Let's discuss your favorite fast food chains and meals.

I liked White Castle when we lived in NJ. Something perversely tasty about those tiny patties grilled over onions. No White Castles here in AZ.

So, my favorite is In 'n Out Burger. They wisely stick to a limited menu of burgers, fries and drinks. Their Double-Double (two patties with cheese and onions) is tops. They also make their french fries fresh--they put a peeled potato in a gadget that looks like a manual orange juicer, pull the handle, and out come strips of potatoes, which are fried from scratch. The help are all very courteous, clean-cut young people. Sonic makes a reasonably good burger with interesting toppings, but their quality control (especially in hiring) is poor.

McDonald's, and to a certain extent, Burger King, used to be known for exceptionally uniform quality and sanitation--you could be confident that you'd get the same satisfying experience anywhere in the world, which was McDonald's raison d'etre when Ray Kroc founded the chain. Alas, the three McDonald's franchise in our area vary from the pits to just fair, and Burger King isn't any better.

Nice topic, TB .

My favorite growing up was White Castle. I grew up on the corner of 187th Street and Hoffman Street in the Bronx. There was (still is) a White Castle on the corner of Fordham Road and Hoffman Street. They used to give you a numbered ticket for your food and the wait was ridiculous, but it was delicious for a young kid. Today, after several bouts of middle aged tummy problems, I can't even think about it. Boy, how the old Italian women in the neighborhood would yell at us for eating that "meddigahn" garbage, if they saw us walking home with the White Castle bags .

Today my favorite fast food is a small chain called "Chirping Chicken." There are maybe half a dozen of them in the city. The one on Amsterdam and 77th is my favorite. When I worked at 76th and Amsterdam, I was there twice a week. They have, in my opinion, the best bird in the city. You get half a chicken, Greek salad and a couple of sides for about 12 bucks. It's delicious, healthy and VERY reasonable for New York City. Hell, a rotisserie chicken at Fairway Market will cost you 15 bucks without the sides.

The last time I went to NY I stayed on the Upper West Side. I believe it was 95th and West End, but I used to stroll down Amsterdam everyday. I love that neighborhood. Chicken place sounds good.

FIVE GUYS burgers are the best I've had, also with fresh-made fries, but I've heard IN 'N OUT were good, too. My brother agreed about Five Guys until he had Shake Shack, and now those are his favorite. Will have to try it next time I'm in the city.

I used to love McDonald's, but I never seem to get anything fresh from them most of the time. Arthur Treacher's Fish and Chips is up there, too.


$15?? They're like $4.99 or $5.99 here at BJ's.

Their hot dogs are awesome as well.

Five Guys burgers are awesome. I often pay the toll to get it because there aren't any in the Bronx. But there's one just over the Throggs Neck Bridge on the Queens side (Bayside).

For the record, Geoff. I'd NEVER pay $15 for a friggin chicken. I was just trying to put things in perspective as far as Manhattan prices go.

IN-N-OUT's Double-Double is fantastic. I usually get it Animal Style (extra sauce, extra grilled onions, pickles). IN-N-OUT also has a (not so) secret menu for those who want something a little different.




They're opening one around the corner from my apartment. They'll be opening in about two weeks. I can't wait!

Although I try not to indulge, I love fast food. McDonald's and White Castle are my favorite. I don't love Burger King or Wendy's, though. KFC is really delicious, and even Taco Bell has some good stuff on the menu.

When I was a kid, there was a burger chain called Wetson's. Instead of the Big Mac, I think they had a Big W or some such thing. It was a real special treat when my mom took me there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetson%27s

I also remember going to Horn and Hardart with my mom as a kid. You would put your change in a slot where there was a little window, and the change would open the window and you got your food. They had the world's best rice pudding.

I'll add my 2¢ and include White Castle on my list. For 74¢ you get a small hamburger that tastes good, is somewhat greasy and slides down without too much chewing (they're nicknamed "sliders"). Eat a dozen of them after having a few drinks and you're good to go.

Pros: Cheap, tasty, fun to eat

Cons: Most of the side orders are not very good (their french fries are TERRIBLE, although their onion rings are passable)

I also like their chicken rings. And while I still think McDonald's has the best fries, White Castle's are okay. Don Geoff says that Give Guys are really good, so I'll have to try them one of these days.

