You may have noticed some seemingly glaring omissions on our list of The 100 Greatest Cult Restaurants in America. Allow us to explain. A great many individual restaurants ended up in a soggy tear- and mustard-drenched tangle on the cutting room floor for not quite fitting our operationalized definition of a “cult” restaurant. We’re okay with that — there are always casualties in listicles of this nature. The thing we couldn’t square with was disqualifying some of the cultiest joints around for having too many locations — so we decided to supplement our cult restaurants with a list of their fast food counterparts.
The only place on earth that doesn’t make us feel like assholes for asking, “Could you put some chili on top of that?”
What makes a cult fast food chain? Typically, the chain has between 5 – 5,000 locations that are somehow limited — usually geographically. It’s not necessary for all locations to be in America (or even for the chain to be based here), but there must be a dedicated following to the U.S. locations. The food must be stellar (as far as fast food can be considered stellar), unique enough to produce a dedicated clientele, and uniform throughout all locations. A meal is, of course, cheap and typically wrapped in some type of branded packaging. With these criteria in mind, we compiled this list of The 25 Greatest Cult Fast Food Chains in America. Enjoy.
1. In-N-Out Burger
Are you surprised? We didn’t think so. Anyone who’s been to the West Coast burger chain understands why it tops the list. High-quality ingredients and cheap prices are only the start — a secret menu, hidden bible verses in the packaging, and twisted palm trees make going to pick up a Double Double a truly cultish experience.
Are you surprised? We didn’t think so. Anyone who’s been to the West Coast burger chain understands why it tops the list. High-quality ingredients and cheap prices are only the start — a secret menu, hidden bible verses in the packaging, and twisted palm trees make going to pick up a Double Double a truly cultish experience.
2. Five Guys Burgers and Fries
People are fond of referring to this chain as the “East Coast In-N-Out.” We think that sucks. Five Guys is delicious in its own right. The bacon cheeseburger has been rated as one of the least healthy items available at a chain, but that doesn’t stop us from shoving it in our faces. Add to that complimentary peanuts and fries made out of fresh-from-the-farm potatoes and you’ve got a chain that deserves worship.
People are fond of referring to this chain as the “East Coast In-N-Out.” We think that sucks. Five Guys is delicious in its own right. The bacon cheeseburger has been rated as one of the least healthy items available at a chain, but that doesn’t stop us from shoving it in our faces. Add to that complimentary peanuts and fries made out of fresh-from-the-farm potatoes and you’ve got a chain that deserves worship.
3. Chick-Fil-A
Mall chicken shouldn’t be this good. The classic combo here — a fried chicken breast served on a hot buttered roll with two pickles, salty waffle fries, and a sweet ice tea built for front porch-sittin’ — is nearly impossible to resist after first bite. The only thing that keeps our addiction in check is the fact that the chain is closed on Sundays.
Mall chicken shouldn’t be this good. The classic combo here — a fried chicken breast served on a hot buttered roll with two pickles, salty waffle fries, and a sweet ice tea built for front porch-sittin’ — is nearly impossible to resist after first bite. The only thing that keeps our addiction in check is the fact that the chain is closed on Sundays.
4. White Castle
Selling tiny square sliders in thirty-count cases is not a good idea. True, they don’t intend for two people to eat these all in one sitting but we’re here to tell you it happens. The ease of overindulgence can’t keep people away. Apparently neither can a cheetah, racist cop, or Neil Patrick Harris. Even the perplexing existence of chicken rings on the menu doesn’t seem to deter White Castle devotees.
Selling tiny square sliders in thirty-count cases is not a good idea. True, they don’t intend for two people to eat these all in one sitting but we’re here to tell you it happens. The ease of overindulgence can’t keep people away. Apparently neither can a cheetah, racist cop, or Neil Patrick Harris. Even the perplexing existence of chicken rings on the menu doesn’t seem to deter White Castle devotees.
