From breakfast to burgers, these are the best fast food restaurants in the US

Grabbing a quick and affordable bite to eat certainly has its appeal, especially when you’re traveling. And given that fast food restaurants are usually easy to find, convenient to access, and offer a variety of options for different tastes and dietary preferences, they’re a natural fit for groups on the go. Not to mention, some fast food chains offer regional specialties, allowing you to try new dishes and cuisines.

To find the best restaurants, USA TODAY 10Best editors and a panel of fast food aficionados made their top picks for fast food and quick-service restaurants across 10 categories. Then, our readers decided the winners by casting votes for their favorites.

Best Fast Casual Restaurant: QDOBA Mexican Eats

Readers crown QDOBA Mexican Eats as the Best Fast Casual Restaurant for sixth year in a row

Just about everything on the menu at QDOBA, from the guacamole to the flame-grilled steak, is prepared in-house. Diners build their own Mexican masterpieces in the form of tacos, burritos, grilled quesadillas, bowls, salads, or nachos.

Best Fast Food Breakfast: Biscuitville

Who doesn’t love a delectable biscuit-based breakfast? With locations in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Biscuitville’s fresh-baked biscuits can be enjoyed a number of ways, from simple bacon, egg, and cheese or fried chicken biscuits to more elaborate breakfast sandwiches like their Spicy Chicken & Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Biscuit.

With breakfast platters and sides of grits, hash browns, or country gravy, plus indulgent sweet treats like their blueberry muffin, it’s no wonder folks return again and again.

Best Fast Food Burger: Double Char – The Habit Burger Grill

The Double Char at The Habit Burger Grill takes the top spot for Best Fast Food Burger

Charring burgers over an open flame since 1969, The Habit Burger Grill started in Santa Barbara, California, and has grown to some 350 restaurants. Order the Double Char from the California-inspired menu and get ready for two freshly chargrilled beef patties, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce and tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. You can also add cheese.

Best Fast Food Fried Chicken: Jollibee

Our readers love the fried chicken at Jollibee

With 100 stores in North America, and more than 1,500 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world. They’re best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides — and don’t forget to dip it in their silky gravy.

Best Fast Food Fries: Del Taco

The fries at Del Taco can't be beat, according to our readers — The fries at Del Taco can’t be beat, according to our readers

Known for its Mexican-inspired menu, Del Taco racks up plenty of fans for its crinkle cut fries. The shape holds salt and crispiness which really helps if you order them covered in chili, queso, or carne asada.

Best Fast Food Restaurant: Del Taco

Del Taco wins Best Fast Food Restaurant for 2024

This popular taco stop, which serves all kinds of satisfying Mexican fare including burritos, quesadillas, and nachos, also offers burgers and fries. In addition, Del Taco has a dedicated breakfast menu, as well as a vegan and vegetarian menu.

Best Fast Food Sides: Tempura green beans – The Habit Burger Grill

Don't miss out on the tempura green beans at The Habit Burger Grill — Don’t miss out on the tempura green beans at The Habit Burger Grill

The tempura green beans at The Habit Burger Grill are a popular complement to the beloved chargrilled burgers at this bicoastal fast-food chain. Made by dipping fresh green beans in a tempura batter and then deep-frying them, this unique side combines the crispiness of tempura with the fresh flavor of green beans and is served with ranch dipping sauce.

Best Regional Fast Food: Skyline Chili

This chain of Cincinnati-style chili eateries started up in Ohio 75 years ago but has spread over time to a few neighboring areas (and the not-so-neighboring Florida).

While you’ll certainly find its namesake on the menu — a meat-based sauce served over a plate of spaghetti topped with tons of cheddar cheese — they also serve hot dogs, salads, wraps, burritos, and chili bowls. They even have a few vegetarian-specific menu items.

Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food: El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco takes the top spot for quick, healthy food

This mostly West coast chicken chain is known for its fire-grilled chicken, already making it healthier than any fried chicken option. El Pollo Loco also offers bowls, salads, and a selection of healthy sides.

Best Sandwich or Sub Shop: PrimoHoagies

PrimoHoagies is tops when it comes to sandwiches

If Italian specialty sandwiches are your jam, PrimoHoagies is definitely the place for you. Their menu has 10 sandwich categories to choose from, including Italian Classics (like their Sharp Italian), Philly Cheesesteaks (including a Pizza Steak), Schwartzies (think corned beef and roast beef), and even Meatless (like the Nonna’s Veggies with eggplant and broccoli rabe).