Fast Food Chains Tier List
This tier list covers 36 of the biggest fast food chains in the United States, from national burger giants to regional favorites like Whataburger and Culver's. We ranked each one on how good the core menu is, how consistent it is from location to location, and whether it's worth the money.
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SS Tier: Worth the drive
In-N-Out Burger
A tiny menu done almost perfectly. Fresh beef, fresh-cut fries and prices that still feel fair put it at the top.
About In-N-Out Burger
Southern California-born burger chain with a cult following, known for its short, simple menu and secret 'not so secret' menu items like Animal Style. Still family-controlled with a relatively limited geographic footprint.
- Founded
- 1948
- Origin
- Baldwin Park, California
- Known for
- Animal Style burgers and fries, secret menu
Chick-fil-A
The chicken sandwich that every other chain copied, plus the most consistent service in fast food.
About Chick-fil-A
Atlanta-based chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, known for strong customer service and being closed on Sundays. Among the highest-grossing fast food chains in the United States per location.
- Origin
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Known for
- Chicken sandwich, waffle fries, closed on Sundays
Raising Cane's
One thing, done very well. The tenders are always hot and the sauce is the reason people keep coming back.
About Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is an American fast food chain with a focused menu centered on chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, Texas toast, and its signature Cane's Sauce. It was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Founded
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Known for
- Chicken fingers and Cane's Sauce
Culver's
ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard make it a Midwest treasure that beats most sit-down places.
About Culver's
Culver's is an American fast food chain known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin. It is a Midwest based family chain with a reputation for friendly service and quality ingredients.
- Founded
- Sauk City, Wisconsin
- Known for
- ButterBurgers and frozen custard
Whataburger
Big, customizable burgers and late hours. Texans are loyal for good reason.
About Whataburger
Texas-based burger chain founded in Corpus Christi, recognizable by its distinctive orange and white striped roofs. Famous for its large, made-to-order burgers served in orange-and-white wrapping.
- Founded
- 1950
- Origin
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Known for
- Made-to-order burgers, orange striped roofs
AA Tier: Always a good call
Five Guys
Some of the best burgers and fries on this list, held back from S tier only by the price.
About Five Guys
Burger chain that started as a family-run restaurant in Virginia, known for customizable burgers, hand-cut fries, and free toppings. Known for peanuts available to customers in its waiting areas.
- Founded
- 1986
- Origin
- Arlington, Virginia
- Known for
- Customizable burgers, hand-cut fries, free toppings
Popeyes
The best fried chicken of the big national chains, with sides that hold their own.
About Popeyes
Louisiana-born fried chicken chain known for its spicy, Cajun-seasoned chicken and biscuits. Gained massive attention in recent years for its popular fried chicken sandwich.
- Founded
- 1972
- Origin
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Known for
- Cajun fried chicken, chicken sandwich, biscuits
Shake Shack
A premium burger with great shakes. Pricey, but it delivers.
About Shake Shack
American fast casual chain that began as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park before growing into a global burger brand. Known for its ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard.
- Founded
- 2004
- Origin
- New York City, New York
- Known for
- ShackBurger, frozen custard, concretes
Wendy's
Fresh beef, the Frosty and a strong value menu make it the best of the big three burger chains.
About Wendy's
American burger chain known for square-shaped patties, fresh-never-frozen beef claims, and the Frosty dessert. Founded by Dave Thomas and named after his daughter.
- Founded
- 1969
- Origin
- Columbus, Ohio
- Known for
- Square burgers, Frosty, Baconator
Taco Bell
Cheap, endlessly remixable and open late. Nobody else does what it does.
About Taco Bell
Mexican-inspired fast food chain known for tacos, burritos, and inventive menu items like the Crunchwrap and Doritos Locos Tacos. Founded in California and now one of the largest Mexican-style fast food brands globally.
- Founded
- 1962
- Origin
- Downey, California
- Known for
- Crunchwrap Supreme, Doritos Locos Tacos
Chipotle
Filling bowls with real ingredients. Portions vary by location, which keeps it out of S tier.
