Fast food is more than just a quick meal—it’s a cultural snapshot served in a paper bag. Across the U.S., some states reach for burgers, fries, and milkshakes far more often than others.
These top-ranking states aren’t just loving fast food—they’re living it. Curious which regions can’t resist the drive-thru? The numbers might surprise you.
1. Maryland
Forget Old Bay seasoning—Marylanders are sprinkling salt on fries at an alarming rate! Despite being famous for seafood, this Mid-Atlantic state ranks surprisingly high for drive-thru devotion.
The state’s busy commuter culture fuels the trend, with harried workers grabbing meals on-the-go between the capital region and Baltimore. Fun fact: Maryland consumes more chicken sandwiches per capita than any other fast food item, perhaps a nod to the state’s historic poultry industry.
2. Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just gambling paradise—it’s a fast food wonderland! The 24/7 nature of Sin City creates perfect conditions for round-the-clock burger consumption, with tourists and casino workers alike fueling up at all hours.
Beyond Vegas, long desert highways connecting sparse populations make quick-service restaurants essential pit stops. Surprisingly, Nevada leads the nation in late-night fast food orders, with peak hours between 2-4 AM—prime time for post-club munchies or early morning shift workers.
3. Hawaii
Spam musubi isn’t the only quick bite Hawaiians crave! Island life paradoxically drives fast food consumption through the roof in America’s tropical paradise. High shipping costs for fresh goods make value meals surprisingly economical compared to mainland prices.
Tourism plays a huge role too—millions of visitors seeking familiar comfort food amid exotic surroundings keep drive-thrus humming. Local chains like Zippy’s compete alongside mainland giants, creating a unique fast food ecosystem found nowhere else.
4. Illinois
Chicago might be famous for deep dish, but the entire Prairie State has a passionate love affair with fast food that extends far beyond pizza. The harsh Midwestern winters practically demand comfort food, and nothing satisfies quite like a bag of hot burgers and fries during a blizzard.
Rural Illinois counties actually outpace Chicago in per-capita consumption, with small towns often supporting multiple competing chains. McDonald’s was born in Illinois (Des Plaines, 1955), perhaps explaining why residents consume 22% more Big Macs than the national average.
5. California
Kale smoothies and In-N-Out burgers peacefully coexist in the Golden State! California literally invented modern fast food culture—from McDonald’s to Taco Bell to Jack in the Box—and continues consuming it at staggering rates despite its health-conscious reputation.
Car culture reigns supreme here, with drive-thrus particularly dominant in Southern California’s sprawling suburban landscape. The state’s massive population and agricultural bounty create perfect conditions for fast food innovation and consumption.
6. New York
Shocking everyone who pictures New Yorkers dining exclusively on bagels and pizza slices, the Empire State actually devours fast food at an impressive pace! Manhattan alone hosts over 570 chain restaurants, creating a density unmatched anywhere in America.
Upstate regions contribute heavily to these numbers, with suburban and rural areas embracing drive-thrus that city dwellers often can’t access. The state’s 24/7 lifestyle perfectly aligns with fast food’s promise of immediate satisfaction at any hour.
7. Ohio
Buckeyes buck the health trend by embracing drive-thrus with unmatched enthusiasm! Ohio’s perfect storm of manufacturing jobs, long commutes, and budget-conscious families creates ideal conditions for fast food dominance.
The state’s position as a major trucking corridor means highway exits are packed with competing chains serving both locals and long-haul drivers. Wendy’s was founded in Columbus in 1969, and Ohioans remain fiercely loyal to their homegrown chain, ordering Frosties at twice the national rate of other frozen fast food desserts.
8. Massachusetts
Clam chowder might be traditional, but Bay Staters are increasingly choosing french fries instead! Despite its educated population and health-conscious reputation, Massachusetts has developed a surprising addiction to quick-service meals.
Massachusetts residents uniquely prefer chicken-focused chains over burger joints, consuming 31% more chicken sandwiches and nuggets than the national average—perhaps reflecting the state’s slightly more health-conscious approach to fast food.
9. New Mexico
Green chile cheeseburgers represent the perfect fusion of local cuisine and fast food culture that makes New Mexico unique! This southwestern state embraces quick-service restaurants with surprising enthusiasm, blending traditional flavors with fast food convenience.
Vast distances between towns make highway fast food locations essential rest stops for travelers crossing the desert landscape. The state’s high poverty rate unfortunately correlates with increased fast food consumption, as value menus offer accessible calories for budget-conscious families.
10. Oklahoma
Cowboys have traded chuck wagons for drive-thrus across Oklahoma! This heartland state ranks surprisingly high in fast food consumption, with rural communities particularly dependent on quick-service restaurants as dining options.
The state’s extensive highway system and strong car culture create perfect conditions for drive-thru dominance. Sonic Drive-In was founded in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and the state boasts the highest concentration of these iconic drive-ins nationwide, with Oklahomans consuming 47% more cherry limeades than any other state.
11. Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including fast food consumption! The Lone Star State’s sprawling highways, car-dependent culture, and massive population create perfect conditions for drive-thru dominance across its diverse landscape.
Whataburger reigns as unofficial state food, with Texans displaying cult-like devotion to the orange-and-white striped chain. The state’s size means long drives between destinations, making highway fast food clusters essential refueling stations for travelers crossing vast distances.
12. Alabama
Roll Tide and pass the chicken sandwich! Alabama’s deep-fried culinary traditions align perfectly with fast food menus, creating a natural cultural fit that drives consumption to surprising heights across the Heart of Dixie.
The state’s passionate college football culture fuels weekend fast food binges, with game days generating massive sales spikes at drive-thrus near stadiums. Alabama consumes more chicken-based fast food than any other category—the state eats 52% more chicken sandwiches and nuggets than the national average.
13. Michigan
The state that put America on wheels naturally embraced the drive-thru with unmatched enthusiasm! Michigan’s automotive culture created the perfect foundation for fast food growth, with quick-service restaurants expanding alongside highway systems designed for cars.
Harsh Great Lakes winters make warm drive-thrus particularly appealing during the state’s long cold season. Economic challenges in manufacturing regions have unfortunately increased reliance on value menus as affordable meal options for struggling families.
14. Tennessee
Nashville hot chicken might be trendy, but Tennesseans still crave classic fast food with unbridled Southern enthusiasm! The state’s position as a major interstate crossroads creates natural fast food clusters along highways connecting major population centers.
Rural and urban areas alike embrace quick-service restaurants, with drive-thrus particularly dominant in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. Tennessee leads the nation in breakfast fast food consumption, with morning biscuit sandwiches ordered at 41% higher rates than the national average—reflecting traditional Southern breakfast preferences.
15. Arizona
Scorching temperatures drive Arizonans into air-conditioned drive-thrus at remarkable rates! When summer highs regularly exceed 110°F, the appeal of staying in your cool car while grabbing lunch becomes nearly irresistible across the Grand Canyon State.
Snowbird populations create interesting seasonal spikes, with winter months seeing dramatic increases in fast food consumption as temporary residents arrive. The state’s position along major cross-country routes makes highway-adjacent fast food locations critical refueling points for travelers crossing the Southwest.