Ewwwwww (White Castle fries). Frozen cardboard.

Do they have any Checkers near you? They have decent burgers and their fries are excellent.

I have to agree about Five Guys fries; they're quite good. Nathan's has great fries, too.

McDonald's fries are only good when they're freshly made. If they've been sitting under the heating lamp, fuhgheddaboutit.

I've never been to White Castle, but I've had their frozen sliders, which aren't bad, considering they're frozen.

The best french fries I've EVER had were from Thrasher's, on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. Big, and greasy. Sprinkle some salt and a little apple cider vinegar on those bad boys, and you're in deep fried potato heaven.

Kindly do tell, XDCX. Please!


Five Guys here has several locations in Phoenix, which is about 95 miles south of here. Haven't tried them. Reviews credit them with excellent burgers and vast assortment of toppings that you self-apply. Their fries only so-so. Reviewers still give the nod to In ' Out.
Arthur Treacher and Wetson are long gone. In the heyday of franchising (early Seventies) Minnie Pearl, Willie Mays (and probably, the homeless guy in the library in Morristown NJ) all lent their names to chains. All folded.

"Good to go"? That was the problem - you wouldn't stop going...

At the risk of sacrilige, I must say that I never liked White Castle. There used to be two in Brooklyn that were reasonably close (by car) to where I live - one was in Bensonhurst, the other Bay Ridge. The "sliders" (aptly named, unfortunately) tasted like greasy cardboard and the onion rings tasted like they had been soaked in old dishwater. I never saw what the fascination (or nostalgia) was for these unpalatable money-wasters. However, since I appear to be in the minority, I'll admit that it's possible that these two locations were just serving up crap food.

For example:

Just a few blocks walk from my apartment, we had a McDonald's and a Burger King. Over the course of several years, the Burger King went from a nice, clean establishment with good food (and very nice specialty sandwiches) to a dreary, desolate, grimy place with bad food, greasy fries, and everything seemed to be served either at room temperature or just plain cold. In a last-ditch effort to save their business, an Internet Café was added, but to no avail. A once-decent eatery had gone down the dumpers and closed in early 2010. McDonald's is still here, though, but I don't care for their food, the place is way too small (it's in a storefront), and it's usually an overcrowded, rowdy zoo - especially on school days.

Now, the closest "nearby" Burger King is a bus ride away, so if I want any fast food, the only thing near me is a Taco Bell/KFC. And that place used to have a vermin problem. (I know this, because a few years back when I was on line waiting to place an order, I looked up and saw the outline of a rat running around inside one of the ceiling light fixtures. I left immediately.)

So, fast food? Not these days... 'cuz around here it ain't what it used to be.

Signor V.

IN-N-OUT Secret Menu

The Animal Style Double-Double is excellent, as I mentioned, and every now and then I'll get an order of Animal Style Fries...but really...the fries are great as is, so I usually don't bother with the Animal Fries.

The only fast food place I really go to anymore is Chik-Fil-A, it has good customer service, orderly, and clean, plus the nuggets are pretty good. We have Five Guys here in Philadelphia, the burgers are excellent, but the fries are kinda weak, only good thing is they have vinegar on hand for the fries.

I used to like Ranch 1, but my two local places closed. Their chicken sandwich and fries were amazing. BTW, seems that Arthur Treacher's was bought by Nathan's and that there are some locations that have both menus to offer.

http://nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/getpage.php?pgid=23

I remember Burger Chef that way -- always went there as a kid (as well as McDonald's). Mmmmm, Big Shef and Super Shef

As for chicken, KFC has NOTHING on Popeye's! Wish there was one nearby. Roy Rogers is pretty good, too.

I prefer Popeye's to KFC, but my favorite fried chicken (besides my father's) has to be from English's in Maryland. There used to be quite a few English's Family Restaurants around the Eastern Shore area, but they eventually went out of business. There's a diner in Salisbury, Maryland that still serves English's fried chicken, and I remember about once a week, my step-mom would stop by and grab a bucket, plus a side of their delicious red skinned mashed potatoes (with the skin still on) and gravy.

English's fried chicken has a reddish hue to it, and the texture of the breading is more like a crust than normal chicken skin. This keeps all the juices locked in, so as soon as you bite into the chicken, all the juices are released, and it is just indescribable.

