America's Best Burgers, Fries, Coffee and More

Say you're driving down the highway and your stomach is growling -- sure, there are plenty of burgers to lure you off the road, but how do you decide which is actually worth a stop? Well, our Fast-Food Survey results will tell you which drive-thru you should pull into and which you should pass by, whatever you're hungry for. Click through the below slideshow to see who has the best burgers, fries, milkshakes, salads, coffee -- if you've craved it, it's probably included. Be sure to let us know which are your favorites in the comments.

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• Best Fast Food Burger

  1. Five Guys 2. Wendy's 3. Burger King 4. In-N-Out Burger 5. Fuddruckers Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/6-wacky-fast-food-mash-ups-beer-spiked.html">6 Wacky Fast Food Mash-ups: Beer-Spiked Shakes, Ice Cream Nachos and More</a>

• Best Fast Food Fried Chicken

  1. KFC 2. Popeye's 3. Church's Chicken 4. Bojangles' 5. Culver's Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/5-awesome-fast-food-dishes-for.html">5 Awesome Fast-Food Dishes for Vegetarians</a>

• Best Fast Food Grilled Chicken

  1. Chick-fil-A 2. El Pollo Loco 3. Panera Bread 4. Wendy's 5. McDonald's Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/2012-fast-food-survey-results-are-live.html">2012 Fast-Food Survey Results Are Live!</a>

• Best Fast Food Fish

  1. Long John Silver's 2. Captain D's Seafood 3. McDonald's 4. Wendy's 5. Burger King Related:<a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/taste-test-dominos-new-pan-pizza.html"> Taste Test: Domino's New Pan Pizza</a>

• Best Fast Food French Fries

  1. McDonald's 2. Five Guys 3. Burger King 4. Wendy's 5. Chick-fil-A Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/fast-food-smackdown-most-caloric-chain.html">Fast-Food Smackdown: Taste Testing Chain Restaurant Gut Bombs</a>

• Best Fast Food Coffee

  1. Starbucks Coffee 2. Dunkin' Donuts 3. McDonald's 4. Caribou Coffee 5. Peet's Coffee and Tea Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/fast-food-wine-pairings-sommelier-dini.html">Fast-Food Wine Pairings: Sommelier Dini Rao Pairs 9 Classics With Vino</a>

• Best Fast Food Milkshakes

  1. Steak 'n Shake 2. In-N-Out Burger 3. Ben & Jerry's 4. Dairy Queen 5. Häagen-Dazs* * indicates tie Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/a-brief-history-on-midwestern-origins.html">A Brief History on the Midwestern Origins of Fast-Food</a>

• Best Quick Refreshment Ice Cream/Milkshake

  1. Rita's Italian Ice 2. Ben & Jerry's 3. Häagen-Dazs 4. Culver's 5. Baskin-Robbins Related: Feast Recap: The Dream of the Foodies is Alive in Portland

• Best Fast Food Breakfast Sandwich

  1. McDonald's 2. Burger King 3. Panera Bread 4. Chick-fil-A 5. Dunkin' Donuts Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/white-house-chef-sam-kass-on-cooking.html">White House Chef Sam Kass on Cooking for the Obamas and More</a>

• Best Fast Food Salads

  1. Wendy's 2. Panera Bread 3. McDonald's 4. Subway 5. Chipotle Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/restaurant-dealbreakers-10-thing-that.html">Restaurant Deal Breakers - 10 Things That Will Make You Never Come Back</a>

• Best Fast Food Value Menu

  1. McDonald's 2. Wendy's 3. Taco Bell 4. Burger King 5. Sonic Drive-In Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/wacky-food-gadgets-8-of-our-favorites.html">8 Wacky Food Gadgets - Love 'Em or Hate 'Em?</a>

• Best Fast Food Overall Value

  1. McDonald's 2. Wendy's 3. Taco Bell 4. Burger King 5. Subway Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/mixology-survey-vote-for-your-favorite.html">Mixology Survey: Vote For Your Favorite Drinks, Most Annoying Trends</a>

• Most Child-Friendly Fast Food Restaurant

  1. McDonald's 2. Chick-fil-A 3. Burger King 4. Ben & Jerry's 5. Panera Bread 6. Wendy's* Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/fall-cookbook-guide-10-of-seasons.html">Fall Cookbook Guide: 10 of the Season's Hottest New Titles</a>

• Best Fast Food Wings

  1. Buffalo Wild Wings 2. KFC 3. Pizza Hut 4. Domino's Pizza 5. Zaxby's Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/kerry-heffernan-on-top-chef-masters.html">Kerry Heffernan on Top Chef Masters, Restaurant Wish List</a>

• Best Healthy Fast Food Option

  1. Panera Bread 2. Chipotle 3. Subway 4. Baja Fresh Mexican Grill 5. Au Bon Pain Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/13-decadent-dishes-for-fall.html">13 Decadent Dishes for Fall</a>

