15 Regional Fast Food Chains Worth Planning A Road Trip Around

Your trunk is stuffed with luggage, your thermos is filled to the brim with coffee, and your GPS is set for a long adventure ahead. With hands clasped around the steering wheel, you and your travel companions are ready for a long-planned road trip. Now, the only thing that stands between you and your destination is the stretch of unexplored highway ahead. However, to get you from A to Z, the one thing you'll definitely need is sustenance. And while one could easily settle for whichever fast food chain appears on signs along the way, you could also take the opportunity to experience something new.

Across the American landscape, in states you may have only flown over or passed through in a rush, there are regional fast food chains that are just as tasty as major nationwide ones. Some you might have heard of, like In-N-Out, while others, like North Carolina's Cook Out or Nebraska's Runza, you might only know if you grew up locally. Nonetheless, it would be a waste to see new places but skip out on trying new things. Instead, why not make the food part of the adventure?

Hammond, Indiana, is the birthplace of Schoop's Hamburgers, a fast food joint where fresh, made-to-order beef patties are hand-rolled and smashed atop a hot griddle until thin and crispy-edged. People debate the best fast food burgers all the time, but those they mention are rarely award-winning. However, if you chart a course to Schoop's, you'll get to experience a burger that has won The Times Northwest Indiana's best of the region award 25 years in a row.

The chain has been around since 1948, and it sticks strictly to an "if it isn't broken, then don't fix it" ethos. Its flagship handheld, dubbed Schoop's Mickey, only features a single smash patty and two slices of melted American cheese. The toppings are pretty standard, too — if you ask for "everything," you'll get mustard, ketchup, relish, and onion. However, Schoop's does offer pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayo upon request, and American or Swiss cheese for a little extra.

The other burgers are mostly variations on the Schoop's Mickey, from a basic hamburger and cheeseburger to double- and triple-stacked burgers and turkey burgers. Other menu items include chicken and fish sandwiches, homemade chili, loaded fries, Schoop's Loops (deep-fried potato curls), along with floats and milkshakes.

North Carolina is home to two must-try regional chains, one being Biscuitville. If the name doesn't already give it away, this fast food chain specializes in scratch-made Southern-style biscuits, which are made with just three ingredients: locally milled flour, fresh buttermilk, and shortening. Not only does Biscuitville bake them fresh every morning, but it pumps out a new batch every 15 minutes. In fact, each location features a "biscuit window" that gives customers a front-row seat to view the baking process, and provides the opportunity for employees to watch customers drool like hungry zoo animals.

While there are more than a few fast food chains that offer tasty biscuits, none take the art of biscuit-making as seriously as Biscuitville does. That reason alone should make it worth the extra mileage. Its menu features 22 meat-topped biscuit sandwiches, including a double bacon BLT and a spicy chicken and honey one. Other worthwhile menu items, such as the breakfast platters, loaded country fries, and beverages with bits of real fruit, are just a bonus for making the trip.

Founded in Akron, Ohio, Swensons Drive-In is best known for its signature burger, the Galley Boy. The cheeseburg, which is how the chain refers to it, features two beef patties, your choice of American or Swiss cheese, and Swensons' two signature sauces — a mild barbecue sauce and a tartar-like white sauce — on a toasted bun. And, for the cherry on top, an olive is speared through the bun. It's a burger that has picked up some serious acclaim, too: Reader's Digest named the Galley Boy Ohio's finest burger in both 2022 and 2024, as part of its rankings of the best burger in every state.

That said, Swensons' flagship isn't the only worthwhile "burg" on the menu. From quarter-pounders and triple-stackers to veggie burgers, the chain has something for all of your road trip companions. Chicken and fish sandwich lovers are also in good hands, and for a nostalgic twist, there are even fried bologna and sloppy joe sandwiches. Along with standard fast food sides, you can pair your burg with fried mushrooms and Potato Teezers (which are like crispy, tater-tot-style potatoes with cheese and mild jalapeños). Swensons has been a must-visit Midwest destination since 1934, so if you're in the area, stop by for a serving of time-tested deliciousness.

When you think of California-based fast-food chains, In-N-Out is probably what first comes to mind. However, Foster's Freeze, which was founded in Inglewood, actually predates it by a couple of years. It also offers a wider selection of menu items, including six burgers, fried and grilled chicken sandwiches, a fish filet sammie, Texas toast melts, waffle fries, and — as the name suggests — loads of chilled treats.

Foster's Freeze's hand-formed patties are never frozen and are made-to-order, and the menu has plenty of fresh-tasting savory options beyond burgers, including fried burritos, the onion ring-topped Big Boss Burger, and crinkle-cut fries. On the sweet side of things, people love the dipped soft serve cones and the Freezes, which come in 20 flavors, including Orange Dreamsicle and Dr Pepper. The chain also has a long list of milkshakes, floats, numerous ice cream flavors to indulge in, and Twisters, which are made of soft serve blended with mix-ins.