Now I want some...

Steak 'n Shake.

All-RIIIGHT! Thanks,XDCX! I bookmarked that page.

Geoff, there were several in my general area of NJ. The Fixin's Bar made a square meal (healthy, too) out of a fairly plain burger. They seemed to all closed or been absorbed by another chain. Last one I remember was the one in Penn Station.

I have no opinion on the Roy Rogers burgers -- never had one -- just the fried chicken. The roast beef sandwiches were nothing special, about on par with (or a step up from) Arby's (which I used to like, too, until the last one I had was spoiled and haven't gone back since)...

But as an aside to fried chicken, the Foodtown by me has great fried chicken. Shop-Rite has terrible fried chicken. And Pathmark seems to be somewhere in the middle, visually, but I won't try them -- their deli area is a disgrace, as bad as their produce, but I get most everything else there (great prices) as it's the closest to me. Well, not great prices for their fried chicken. $1 for a freakin' wing is ridiculous!

Anyone remember Chicken Delite? There was one in my old neighborhood growing up. Not sure if it was Delite or Delight, but I always wanted to try it, it smelled so good, but my parents never bought it.

Edit: The best fried chicken I ever had out was in a restaurant in Sarasota, Florida. Apparently, Sarasota has an Amish population, and a few Amish restaurants, the most famous of which is Yoder's. The food was phenomenal, ridiculously affordable, and we won't even get started on the PIES!! We ate in two different (one was Yoder's) places, but they were equally good. Highly recommended if you're ever in that area.

I'm pretty sure that's where J.J. Evans worked. Seriously.

You didn't miss much!!! The best part of Chicken Delight was their jingle.... "Don't cook tonight, call Chicken Delight"

White Plains Road in the 230's?

I remember it was right near the Wakefield, so it must have been.

Okay, then it's the one I was thinking of, too. After Chicken Delite (Delight?) it became a Kennedy's Fried Chicken. Today I think it's a Dunkin Donuts. Most of the fast food in that neighborhood today is Caribbean. Something like 90 percent of the zip code is either Jamaican or Haitian now.

The Chicken Delight in our neighborhood in Brooklyn inspired my sister to claim that they sold "polio chickens."

I've been having a Big Mac Attack for days now. Hope you're all happy.

Mickey D's????

I love Big Macs. I think they are nectar from heaven. I try to avoid temptation, but once in a while, you just have to give in.

I used to have a weakness for Big Macs, back in the days when I was young, svelte and foolish.

However, in central New York state, many years ago, there was a competitor of McDonald's called Carrol's. Their version of a Big Mac was called a Club Burger and the sauce was different - and better, IMO. Ultimately, Carroll's was absorbed by Burger King in the 1970's. A real pity.

I can remember back when I was in college, sitting in Carrol's with my girlfriend at the time, shoveling down four Club Burgers at one sitting (with fries and soda) and never gaining a pound. She would just stare at me in silent amazement - or maybe it was horror. My metabolism was a lot different back then! Now, I can feel my waistline expanding just from thinking about the stuff...

These days, two Burger King Whoppers would hold me for a couple of days. But I'm not up for taking two buses to get to the nearest one in my area.

On the other hand...

Signor V.

You're still foolish, and as for the rest, who cares what happened 200 years ago?

You and me are due for a fast-food run, Brooklyn-style. You bring the Maalox, I'll supply the Imodium.

Who'll bring the Geritol?


Signor V.

The old mid-Atlantic chain Gino's, which was great, is trying a comeback:

http://www.ginosgiant.com/

There are still a few Roy Rogers around the DC area.

The Five Guys around the corner just opened yesterday. I decided to stop in today for a burger and fries, and since I just had a Double Double (Animal Style) from IN-N-OUT a couple days ago, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to compare the two.

First off, when I got to Five Guys, the line was out the friggin' door, but the line was moving fast, so it wasn't that big of a deal. I ordered a cheeseburger (two patties) with grilled onions, jalapenos, and A-1 Steak Sauce (because A-1 on a burger is awesome!) I also got a regular order of Cajun fries and a large iced tea. The total came out to $10.74...FOR A BURGER AND FRIES!!!