• Best Full Service Steak

  1. Outback Steakhouse 2. LongHorn Steakhouse Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/10-more-new-rules-of-dining-etiquette.html">10 (More) New Rules of Dining Etiquette</a>

• Best Full Service Salad/Salad Bar

  1. Ruby Tuesday 2. Cheesecake Factory 3. California Pizza Kitchen 4. Olive Garden 5. Applebee's File: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/10-more-new-rules-of-dining-etiquette.html">Laurent Gras on His New E-Cookbook, His NYC Restaurant Plans and More</a>

• Best Full Service Coffee

  1. IHOP 2. Cheesecake Factory 3. Waffle House 4. Original Pancake House 5. Denny's Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/the-best-looking-restaurants-in-8-cities.html">The Best Looking Restaurants in 8 Cities</a>

• Best Full Service Pasta

  1. Olive Garden 2. Carrabba's Italian Grill 3. Romano's Macaroni Grill 4. Cheesecake Factory 5. California Pizza Kitchen Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/the-7-most-exciting-food-streets-in-us.html">The 7 Most Exciting Food Streets in the U.S.</a>

• Best Full Service Seafood

  1. Red Lobster 2. Joe's Crab Shack 3. Bonefish Grill 4. Olive Garden 5. Cheesecake Factory Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/party-report-cochon-heritage-bbq-fest.html">Party Report: Cochon Heritage BBQ Fest</a>

• Best Full Service Burger

  1. Red Robin 2. Applebee's 3. Chili's Grill & Bar 4. Ruby Tuesday 5. T.G.I. Friday's Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/local-spotlight-top-chefs-angelo-sosas.html">Local Spotlight: Top Chef's Angelo Sosa's NYC Eats</a>

• Best Full Service Desserts

  1. Cheesecake Factory 2. Applebee's 3. Olive Garden 4. T.G.I. Friday's 5. Chili's Grill & Bar Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/fast-casual-goes-nightlife-with-club.html">Fast-Casual Goes Nightclub with Club Applebee's</a>

• Best Full Service Overall Value

  1. Cheesecake Factory 2. Applebee's 3. California Pizza Kitchen 4. Cracker Barrel* 5. Outback Steakhouse Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/must-try-new-burgers-in-8-cities.html">Must-Try New Burgers in 8 Cities</a>

• Most Child-Friendly Full Service Chain

  1. Chuck E. Cheese's 2. Applebee's 3. California Pizza Kitchen 4. Cracker Barrel 5. Outback Steakhouse Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/nfl-stadium-dining-guide-10-awesome.html">NFL Stadium Dining Guide: 10 Awesome Game Day Snacks</a>

• Top Fast Food Asian

  1. Pei Wei Asian Diner 2. Noodles & Company 3. Panda Express Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/10-telltale-signs-of-good-restaurant.html">10 Telltale Signs of a Good Restaurant</a>

• Top Fast Food Mexican

  1. Chipotle 2. On the Border Mexican Grill 3. Baja Fresh Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/food-tv-fall-preview-from-no.html">Food TV Fall Preview: From No Reservations to Life After Top Chef</a>

• Top Fast Food Pizza

  1. Papa Murphy's 2. Papa John's 3. Little Caesars Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/local-spotlight-celebrity-chef-marc.html">Local Spotlight: Chopped's Marc Murphy's Downtown Manhattan Picks</a>

• Top Fast Food Sandwiches

  1. Firehouse Subs 2. Jason's Deli 3. Jimmy John's Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/was-thomas-jefferson-first-alice-waters.html">Was Thomas Jefferson the First Alice Waters?</a>

• Top Full Service American Food

  1. Cheddar's 2. O'Charley's 3. BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/fall-preview-first-look-at-new.html">Fall Preview: A First Look at New Restaurants, Bars and Festivals in 7 Cities</a>

• Top Full Service Italian

  1. Carrabba's Italian Grill 2. Romano's Macaroni Grill 3. Olive Garden Related: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/fall-preview-first-look-at-new.html">Destination Diners: 9 Classic Spots from Around the U.S.</a>

• Top Full Service Pizza

  1. California Pizza Kitchen 2. Pizzeria Uno 3. Uno Chicago Grill

 

Comments

[duncan36]

12:05 PM on 11/20/2012

Zagat's list 'o fail. So much fail in their list I dont know where to begin.

[MHB48]

11:13 AM on 10/01/2012

I can't honestly argue with Zagat's results, especially on the fast food burgers. 5 Guys and Wendys would be my choice if they asked me. I think a sausage and egg McMuffin are pretty good too if you need to get something quick. Don't make a habit out of any of those choices though. Eat at home when you can..and fx your own unhealthy food. It's not as bad for you if you fix it and eat in your own home...