5. Kyochon
The seriously slick interior of Kyochon locations lends an almost laboratory feel to the fast food experience. Which makes sense because one bite into a signature wing tossed in Hot Sweet Sauce makes you feel like you’re in some messed-up version of the Milgram experiment. It’s too hot to eat, but it’s too good to stop eating. Your eyes water, your tongue swells, you know you shouldn’t go on but the chicken commands you. Our advice? Try switching off with bites of Garlic Soy Sauce chicken, down a few orders of pickled daikon, and persevere. It’s really worth it.
The seriously slick interior of Kyochon locations lends an almost laboratory feel to the fast food experience. Which makes sense because one bite into a signature wing tossed in Hot Sweet Sauce makes you feel like you’re in some messed-up version of the Milgram experiment. It’s too hot to eat, but it’s too good to stop eating. Your eyes water, your tongue swells, you know you shouldn’t go on but the chicken commands you. Our advice? Try switching off with bites of Garlic Soy Sauce chicken, down a few orders of pickled daikon, and persevere. It’s really worth it.
6. Kelly’s Roast Beef
A pile of thinly sliced roast beef on a sesame-seed roll. Smear that bad boy with mustard and you’ve got an addiction you’ll never shake. The Massachusetts-based chain is also known for their high-quality lobster rolls, but it’s the beef that keeps the crowds coming.
A pile of thinly sliced roast beef on a sesame-seed roll. Smear that bad boy with mustard and you’ve got an addiction you’ll never shake. The Massachusetts-based chain is also known for their high-quality lobster rolls, but it’s the beef that keeps the crowds coming.
7. Original Tommy’s
The only place on earth that doesn’t make us feel like assholes for asking, “Could you put some chili on top of that?” This West Coast chain is known for its chili burgers, chili cheese dogs, and chili cheese fries. Oh, and its chili-topped breakfast sandwich. Yes, breakfast sandwich.
The only place on earth that doesn’t make us feel like assholes for asking, “Could you put some chili on top of that?” This West Coast chain is known for its chili burgers, chili cheese dogs, and chili cheese fries. Oh, and its chili-topped breakfast sandwich. Yes, breakfast sandwich.
8. Ted’s Hot Dogs
The best hot dog chain in New York isn’t in the city. It’s way out west. With eight locations in the Buffalo area (and one in Arizona), Ted’s has saturated its market with charcoal-broiled hot dogs, milkshakes made by hand, and crispy onion rings — but the real opiate of the Buffalo masses is the house hot sauce.
The best hot dog chain in New York isn’t in the city. It’s way out west. With eight locations in the Buffalo area (and one in Arizona), Ted’s has saturated its market with charcoal-broiled hot dogs, milkshakes made by hand, and crispy onion rings — but the real opiate of the Buffalo masses is the house hot sauce.
9. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Is there anything like a really good sandwich? Freshly sliced cold cuts, chewy bread, and size options for every appetite make Jimmy John’s a place to frequent. The Vito — that’s genoa salami, provolone, capicola, and fixings — makes it a place to adore.
Is there anything like a really good sandwich? Freshly sliced cold cuts, chewy bread, and size options for every appetite make Jimmy John’s a place to frequent. The Vito — that’s genoa salami, provolone, capicola, and fixings — makes it a place to adore.
10. Giordano’s
Man, are we going to hear about this one. When it comes to world-famous, Chicago stuffed pizza, there are a half-dozen chains that call dibs on the crown. We think Giordano’s deserves its cult status because the sauce is tangy and perfect each time, the crust is flaky and buttery, and the fillings come dangerously overstuffed.
Man, are we going to hear about this one. When it comes to world-famous, Chicago stuffed pizza, there are a half-dozen chains that call dibs on the crown. We think Giordano’s deserves its cult status because the sauce is tangy and perfect each time, the crust is flaky and buttery, and the fillings come dangerously overstuffed.
11. The Counter
A classy classic burger joint built around the concept of customization, The Counter knows what we want: the option to put a fried egg on top of anything. Customers take control of their fast food experience by choosing a burger, cheese, toppings, sauce, and a bun. Not a bad concept. Now if we could only get a pretzel roll option on that clipboard…
A classy classic burger joint built around the concept of customization, The Counter knows what we want: the option to put a fried egg on top of anything. Customers take control of their fast food experience by choosing a burger, cheese, toppings, sauce, and a bun. Not a bad concept. Now if we could only get a pretzel roll option on that clipboard…
12. Yoshinoya
This fast food chain has been around for more than a century and it’s no wonder — who doesn’t love a bowl filled with steak and rice? Most locations are in Japan, but Southern Californians enjoy easy access to the umami-laden goodness of the Yoshinoya menu.
