# I'll buy you lunch or dinner at the fast food franchise of your choice. Some rules apply, however. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 2, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530 "2012-04-02T00:01:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Wargamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df705f/32.png) [@Wargamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wargamer)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/41 "2012-04-02T14:01:56Z")
Chick-Fil-A. Arby’s a distant second. Edit: If arby’s still had their Arby’s Sauce in the squeeze bottles on each table, it would be a lot closer. ---
**Author:** ![chrisk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@chrisk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chrisk)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/42 "2012-04-02T14:04:50Z")
Hmm… thanks very much. Burger King, Whopper and fries for me! ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/43 "2012-04-02T14:21:39Z")
I’ll be the first to pick Carl’s Jr. Only we have to have the soda from home because the local Carl’s soda tastes horrible, I don’t know why. And only my dad and I seem to notice. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/44 "2012-04-02T14:26:44Z")
> [@Snickers](#): > > Taco Bell, because I haven’t had it in a while, **it’s reasonably healthy** Are you high? Joe ---
**Author:** ![Jasper\_Kent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a9a28c/32.png) [@Jasper\_Kent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasper_Kent)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/45 "2012-04-02T14:34:58Z")
**Zaxby’s** is a good choice. I’d also settle for **Taco Hell** or **Bojangle’s.** Or **Popeye’s.** Tied for last place: Arby’s & McDonald’s. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/46 "2012-04-02T14:37:30Z")
Yesterday I had the most divine hot dog at Sandy’s, which is a local place I had somehow never been to. Ketchup, mustard, onions… and pimento cheese. Divine. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/47 "2012-04-02T14:48:23Z")
> [@appleciders](#): > > Oh, I don’t know. Chipotle is fairly good quality, and Panera Bread is too. When I was on the road for four months last year, my group ate more than half of our lunches at one of those three places. > > Oh, and I’ll take one of those three. Maybe Chipotle today. Can’t say I’ve ever seen a Chipotle with a drive-thru, let alone a Panera. I’d go with Chipotle/Qdoba, but they don’t have drive thru. There IS a [LaBamba](http://www.labambaburritos.com/) here in Indy with a drive-thru, so I’m goin’ there. Beef & Pork LaBamba burrito, side of onions and peppers, very hot sauce. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/48 "2012-04-02T15:20:16Z")
Thanks for the offer, it was really nice of you. But howsabout we go to a real restaurant and split the check instead? ---
**Author:** ![jerseymule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jerseymule/32/3155_2.png) [@jerseymule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerseymule)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/49 "2012-04-02T15:22:49Z")
Captain D’s has a great selection of fish, I like the broiled items especially. You can get sides like a salad or vegetable. I think it’s the healthiest fast food place there is. The ones I’ve been to all have drive-ins and fast service. Second choice would be Popeye’s spicy chicken with a side of red beans ‘n’ rice, coleslaw, and their wonderful biscuits that are drenched in some kind of butter-flavored stuff that makes adding extra butter unnecessary. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/50 "2012-04-02T15:23:47Z")
Dunkin Donuts! ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/51 "2012-04-02T15:24:55Z")
> [@StuffLikeThatThere](#): > > If you were a civilized person and allowed drive-ins, I’d have said [Swenson’s](http://www.swensonsdriveins.com/). I grew up going to the original location a few times a year as a special treat, and I still adore their burgers. They have a pretty rabid fan base - I think they put crack in the buns or something. Yes, does the OP allow drive-ins? 'Cause I agree: Swensons is the real deal. Can you get your food in 5-7 minutes or less? The car hops RUN to your car for your order, and they RUN to place it. ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/52 "2012-04-02T15:31:45Z")
Panda Express. Most of their locations do not have drive-thru’s, but [some do](http://maps.google.com/maps?q=panda+express,+burbank,+ca&hl=en&ll=34.190225,-118.327183&spn=0.000595,0.00053&sig=dpL&fb=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,3403323391782177238&t=h&z=21&iwloc=A). ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/53 "2012-04-02T15:31:54Z")
In-N-Out 4x4, SLO [grilled onions] Fries Chocolate Shake ---
**Author:** ![Foxy40](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@Foxy40](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foxy40)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/54 "2012-04-02T15:34:49Z")
I am with Brad and Panda Express. I didn’t realize that most do not have drive through. All three in my area do. Actually, come to think of it, I believe there is one a bit south of my stomping ground that does not. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/55 "2012-04-02T15:45:00Z")
Portilllo’s. White Castle, Arby’s or KFC would be a distant second. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/56 "2012-04-02T15:54:24Z")
> [@missred](#): > > Locally, Fat Mo’s for cheeseburgers. I was going to say absolutely, Fat Mo’s. Until: > [@RetroVertigo](#): > > Culver’s. Yes. A double butterburger with mushroooms, fries, and a chocolate brownie concrete for dessert. The closest one is almost an hour away, though. > [@GuanoLad](#): > > [Red Rooster](http://www.redrooster.com.au/) > > You may have to travel a wee ways to get to your nearest branch. I’m thinking this is not the same chain, but there was a Red Rooster restaurant that opened near us a few years ago (no drive-thru). It was the absolute worst restaurant experience I’ve ever had. In fact, when we were waiting to be seated, a small family was leaving and the hostess chirped “Come back anytime!” and the man grunted, “Oh, we won’t be back.” We should have turned around and cut our losses right there. They closed after only a few months. ---
**Author:** ![mkecane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9e8a1a/32.png) [@mkecane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkecane)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/57 "2012-04-02T16:12:45Z")
I don’t know why, but I love Taco John’s. Tacos, burritos, potato oles (basically seasoned tater tots), and churros are awesome, especially with a bit of mild sauce. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/58 "2012-04-02T16:21:02Z")
Another vote for Zaxby’s. The first person to open one in Northern Virginia is going to be a gazillionaire. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/59 "2012-04-02T17:19:40Z")
Run for the border, baby. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2012, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530/60 "2012-04-02T17:47:54Z")
> [@Snickers](#): > > Taco Bell, because I haven’t had it in a while, it’s reasonably healthy, and I love love love it. Honest. > [@silenus](#): > > Cite? > [@wheresgeorge04](#): > > Are you high? > > Joe [Cite](http://www.tacobell.com/food/menu/fresco). It \*can \*be relatively healthy, although I can’t speak for Snickers’ highness. And for those debating, I’ve been through a few Panera drive-thrus, although they’re few and far between. So you could, in fact, take the OP up on his offer at Panera. For myself, I’d like to do a Chipotle, but have yet to come across a drive-thru. So I’ll go with 3 olive burgers, a cheeseburger, a plain hamburger, a large fry, onion rings, two diet Cokes and a milk. All from[Mr. Burger](http://mrburger.com/). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-buy-you-lunch-or-dinner-at-the-fast-food-franchise-of-your-choice-some-rules-apply-however/617530.md?page=4)