# What's the best fast food place? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 22, 2005, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628 "2005-04-22T16:58:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![archmichael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bb73d2/32.png) [@archmichael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/archmichael)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/21 "2005-04-22T20:20:36Z")
**In-N-Out** : already mentioned. A couple of weeks ago I had a strange hankering for a **Tommy’s** Burger. A Los Angeles Chain that makes really sloppy chili burgers. There is a local chain called **Back Yard Burger** that serves gourmet-like burgers. I’m not sure how widespread they are. They have one right now with crumbled blue cheese that is fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![Odinoneeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/97f17d/32.png) [@Odinoneeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odinoneeye)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/22 "2005-04-22T20:22:33Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > I think I’m permanently turned off of Wendy’s chili. All I’d be able to think of is a severed finger. I just take the Garp approach. The odds of it happening again are so astronomical, that it’s actually safer to eat that than any other restaurant product. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/23 "2005-04-22T20:54:47Z")
> [@Odinoneeye](#): > > I just take the Garp approach. The odds of it happening again are so astronomical, that it’s actually safer to eat that than any other restaurant product. Yeah, especially since they just arrested the lady who reported the finger, on suspicion of planting it herself. The press conference with the San Jose PD was on about half an hour ago (I live in San Jose) and it sounds very much like she planted the finger (she’s also charged with grand larceny for a real estate scam). After hearing the local Wendy’s folks practically in tears thanking the SJPD for all their help and diligence (and begging people to please come back to Wendy’s) I’m tempted to go there and get a burger just to show my support. ---
**Author:** ![Dob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/24 "2005-04-22T21:02:10Z")
Wendys easy. They have the best chicken sandwhich out of all of em. but if I have another choice I would go Roy Rogers! Their Gold Rush chicken kicks ASS! ---
**Author:** ![5que](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/3bc359/32.png) [@5que](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5que)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/25 "2005-04-22T21:25:12Z")
Arby’s - in my youth, their RB sandwiches were the only thing I could eat when I was seriously hung over. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/26 "2005-04-22T23:26:51Z")
I like Wendy’s the best for the chili. Roy Roger’s is not on your list but is one of my favorites because of the savory fries, crispy fried chicken and nicely juicy roast beef sandwiches. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/27 "2005-04-22T23:29:45Z")
> [@lavenderlemon](#): > > I like Wendy’s the best for the chili. > > Roy Roger’s is not on your list but is one of my favorites because of the savory fries, crispy fried chicken and nicely juicy roast beef sandwiches. Where have you found an extant Roy Rogers? I must know _now!_ ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/28 "2005-04-23T02:10:08Z")
I could be wrong, but didn’t [Fast Food Nation](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060938455/qid=1114222292/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-1425491-0304168?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) was the best of the worst when it comes to ethical issues like safest food, best treatment of its workers, etc. (as for taste, I’m not big on fast food so you’ll have to be the judge). Maybe someone who has read the book more recently can come along and sort me out. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/29 "2005-04-23T02:11:45Z")
…come to the conclusion that **In n Out Burger** was… (grumble…highlighted text…grumble…deleted…) ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/30 "2005-04-23T03:07:33Z")
A little off-topic, but . . . All I know is, if you go to the McDonalds in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, at Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenue, and you ask for a napkin, you better check your order, 'cause they’ll probably get it WRONG!!! ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/31 "2005-04-23T03:13:18Z")
Another **In-n-Out** disciple here, the Double-Double with grilled onions can’t be beat, the shakes are without peer, but the fries have to be consumed immediately while still hot or they tend to go a little limp. The chili dog at \*\*Tommy’s \*\* is outstanding. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/32 "2005-04-23T03:35:39Z")
