There are loads of are popular fast food chains; what are the best from the Midwest?

    • TheRealKuni@midwest.socialEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      My vote is also for Culver’s.

      Which I guess the upvote button covers so I probably didn’t need to make this comment. But I’m thrilled to be commenting somewhere that isn’t Reddit. 😅

  • Chicory [Ohio]@midwest.socialEnglish
    2·
    2 years ago

    All these posts about Kwik Trip was making me question what I’m missing by not eating gas station food.

    But to be fair, I do love a Casey’s pizza. Best gas station pizza I’ve had.

    • I'm A Different Bird@midwest.socialEnglish
      1·
      2 years ago

      Quik Trip is pretty great. I think I actually like their pizza more than Casey’s; their crust is a little more crisp on the outside with just the right amount of chew on the inside.

      Kwik Shop kinda sucks. Though, at least in my area, they’ve started integrating Sbarro’s into their locations, so at least the pizza is getting better.

  • nofunberg@midwest.socialEnglish
    21·
    2 years ago

    I’m partial to Culver’s and Wendy’s. Portillo’s seems to be rising in popularity across the country these days, too.

    • KingStrafeIV@midwest.socialEnglish
      2·
      2 years ago

      I’m a +1 on Culvers. Seems to be the most popular with my crowd.

      Portillos is good, but honestly it’s always insanely busy which usually swings me towards an alternative.

    • androogee (they/she)@midwest.socialEnglish
      1·
      2 years ago

      I guess it doesn’t matter anymore since nothing is open overnight these days, but back in the day I have been served some truly foul Steak ‘n’ Shake in the drive thru after midnight, bad enough to make you never wanna go back.

    • Menachem@midwest.socialEnglish
      0·
      2 years ago

      steak n shake’s gone downhill. they were my favorite like 10+ years back, but the last few times ive gone, even at different locations, it’s been low quality meat even by fast food standards and nothing is assembled right. i swear even the fries are less salty. it’s so bad there used to be one over by a nearby highschool that managed to go out of business somehow

      • Just_Not_Funny@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 years ago

        Midwest here, had a number of Steak n Shakes go downhill then close around me. Turns out if you lower the quality of your overpriced extremely slow ‘fast’ food people stop coming. Weird.

  • TheDaveAbides@midwest.socialEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    What’s the criteria? Simply originating in the Midwest? Or not available in all contiguous 48 states? Or ones that embrace their Midwest roots? Do gas stations count?

  • zergoholic@midwest.socialEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    Culver’s is definitely my top contender.

    Taco John’s is a good one. I loved their chicken avacado bacon taco. $2 and half a dozen later never had a regret. Until it went away.

    A&W is hit or miss as long as they still have their root beer tapped in store.

    Kwik Trip is popular too because it’s literally grab and go or call ahead and it’s made for you. You can customize it without extra cost is a big win. Burgers. Pizza. Grab some donuts and breakfast sausage and the ultimate diabtus sandwhich is made for breakfast.

  • MrFrobozz [Iowa]@midwest.socialEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    I like Culver’s, Taco John’s, and Kwik Trip, all mentioned before here.

    My addition will be B-Bops. Last I checked, they are only in the Des Moines metro. Also, Tasty Tacos, but they are more fast casual rather than fast food.

  • get_the_reference_@midwest.socialEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    Central IL, I don’t know if it would count but there are several in a close area: Krekel’s Custard. Known for smashburgers and homemade ice cream. Similar to Culver’s but older I think, and better.

    I can eat a Portillo’s beef in a pinch, but if I have my choice and I’m in Chicago, I’m going to Al’s.