This fast food chain has been around for more than a century and it’s no wonder — who doesn’t love a bowl filled with steak and rice? Most locations are in Japan, but Southern Californians enjoy easy access to the umami-laden goodness of the Yoshinoya menu.
13. Capriotti’s
Capriotti subs have earned a dedicated following from Delaware to Las Vegas. Some of the menu options are authentically Italian-American (try the genoa salami, capacolla, and prosciutini with provolone), but these don’t inspire worship. The Bobbie inspires worship. With homemade turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, this Thanksgiving-on-a-hoagie is available all year long.
Capriotti subs have earned a dedicated following from Delaware to Las Vegas. Some of the menu options are authentically Italian-American (try the genoa salami, capacolla, and prosciutini with provolone), but these don’t inspire worship. The Bobbie inspires worship. With homemade turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, this Thanksgiving-on-a-hoagie is available all year long.
14. Blake’s Lotaburger
This New Mexican favorite grew from a tiny stand to 76 statewide locations for one reason — the almighty green chile. Whether you go for a Lota (large) or an Itsa, (small), loading your burger down with real Hatch chiles is non-negotiable if you want to experience a truly New Mexican fast food meal.
This New Mexican favorite grew from a tiny stand to 76 statewide locations for one reason — the almighty green chile. Whether you go for a Lota (large) or an Itsa, (small), loading your burger down with real Hatch chiles is non-negotiable if you want to experience a truly New Mexican fast food meal.
15. Bojangle’s
Juicy, crispy fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits — Bojangles doesn’t really need anything else to earn cult status. But this Southern chain isn’t content to rest on its finger-licking good laurels, it also offers sweet tea, sweet potato pie, and berry or cinnamon sweet biscuits to put itself over the top.
Juicy, crispy fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits — Bojangles doesn’t really need anything else to earn cult status. But this Southern chain isn’t content to rest on its finger-licking good laurels, it also offers sweet tea, sweet potato pie, and berry or cinnamon sweet biscuits to put itself over the top.
16. Boardwalk Fries
Beaches, baseball games, malls, and street festivals — all prime locations to inhale a tub of Boardwalk Fries. This East Coast chain is all about the french fries — which are crispy, fried in peanut oil, and served in comically oversized buckets. Some locations are smart enough to keep bottles of malt vinegar and Old Bay on hand, but these suckers are pretty good naked, too.
Beaches, baseball games, malls, and street festivals — all prime locations to inhale a tub of Boardwalk Fries. This East Coast chain is all about the french fries — which are crispy, fried in peanut oil, and served in comically oversized buckets. Some locations are smart enough to keep bottles of malt vinegar and Old Bay on hand, but these suckers are pretty good naked, too.
17. The Habit Burger Grill
Judging by the name, this joint is clearly aspiring to cult status. We think they’re already there. This slightly upscale fast food place — which serves up charburgers, onion rings, and real shakes — has accomplished the impossible: many local In-N-Out devotees are straying from their master chain for a taste.
Judging by the name, this joint is clearly aspiring to cult status. We think they’re already there. This slightly upscale fast food place — which serves up charburgers, onion rings, and real shakes — has accomplished the impossible: many local In-N-Out devotees are straying from their master chain for a taste.
18. Freebirds
This Texas chain has it all figured out; fire-grilled meats, a sauce called death, tons of cilantro, and a perfectly cylindrical burrito. Sure, it’s probably too slick and clean to be authentic, but it has cultivated a rabidly devoted, Chipotle-damning clientele.
This Texas chain has it all figured out; fire-grilled meats, a sauce called death, tons of cilantro, and a perfectly cylindrical burrito. Sure, it’s probably too slick and clean to be authentic, but it has cultivated a rabidly devoted, Chipotle-damning clientele.
