Okay, no shame, raise your hand if this map inspires you:

Glad to see we’ve got a bunch of fellow fast food junkies on board. And while McDonald’s and Starbucks have gotten us through the longest of road trips with only a few extra bathroom breaks, today we’re taking a look at fast food chains that are only in a couple states.

Imagine: All the East Coasters with no idea what In-N-Out is all about and West Coasters who are totally clueless when it comes to the unbelievable goodness of The Halal Guys. Never pass by that run-down regional fast-food chain again with our mega list of local joints to try when you’re driving through!

Zip’s Drive-In, Inland Northwest

With over 30 locations in Eastern Washington and Idaho, Zip’s is a college kid staple for a quick (and cheap!) bite. The drive-in usually has personalized items on the menu depending on the location — make sure to order a personalized burger if you can!

Taco Cabana, Southwest

This Mexican fast food joint can be found in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico — but we wish it could be right outside of our front door. With a focus on fresh food and lots of flflavorsTaco Cabana is a must-try when you’re passing through these states!

In-N-Out, West Coast

Available in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, this well-known fast food chain was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1948 with a strong commitment to fresh and locally sourced food — which is why you won’t see their empire expanding past what they can locally source.

Braum’s, South and Midwest

A real family business, the chain has nearly 300 stores in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas… And all of them are within a 300-mile radius of the family farm, ensuring that the famous ice cream and burgers are super fresh (and delicious)!

Portillo’s, Midwest

Image via Flickr CC BY 2.0 – Krista

This must-taste Chicago staple gives new life to the words “hot dog”… And we love it! Though the chain is in six states — there are nearly 40 in its home state of Illinois. We’re revving up the car as we speak — the hot dogs are calling!

Culver’s, Midwest


Mainly concentrated in the Midwest, this classic burgers n’ shakes joint got its start in rural Wisconsin. Since then, Culver’s has made a name for itself in all things buttery, sugary, and delicious.

Luke’s Lobster, Northeast

Image via Flickr CC BY 2.0 – Alexis Lamster

This sustainable seafood shack calls Maine home — though it has joints in six other states across America. The relatively new chain seeks to make a name for itself by serving up savory seafood dishes alongside eco-consciousness.

The Halal Guys, Northeast

Image via Flickr CC BY 2.0- City Foodsters

It started as a humble hot dog cart in New York City — until the entrepreneurial owners recognized a growing demand for halal food and gave us the now-iconic chicken and gyro over rice street food combination. Bring on that white sauce.

Pollo Tropical, South

Since 1988, this Caribbean-inspired fast-food chain has been giving Miami amazingly fresh tastes. With a promise to use hormone-free chicken and only the freshest of foods, Pollo Tropical adds a refreshing zest to traditional fast-food fare.

The Varsity, South

Image via Flickr CC BY 2.0 – Edward Lund

Since 1928, this Georgia-based fast food chain has spread its fried goodness to eight locations across the state. The coolest part? It’s the world’s largest drive in — the flagship location in Atlanta can accommodate 600 cars and 800 people. Whoah.

Bojangles’, South

Been waitin’ all day for this.⠀ ⠀ [📸: @raleighdowntown]

A post shared by Bojangles’ (@bojangles1977) on


If you’re looking for chicken and biscuits, you’ve come to the right place. You can get Bojangles’s famous dish in over 12 states on the Atlantic coast, though a visit to the original shop in Charlotte, North Carolina is worth the trip.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Did we leave any must-try regional fast food places out? Let us know what we missed in the comments![/perfectpullquote]

 

Leave a Reply

About The Author