When it comes to fast food, you generally know what to expect — familiar, quick-service fare like hamburgers, fries, sodas, and milkshakes. From there it all boils down to which chain you prefer most. However, if you're tired of the same-ol' roadside fast food, look no further than Runza, a Lincoln, Nebraska-based chain that specializes in meat-stuffed sandwiches. This Midwest staple isn't a new kid on the block, either, but has been slangin' runzas since 1949.

What exactly is a runza, though? Well, it comes from the same family as a Russian pirozhki, but is directly derivative of a bierock – a round, meat-stuffed pastry pocket invented by the Volga German Mennonites. Bierocks traditionally contain a blend of seasoned ground beef with chopped cabbage and onions, and a runza contains the same basic ingredients, but more so resembles an enclosed sub sandwich.

The chain also offers variations on the traditional runza, including Swiss Mushroom and a Southwest-style version with cheddar cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips, as well as mini runzas. And the menu features a variety of hamburgers, fries, onion rings, fried and grilled chicken options, salads, and classic shake flavors. Outside of Nebraska, Runza has locations in Kansas, Colorado, Iowa and South Dakota.

Lion's Choice introduced its legendary roast beef sandwich to the folks of Ballwin, Missouri, in 1967. With locations throughout both its home state and neighboring Illinois, it still uses 100% real top round beef, which it roasts on-site for three hours. The thinly shaved beef is served medium rare on a toasted bun with a sprinkle of secret seasoning, and fans suggest adding extra seasoning with a side of au jus – or level your roast beef sandwich up by making it a king size with double the beef.

Menu-wise, the closest comparison to this Midwest staple is Arby's, though locals swear that Lion's Choice is the clear victor in that beefy head-to-head. Besides its flagship sandwich, the chain also offers hickory ham and oven-roasted turkey fillings. The hot and crispy natural-cut fries are also favorites, along with the fried chicken tenders, and the classic shakes. The menu also includes soups and salads, loaded fries, chocolate-dipped frozen custard cones, and a selection of health-conscious kids' meals. After making a trip to try this Missouri landmark, we're sure you'll agree that Lion's Choice is a regional chain that should go national.

Chili and cheese-topped hamburgers, chicken filet sandwiches coated in signature sauce, and frozen treats served in a frosty mug — that's what awaits you at Ward's, a Mississippi-based fast-food chain. Founded in 1978, it now operates 39 locations throughout the state. 

Locals faithfully flock to Ward's for its flagship burger — the Big One — which arrives on a sesame seed bun layered with mayonnaise, mustard, cheese, onions, and a helping of meaty house-made chili. If you're looking to fill up for the long haul ahead, request a double for two patties, and ask for it extra sloppy if you want more chili. Other handheld options include catfish filet and steak sandwiches, a ham sandwich, and a chili dog. Several sides round out the menu, including popcorn chicken, fried seafood baskets, and various salads, and there's a slew of sweet treats for after. And there's the scratch-made soda. It's a rarity in the fast-food world, so trying the chilled homemade root beer is a must. 

Part of the Midwestern fast-food scene, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has exploded in popularity in the last 25 years. Head there for thinly smashed, 100% lean ground beef steakburgers with crispy, caramelized edges flavored with a signature seasoning blend. 

Unlike regular hamburgers, the cut of beef used for steakburgers usually comes from sirloin or ribeye instead of the chuck or round, and the amount of marbling can play a more significant role in their composition. A variety of chicken sandwiches, loaded bowls, and Wisconsin cheese curds fill out the menu, along with Freddy's Bevvies, the chain's new range of dirty sodas, teas, and lemonades.

And no meal is complete without a serving of Freddy's frozen custard. There are 10 standard flavors, a rotating, limited-time option, and a "create-your-own" version with a choice of vanilla or chocolate as a base. You can then customize your custard with one of 21 toppings, including cookie dough crumbles and gummy worms.

When it comes to fast food chains customers trust most for quality, look no further than Culver's, a Sauk City, Wisconsin landmark. The chain's fresh, never frozen ButterBurgers, which get their name from its buttered and toasted buns, are considered by Midwesterners to be the peak of burgerdom. Since landing on the scene in 1984, it's planted its flag in 26 states, though it maintains its heaviest presence in the Midwest.

Along with ButterBurgers that can be double- and triple-stacked with patties, the chain offers a variety of fried chicken items, classic sandwiches such as the Grilled Reuben Melt, a North Atlantic Cod dinner, and a wide selection of chilly treats. In fact, the chain is as well known for its frozen custard as for its signature hamburgers. The farm-fresh dairy shakes, malts, and Concrete Mixers can be blended with one of 11 flavors, and the Concrete Mixer can be customized with 29 mix-in options.

McDonald's might be the most famous fast-food chain to come out of California, but In-N-Out is without a doubt the coolest. Maybe it's the fact that, unlike McDonald's, which has spread itself far and wide, In-N-Out is more selective in terms of where it expands to. 