19. Hot Dog on a Stick
Complete with corndogs, lemonade, and shoestring french fries — a meal at HDOS is like a day at the beach (even if you’re in a mall). Also, we dig the funny hats. The hot dog itself is nothing special, but the sweet corn wrapping doused with mustard can hook even the most discerning of palates.
Complete with corndogs, lemonade, and shoestring french fries — a meal at HDOS is like a day at the beach (even if you’re in a mall). Also, we dig the funny hats. The hot dog itself is nothing special, but the sweet corn wrapping doused with mustard can hook even the most discerning of palates.
20. Golden Krust
Jerk chicken. Curried goat. Fried Plantains. These are all excellent reasons to frequent Golden Krust, but the best reason is the Jamaican patty. These are basically tiny Caribbean pies — savory stew-like innards wrapped in pastry, swiped with egg yolk, and baked to golden perfection. Just try to say no.
Jerk chicken. Curried goat. Fried Plantains. These are all excellent reasons to frequent Golden Krust, but the best reason is the Jamaican patty. These are basically tiny Caribbean pies — savory stew-like innards wrapped in pastry, swiped with egg yolk, and baked to golden perfection. Just try to say no.
21. Chipotle
Oh, Chipotle. We really love to hate you and we reallyhate to love you but sometimes we can’t help it. And neither can a lot of other people. The chain that brought the taqueria to the masses strives for social responsibility and isn’t short on devotees. Now if only they could learn how to properly wrap a burrito (hint: it’s not supposed to look like a football).
Oh, Chipotle. We really love to hate you and we reallyhate to love you but sometimes we can’t help it. And neither can a lot of other people. The chain that brought the taqueria to the masses strives for social responsibility and isn’t short on devotees. Now if only they could learn how to properly wrap a burrito (hint: it’s not supposed to look like a football).
22. Penn Station
If there’s one thing that can be said about East Coasters, it’s that they love their subs. Loyalists swear by the Philly-style cheesesteak, saucy pizza, or grilled artichoke options. Fresh-cut fries with bits of skin and hand-squeezed lemonade round out the menu.
If there’s one thing that can be said about East Coasters, it’s that they love their subs. Loyalists swear by the Philly-style cheesesteak, saucy pizza, or grilled artichoke options. Fresh-cut fries with bits of skin and hand-squeezed lemonade round out the menu.
23. Nathan’s Famous
When it comes to pledging hot dog allegiance, the Poor Tasters are split. Some of us rep for Team Chicago, some of us can’t get enough of California chili-dogs, but not one of us (okay, except the vegans), will turn down a Nathan’s dog. They aren’t the best hot dogs in the country, although we do dig that snap, but this chain wins extra points for the hot-dog eating contest.
When it comes to pledging hot dog allegiance, the Poor Tasters are split. Some of us rep for Team Chicago, some of us can’t get enough of California chili-dogs, but not one of us (okay, except the vegans), will turn down a Nathan’s dog. They aren’t the best hot dogs in the country, although we do dig that snap, but this chain wins extra points for the hot-dog eating contest.
24. Sonic Drive-In
Known for the Super Sonic Burger (which is tasty, but unremarkable) and the foot-long Coney topped with chili, cheese, and a week’s worth of regrets, this Oklahoma-based chain has grown fat on its cultiness. The commercials for this place couldn’t possibly be more annoying, but the tater tots, roller-skates, and custom-mixed slushies more than make up for it.
Known for the Super Sonic Burger (which is tasty, but unremarkable) and the foot-long Coney topped with chili, cheese, and a week’s worth of regrets, this Oklahoma-based chain has grown fat on its cultiness. The commercials for this place couldn’t possibly be more annoying, but the tater tots, roller-skates, and custom-mixed slushies more than make up for it.
25. Skyline Chili
Chili on top of spaghetti. It’s a simple concept, but a brilliant one. Customers line up daily to have it 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (with diced onions or red beans), or 5-way (with diced onions and red beans) at this Ohio favorite.
Chili on top of spaghetti. It’s a simple concept, but a brilliant one. Customers line up daily to have it 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (with diced onions or red beans), or 5-way (with diced onions and red beans) at this Ohio favorite.
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