**In-n-Out** **Taco Bell** is my default cheapass taco joint. I sometimes get the urge to eat something horseradishy, and **Arby’s** fulfills that need adequately. But if I had to pick one to eat at for a month… **Wendy’s**. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/33 "2005-04-23T04:00:38Z")
> [@archmichael](#): > > **In-N-Out** : already mentioned. > > A couple of weeks ago I had a strange hankering for a **Tommy’s** Burger. A Los Angeles Chain that makes really sloppy chili burgers. > > There is a local chain called **Back Yard Burger** that serves gourmet-like burgers. I’m not sure how widespread they are. They have one right now with crumbled blue cheese that is fantastic. Not _that_ local, as there are a couple here in Knoxville TN and 150 operating in [18 states](http://www.backyardburger.com/). They also cook to order, so you’d better factor 7+ minutes between ordering and receiving your burger. Of the list, if you get it fresh, hot off the grill, Wendy’s is the best. If you’re gonna get something that’s been sitting on the warmer for 15 minutes, might as well make the little girl happy and go to McD’s. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/34 "2005-04-23T04:08:23Z")
In-n-out, hands down. Followed by Wendy’s. Their chicken pieces are delicious. ---
**Author:** ![Coulbean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Coulbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coulbean)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/35 "2005-04-23T04:22:07Z")
I prefer Arby’s by far amongst those listed. I even worked there for 2 years and I still love their food. Has anyone on here had their breakfast? The ones in my area don’t serve breakfast, but I know there are some that do… is it good? Chic-Fil-A, though not mentioned in the list, is good as well. And I only wish that I’ve had the opportunity to try In-N-Out. But I haven’t been to the West coast since I was but 1 year old. Someday… _sigh_ ---
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/36 "2005-04-23T04:25:04Z")
You guys seriously need to move away from home. To the best of my Knowlege GA has no In and Out Burger, no Jack in the Box. Apparently we are missing A LOT. (Don’t get me started on the lack of 7-11’s either) In response, I will have to offer Steak n Shake Chili McAlisters Deli Chocolate Chip cookies Cici’s Pizza (Ok, not fast food, but you can’t beat the price) ---
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/37 "2005-04-23T04:27:09Z")
I think it’s Canada-exclusive, but **Harvey’s** is amazing. The burgers are so good that in order to get a better burger, you’d have to barbeque yourself (and know what you’re doing); I am continually shocked that a fast food joint has such good burgers. And they aren’t pre-made and left under heat lamps; you order, they take a patty off the grill, and you pick your toppings (sorta Subway-style). The fries have a delicious batter on them; I prefer them over the fries from any other chain. Wendy’s is a close second in my book, but no other chain can hold a candle to Harvey’s. Of course, I’ve never eaten at In-N-Out; when I get out to the west coast I will make it a point to try it. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/38 "2005-04-23T04:28:09Z")
Oh but forgot: Mc D’s for breakfast. My husband and I have an in-joke, that the restaurant in the morning is not the same as the restaurant the rest of the day. No road trip in my family has ever been started without a trip to Mc Donald’s first thing in the morning. They can shove their non-breakfast menu where the sun don’t shine, though. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/39 "2005-04-23T04:34:47Z")
> [@Meeko](#): > > You guys seriously need to move away from home. > > To the best of my Knowlege GA has no In and Out Burger, no Jack in the Box. Apparently we are missing A LOT. (Don’t get me started on the lack of 7-11’s either) > > In response, I will have to offer > > Steak n Shake Chili > > McAlisters Deli Chocolate Chip cookies > > Cici’s Pizza (Ok, not fast food, but you can’t beat the price) [Steak 'n Shake](http://www.steaknshake.com/) is awesome, all the better for being open 24 hours. Double-cheeseburger platter with two chilis and a side of fries… YUM! Damn the triglycerides, full speed ahead! ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628/40 "2005-04-23T05:42:25Z")
I generally don’t go to fast food chains that often. If I do eat fast food, I’m more likely to patronize an independent place or a local chain. That being said, I did find the **BK Angus Burger** that was out last year to be pretty good. > [@JohnT](#): > > [Steak 'n Shake](http://www.steaknshake.com/) is awesome, all the better for being open 24 hours. Double-cheeseburger platter with two chilis and a side of fries… YUM! > > Damn the triglycerides, full speed ahead! You forgot to mention their milkshakes. They don’t have any **Steak 'n Shakes** where I live but, when I was in Florida last year, my brother got me to stop at a **Steak n Shake** to try out a “Side-By-Side™ Milk Shake” and ended up being rather impressed. It seemed far beyond any of the usual milkshakes I’ve had at other fast food joints. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-fast-food-place/300628.md?page=3)