What is the best chain fast food restaurant?

[Greg K]

I like both Popeye's and El Pollo Loco for chicken.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Their new mac and cheese is also excellent.

It’s not my fave, but it’s definitely good enough.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

It’s not my fave, but it’s definitely good enough.

It's not homemade, but it's better than the orange powder abomination I had expected it to be.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I like both Popeye's and El Pollo Loco for chicken.

I remember going to a decent place called Pollo Loco back in the 80s. No clue as to if they’re the same chain as EL Pollo Loco. I remember they had good soft chicken tacos- at least as good as the ones at TCs.

But I haven’t seen PL or EPL in years.

 

[TerraDave]

I voted Tim Horton’s because it’s not fast food. It is Canadian, aye.

 

[TerraDave]

For those calling for Jollibee, salamat po.

 

[Zardnaar]

If I want fried chicken, Popeye’s is my preferred chain. As noted above, I wish they’d go back to some of their prior side dish offerings. Church’s is a sentimental 2nd place, though Chicken Express gets more of our business, simply because it’s closer…and many Church’s around here are near Popeye’s*. KFC has seriously declined across the board- the last time I went, the food was borderline inedible. 2 prior visits to other locations presaged that precipitous decline.

If I want a fried chicken sandwich, I almost always hit Chick-Fil-A, but Popeye’s is in second, and gaining ground.

For fast “Mexican”, I hit Taco Cabana. I’ve enjoyed certain things from other chains, but TC’s offerings tasted better, and many of their locations are 24/7.

Right now, my favorite cheap burger chain is Whataburger, eclipsing Sonic, Braum’s, McDonald’s, Wendy’s and others. Not even close. I used to enjoy White Castle sliders, but haven’t even seen one in 20 years after one opened near me and quickly failed before I could visit. Five Guys’ strength was French fries, but that’s not enough. As mentioned, I won’t be going back to In & Out.

Pizza Hut is my sentimental fave for chain pizzerias, but their dine in locations are rare. However, these days, if I’m getting pizza, I’m hitting a good small local place. Right now, that means either the Indian owned & operated takeout only place around the corner from me, or the “fast casual” place a few miles further out owned & operated by a Sicilian woman whose family has been in the restaurant business for over a century, and who imports some of her ingredients. (Note: it’s hard to find authentic thick crust pizzas anywhere anymore, and that’s my favorite kind.)






* there’s one corner near a cousin’s house that has to be among the cautionary tales of chickendom. There’s a fried chicken joint on each corner: Popeye’s, Church’s, KFC, and Williams’ ( a local chain).

What's you idea of thick crust pizza? Kinda default option here.

 

[Zardnaar]

For those calling for Jollibee, salamat po.

Jollibee is Filipino?

 

[Cadence]

Bojangle's is my go to, great chicken and biscuits, many states. All Bojangles' Locations | Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits

Portello's would be if there was one here (and if they coubt as fast), they are also in a variety of states: All Locations | Portillo's

Subway is reliable and has Pizza for the little one.

Arby's is fine, but the impact of beef on the environment is starting to make me feel guilty going there too much.

Shout out to Culver's in memory of my mom:
Find your Nearest Culver’s® Restaurant: View All Locations | Culver’s®

 

[Mannahnin]

Anybody had Portillos? They been popping up here in the TC. I think its Chicago style hot dogs and roast beef.

I've only been to them around Chicago, generally when I was visiting for Adepticon (once for the 'Ard Boys final, and once driving back to the airport from a visit to WI). Love them and make a point of getting a Chicago dog or two at least once when I'm in the area. But they're still a sit-down, no-drive through place, right?