We Ranked Every Fast Food Place From Worst to Best

Carl’s Jr broke into the fast-food burger market with its competitive sizing. Their main novelty was the size of their portions, with the burgers being pretty standard. However, as the years have gone on, both of these dwindled as of late.

With reductions in size and overall quality, the novelty of buying a “big” burger for cheaper has worn off. Customers from years ago can tell stories of what it was like to get the famous “Thickburger” back then. Alas, those days are gone.

A beacon for Chinese-inspired cuisine in the US, Panda Express largely dominates the Chinese fast-food market. Sometimes, people want something different from a pizza or burger and fries, and their General Tso’s chicken is famous. However, the novelty of it all soon wears off.

Panda Express leaves a lot to be desired, especially compared to traditional Chinese cooking and local Chinese spots. While it does deliver on the fast-food convenience, that’s really the only thing keeping them up. If there’s ever new competition for them, they’ll have to step up.

Hot-N-Ready pizzas are just that: hot and ready. Little Caesars has prided themselves on convenience and value for their products, handing out hot pizzas as fast as possible. That being said, their quality leaves something to be desired compared to their competitors.

If you are looking for a quick bite, Little Caesars remains a staple. But customers know that they’re going here purely because it’s convenient, not because they’re looking for the best pizza. Their prices remain low compared to their competition, and their Detroit-style pizza has done them many favors.

Southern-style chicken sandwiches have helped Chick-fil-A remain popular and relevant despite their controversies. The rest of their menu, however, is a bit lacking in uniqueness. Everything else is fairly standard and easily found elsewhere, with the exception of their sauce.

The Chick-fil-A sauce remains a positive staple that many take home for their own home cooking. It’s one of the key ingredients that makes Chick-fil-A stand out more. However, sauce and a chicken sandwich aren’t going to cut it when everything else is mediocre at best.

Starbucks is famous worldwide for their coffee, but their fast food options remain lagging far behind. While the drinks are clearly the star of the show, the assortment of pastries and sandwiches remains an afterthought. If someone is looking for a quick bite that catches their eye while in line, Starbucks will suffice.

However, if hungry customers are looking for something more fulfilling, they can certainly do better. The food available at Starbucks is lackluster and only really exists to be sold alongside a much better drink. It may be better just to grab the coffee and stop somewhere else for a bite.

Sandwich shops may not be as popular as burger joints or pizza places, but Subway remains a popular option regardless. Having broken into the market with their made-to-order sandwiches, their relevance in most recent years has fallen off. Their competition eventually caught up to them.

While the novelty of fully customizable sandwiches may still draw people to Subway, nowadays, the quality of ingredients turns people away. When you can get higher-quality meats and bread at a different shop, building your own sandwich quickly loses its charm.

Panera Bread has definitely lost its allure in more recent years. Once famous for those looking for a cozier atmosphere and food, their niche was soups, baked goods, and sandwiches. While the quality may not be what it once was, there isn’t anyone else in that niche.

Advertising itself as a healthier alternative, their food is barely better than most of their competition in the sandwich industry. The real draw here is the bread bowl soups. However, whether that is enough to compensate for the rest of the menu is up to the individual to decide.

Jack in the Box is a classic example of a fast-food franchise that relies on quantity over quality. Their menu has one of the largest ranges of options, from burgers to tacos to egg rolls. They remain popular because almost anyone can find what they’re looking for.

But their reliance on variety – and some of the best advertising campaigns — means something has to be sacrificed. The quality of individual items is questionable. If someone is craving something specific, Jack in the Box isn’t their first choice.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop built up its following through its unique charm. They cater to people who want the cozy atmosphere of a sandwich shop and focus on comforting foods. Along with their sandwiches, they also provide soups and baked cookies.

While they aren’t the greatest sandwich shop in the world, the charm of the atmosphere draws customers in. The restaurants are decorated to look vintage and have a small-town atmosphere. It’s casual and friendly, and the food caters to that.

Taco Bell has many fans — and many haters. Many love their ever-changing menu and attempts to innovate and spice things up, but just as many miss old options. Furthermore, Taco Bell is often compared to rivals and found lacking in both substance and quality.

That all being said, there is something to be cherished and enjoyed in their vast array of options. While staples like the Burrito Supreme remain famous and beloved, there’ll often be something new to try. Many people stand by their love of Taco Bell and refuse to let go.

