Across the United States, each state has its go-to fast food favorite that proudly claims bragging rights for flavors that locals cannot resist. This list takes you through each one, offering a tasty tour of the fast food legends dominating every state right now!
Alabama – Chick-fil-A
Alabama picked Chick-fil-A, and honestly, nobody’s shocked. The Peach State’s neighbor just cannot get enough of those crispy chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. Chick-fil-A, which started in Georgia in 1946, has become the go-to spot for quick, friendly service—and don't forget the Polynesian sauce!
Alaska – McDonald's
In a state where you can literally drive for hours without seeing another soul, spotting those famous golden arches is almost like finding treasure. Alaskans turn to McDonald’s for Big Macs, crispy fries, and that comforting consistency. McDonald’s opened its first Alaskan store in Anchorage in 1970 and has been a staple since.
Arizona – In-N-Out
Arizona couldn’t resist the call of the Double-Double from In-N-Out. The state's dry heat pairs surprisingly well with animal-style fries and milkshakes thick enough to bend a spoon. Pro tip: the "secret menu" isn’t a secret—ask for your protein-style burger, and they’ll wrap it in lettuce for a delicious low-carb option.
Arkansas – Chick-fil-A
Once again, Chick-fil-A grabs the crown, this time in Arkansas. Maybe it’s the buttery buns or perhaps it’s that sweet tea. Arkansans rally around Chick-fil-A like it’s college football season, and the restaurants are often packed by noon. Nobody else hands you your food with such sincere "my pleasure."
California – In-N-Out
California’s loyalty to In-N-Out runs deep. This is where the magic began in Baldwin Park in 1948. Those palm tree–lined drive-thrus are iconic. Californians swear by the quality—fresh, never frozen beef, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes made with real ice cream.
Colorado – Chick-fil-A
Colorado may be famous for its mountains, but people are heading straight for Chick-fil-A when it comes to fast food. The chain’s clean dining rooms and famously polite staff align with Colorado’s love for laid-back, quality experiences. Plus, the grilled nuggets hit the spot for health-conscious diners.
Connecticut – Panda Express
Connecticut decided it was time for a little orange chicken glow-up. Panda Express, founded in Glendale, California, in 1983, became the quick fix for those craving bold flavors without waiting. Panda's sweet and savory plates stand out in a state filled with quaint diners and seafood shacks, bringing excitement to every meal.
Delaware – Chick-fil-A
Tiny but mighty, Delaware picked Chick-fil-A as its fast food heavyweight. Delawareans love that quick service almost as much as the original chicken sandwich. Rumor has it that the lemonade in Delaware's Chick-fil-A locations is sweeter than anywhere else!
Florida – Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A keeps things consistent and delicious in a state full of sunshine and sandy beaches. Florida has among the most Chick-fil-A locations in the country, proving that chicken reigns supreme in the Sunshine State.
Georgia – Chick-fil-A
No surprise here: Georgia is practically Chick-fil-A. The first restaurant opened in Atlanta in 1946 as the Dwarf Grill. Fast-forward nearly 80 years, and it’s a cultural icon. Atlantans consider Chick-fil-A sacred ground, right up there with sweet tea and college football.
Hawaii – Panda Express
Hawaiians love bold flavors and generous portions, and Panda Express delivers both with its combination of chow mein and orange chicken. The chain made its way to the islands years ago, quickly earning a loyal following, especially after beach days when everyone’s too hungry to cook.
Idaho – Chick-fil-A
Idahoans love those chicken sandwiches and addictive waffle fries—proving that even in the Land of Spuds, there’s room for crispy chicken. The balance of flavors and signature sauces makes Chick-fil-A a go-to for Boise commuters and college students alike.
Illinois – White Castle
Illinois sticks to its roots with White Castle, the fast food powerhouse famous for its tiny sliders. Founded in Wichita but made iconic across the Midwest, these bite-sized burgers are a rite of passage, especially in Chicago after a night out.
Indiana – McDonald's
With thousands of locations nationwide, McDonald's remains a favorite in Indiana, where towns and big cities alike find comfort in those golden arches. McDonald's all-day breakfast menu, first tested in select Indiana locations, turned into a national phenomenon in 2015!
Iowa – Wendy's
Iowans appreciate that Wendy’s prides itself on using fresh, never frozen beef—a promise that has been a staple before it became trendy. The very first Wendy's opened in Columbus, Ohio, and has made itself a home in the Midwest, gaining fans across the state.
