A drive-thru meal can be everything from an on-the-go treat to sustenance on a long journey home. But, where is the best place to stop for your mid-trip fill?
In order to settle this, we asked you what the best drive-thru restaurant was in America. Here are some of your top answers.
“Whataburger, hands down. If it’s on the menu, it can be put on your burger. I once had the joy of watching a kid from New Jersey eat Whataburger for the first time. It was like that scene from The Road when the son has a coke for the first time in his life.”
First opened in Texas in the 1950s, this was a popular choice among posters today. Maybe its popularity is thanks to the rumored 36,864 different burger combinations that customers can create with the firm’s range of toppings.
Suggested by: redraidereducator
“Hard to beat a Taco Burger and Potato Oles from Taco John’s. The Taco Burger is not on their menu, but they still make ‘em.”
As the name suggests, this Wyoming-based fast-food restaurant serves up a menu of Mexican-inspired delights. The Taco Bravo, which is packed with refried beans sandwiched between two tortillas, looks particularly tasty.
Suggested by: grasscatcher2
“In-N-Out, the Forbidden Goodness for most of us Midwestern Folks outside of Colorado and TX.
“Menu in each one is identical. Same for the restaurants - near identical. The food transports well and the menu is so simple (despite the so-called ‘secret’ section), it’s just burgers, fries, and shakes. The quality is so consistent. However, I also will adamantly tell you that In-N-Out tastes better in California than in the other states. Maybe closer to the source or that cool, smoggy Cali air, California In-N-Out in the state that perfected the drive-thru tradition just hits different.”
This west coast spot has built a name for itself on its animal-style creations. Predominantly found in California, this chain has been serving up burgers, fries and shakes since 1948.
Suggested by: aws522
“Shout out to Baker’s in SoCal’s Inland Empire. It’s like a weird mashup of Taco Bell and Rally’s/Checkers, but with some actual Mexican influence. Their fries taste like they came from McDonalds, but you can get them slathered in chili. And the shredded beef (barbacoa style) quesadilla is delicious.”
Another takeout joint native to California is Baker’s. This “weird mashup of Taco Bell and Rally’s” has been serving its wares since 1952.
Suggested by: mrmcgeein3d
“Jack in the Box because of the variety and availability of breakfast all day. They give extra sauces and hardly ever get my order wrong. The quality is consistent and they’re worth every penny.”
A quick skim of the menu shows they do curly fries. What more do you need?
Suggested by: Valentina Sanchez (Facebook)
“Taco Cabana. Especially the 24hr ones. Nothing, I mean nothing, beats a couple of barbacoa tacos at 3 a.m.
“Multiple orders of magnitude better than Taco Hell. Fresh store-made flour tortillas, six different styles of salsa, and they sell beer/wine/Margs.”
Another taco joint, this time it’s Taco Cabana. Based out of Texas, this local chain serves up enchiladas, nachos, quesadilla and a host of other Mexican treats.
Suggested by: majordawlish
“Chicagoans know that Portillo’s is the king of drive through. Their secret is to use several employees outside to take your order and payment so you just pick up your food at the window. I do feel bad for them in extreme weather though.”
What kicked off in a trailer parked on a Chicago street in 1963 has grown into a well-loved chain of more than 60 locations.
Suggested by: BloggyMcBlogBlog
“Chick-Fil-A by far.
“Food is good, but most importantly it is consistent. I have rarely had any issues with my order at ANY Chick-Fil-A and it is always properly cooked.
“I eat a lot of Chick-Fil-A (Red Status in their App) and could count on my hand the amount of times I have gotten overcooked chicken/undercooked fries over 1000's of visits.
“The negative of Chick-Fil-A is the lines are always long, but to their testament they have adapted and move the line along quite quickly. If I ever saw a line as long as I see at a Chick-fil-a at a McDonalds I’d just leave, because what might take 2 minutes at Chick-Fil-A would take 30 at McDonalds.”
By far the most popular pick among commenters today was Chick-Fil-A. Despite a few complaints about long lines, many people see this chain as the king among drive-thrus.
Suggested by: yara31
“Easy. I know they aren’t everywhere, but Culver’s. Great burgers, great chicken, great custard. Even the fish fry or seasonal Walleye sandwich is top notch.”
Sounds great.
Suggested by: fake-plastic-eye
“Runza is delicious, but I had never heard of it until a couple years ago since they just don’t exist outside of a few states around NE. It’s probably a good thing for my mid-section that they don’t though.”
A secret spot often makes for a great new food discovery, and Runza’s offering looks good. Found in states such as Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas, Runza serves up sandwiches, burgers and sides to hungry drivers.
Suggested by: toplessFC3Sman