Regional fast food that you just have to have when you get close to it?

[NotUrsula]

I normally travel quite a bit on a tight budget, and I have favorites in lots of places that I cannot get at home. Anyone else want to share some? I'm looking for regional chains or franchises that are in the fast/casual category or true fast food; nothing nationwide, and nothing with pretensions to full-service dining.

I've got 4 that come to mind immediately: Bud's Broiler in New Orleans, NafNaf Grille in the Chicago area, Nando's Peri-Peri near DC, and Zoe's Kitchen (which is cheating a bit, I know; it's a bit more than regional.)

Where I live now there is a local chain called Lion's Choice that has a loyal following; their thing is roast beef sandwiches. I like them, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to get them.

 

[ashley0139]

Moe's!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Portillo's here in Chicago. Italian beef, Italian sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, chocolate cake, great salads, lots more. A couple locations in Florida (Tampa), a few in Arizona (Phoenix), a few in California (LA), a whole bunch in Chicago area.

www.portillos.com

 

[Dan Murphy]

Lou Malnati's Pizza Self explanatory, mostly pizza

www.loumalnatis.com

56 Chicago locations, 4 in Arizona (Phoenix), 2 in Indiana (Indianapolis), 2 in Wisconsin (Milwaukee area)

 

[low-key]

Swensons (Am I right NEO)

 

[Breezy_Carol]

When out west I have to get In 'n Out burger. Have only had once. When DS travels for work, he often stops there. (We are on the east coast.)

One in Delaware/Maryland/ Pennsylvania is Capriotti's, a sub shop that specializes in turkey subs. I think they have a location in Las Vegas.

 

[aggiedog]

Rubio's fish tacos, in southern California. So good. I go at least twice every time I'm out there.

 

[luv2sewtjr]

Bodo’s bagels when I visit my brother in Charlottesville. It was a payday treat back when I was a student at UVA and now I have my kids hooked!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Roberto’s Taco Shop - a local chain in the San Diego area.

Carne asada burrito and rolled tacos with guacamole! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I get it multiple times when I am visiting my parents and siblings who live in San Diego. I’ve lived in Virginia since college.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

When in AZ, a visit to IN and OUT for Burgers and Fries.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Rubio's fish tacos, in southern California. So good. I go at least twice every time I'm out there.

Several years ago my dad convinced me to try Rubio’s instead of my favorite, Roberto’s. He raved about Rubio’s fish tacos. I was on a health kick, so I ordered the grilled fish taco. Meh - it was nothing special. Then I took a bite of my husband’s breaded fish taco, the style Rubio’s is famous for. I immediately went up to the counter and ordered some of my own - diet blown. They were so delicious!

Bodo’s bagels when I visit my brother in Charlottesville. It was a payday treat back when I was a student at UVA and now I have my kids hooked!

I went to William & Mary (we have The Cheese Shop sandwiches with House dressing), but my son is a 2019 UVA grad. We are all big fans of Bodo’s!!!

 

[Chupaca bruh]

I lived in California all my life. When visiting Oregon and Idaho I had to go to Taco Time. Now I live in Idaho and can have any time. Hen I visit California I want Pizza My Heart.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Where I live now there is a local chain called Lion's Choice that has a loyal following; their thing is roast beef sandwiches. I like them, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to get them.

We have several of those in the KC area...haven't tried it yet though.

 

[hopemax]

When we go back home to Seattle, we always eat two places: Ivar's (seafood chain), and Dick's Drive-In (burger chain).

 

[disny_luvr]

Culver’s for us! We have none around where we live in PA, but have stopped at a few in the Midwest.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Hmm..

My husband says Fantastic Cafe in the Long Beach, CA location---he went there a lot when he was working out there last year.

Every other place outside of our area it would be a more table service style that we can think of at least in terms of places we have to have if we go there.

 

[lorimt]

Where I live now there is a local chain called Lion's Choice that has a loyal following; their thing is roast beef sandwiches. I like them, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to get them.

Lion’s Choice . My husband was just complaining this weekend that it has been too long since we had it.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Culver’s for us! We have none around where we live in PA, but have stopped at a few in the Midwest.

We have a lot of those in my area. We go there often for concretes, but their butterburgers are yummy and the root beer really good too IMO.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Portillo's here in Chicago. Italian beef, Italian sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, chocolate cake, great salads, lots more. A couple locations in Florida (Tampa), a few in Arizona (Phoenix), a few in California (LA), a whole bunch in Chicago area.

www.portillos.com

Portillos is good stuff! I have only had the salad, but I absolutely love it! I have only been to the one in Tinley Park, I trust they would all be good.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Culver’s for us! We have none around where we live in PA, but have stopped at a few in the Midwest.

Culvers is one of my personal favorites, thankfully I live close to one.