The best fast food places to visit on your road trip

I drove from the East Coast to the West Coast to move to California, so I know the importance of good road trip food. But sometimes, in a pinch, fast food may be the only option (not that it’s a bad thing, but the convenience factor definitely plays a role!). If you’re planning on taking a trip at any point in the future, you should know which quick service restaurants are worth stopping by.

So we’ve narrowed down the best restaurants by region: West Coast, New England, South, Midwest, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic. Each location has a signature fast food chain that locals love, so it only makes sense to delve into their menu and get involved in the culture during your long road trip. Here are our top restaurant recommendations, starting with In-N-Out.

West Coast: In-N-Out

Okay, this chain is actually pretty popular across the country. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth spending your hard-earned money on. The restaurant currently operates in 10 states, from California to Tennessee, and plans to open in New Mexico by 2027. If you really want to go all in, order the Double-Double Animal Style and Animal Style Fries featuring In-N-Out’s famous sauce. Another pro tip: If you want extra-crispy fries, order “well done” fries.

New England: Dunkin’ Donuts, D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches

As someone who grew up in Connecticut, trust me when I tell you that Dunkin’ Donuts is a New Englander staple (have you never seen a Ben Affleck commercial?). I wasn’t fair on the frosted donuts with sprinkles, but they’re also known for their breakfast variety and munchkin boxes (aka donut holes) that you can order for large parties. The coffee chain also has custom sweet iced coffees and additional pastries like croissants, perfect for breakfast while traveling.

If you’re looking for a lunch spot, D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches is also worth adding to your list as it’s a popular food chain found in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

South: Bojangles, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Bojangles is best known for its Cajun seasoned fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and seasoned fries. Basically, any delicious, mouth-watering Southern food is like that. Enjoy a family meal with the 4-Piece Chicken Supreme Combo or 8-Piece and 12-Piece Chicken Meals that include fries, a biscuit and a beverage. It is currently located in 17 states, from North Carolina to Virginia.

Another popular spot is Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. This place is more local and is known for its signature Nashville-style hot chicken served in sandwiches, tender plates, and varying seasoning levels.

Midwest: Culver’s

You can’t travel to the Midwest without spending money at Culver’s. The Double Deluxe Butterburger, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Onion Rings and Fish Fry with North Atlantic Cod are fan favorites. The restaurant also has plenty of rich, creamy custard options ideal for those with a sweet tooth, including over 100 flavors like Caramel Pecan and Mint Explosion. The restaurant chain’s top states include Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

Southwest: Raising Cane’s, Whataburger

Nothing upgrades a long car ride like chicken fingers. Raising Cane’s is known for its box combo featuring hand-battered chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, buttery Texas toast, coleslaw, a drink and a secret Cane’s sauce (which has earned it some cult following).

Or, if you love burgers, check out Whataburger and try their famous patty melt, chicken strip sandwich, or classic burger.

Mid-Atlantic: Sheetz

Sheetz is a family-run convenience store that has been in business since 1952, serving fresh, cooked-to-order food. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the restaurant serves everything from mac and cheese to bakery items like freshly baked cookies, donuts and muffins. You can also get burgers, pizza, and hot dogs, so the options are truly endless. These stores are currently located in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, and Michigan.

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