The regular coffee (cream and sugar) fuels commuters from Cape Cod to the Berkshires.
29. Michigan: Buddy’s Pizza
Detroit-style pizza was born at Buddy’s in 1946. The rectangular deep-dish gets cheese right to the edges, creating caramelized corners that locals fight over.
Auto workers historically grabbed these hearty slices during quick lunch breaks.
28. Minnesota: Culver’s
Winter warmth comes via comfort food at Minnesota’s adopted favorite. The cheese curds little nuggets of fried Wisconsin cheese pair perfectly with their signature butterburgers.
After ice fishing, nothing satisfies like a Culver’s concrete mixer.
27. Mississippi: The Pig & Pint
BBQ meets craft beer at Jackson’s beloved smokehouse. Their Mississippi mud pie BBQ fries come loaded with pulled pork, cheese sauce, and jalapeños.
The fast-casual approach brings gourmet barbecue techniques to quick-service speeds.
26. Missouri: Imo’s Pizza
“The square beyond compare” divides pizza lovers nationwide. St. Louis-style means cracker-thin crust cut into squares and topped with Provel cheese, a processed blend that melts uniquely.
Locals defend it fiercely against outside criticism.
25. Montana: Taco John’s
“Taco Tuesday” originated at this mountain state favorite. Their Potato Olés seasoned potato rounds inspire road trips across state lines.
Montanans appreciate the hearty portions that fuel outdoor adventures in Big Sky Country.
24. Nebraska: Runza
German-Russian immigrants brought these savory pockets to the plains. Seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions get sealed inside fresh-baked bread.
On exceptionally cold days, Runza’s temperature promotion drops prices as the mercury falls.
23. Nevada: Shake Shack
Vegas locals escape the Strip to enjoy these premium burgers. The Nevada-exclusive Jackpot concrete mixer blends vanilla custard with local ingredients.
The casino-adjacent locations provide respite from gambling while maintaining Sin City quality.
22. New Hampshire: The Common Man
Granite Staters flock to this local chain for uncommon fast food. Their signature cider donuts made fresh throughout the day draw leaf-peepers during autumn.
The comfort food menu celebrates New England traditions with modern efficiency.
21. New Jersey: White Manna
Time travel through taste at this 1946 burger institution. Tiny onion-steamed sliders sizzle on the griddle visible from every seat in the cramped diner.
The Hackensack landmark proves Jersey’s fast food credentials extend beyond chains.
20. New Mexico: Blake’s Lotaburger
Green chile transforms ordinary burgers into state treasures. Since 1952, Blake’s has defined New Mexican fast food with their signature Lotaburger with green chile.
The distinctive yellow and green buildings dot the landscape like culinary landmarks.
19. New York: Nathan’s Famous
Coney Island has served on a bun since 1916. The annual July 4th hot dog eating contest brought international fame, but locals come year-round.
The snap of the natural casing and distinctive spice blend remain unchanged through generations.
18. North Carolina: Cook Out
College students worship this late-night paradise. The tray deal entree, two sides, and drink for $5 defies modern fast food economics.
Their 40+ milkshake flavors include unique options like watermelon and fresh banana.
17. North Dakota: Kroll’s Diner
German-Russian heritage shines through the menu at this prairie classic. Their knoephla soup – a creamy potato dumpling concoction warms during brutal winters.
The 1950s diner aesthetic remains unchanged, just like their recipes.
16. Ohio: Skyline Chili
Cincinnati-style chili breaks all the rules deliciously. Greek immigrants created this unique cinnamon-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti with mountains of shredded cheese.
Order by number: 3-way, 4-way, or go all out with the 5-way.
15. Oklahoma: Braum’s
Farm-to-table fast food isn’t new at this Oklahoma institution. Their vertical integration model means dairy products come from their own farm just hours before serving.
The burger-ice cream combination creates devoted fans across the state.
14. Oregon: Burgerville
Sustainability pioneers disguised as a burger chain. Seasonal milkshakes featuring local berries and hazelnuts change with Oregon’s harvests.
Their commitment to regional ingredients and compostable packaging won over eco-conscious Portlanders decades ago.
13. Pennsylvania: Primanti Bros.
Pittsburgh’s most famous export started feeding truckers and night workers. The sandwiches come with fries and coleslaw stuffed inside rather than alongside – a practical solution for workers with no place to set down plates.
The thick-sliced Italian bread holds everything together.
12. Rhode Island: Del’s Lemonade
Summer officially begins when Del’s trucks appear statewide. The frozen lemonade recipe came from Italy in 1840 but became Rhode Island’s signature refreshment.
Locals know not to use a straw, just squeeze the cup and enjoy.
11. South Carolina: Cook Out
Southern hospitality meets fast food efficiency at this regional gem. The Carolina-style BBQ sandwich comes topped with tangy coleslaw just like locals prefer.
Late hours make this the unofficial after-church and after-bar destination statewide.
10. South Dakota: Tuthill’s
Mount Rushmore tourists stumble upon this local treasure by accident. Their bison burgers use meat from nearby ranches for true prairie flavor.
The hand-cut fries come from potatoes grown just counties away.
9. Tennessee: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Nashville hot chicken allegedly began as revenge served spicy. The origin story involves a cheating boyfriend and extremely spicy chicken meant as punishment.
Today, tourists and locals alike test their heat tolerance at this historic spot.
8. Texas: Whataburger
Orange and white stripes signal Texas pride since 1950. The burgers come bigger (naturally) on enormous five-inch buns that require two-handed commitment.
Many locations operate 24/7, making them community gathering spots at all hours.
7. Utah: Crown Burger
Greek immigrants created Utah’s signature burger topped with pastrami. The Crown Burger features beef patty, American cheese, and a generous portion of thin-sliced pastrami.
Famous pink fry sauce—mayo and ketchup with secret spices—accompanies every order.
6. Vermont: Parkside Diner
Maple syrup elevates everyday fast food at this Green Mountain favorite. Their maple burger features local beef topped with maple-cured bacon and maple aioli.
After skiing, nothing satisfies like their maple-dipped soft serve.
5. Virginia: Wayback Burgers
History and hamburgers merge at this Colonial Williamsburg adjacent chain. Their hand-formed patties get smashed on the griddle for maximum caramelization.
The Triple Triple challenge, nine patties stacked high – attracts brave tourists and locals alike.
4. Washington: Dick’s Drive-In
Seattle’s burger institution keeps it simple and affordable. No substitutions allowed maintains their lightning-fast service, burgers come standard with ketchup, mustard and pickles.
The cash-only policy hasn’t changed since 1954, nor have the reasonable prices.
3. West Virginia: Tudor’s Biscuit World
Mountaineers start their day with massive breakfast sandwiches. The biscuits – larger than your palm and cloud-soft inside come topped with country ham, fried apples, or pepperoni.
Coal miners historically packed these substantial sandwiches for long shifts.
2. Wisconsin: Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Frozen custard reaches its highest form at this Milwaukee institution. Richer than ice cream due to egg yolks and lower overrun, the custard comes in rotating daily flavors.
Their butter burgers provide savory balance to sweet treats.
1. Wyoming: Dairy King
Yellowstone visitors discover this Cody gem by following local recommendations. Their bison burger topped with huckleberry sauce creates Wyoming in a single bite.
The hand-scooped milkshakes thick enough to turn upside down complement every meal.