About Chipotle
Fast casual chain specializing in build-your-own burritos, bowls, and tacos made with fresher ingredients than typical fast food. Began in Denver and grew into one of the leading fast casual brands in the US.
- Founded
- 1993
- Origin
- Denver, Colorado
- Known for
- Build-your-own burritos and bowls
Jersey Mike's
The best sub chain here, thanks to meat sliced to order and the "Mike’s Way" finish.
About Jersey Mike's
Jersey Mike's Subs is an American sandwich chain known for its East Coast style subs made with meats and cheeses sliced fresh in-store. It originated in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
- Founded
- Point Pleasant, New Jersey
- Known for
- Subs sliced fresh in store, "Mike's Way" toppings
BB Tier: Solid in a pinch
McDonald's
The fries are still iconic and it’s everywhere, but the rest of the menu is only average now.
About McDonald's
The world's largest fast food chain by locations, known for the Big Mac, fries, and the Golden Arches logo. Pioneered the fast food business model starting from a single restaurant in California.
- Founded
- 1940
- Origin
- San Bernardino, California
- Known for
- Big Mac, Golden Arches, worldwide scale
Wingstop
Great flavors and good fries, though wait times can drag.
About Wingstop
Wingstop is an American fast food chain specializing in chicken wings offered in a wide variety of flavors, along with fries and sides. It has grown into a major player in the chicken wing segment with a strong carryout and delivery focus.
- Known for
- Wide variety of wing flavors
- Category
- Chicken wing specialist
Zaxby's
Reliable chicken fingers and wings with a sauce people love.
About Zaxby's
Zaxby's is an American fast food chain specializing in chicken wings, tenders, and sandwiches, often served with signature sauces. It was founded in Statesboro, Georgia and is popular throughout the Southeastern United States.
- Founded
- Statesboro, Georgia
- Known for
- Chicken wings and tenders with signature sauces
Bojangles
Excellent biscuits and seasoned fries. A breakfast stop worth making in the South.
About Bojangles
Bojangles is an American fast food chain founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in Southern style fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. It is especially popular in the Southeastern United States.
- Founded
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Known for
- Fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits
Panda Express
Orange chicken carries the menu. Fast, filling and consistent.
About Panda Express
Panda Express is an American fast food chain serving American Chinese cuisine, with Orange Chicken as its signature dish. It is one of the largest Asian food chains in the United States.
- Category
- American Chinese fast food
- Known for
- Orange Chicken
Sonic
The drinks and slushes are the real draw. The food is fine.
About Sonic
Drive-in fast food chain known for carhop service, roller-skating servers at some locations, and an enormous drink and slush menu. Customers order from stalls and have food brought directly to their cars.
- Founded
- 1953
- Origin
- Oklahoma
- Known for
- Drive-in carhop service, slushes, drink combinations
Dairy Queen
Blizzards are an S tier dessert, but the food side pulls it down.
About Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is an American fast food chain best known for its soft serve ice cream, Blizzard treats, and a food menu that includes burgers and hot dogs. It operates thousands of locations worldwide under the DQ brand.
- Known for
- Soft serve ice cream and Blizzard treats
Arby's
Curly fries and roast beef are a nice change from burgers.
About Arby's
American sandwich chain built around roast beef and sliced meats rather than burgers, known for its curly fries and the slogan 'We Have the Meats.' Its logo features a large cowboy hat.
- Founded
- 1964
- Origin
- Boardman, Ohio
- Known for
- Roast beef sandwiches, curly fries
Qdoba
Close to Chipotle, with free queso as the tiebreaker.
About Qdoba
Qdoba Mexican Eats is an American fast casual chain serving burritos, tacos, and bowls with customizable ingredients. It is often compared to Chipotle as a direct competitor in the build your own Mexican food category.