I waited about 25 minutes before my order was ready, and by this point I'm thinking "For 11 bucks, this better be as good as I remember..."

I grab my order, get home, and dig in. The first thing I notice is my order of fries. Thank goodness I got just a regular order, because there's clearly enough for two people! I can't even imagine how big the large order of fries are. The thing I remembered most about Five Guys were the fries, and they certainly didn't disappoint this time. The Cajun fries are suitably spicy, but not overpowering, and not too salty, either. The fries were better than I remembered, and certainly in a league of their own, as far as fast food french fries are concerned.

Now the burger. They loaded it with the topping I asked for, which is a plus, and it was dripping with melting cheese. When I said I wanted a cheeseburger, they gave me a cheeseburger! The burger itself was delicious, certainly as good as I remembered from the last time I had Five Guys (at least 5 years ago), but since that time...I have experienced IN-N-OUT, the mecca of fast food cheeseburgers, as far as I am concerned. And while the Five Guys burger is universally excellent, it doesn't quite hold up to IN-N-OUT's Double-Double. Both use fresh ground beef (never frozen), fresh ingredients, and they both make your burgers to order. But there's something missing from Five Guys (perhaps a little seasoning to the meat, a little salt and pepper can go a long way) that causes me to give the nod to IN-N-OUT.

Five Guys will certainly get my business again (they're right around the corner, and their fries can't be beat), but the most excellent burger in town (for me) is IN-N-OUT.

X -

Oddly enough, your In-n-Out was on tv today (The Travel Channel was showing the best places for hamburgers), and I was thinking about ya.

Your "report" on Five Guys sounds right to me.... a large order of fries can easily feed three people. The only thing I'll differ on is their Cajun Fries. I don't like my food too spicy so I'll stay away from the Cajun (it's nothing more than spices that are shaken on to the fries).

The toppings are free... dunno why your burger cost so much.

X, thanks for sharing. I'll go get some napkins to wipe the drool off my chin now.

I love burgers. Although it's not a fast food place, our local pub does buy one get one free burgers on Monday nights. My daughter's 21st birthday is on a Monday this year, so she wants to have beer and burgers that day.

They make the best Jucy Loosey, so I'm looking forward to it myself!

The burger itself came out to around $5.20, the regular order of fries was $2.39, and the large iced tea was $1.89. Factor in California's 8.75% sales tax, and it makes sense.

The biggest thing that will keep me away from Five Guys is the price. I can get a Double-Double at IN-N-OUT for less than four bucks, and it is excellent. If I have a hankering for fries, however, Five Guys will get my business.

I think next time I'll try a hot dog (on your recommendation, SC.)

OK... all three items were $10. That makes sense. If you're eating the food there in the store buy a small soda and save some money. The refills are free.

I haven't had any of their food in a few months (and they're only two blocks away from me).... I've been on a kick to cut out fast food, but I think I'll pay them a visit this week.

I tried the Five Guys cajun fries once -- and while I love spice and all, I like their regular fries better. And yeah, they give you TOO MUCH. Wish I could try an In & Out to compare, but for me, Five Guys is the best CHAIN burger I've had. I've had better in restaurants, of course -- but that's at twice the cost of even Five Guys, so, of course...

But honestly... FRESH, HOT McDonald's fries are still my favorite. I don't care that they're frozen.

I dunno, maybe I'm old fashioned, but paying $10.74 for a burger and fries means that somebody is definitely getting the old IN-N-OUT (Animal style)... and I ain't talkin' about fast food!

Signor V.

OK. To put it into terms with which you might have a basis for comparison.... the same amount of food at Mickey D's would cost about a dollar more.

The Five Guys burger is easily comparable to McD's Big Mac (and Five Guys tatstes MUCH better). Five Guys' fries <small order> equals three large McD's fries. Plus a large soda from both.

You have to see it and eat it to understand.... it's not just a burger and fries.

I think that is the main thing, for me. While $10.74 seems like a lot of money to pay for a burger and fries, it is easily justifiable (for me anyway) when the food is delicious, and you get a lot of it. Five Guys (and IN-N-OUT) certainly give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Hell, I've spent $30 bucks for dinner at Red Robin with my girlfriend, and all we ate THAT night were burgers and fries. The food was delicious, though. (BTW, if any of you ever go to Red Robin, get the A1 Peppercorn Burger. I will go ahead and say you're welcome in advance.)