Kansas – Jack in the Box
Kansas took a gamble on Jack in the Box, and it paid off. With a menu offering everything from tacos to burgers, Jack's is a crowd-pleaser in a state that loves options. Those late-night Munchie Meals are perfect for satisfying cravings after Friday night football!
Kentucky – Chick-fil-A
Even with Colonel Sanders looming large, Chick-fil-A carves out a slice of the chicken pie. Locals cannot resist a juicy sandwich and those irresistible waffle fries. For a state known for chicken, the choice speaks volumes.
Louisiana – Chick-fil-A
Louisiana, known for its spicy food, still gives Chick-fil-A a seal of approval. Whether it’s the spicy chicken sandwich or the crispy nuggets, the Bayou State keeps coming back for more. Chick-fil-A offers a palate-friendly contrast to the bold local cuisine.
Maine – McDonald's
Nothing satisfies like McDonald's fries after a chilly boat ride. The brand was among the first to sell lobster rolls in New England. McDonald's locations in Maine remain a popular pit stop for those looking to warm up and refuel post-adventure.
Maryland – Chick-fil-A
Maryland's Chick-fil-A locations not only serve delicious food, but they also sponsor community events, building immense loyalty among locals. From breakfast minis to frosted lemonade, Chick-fil-A has become a second home for many Marylanders.
Massachusetts – McDonald's
In Massachusetts, McDonald's remains the old reliable choice. The golden arches pull massive crowds in a state known for Dunkin’ and clam chowder. Grabbing a Filet-O-Fish after a day at Fenway just hits differently, proving the comfort food appeal of this classic chain.
Michigan – McDonald's
Michiganders often munch on a Quarter Pounder with Cheese after a Tigers game or during snowy road trips on I-75. Michigan is even home to one of the highest-grossing McDonald's locations in Detroit. When winter hits, comfort food truly shines.
Minnesota – Panda Express
Minnesota turned to Panda Express for its warm flavors. Panda's orange chicken is especially comforting during the cold months, and its quick service has made it a favorite among the busy Twin Cities population.
Mississippi – Chick-fil-A
Tradition runs deep in Mississippi, and so does the love for Chick-fil-A. It has become the default answer to "where should we eat?" Breakfast biscuits have become a Southern rite of passage, earning Chick-fil-A rankings among customer satisfaction surveys.
Missouri – Chick-fil-A
Show-Me State residents love nothing more than a good chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A. The drive-thrus are bustling, especially at lunchtime. Missouri was one of the first states to adopt Chick-fil-A’s newer menu items, like the grilled chicken club sandwich.
Montana – Sonic
Montana residents love variety, and Sonic offers over 1.3 million drink combinations if you’re feeling adventurous. Starting as a root drink stand in 1953, Sonic has become a go-to for cherry limeades, tater tots, and burgers in Yellowstone country.
Nebraska – McDonald's
McDonald's remains a classic choice in Nebraska, from students grabbing Happy Meals after a Huskers game to families enjoying weekend picks. Friendliness and fast service make it one of the best in the Cornhusker State.
Nevada – In-N-Out
In Las Vegas, In-N-Out burgers at 3 a.m. are a must. It's amongst the busiest locations in the country. Known for using fresh ingredients—no microwaves, freezers, or heat lamps, the integrity of their meals continues to attract Nevadans.
New Hampshire – McDonald's
New Hampshire favors the simple pleasures with McDonald's. After outdoor adventures like hiking or kayaking, a quick stop for a McDouble feels just right. The state boasts a surprisingly high McDonald's-to-population ratio, showing its enduring appeal.
New Jersey – Panda Express
Panda Express became the first American Chinese food chain to surpass $3 billion in sales without franchising every location. Garden State residents appreciate the hustle and enjoy the speed and flavors of Panda's offerings, especially during busy lunch hours.
New Mexico – Chick-fil-A
New Mexico's bold flavors typically lean towards green chile, yet Chick-fil-A takes center stage when discussing fast food. It was one of the pioneering states to test the Spicy Chick-n-Strips, and they hit the spot!
New York – Church's Chicken
Church’s Chicken has been serving crispy goodness since 1952. Although New York takes pride in its pizza and bagels, it makes room for the famous fried chicken and honey-butter biscuits from Church's.