Pizza Hut is a beloved pizza chain that earned their reputation for family pizza nights, as well as for their buffet-style dining. Thick crusts, fluffy pizza dough, and their generous toppings are all what we remember. However, they have since fallen out of favor from our childhoods.

While many still love them, whether it’s out of appreciation for the food or nostalgia, there has been a decline. The pizzas have gotten soggier, and the quality of toppings isn’t what it used to be. Their side orders, like the breadsticks, remain welcome staples, however.

Krispy Kreme has long since reigned as champion of the fast-food doughnut industry. Their doughnuts have become cultural icons in many ways, and they are still loved by many. Many still swear by them, claiming them the best, and line up outside waiting for the sign to light up.

While they have some competition in the doughnut industry, Krispy Kreme remains a staple. When the doughnuts are fresh and warm, they make some of the best casual sweet treats. These doughnuts remain a reliable staple for a good treat.

The fast-food pizza market is quite saturated, and each business needs to occupy a niche to remain relevant. Domino’s has stayed relevant by focusing on their delivery and carry-out experience. While customers aren’t lining up to sit down inside, they’re making millions of deliveries.

This makes them one of the more economical choices, but that doesn’t mean they’re skimping on quality. With their wide variety of promotions and coupons, they appeal to a broader fast-food market. This is especially true with their side orders of options like chicken wings and sandwiches.

The Whopper is iconic and is one of the most recognizable burgers in the world. Burger King may not be everyone’s first choice, but they are a staple of burger options. Their menu has a wide variety of options, from flame-grilled beef to grilled chicken.

They also play on the nostalgia factor with their kid’s menu and show off delightful creativity with options like the “Croissan’wich” breakfast. As a fast-food burger joint, their continual innovation has allowed them to remain popular and reliable.

Krystal has been offering their take on the classic slider since 1932 and has become widely popular in the Southeast. Many compare them to White Castle and find that the two offer slightly different experiences. The classic Krystal slider is closer to the cheeseburger in many people’s eyes.

This difference between the two has led many to favor Krystal instead. This “heartier” approach to the classic slider has made it the king of sliders down South. While they may have more competition in the North and West, their following is massive.

While most people visit Dairy Queen for their iconic Blizzards and other sweet treats, their fast food is pretty good. They offer many of the same fast food options that places like McDonald’s and Burger King offer, though they aren’t groundbreaking.

With burgers and fries or crispy chicken fingers, the food options won’t blow anyone away. However, the quality is surprisingly good for a place that so heavily emphasizes desserts. They can quickly become one of the staple dining experiences if more people give their fast food a try.

For some of the more inventive pizza options, Papa Johns has customers covered. Their iconic garlic butter sauce and pepperoncini peppers give their pizzas a uniqueness that is widely appreciated. Papa Johns has a menu of iconic options that keep them competitive.

The consistency may vary on quality, but they are almost always fantastic for those who enjoy the uniqueness. The innovative menu and unique crust ensure Papa Johns is easily among many people’s top three choices. For a pizza experience out of the norm, try Papa Johns.

Arby’s is less of a burger joint and more of a meat sandwich store. Sandwiches made with roast beef and drenched in unique sauces keep Arby’s more than relevant in the world of sandwiches. With a wide variety of options, Arby’s is a classic and a favorite of many.

It may not be for everyone, but many swear by the unique flavors and textures found at Arby’s. Their menu seeks to innovate and be adventurous with how far one can take meat, and they sure deliver. The messiness can be problematic for some, however.

Another fast-food chain looking to break into a unique market, El Pollo Loco, focuses on marinated and flame-grilled chicken. With almost every menu item incorporating their famous chicken, they have the freedom to explore a variety of options. They also lean more toward catering to more health-conscious customers.

With salads, bowls, and burritos, their take on Mexican cuisine offers a fresher alternative to options like Taco Bell. They have earned a huge fanbase who love the alternative that still manages to capture the feel of authentic Mexican food.

Famous for their Steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, Steak ‘n Shake knows precisely what they’re about. Their focus is on delivering premium beef, smashed and seared, for some of the greatest smash burgers available. The shakes are just as famous, prepared with milk and ice cream for creamy perfection.

The atmosphere at Steak ‘n Shake is also memorable, offering that classic American diner feel. The menu has a surprising amount of options, given the simplicity of the name, so just about anyone can find something they want. Steak ‘n Shake is memorable and nostalgic and offers great-quality meals.

One of the largest fast food chains in the world, McDonald’s is perhaps best known for their crispy fries and special sodas. Everyone knows of the classic McDonald’s Sprite and the wide array of options across the spectrum of fast food.

