7 Best Fast-Food Chains You Can Only Find In The South
It's no secret that Americans love their fast-food chains and picking up greasy food in a drive-thru. Luckily, you can find chains like McDonald's and Subway pretty much everywhere across the U.S., but there are other establishments out there where this isn't the case. In fact, there are a select few fast-food joints you will only find down South.
The South may be best known for Country music, slow-cooked barbecue, and amazing old-fashioned desserts, but it's also the home of these seven fast-food chains you won't see anywhere else. The next time you find yourself in Texas or Florida, or even Kentucky, and you drive by any of the following, make sure you make a pit stop with a full, hungry stomach! Plus, don't miss 8 "Southern" Foods That Aren't Actually From the South.
Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits
If you're ever in the mood for a fast home-cooked-style meal and you're in Maryland, Florida, or (almost) anywhere in between, take a drive to Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits. This Southern establishment sells fast and crispy cajun-seasoned fried chicken and traditional buttery biscuits. According to Thrillist, not only does the chain have its chicken delivered fresh on a daily basis, it also sits in a legendary marinade for up to 12 hours. You don't want to miss out on all-day breakfast or the infamous and authentic southern sweet tea, only found in the South and at Bojangles'.
Current Locations: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
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Krystal's
Some fast-food chains may lack in the side dish department, but not Krystal's! The Southern drive-thru burger joint is known for its crispy and flaky fries, along with sliders, chili dogs, and fried wings that serve up a kick. And even though Krystal's may offer some of the tiniest bites in fast food, they're full of huge flavors. The hamburgers are cooked in onions and topped with quality American cheese.
Current Locations: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee.
Cook Out
Cook Out is one of the most affordable, yet still one of the top quality fast food chains in the South. When you take a look at the menu, you'll find a long list of Southern-style burgers (that aren't so tiny) you can choose from—including toppings smoky barbecue sauce, and homemade chili or cole slaw. Plus, if hush puppies are one of your go-to orders, you'll be happy to know that Cook Out makes a killer batch every time.
Current Locations: North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Biscuitville
As you may have expected, this fast food establishment has proven itself by perfecting one staple item—biscuits. If you're ever in need, run as fast as you can to Biscuitville, where you'll find any and all your sandwich favorites made in between a moist and fluffy honey biscuit. The spot is also praised for its untouchable fast-food breakfast items, per Insider, the bacon is juicy and the thick gravy is everything you could've ever wished for in a Southern breakfast.
Current Locations: North Carolina and Virginia.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom allows customers to take a break from the barbecue food options in the South and enjoy other favorites with a slice of pizza. Unlike other fast-food pizza joints, this 70s-themed chain gets creative without losing a beat in quality. Most known for a spectacular Buffalo Chicken Pizza—topped with homemade buffalo sauce and a creamy blue cheese swirl—and the Holy Shiitake Pie—topped with both button and portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and Wisconsin-aged white cheddar. Mellow Mushroom offers quick-service pizza that is unique and flavorful.
Current Locations: Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South, Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and Florida.
Zaxby's
Southern charm might come to mind when you think of Zaxby's, as a result of their exceptionally quick and friendly service, Restaurant Clicks writes. But besides a nice smile with your meal, you'll also be thrilled to know that the chain sells mouthwatering fried chicken that is seasoned like no other fast food. It may be rare, but if you're ever looking for a healthier fast-food dish, try out Zaxby's fresh salad because it is just to die for.
Current Locations: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's and their very tasty chicken finger combo meal quickly took the South by storm and is the one chain on this list that has continued to expand ever since. The chain cooks up all things fried chicken, in the most buttery and crunchy way possible, while also sticking to its Southern roots. Your meal in a box comes with sides such as coleslaw, Texas toast, and crispy crinkle-cut fries to hit all the best bases, Insider reports. But don't forget to ask for Cane's sauce—the signature dipping sauce—it's a phenomenal secret ingredient and the most beloved component by happy customers.
Current Locations: Almost 500 locations nationwide (as well as a few overseas locations).
The next time you're traveling through the South, don't forget to stop at these Southern fast food chains. You'll be glad you did!
