10 Regional Fast-Food Restaurants in the U.S. Worth a Road Trip

The post 10 Regional Fast-Food Restaurants in the U.S. Worth a Road Trip first appeared on Crafting Your Home.

America’s fast-food culture goes far beyond the national chains found in almost every town.

Across the country, regional restaurants have built loyal followings by serving food that reflects the places where they started. Some specialize in burgers, while others are known for biscuits, hot chicken, sandwiches, or Hawaiian comfort food.

For travelers, these restaurants can be more than a quick meal. They offer an easy way to experience local food culture without sitting down for a long restaurant meal.

Whataburger: Texas and the South

Whataburger began in Texas in the 1950s and has since expanded well beyond its home state. The chain is best known for its large burgers and signature ketchup.

What to try: The classic Whataburger.

In-N-Out Burger: The West

Few regional fast-food names are as closely associated with California as In-N-Out.

Founded in California in 1948, the chain built its reputation around a relatively simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. It has since expanded into additional Western and Southern states while retaining its strong connection to its original market.

What to try: A Double-Double with Animal Style fries.

Biscuitville: The Southern States

If breakfast is your priority, Biscuitville offers something very different from the standard national fast-food breakfast.

The chain has also received considerable attention recently after being selected as USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice winner for best fast-food breakfast for the fourth consecutive year.

Schoop’s Hamburgers: Illinois and Indiana

Schoop’s is one of the smaller names on this list, which is part of what makes it interesting.

It reminds you that regional fast food doesn’t necessarily mean having hundreds of locations.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Nashville and Beyond

Although the chain now has restaurants in several cities outside Tennessee, Nashville remains its home base. The menu offers chicken at different heat levels, so diners can choose how spicy they want their meal.

Culver’s: The Midwest

Culver’s started in Wisconsin in 1984 and grew into a major Midwestern fast-food chain.

Its menu centers on ButterBurgers, frozen custard, and other American comfort-food staples. The chain has expanded into additional regions, but Wisconsin remains an important part of its identity.

What to try: A ButterBurger with cheese curds.

Habit Burger & Grill: California

California has produced more than one well-known burger chain.

Habit Burger & Grill began in Santa Barbara and built its menu around chargrilled burgers. The chain has expanded beyond California, but its origins remain part of its appeal.

Its menu also includes several types of fries and other sides, giving diners more choices than a traditional burger-and-fries order.

Sheetz: The Mid-Atlantic

Sheetz differs from the other restaurants on this list because it combines convenience-store service with made-to-order food.

What to try: Spicy bacon ranch sliders.

D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches: New England

The restaurant has locations across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Its menu centers on grilled sandwiches along with wraps and other casual meals.

Zippy’s: Hawaii

The restaurant began in Hawaii in the 1960s and has become associated with Hawaiian comfort food. Its menu includes teriyaki chicken, chicken katsu, curries, and loco moco. It also has locations outside Hawaii, including Las Vegas.

Regional Fast Food Is Part of the Travel Experience

National fast-food chains may be convenient, but regional restaurants can make a road trip feel more connected to the place you’re visiting.

A burger in California, a biscuit sandwich in the South, cheese curds in Wisconsin, hot chicken in Nashville, or loco moco in Hawaii can each tell you something about local food traditions.

That’s what makes regional fast food so interesting. The meal may be quick, but the story behind it can be distinctly local.