The Big Mac and McNuggets are other famous staples of the menu and are just as synonymous with fast food. In many ways, McDonald’s itself might be seen as “genre-defining” in the fast-food world. They are at the center of it all, and while they may not be the best, they’re maybe the most reliable.

Sonic is another iconic fast food chain that prides itself on its quick service and unique dining experience. The breakfast menu is considered to be one of the best in terms of fast-food chains, and they have one of the biggest selections of drinks available.

Sonic’s retro feel is one of the biggest appeals. Their drive-in, creative milkshakes, and variety of food and drinks are what make the novelty stick. Sonic is a fan favorite, and their willingness to keep experimenting with their menu draws more customers in.

Del Taco offers a unique blend of American and Mexican cuisine, which many have come to prefer over its competition. Their extensive menu has classics like tacos and burritos, but they still offer items like burgers, fries, and wings. They cater to and satisfy all manner of cravings.

Del Taco is also well-renowned for their fresh ingredients. Their food is high quality for the price, and the flavors are always bold. Del Taco is a go-to option for the American-Mexican blend that many crave.

An integral part of the morning life in Boston, Dunkin’ is beloved by many across the nation. Dunkin’ rebranded after it realized its real strengths lay in being a coffee shop, and they’ve not looked back. As a breakfast chain, Dunkin’ is hard to beat, with their excellent coffee and extensive breakfast menu.

With all manner of sandwiches and bagels, Dunkin’ is a great way to start the day. While it may no longer be a part of the name, their doughnuts are still famous and worth it. It may not be the healthiest of breakfasts, but Dunkin’ is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying.

When it comes to Chicago-style food, it’s hard to beat Portillo’s. Having carved out a niche for themselves by catering Chicago-style fast food, it’s easy to see why they’re popular. Their Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hotdogs, and char-grilled burgers are some of their best sellers.

They also offer amazing dessert options like their cake shake and famous chocolate cake. The food is excellent and high-quality, and the atmosphere takes customers right to the Windy City. If looking for something a bit different from burgers or pizza, Portillo’s is always worth a try.

While Jimmy John’s might not be at the very top of the food chain when it comes to sandwich stores, it’s close. The biggest draw is actually their service. They are well renowned for their impressively fast delivery service.

Their speed does not sacrifice quality, though. They have a wide range of sandwiches that cater to all manner of preferences. They’re a great and reliable pick for someone who wants a satisfying meal but is in a rush.

When it comes to Southern-style food, Biscuitville is hard to beat. While KFC may focus on fried chicken, Biscuitville caters to customers looking for other Southern cuisines. Their Southern-style biscuits are famous, made fresh every 15 minutes, and served warm.

They also boast a variety of biscuit sandwiches that tap into Southern breakfasts, with eggs, ham, sausages, and bacon. They make an effort to source all their ingredients and use traditional methods from the South. This makes them one of the most authentic Southern dining experiences.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is the go-to for anyone looking for classic Southern-style fried chicken. KFC’s blend of herbs and spices is unparalleled, and their mash and gravy help complete the package. They aren’t afraid to expand either, offering all manner of options.

Their menu has seen many items — many well-received, others outright hated. Their classics help keep them relevant while they continue to experiment and explore just how far they can push fast-food chicken. Just like McDonald’s, they are a staple, and the fast-food landscape would be missing something without them.

Raising Cane’s prioritized finding a niche and perfecting their craft. In the case of Raising Cane’s that thing is chicken fingers. They know exactly what they’re about and cater to people who want something simple and consistently good. That’s why Raising Cane’s is hard to beat when it comes to chicken fingers.

This specialization may be bland to some, but knowing where to find something so popular reliably is essential. There will always be a place to get quality chicken fingers at a reasonable price, and chicken enthusiasts love Raising Cane’s. For other things, there are other chains.

When looking for a good-quality sandwich, it’s hard to beat Jersey Mike’s Subs. Setting such a high standard for fast food sandwiches, Jersey Mike’s is well distinguished from its competition. The meat and cheese are sliced to order, and the sandwiches are all dressed “Mike’s Way.”

With only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, it’s easy to see why Jersey Mike’s does so well. They pride themselves on quality, and while it may not be as cheap as Subway, it remains miles better. Including thick-cut pickles is just the icing on the cake.