North Carolina – Chick-fil-A
North Carolina sticks close to its Southern roots with Chick-fil-A leading the fast-food pack. Even on rainy days, those double drive-thrus are jammed. Tar Heels keep it classic with nuggets, sweet tea, and maybe an extra tub of Polynesian sauce in the car console.
North Dakota – McDonald's
In North Dakota, nothing feels quite as comforting as a bag of hot fries and a quarter-pounder, especially during the cold months. McDonald's tailors some menu options to suit colder climates, which continues its popularity.
Ohio – Chick-fil-A
In the Buckeye State, drive-thrus are packed tight, especially around game day. Chick-fil-A shines with its combination of speed and friendliness, making it a top choice for Ohioans, who embrace mobile app orders enthusiastically.
Oklahoma – Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A maintains its straightforward approach, offering quick service and good food with no surprises—exactly what Oklahomans appreciate. Chick-fil-A opened its first location in the state in 1971, and it has built a loyal following ever since.
Oregon – Panda Express
Panda Express first expanded into Oregon in the '90s and has remained popular in shopping centers and campuses. The love of bold flavors and convenience reinforces Panda's fit into Oregon’s busy lifestyle.
Pennsylvania – Chick-fil-A
Pennsylvania favors Chick-fil-A for its quick service and familiarity. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh helped grow the brand’s Northeast presence, particularly after testing its breakfast menu. The chicken biscuits are a standout favorite!
Rhode Island – McDonald's
Rhode Island may be small, but McDonald's has a significant presence. Easy access, consistent menus, and fast service make it a go-to for busy Rhode Islanders looking for comfort food.
South Carolina – Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A leads by a landslide in South Carolina. Southern hospitality and fried chicken are a perfect match, and Chick-fil-A captures both. The restaurants are often packed before and after football games, making it a community favorite!
South Dakota – McDonald's
Spotting McDonald's in South Dakota feels like seeing an old friend. Travelers and locals grab Big Macs and crispy fries without missing a beat, especially during special seasonal offerings like the Shamrock Shake!
Tennessee – Chick-fil-A
Tennesseans fuel long workdays and tailgates alike with Chick-fil-A. Grey-walled drive-thrus frequently turn into mini traffic jams every Friday night as Chick-fil-A sandwiches and waffle fries keep customers coming back for more!
Texas – Chick-fil-A
Texas, the land of brisket and Tex-Mex, loves its Chick-fil-A. Locations are abundant in Dallas and Houston, where customers enjoy pairing chicken sandwiches with waffle fries and iced teas. Texas boasts the second most Chick-fil-A locations in the nation, right behind Georgia.
Utah – In-N-Out
In Utah, you’ll find hikers flocking to In-N-Out after trails. The Double-Double and animal-style fries have become official post-hike recovery meals since the first location opened in 2009, leading everyone to camp outside for it for days!
Vermont – Taco Bell
When hunger hits in Vermont, locals sprint to Taco Bell. With limited fast-food options among ski resorts, Taco Bell becomes an essential pit stop, especially after a long day on the slopes. Nothing beats a warm taco feast when you're cold!
Virginia – Chick-fil-A
Whether it’s a pit stop between Richmond and Virginia Beach or a quick bite after work, Chick-fil-A hits the mark. Virginia has some of the earliest Chick-fil-A mall locations outside the Deep South, and they remain well-loved.
Washington – Charleys Philly Steaks
In Washington, Charleys Philly Steaks has found its niche with juicy cheesesteaks and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. No rainy day stands a chance against a footlong steak sandwich, making Charleys popular in malls throughout the state.
West Virginia – McDonald's
After winding through mountain roads in West Virginia, a McDonald's drive-thru is a welcome sight. Coffee, Egg McMuffins, and crispy fries cover all cravings. The first McDonald’s opened in the state in 1964 and continues fueling road trips and lunches.
Wisconsin – McDonald's
Wisconsinites enjoy their cheese, but convenience wins, especially when rushing to work or heading home from a Packers game. Many of the oldest continuously operating McDonald's locations in the Midwest still hold that nostalgic charm.
Wyoming – Carl's Jr.
Carl’s Jr. expanded across the western U.S. in the ‘70s, and Wyoming embraced hearty, no-nonsense food. Travelers and locals turn to Carl's Jr. for meals that deliver flavor and satisfaction every time.