Satisfy your cravings Best Fast Food Restaurant (2026) — Our editors and readers independently select what you see on USA TODAY 10BEST. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. On any given day, tens of millions of Americans are treated to irresistibly delicious food that's in their hands just a few minutes (or less!) after ordering. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work and preparation to deliver that sort of speed, quality, and scale. To spotlight the best fast food restaurants in the business, USA TODAY 10BEST editors teamed up with a panel of experts to nominate their top picks. Then, readers voted to determine the winners. These 10 fast food chains serve up diverse, delicious menus that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, all while keeping service fast and prices reasonable. One of the largest sandwich chains in the country, Arby’s draws hungry customers in with their famous roast beef sandwiches. Arby's also offers deli-style sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and chicken sandwiches. The menu at Zaxby’s is built primarily around fried chicken — sandwiches, fingers, wings, and salads — but what also pulls people in are items like their fried white cheddar bites, fried pickles, and loaded fries. Not to mention, diners shouldn't leave without ordering some of their delicious chocolate chip cookies. Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes is best known for its famous fried chicken served in a Southern way: with a biscuit, mac and cheese, Cajun fries, red beans and rice, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes and Cajun gravy. Don't forget to add some of their delectable dipping sauces to your order. No. 7: McDonald's McDonald’s is nearly synonymous with the words "fast food," so it’s no surprise that it's often the restaurant of choice for those seeking a quick bite and satisfying menu. Like many restaurants, they frequently offer special deals for those ordering through the McDonald’s app. No. 6: Taco Bell Taco Bell isn’t just a late-night favorite. This menu has all-day appeal, from their unique breakfast items to a nice selection of Mexican-inspired options that include tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and Mexican pizza. No. 5: Raising Cane's Raising Cane's has captured the hearts of fast-food enthusiasts with its simple yet irresistible menu centered around high-quality chicken fingers. The brand's commitment to a focused menu, complemented by crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast, stands out from the expansive menus of other fast food chains. "Caniacs" know that Cane's Sauce is a necessary accompaniment to any meal. It’s hard to say if Wendy’s is beloved more for their burgers or its creamy frozen Frosty desserts. Customers return again and again for their iconic menu items, as well as new or limited-time fare like their saucy nuggets, grilled chicken wrap, and Frosty Fusions. No. 3: Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A is a favorite amongst chicken lovers throughout the United States. The restaurant offers a variety of chicken-centric dishes, including nuggets and salads, but their classic and spicy chicken sandwiches are tough to beat. Be sure to experiment with their range of delicious sides and sauces. While A&W is best known for its root beer, there's a lot more to this international chain than just one soft drink. Diners can look forward to bacon cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, cheese curds, and a wealth of other savory favorites. And to sweeten the deal, each restaurant also comes equipped with top-tier desserts including chocolate shakes, hot caramel fudge sundaes, and, of course, fresh root beer floats.

No. 1: Del Taco This popular taco stop, which serves all kinds of satisfying Mexican fare including burritos, quesadillas, and nachos, also offers burgers and fries. In addition, Del Taco has a dedicated breakfast menu, as well as a vegan and vegetarian menu. Alex is a food, events, and travel content creator based in Pittsburgh, PA, known on Instagram as Alex Eats Too Much. An avid eater since childhood, he has developed a deep appreciation for food and exploring a wide range of dishes. He shares his experiences across the Pittsburgh food and events scene and beyond, highlighting what is new, special, and unique. His favorite foods include pizza, dumplings, and burgers. Alex creates content full-time, producing more in-depth videos of his food and travel experiences, including long-form content on YouTube . Learn more at https://alexeatstoomuch.com/ . USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Previous Winners 2 . Jack in the Box 4 . Chick-fil-A 8 . Raising Cane's 10 . McDonald's Best Regional Fast Food Best Sandwich or Sub Shop Best Fast Food Fried Chicken Discover the Best of Travel and Lifestyle From unforgettable vacations to tips for better living, 10BEST empowers you to live your best life. Readers' Choice Awards 10BEST's flagship awards program highlights the best of the best across a number of travel and lifestyle categories, including destinations, food and drink, attractions, and shopping. Our Top New Stories Get invaluable insights and tips to help you make the most of your free time, whether it’s an evening at home or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.