White Castle has a unique position within fast food culture. Having immortalized themselves in pop culture with their signature sliders, White Castle is famous and beloved for mastering their craft. The sliders are among the best in the nation, but they aren’t always for everyone.

The smaller burgers are distinct and nostalgic for many who remember the taste of the beef, cheese, and onion. While other regional chains have made their variation, White Castle was the first to popularize the burger. They do classic sliders the best, and they are the favorite of many.

The square burger has become a symbol of Wendy’s and is synonymous with their quality, unique style, and branding. Beyond the online marketing, they offer a unique mix of options. From chili to baked potatoes to spicy chicken, Wendy’s is set apart from other fast food places.

Wendy’s is, in many respects, a leader when it comes to fast-food burger joints. Their prices are fair, and the quality is far and above, even with their competition. Even so, their continual expansion of the menu means they’re constantly adding new variety.

Five Guys offers their fans both quality and quantity. With some of the biggest burgers around, they’re generally recognized to be some of the best. Their burgers aren’t the only big thing, as their side portions are massive, too. Adding extra fries to every bag shows their commitment to their image.

Five Guys cares most about customer satisfaction, which is why their renowned portions are so famous. Perhaps one of the indulgent fast food chains, anybody going to Five Guys is guaranteed to be satisfied and then some. They stand out for pure celebration of the burger.

Popeyes claims the top spot when it comes to fast-food chicken. Very few places can hope to compare with the flavors and crispiness of their fried chicken. When it comes to Southern food experiences, Popeyes excels with chicken sandwiches, wings, and innovative fried pieces.

Going so far as to include seasonal variants like their Cajun turkey, Popeyes is committed to staying at the top of the fried poultry food chain. Few of their menu options are as controversial as the things on other chains’ menus, and they remain one of the most creative chains on the market.

Chipotle is another staple in the fast food industry, alongside options like McDonalds. Offering fantastic Tex-Mex cuisine that has earned the craving of many, they are known for sticking to their strengths. Emphasizing personal choice in their meals over gimmicks, Chipotle has easily earned their reputation.

Their guacamole itself is famous, along with their burrito. Chipotle has come to be the cornerstone of Tex-Mex cuisine, with many other chains being inspired by Chipotle. Their impact on the fast food industry is nothing short of remarkable, and they continue to be one of the biggest chains around.

The burger scene is crowded, with many options out there. Shake Shack has nonetheless stood out by focusing on making the best burgers they possibly can. Paired with their famous creamy shakes, they have a burger or sandwich available for just about anyone.

Shake Shack offers the closest thing to a gourmet dining experience one can find in fast food. Their burgers are, time and time again, proven to be among the best, with unique and exciting twists that keep them new. Burger lovers, new and old, love Shake Shack when looking for something different.

Regardless of what name they use in what region, Checkers/Rally’s have made a name for themselves by offering some of the boldest menu items around. The Big Buford is one of their core standouts, Checkers and Rally are a perfect blend of innovation and fast food.

Their fries are among the best in the industry and a big draw to the chain. Many find them irresistible, and they themselves know the power their fries hold. The Fry Lover’s Burger says it all, combining all separate portions in one bite.

A Texan treasure, Whataburger started in the Lone Star State and has exploded in popularity. The charm and quality of Texan fast food are unmatched for many people, and their round-the-clock service is phenomenal. They also offer plenty of unique menu items people can’t find elsewhere.

From the Dr. Pepper shake to Texas Toast Burgers, their fanbase loves the uniqueness of the menu. They also offer full customization of their burgers with a vast variety of options. Fast food and burger enthusiasts love Whataburger, and they’re easily one of the best.

Bringing Midwestern fast food to the rest of America, Culver’s offers another unique fast food experience. With many unique signature dishes and their very own root beer, they’ve won the hearts of many. Their fried cheese curds, frozen custard, and signature Butterburger are fan favorites.

The Culver’s Root Beer is designed to pair perfectly with everything on the menu. This gives Culver’s a more unique dining experience, as every menu item is thoughtful and hearty. For something comforting, unique, and satisfying, Culver’s is delicious.

In-N-Out Burger takes the cake by offering the best burgers at an affordable price. Their simpler menu emphasizes quality over variety, and loyal fans refuse to go elsewhere. Their famous secret menu offers a unique experience that dedicated fans are all in love with.

With options like “Animal Style” and “Protein Style,” In-N-Out offers a surprising amount of customization. It’s because of their dedication to keeping their menu simple that they can focus on making the individual components of every meal the best it can be.