[jovian]

01:04 AM on 10/01/2012

best vegan next time?

[joebobjones]

05:14 PM on 10/01/2012

no

[Brunobrasil]

05:09 PM on 11/13/2012

Nobody cares about some pasty looking or overweight pushovers that cry all the time.

[French Toast]

08:52 PM on 09/30/2012

Replace best and put "most popular chain" and then you have an honest headline. Most of the rankings make sense within the context, except for McDonald's fries and the category that Olive Garden topped.

[Zonatron]

08:34 PM on 09/30/2012

The very best that Big Ag and CAFO's can provide. God bless us every one.

Consult your cardiologist before consumption.

Grow your own!

Occupy the Food System!

[HazelPethigFan]

09:44 PM on 09/30/2012

elitist.

grow your own? what a great farmer you are.

[calliopek]

10:06 PM on 09/30/2012

...So what's elitist about eschewing factory-farmed fast food?

[Zonatron]

07:40 AM on 10/01/2012

Thanks basil. That was so kind of you.

[micsun]

08:05 PM on 09/30/2012

How is Carl's Jr Western Bacon Cheeseburger not anywhere to be seen? I bought my condo close to a Carl's Jr just for their great burgers and everything they have (they always seem to have some awesome great stuff). Renton, WA Carl's Jr is the best! :)

[trina0102]

05:19 AM on 10/01/2012

I agree 100%..Carl's was no where to be found in this survey.!! El Pollo Loco Chicken Sandwiches PALE in comparison to any of CARL"S Chicken sandwiches!!! Their new Sweet potato fries ROCK!! and their burgers are jucy, tender and Tasty (unlike McDonalds where I can only take about 2 bites before I can't swallow one more morsel) I even LOVE Carl's Turkey Burgers and generally HATE those. I have converted many of my friends over to Carl's!! I demand a RECOUNT!!!

[joebobjones]

05:16 PM on 10/01/2012

You bought your home because of its proximity to a Carl's Jr/Hardees? Haw!

[mspoppi]

03:21 PM on 09/30/2012

Mcdonalds really needs to change their beef distributor. The meat has absolutely no flavor and thats why they like to cover it up with ketchup/mustard and their secret sauce. Majority of the time the burger comes to you cold...and their fries aren't what they used to be.
Wendys isn't bad,they changed their fries a couple years back,good ideal! Meat has some flavor and like it when they give real leaves of lettuce not shredded down like McD's. NcD's shows you a burger with leaf lettuce on it but when you order it,the burger comes with shredded lettuce..ugh!

[mlaiuppa]

02:06 PM on 09/30/2012

Best is right out of your kitchen.

This country needs to learn how to cook like we used to.

[raysr11]

01:47 PM on 09/30/2012

I'll vote 5 Guys. I like the patty made fresh and more fries than I can eat. And GREAT sweet Ice Tea!

[Bergen2]

01:11 PM on 09/30/2012

Can't understand how Olive Garden gets top billing for anything. They have the worst consistently overcooked mushy pasta, I've ever had. Calling their all-you-can-eat iceberg lettuce a salad is also irritating.

[A Meat Beetle]

01:07 PM on 09/30/2012

"You could grow a million potatoes in their parking lot
But they'd rather make their french fries out of frozen snot
Milk shakes out of model aiplane kits 
And hamburgers out of...
...a word you can't say on television."
--Eugene Chadbourne, "Better Coming Out Than Going In"

[subdolphin]

11:57 AM on 09/30/2012

I understand all but Burger King. I gave up after repeatedly encountering them microwaving the patty and lower bun before building the sandwich. A shame because I remember before they started staging burgers ahead of time, that they were pretty tastey fresh out of that grilling machine.
Wendy's is underappreciated. They do pretty good for a FF chain. (IMO)

[ped135]

11:57 AM on 09/30/2012

How is Papa Murphy's the best fast food pizza you have to take it home and cook it, therefore not making it fast food by anymeans

[trina0102]

05:24 AM on 10/01/2012

I Can't believe LITTLE CESAERs made any LIST!! I call it CARDBOARD with KETCHUP on top!!! They have to give you 2 pizzas for the price of one...its' the only way they can get rid of their inventory!!! I take it back...they could make one list HANDS DOWN--THE MOST GOD-AWFUL PIZZA IN THE WORLD...if you CAN CLASSIFY it AS PIZZA THAT IS!!

[Ella Rosier]

11:41 AM on 09/30/2012

I eat Five Guys maybe twice a year ... delicious, but it's a heart attack in a bag.

[jafsie]

11:39 AM on 09/30/2012

White Castle.

[grailknight]

09:58 PM on 09/30/2012

Krystal.