- Category
- Fast casual Mexican
- Known for
- Free queso and guacamole add ons at many locations
El Pollo Loco
Fire-grilled chicken that feels lighter than most fast food.
About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is an American fast food chain specializing in fire grilled chicken, with roots in Mexican style citrus marinated flame grilled chicken. It originated in Mexico before expanding into the United States, concentrated mostly in the Southwest.
- Specialty
- Fire grilled citrus marinated chicken
- Origin
- Mexico
CC Tier: Fine if it’s the closest
Burger King
The Whopper still has fans, but quality varies a lot from store to store.
About Burger King
Global burger chain known for its flame-broiled Whopper sandwich and long-running rivalry with McDonald's. Originated in Florida and has since expanded into one of the largest burger chains worldwide.
- Founded
- 1954
- Origin
- Miami, Florida
- Known for
- Whopper, flame-broiled burgers
KFC
The original recipe is famous, but Popeyes and the chicken finger chains have passed it.
About KFC
Fried chicken chain founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, built on a 'secret recipe' of herbs and spices. One of the largest fast food chicken chains in the world with a massive international presence.
- Founder
- Colonel Harland Sanders
- Known for
- Original Recipe fried chicken, buckets of chicken
Jack in the Box
A wild menu with a few hits, like the tacos, and plenty of misses.
About Jack in the Box
California-based fast food chain known for its wide-ranging, eclectic menu that spans breakfast, tacos, burgers, and late-night items. Its mascot is a clown-headed ball-shaped character named Jack.
- Founded
- 1951
- Origin
- San Diego, California
- Known for
- Tacos, curly fries, Jack mascot
Subway
Fast and everywhere, but its sandwiches trail every other sub chain here.
About Subway
Sandwich chain built around made-to-order subs with customer-chosen bread, fillings, and toppings. One of the most widely franchised fast food brands in the world.
- Founded
- 1965
- Origin
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Known for
- Customizable submarine sandwiches
Jimmy John's
Genuinely fast and simple. The sandwiches are forgettable.
About Jimmy John's
Jimmy John's is an American sandwich chain known for its submarine sandwiches and emphasis on fast delivery speed. It was founded in Charleston, Illinois.
- Founded
- Charleston, Illinois
- Known for
- Fast delivery, submarine sandwiches
Panera Bread
Soups and bread bowls are comforting, but it’s expensive for what you get.
About Panera Bread
Panera Bread is an American fast casual bakery cafe chain known for its soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. It emphasizes a cafe like atmosphere and clean ingredient menu positioning.
- Category
- Fast casual bakery cafe
- Known for
- Bread bowls, soups, and sandwiches
Del Taco
A cheaper Taco Bell alternative with a few good items.
About Del Taco
Del Taco is an American fast food chain serving a blend of Mexican inspired and American fast food items, including tacos, burritos, and burgers. It is based in California and concentrated mostly in the Western United States.
- Category
- Mexican inspired fast food
- Region
- Strongest presence in Western US
Carl's Jr.
Big burgers that are more about size than flavor.
About Carl's Jr.
Carl's Jr. is an American fast food hamburger chain known for its charbroiled burgers, including the Famous Star, and bold advertising campaigns. It is based in California and shares a parent company with Hardee's.
- Founded
- California
- Sister brand
- Hardee's
Hardee's
Carl’s Jr.’s twin, saved a little by its breakfast biscuits.
About Hardee's
Hardee's is an American fast food hamburger chain known for its charbroiled burgers and breakfast biscuits. It operates mainly in the Southern and Midwestern United States, while its sister chain Carl's Jr. operates mostly in the West under the same parent company.
- Known for
- Charbroiled burgers, breakfast biscuits
- Sister brand
- Carl's Jr.
Steak 'n Shake
Thin smash burgers and shakes are good. Slow service is the problem.
About Steak 'n Shake
Steak 'n Shake is an American fast food chain founded in Normal, Illinois, known for its steakburgers and milkshakes. It combines diner style sit-down service with fast food pricing and has locations concentrated in the Midwest and South.