Founded in 1948, the chain didn't open its first out-of-state location until 1992, and today it only operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and Tennessee. But fans of old-fashioned made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries travel from all over to experience In-N-Out, whose flagship handheld — the legendary Double-Double — was named the No. 2 best fast food burger in USA Today's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards. It's still family-owned, and it remains affordable compared to other burger chains by only serving a select few menu items.

A visit is incomplete without trying the chain's official secret, or rather, Not So Secret menu, which features the fan-favorite Animal Style fries topped with melted American cheese, grilled onions, and its signature secret sauce. The three classic shake flavors made of real ice cream are also a must, but for a real sweet tooth fix, you can have them blended Neapolitan-style.

Texas' favorite fast-food chain has a regional cult following comparable to California's In-N-Out. Which is to say that you're almost as likely to see Whataburger's five-tiered orange and white W on a T-shirt or hat as you are above one of the state's 785 locations. Whataburger also operates in 16 other states, proving that it's worth revving up your engine for.

The chain's made-to-order menu includes hamburgers made with fresh, never frozen beef and fried chicken sandwiches, all served on a choice of three 5-inch buns: regular, potato, or Texas toast. Whataburger also prepares its ingredients by hand, and that attention to detail extends to its customization options. Of course, it wouldn't be Texas without a bit of spice, which you can add to any sandwich in the form of grilled jalapeños. The menu also includes patty melts, classic sides, salads, shakes and malts, along with a breakfast that kicks off at 11 p.m. and runs until 11 a.m.

With a strong presence across the Midwest, Skyline Chili has made a name for itself as one of the region's premier purveyors of Cincinnati-style chili. The chili served at Skyline is a variation of this Cincinnati tradition, which developed in the 1920s when Macedonian immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff opened Empress Chili in 1922. Unlike other types of beef chili, it incorporates cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which give it a pronounced aromatic profile.

The Skyline chain didn't appear on the Cincinnati scene until 1949, when Nicholas Lambrinides opened its first restaurant. Its namesake chili is made from a secret recipe that the chain piles over spaghetti and tops with a mound of shredded cheddar. In chili terminology, locals refer to this combination as a 3-Way, the basic starting point for ordering Skyline's signature dish. From there, a 2-Way is spaghetti topped with chili, while a 4-Way adds either diced onions or beans to the 3-Way. A 5-Way contains all of the above.

If chili-topped spaghetti isn't your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Skyline's chili. From chili cheese fries and nachos to black beans and rice for a vegetarian option and the legendary Coney dog, there's something for everyone.

What started as a humble horse-drawn hot dog cart in Buffalo in the 1920s has grown to seven locations across Western New York and two in Arizona. Ted's Hot Dogs specializes in charcoal-broiled hot dogs, homemade onion rings, and milkshakes made with real ice cream. The chain uses lump charcoal, which gives its hot dogs a distinct smoky flavor compared to standard briquettes. And while beef may be the classic choice, Ted's has plenty of other dogs up its sleeve.

The menu is filled with various meat blends, including pork-and-veal and pork-and-beef, along with bratwurst, Polish sausage, Italian sausage, soy-based dogs, and even skinless hot dogs. You can stick to standard menu builds or customize your dog with a wide range of tasty toppings, including classics like chili, cheese, and bacon. Beyond deliciously charred dogs, fan favorites include the charcoal-broiled hamburgers, Ted's signature hot sauce, the Split (a side of fries and onion rings), and the Loganberry shake.

The self-proclaimed "Home of the Olive Burger" appeared on the Flint, Michigan fast-food scene way back in 1923. The original location operated under the name Kewpee before becoming Halo Burger, and the chain now operates eight locations throughout the state. Halo Burger takes the credit for inventing a deluxe-style burger, composed of 100% fresh, never frozen beef, hand-cut tomatoes and lettuce, and mayonnaise. The burger later evolved to include onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard, a combination known as "The Works."

Halo Burger would go on to add other signature menu items over the years, including its famed Olive Burger – a quarter-pound beef burger with "The Works" and a hearty layer of green olives. The Olive Burger is one of 10 burgers and two chicken sandwiches on the menu, all of which can be paired with standard sides or cheese curds. Another signature must-try is the chain's house-made Boston Cooler, a unique ice cream soda shake made with ginger ale and vanilla ice cream that actually originates from Detroit.

North Carolina is home to a fast-food chain that should be on the bucket list of all milkshake lovers. Founded in 1989, Cook Out has a distinctly regional footprint, with locations in just 11 states across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. The chain offers 37 milkshake flavors, including banana, chocolate, peach, peanut butter, and watermelon, all of which can be combined or blended with toppings like walnuts, vanilla wafers, cheesecake slices, or frozen watermelon pieces.

When it comes to food, the Double burger is a fan favorite, as is the Cajun chicken sandwich, which is grilled and then sits in a tub of butter until it's ordered. That's just the start of the savory offerings, with corn dogs, chicken quesadillas, and Cajun fries also on the menu. And if you're making the trip to North Carolina, don't leave without trying the state's signature cherry-flavored soda, Cheerwine, which is over 100 years old.