It’s almost wrong how right it feels to enjoythese gluttonous creations.
Others have garnered unexpected fandom that even their creators weren’t anticipating.
It has reared and fed generations of Americans and continues to do so to this day.
Photos: The brands. Design: Eat This, Not That!
There are no freezers at Five Guys restaurants, only coolers.
The beauty of these fast-casual inventions is that they can be as light or as indulgent as you want.
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Courtesy of McDonald’s
The price tag on this burger is a little higher than others but well worth it.
What’s Animal Style Burger, you ask?
Jersey Mike’s Original Italian Sandwich
Jersey Mike’s runs a serious sandwich businessevenchefsrave about the chain.
Burger King
Because Arby’s beef is so iconic, this one is a must-try.
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These burgers were originally made with an ice cream scoop to make the perfect patty.
Photo: McDonald’s
With fresh, never frozen beef, they quickly became a crave-worthy Midwest classic.
The chain’sOriginal Sliderhas been around since 1921, making it the oldest burger currently on the market.
Except this one is more of a long-lasting classic, having been around for 60 years.
Photo: Courtesy of KFC
Culver’s Cheese Curds
What’s better than fried cheese?
These classic subs are still going strong on menus across the country, withnew additions being created every year.
Not to mention, the chain now sellsfootlong snacks, too.
Five Guys
And we’ve never looked back since!
Only the baked potato survived, and still sells well, as an inexpensive yet quirky side.
Not to mention, those extra ridges provide additional pockets for dipping sauce.
Courtesy of Popeyes
Whataburger’s No.
And it is to Texas what the Double-Double is to California.
Now, diners can choose between baked and fried versions.
Photo: Chipotle / Facebook
Wingstop’s version has been on offer since the first restaurant opened in 1994 and remains a best seller.
Moe’s Homewrecker Burrito
The enormousHomewrecker Burritois legendary.
And yes, guac is included in the price.
Photo: Shake Shack/Facebook
Zaxby’s Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are objectively awesome, but also difficult to make at home.
Enter Zaxby’s, which sells this unicorn item across its 900 locations.
And while the bird is delicious, it’s even better with these popular, standout biscuits.
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They’re soft, flakey, and made fresh daily.
Not to mention, they’re brushed with the restaurant’s own honey butter for a hint of sweetness.
Introduced in 1988, these spiral-shaped, Cajun-spiced fries have become the sandwich chain’s most beloved item.
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Too often, the diversification leads to a lot of mediocre food.Raising Cane’sis not one of those chains.
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TheBroccoli Cheddar Soupis also a standout.
Dairy Queen
The velvety smooth soup is filled with chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and flavorsome seasonings.
It’s so thick and creamy that a traditional drinking straw is utterly useless.
You need a spoon.
Photo: Taco Bell / Facebook
For optimal enjoyment, get there when the neon sign out front says “hot.”
They’re infused with energizing green coffee extract, but don’t taste anything like coffee.
One of its most successful and enduringly popular mash-ups is theCheesy Gordita Crunch.
Jersey Mike’s
Taco Bell eventuallybrought it backas a permanent menu option in 2022.
Whatever you call it, it’s a crunchy, delicious, and distinctly Mexican-American fast-food gem.
Wendy’s Summer Strawberry Salad
Salads are not entirely uncommon in fast food, but fresh strawberries?
Domino’s Pizza / Facebook
Now, that’s a unicorn!
The juicy red fruit occasionally shows up at Wendy’sand when it does, it’s a really big deal.
The popular salad most recently returned for a limited time in June 2023.
Photo: Arby’s
At such a low price, why stick to just two?
Subway’s Cookies
For a sandwich chain, Subway shows an uncanny knack for making cookies.
you’re able to choose to include one with almost any Subway meal dealand you absolutely should.
Photo: Courtesy of Wendy’s
They’re that good.
Get yours while you still can.
The popular chain offers a wide range of lemonades and limeades, most notably including its super-popularCherry Limeade.
Photo: Culver’s
you might get it in the straightforward classic style with tartar sauce, or jazzed up with spicy mayo.
And the most iconic, familiar item on the menu?
Other times, it’s better to take matters into your own hands and hack the menu.
Photo: White Castle
At Five Guys, one popular hack is to order your burger “all the way.”
(Other add-ons are listed in red.)
There’s clearly a reason why that simple notation appears on the menu in the first place.
Chick-fil-A
“All the way” istheway to go.
They’re simply called “Krystals.”
These buttery, garlicky breadsticks come sprinkled with parmesan and served with a zippy tomato-based dipping sauce.
Photo: Portillo’s
They’re so good, you’d be “crazy” not to try.
While the exact seasoning blend is kept secret, many have tried to replicate the peppery taste at home.
The copycat recipes you find online come close, but there’s just no substitute for the real deal.
Photo: Culver’s / Facebook
Seasoned with the taco chain’s signature spices, the distinctive spuds deliver a mouthful of crunch.
Have them plain, or dip them in nacho cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
For the full LJS experience, you must get a variety platter like fish and shrimp.
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Photos: Firehouse Subs
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Raising Cane’s
Culver’s
Photo: Courtesy of Panera Bread
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Photo: Starbucks / Facebook
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