Fast food

Best Fast-Food Chain

By Readers' Choice On 6/20/24 at 12:00 PM EDT

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Fast food is a tasty American tradition dating back to the 1920s, providing convenient meals for people on the go. While the options haven't historically been healthy ones, fast-food choices today are widely diversified making it easy for everybody to find a favorite. From juicy wings and hot chicken sandwiches to plant-based patties and protein-packed salads, the fast-food scene continues to expand. Burgers, chicken, Tex-Mex, sub sandwiches—which is your go-to?

These 10 fast-food chains were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best. Congratulations to our 2024 winners; you can now visit our 2025 Fast-Food Chain contest.

Next Level Burger

1. Next Level Burger

If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative to the typical fast-food options, Next Level Burger is a plant-based chain dedicated to a healthier you and a healthier planet. Their wide variety of patties are sourced from non-GMO organic vegetables. And for dessert, you can sip a delicious coconut-based shake (check out the special flavor of the month).

Whataburger

2. Whataburger

This Texas-based burger chain has been going strong since the 1950s serving classic burger fare with a Texas twist. Dedicated to using 100% pure beef that's never been frozen, Whataburger prepares made-to-order burgers with fresh ingredients. It also continues to expand its tasty footprint, now spread over 14 states.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

3. Chipotle Mexican Grill

One of the contenders in the fast Tex-Mex arena, Chipotle Mexican Grill prides itself on its use of just 53 real ingredients. They use reasonably raised meat and source their produce from local and organic growers as much as possible. And apart from the burritos, quesadillas and tacos, the tortilla chips are another fan favorite.

Chick-Fil-A

4. Chick-Fil-A

One of the more efficient and customer-service oriented brands, Chick-fil-A is famous for its hand-breaded chicken, whether in sandwich, strip or nugget form. Their popular waffle fries offer a wide net to capture their signature Chick-fil-A sauce. Much of their fruit and salad produce is sourced from American farms and delivered fresh to stores six days a week.

Jersey Mike's

5. Jersey Mike's

Unlike many other sub chains, Jersey Mike's slices its meat to order, ensuring freshness for each customer. Those premium meats and cheeses get piled on fresh bread baked in-store for a superior sandwich, whether you decided to have it plain or Mike's Way (with lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices).

Zaxby's official

6. Zaxby's

Whether it's for the breaded Chicken Fingerz or sauced-up wings, Zaxby's is a serious contender among top chicken fast-food chains. Golden Texas toast, seasoned fries and their signature sauce are finger-licking complements, and the Big Zax Snack provides the perfect sampling. Want something greener? You can order a Zalad with fried or grilled chicken.

In-and-Out Burger

7. In-and-Out Burger

A favorite chain in the West, In-and-Out Burger traces its origin back to the first drive-thru burger stand in California. This regional chain still draws diners with its all-American hamburgers, french fries cooked in sunflower oil and milkshakes made with real ice cream. Everything's made the old-fashioned way.

Popeyes

8. Popeyes

Credited with launching the chicken sandwich wars, Popeyes is known for its crunchy chicken and shrimp infused with Louisiana-spiced flavor. Their super-crispy yet juicy wings aren't to be ignored with hot sauces that range from a medium Honey BBQ or Roasted Garlic Parmesan to their fiery Signature Hot.

Firehouse Subs

9. Firehouse Subs

Founded by two firefighter brothers in the 1990s, Firehouse Subs offers a submarine experience for diners who prefer a hot sandwich, like the signature Hook & Ladder Sub. In addition to a tasty menu fueled by quality meats and cheeses, the restaurant stays true to its roots by fundraising to purchase protective gear for first responders.

Culver's

10. Culver's

This fast-food joint earned its grill stripes in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Culver's brings a Midwestern vibe to its menu with freshly made butterburgers, cheese curds and pot roast sandwiches as well as tasty fish sandwiches and chicken strips. But a lot of people just come for the frozen custard churned throughout the day.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Panel of Experts

Jacky Runice

When Jacky took her first flight at age 17 to Spain, she hadn't stepped a foot outside of Chicago. As a broadcast journalist for 20 years, she always managed to bring her travels back to her Chicago audience with radio documentaries about the culture and characters of places she visited. She transitioned to print journalism (syndicated travel column via Tribune Media Services and Travel Columnist for the Daily Herald Chicago) and then to the web where she has written for numerous outlets such as CBS, LuxuryHotels.com, Examiner.com, AOL, USA Today and others. Follow her on Facebook.

Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Teresa Bergen

Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer who specializes in the outdoors, eco, vegan and sober travel. She's the author of Easy Portland Outdoors and the Sober Travel Handbook. Learn more about her at teresabergen.com.