I really like hot dogs

We have a Red Robin here, right across from In 'n Out and McDonald's. Red Robin has pretty decent burger-and-fries, but I still prefer In 'n Out. That McDonald's is incredibly bad.

Last year, Consumer Reports rated fast food burger chains. In 'n Out and (I think) Carl's Junior topped the list. McD and Burger King came in dead last.

Ultimately - and this is the frustrating part for me - while cost, portion size and food quality are certainly the most important factors in rating fast food, it also comes down to something else: availability.

Sad to say, that here in my part of Brooklyn it's ridiculous that most of the aforementioned franchises simply do not exist. You have McDonald's, Burger King, KFC/Taco Bell, and the occasional Subway. Very little else. And what little else there might be is pretty much only an option if you have a car (I do not) or are willing to take buses or trains.

Quite ridiculous, if you ask me.

Signor V.

...but you can probably get kosher Chinese and falafel...

I never really cared for Kosher Chinese restaurants. I like shrimp and some pork dishes, so there goes that. And it never really tastes as good, at least to my palate.

And then there's the price... We're back to the old IN-'N-OUT (Animal Style). Ouch! Or maybe that should be, Oy!

Now a good falafel, on the other hand... Yum!

At least I have a decent real Chinese take-out establishment right around the corner from me, and just a few doors down is a pizzeria that has been here for decades. Also on the same block is Adelman's Deli. Across the street is a Turkish restaurant that actually has very palatable fare at very reasonable prices.

So, it's not a total desert out there!

Signor V.

Just made/had that tonight. From a mix (from Lebanon -- just add water, wait an hour, roll, then fry), but still pretty good -- bought it at a Turkish market, along with the accompanying Tahini. Standing in for the Tzatziki was a Greek yogurt dip w/ similar flavorings (cucumber/dill/feta -- not enough cuc, too much feta), with plain Greek yogurt added into it to mellow it out a little. Served in whole wheat pitas with sliced tomato (didn't have lettuce). Good stuff!

Had Chinese take-out last night from my favorite Chinese restaurant in Garden Grove (borderline Orange), right across the street from the famed Crystal Cathedral. It's a place called Hong Kong Express. There are locations all over Orange County, but I only go to the one in Garden Grove. They give you a ton of food, the prices are low, and the food is amazing. Their orange chicken is the best I have EVER had, and the rest of their food is fantastic (last night I had orange chicken, spicy shredded pork, and chow mein.)

Dee-lish!

Another source of "fast food" is supermarkets. I often buy the wraps and pre-made sandwiches at Fry's, a big chain here. Also, salad bars at some stores can be really good--and quick.

I agree, TB. I find this especially true when I'm in Florida. I'm sure you're familiar with the Publix chain down there. Maybe it's just because there are so many demanding New York retirees in South Florida, but the deli and appy sections in those stores have become almost gourmet. I find myself buying things like whitefish salad in a supermarket! That was unheard of just a few years ago.

I never knew Publix until my folks bought a condo in Hallandale. Clean stores, good food--and, clean toilets in the front of the store! Just try finding a john in a NYC-area supermarket (usually hidden away in the loading dock), and then try to muster the courage to use it.

A friend who was a pharmacist in a supermarket says prepared foods are their highest-profitability items.

More than the drugs???

Probably not.

I mostly eat fast food from McDonald's ... actually I'm not a fan of this meal, as a rule there is added any yuck, just sometimes I want or do not have time to eat.

Subway topped the list of the country's favorite fast food restaurants, beating out burger pushers McDonald's, Burger King and Five Guys. Runners up were Dairy Queen and Wendy's, in second and third place respectively.

Fajita pizza and zinger burger are my favorite fast foods.
They are spicy and tasty.

mcdonalds
taco bell
kfc

For me I would have to say White Castle. Give me 3 Double Jalpeno Sliders and chicken rings with a side of BBQ Sauce. The fries are good too! The original slider is a classic and hits the spot!

The Big Mac is the old reliable.
The same with the crunchwrap supreme from Taco Bell.
The last couple of years though, a chicken Burrito from a local cain called Z-Techa.