- Founded
- 1934
- Known for
- Steakburgers and milkshakes
Church's Texas Chicken
Decent fried chicken and honey butter biscuits, outclassed by the chicken chains above.
About Church's Texas Chicken
Church's Texas Chicken (formerly Church's Fried Chicken) is an American fried chicken chain founded in San Antonio, Texas. It is known for its spicy fried chicken, jalapeno peppers, and honey biscuits.
- Founded
- San Antonio, Texas
- Known for
- Spicy fried chicken, honey biscuits
DD Tier: Only when nothing else is open
White Castle
Sliders are a craving for some people and a regret for most.
About White Castle
White Castle is widely recognized as one of the first fast food hamburger chains in the United States, known for its small square sliders sold in bags. It has a cult following and is credited with popularizing the slider format.
- Founded
- 1921, Wichita, Kansas
- Known for
- Sliders sold by the bag
Checkers
The seasoned fries are good. Almost everything else is forgettable.
About Checkers
Checkers (and its sister chain Rally's) is an American fast food chain known for its drive-thru and double drive-thru locations, distinctive red and black checkered design, and seasoned fries. The two brands operate under one parent company and share most menu items.
- Known for
- Seasoned fries, drive-thru only locations
- Sister brand
- Rally's
FF Tier: Skip it
Long John Silver's
Greasy fish and fewer locations every year. Hard to recommend.
About Long John Silver's
Long John Silver's is an American fast food chain specializing in seafood, including fried fish, shrimp, and hush puppies. It is named after the pirate character from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island.
- Specialty
- Seafood, fried fish and shrimp
- Name origin
- Treasure Island character
How we ranked them
We scored every chain on three things: how good its signature items are, how consistent it is between locations, and value for money. Chains with a short menu done well ranked above chains with a huge menu done poorly. Regional chains were judged on their own locations, not on how easy they are to find. This is one editor’s ranking, so the community tier list may disagree.
Think we got it wrong?
Drag all 36 fast food chains into your own tier list, then download the image or share a link.
Rank these yourselfFAQ
What is the best fast food chain?
In our ranking, In-N-Out Burger, Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane's, Culver's and Whataburger share S tier. In-N-Out edges the rest for its fresh ingredients and fair prices.
What is the worst fast food chain?
Long John Silver's is the only chain in our F tier, mostly because of greasy food and a shrinking number of locations.
Why is McDonald's only in B tier?
Its fries are still great and it’s everywhere, but burger chains like Wendy’s and Five Guys make better food for similar money.
Which chains are in this tier list?
36 US chains: burger, chicken, Mexican, sandwich and seafood chains, both national and regional.
Can I make my own fast food tier list?
Yes. Press "Rank these yourself" to drag all 36 chains into your own tiers, then download the image or share a link.
From the blog
More rankings
Image credits
- In-N-Out BurgerImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Chick-fil-AImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Raising Cane'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Culver'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- WhataburgerImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Five GuysImage: Wikipedia · Source
- PopeyesImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Shake ShackImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Wendy'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Taco BellImage: Wikipedia · Source
- ChipotleImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Jersey Mike'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- McDonald'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- WingstopImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Zaxby'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- BojanglesImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Panda ExpressImage: Wikipedia · Source
- SonicImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Dairy QueenImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Arby'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- QdobaImage: Wikipedia · Source
- El Pollo LocoCover: Wikipedia · Source
- Burger KingImage: Wikipedia · Source
- KFCImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Jack in the BoxImage: Wikipedia · Source
- SubwayImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Jimmy John'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Panera BreadImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Del TacoImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Carl's Jr.Image: Wikipedia · Source
- Hardee'sImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Steak 'n ShakeImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Church's Texas ChickenImage: Wikipedia · Source
- White CastleImage: Wikipedia · Source
- CheckersImage: Wikipedia · Source
- Long John Silver'sImage: Wikipedia · Source