A flyer in my local paper today has coupons for Jack in the Box's new cheeseburger creation: "The Hot Mess." It conjurs obnoxious canine images...

Zoning Board in the town next to mine gave approval for a Culver's outlet. Anyone familiar with Culver's? I looked them up on the web--seems they offer more than the usual fast food?

Will you bare my children?

You want your kids to run around naked?

TB - Culver's is terrific. They have the best onion rings and fries out there. They have every kind of burger, fish sandwich, etc. Very tasty! You won't be disappointed.

I like the Jackson hole for burgers

When I go to Berlin I get a ton of big macs at McDonald's.

Thanks Mark.
Are they more of a sit-down/be served place? Or more like McDonalds etc.?

Kfc or McDonalds probably..

Thanks to all. Will give Culver's a try. Local paper says they'll start construction in April, open in July.

subway,mcdonals,dominos pizza,burger king

i dont eat fast food often though

There's a local place around here called The Hat that has some really delicious food. Their pastrami and roast beef dips are great, and they serve the biggest order of chili-cheese fries you've ever seen. They have some good burgers and hot dogs, too.

The Hat

A fitting song!



he went to the bathroom / didn't even wash his hands / he's fixing my food dude / that aint part of the plan

Sonic
Waffle House
Jimmy Johns {Subs)
White Castle
Hardy's/Carls Jr
Chick Filet
Arby's

My wife just learned that Kentucky Fried Chicken has plans to eventually get rid of the bones in their chicken and I had to talk her back down from the ledge.

I suppose the bones were slowing America down from the chicken meat.

If im on the road in the hick sticks I'll eat that Arby's shit.

Might haveto tomorrow.

Pisses me off.

DP

LMAO.

I never liked KFC. In gritty neighborhoods of NYC, we have Kennedy Fried Chicken. I remember when I was young when school would let out I would stop by Kennedy Fried Chicken and buy a huge ice cream cone (3 big scoops for $1). Those were always good.

...I bet Bloomberg forced them into that to protect NYers from choking...

On the west coast, KFC was considered to be the best of the chicken chains. The grittier neighborhoods had Churches Chickens. Around my grandmother's house in East Oakland there were about five franchises!

that would be funnier if it wasn't something that has probably crossed his mind before.

on the topic of fast food, stewarts root beer here in central jersey makes some damn good burgeres/fries/onion rings, and their root beer is the best as far as i'm concerned! the windmill also makes some great bugers, and the hotdogs and cheese fries are also great!

Checkers

Texas Ranch House used to have lots tacos, chicken wings, garlic bread, pizzas not much to drink though. Anyway, they shut down.

Church's Chicken used to sell nice tacos, but they stopped doing so.

Döner Kebab is the number one choice in Berlin.

Hi, I am also really like to eat fast food and burger is my favorite it have many reason as like you can eat it in any position if you are walking or during the driving and you can get it form any where.

Never eat it. Fast food for me is celery sticks and hummus.

Not surprising, given all the Turks in Germany.

I remember, in the early Sixties, when West Germany was so short of labor in the Onkel Ludi years that hundreds of thousands of gastarbeiter were welcomed. Many worked at Volkswagenwerk AG, which was the symbol (at least in America) of the "German Economic Miracle."

But, another German "fast food" got an unwitting boost from President Kennedy in that era. Making his famous visit to the Berlin Wall, JFK said, "Ich bin ein Berliner."
He meant to say that he was standing, as one, with Berliners. But "ein Berliner" is a German pastry; so what he said to the Germans was, "I am a pastry." He should have said, "Ich bin Berliner."

That's a myth. He said what he meant, and everybody got the message. In some parts of West Germany a donut-like pastry is called "Berliner". In Southern Germany they call it "Krapfen". And in the Eastern parts of Germany (including West Berlin) it's called "Pfannkuchen". But even in West Germany nobody misunderstood him.
We even have a pastry called "Amerikaner".

Wendys

Hi

Hi

Hi

Lol

I ate Crizma Burger with great fun Its my favorite fast food .




YOU'LL BE BANNED IF YOU ADD SPAM TO YOUR POSTS AGAIN - SC

In the Bay Area we have a local chain called Nations and they have the best burgers by far. On a national note I'd have to pick Wendys or A&W.