Presented by Chick-fil-A
After a tiring day, nothing beats a homemade meal. However, sometimes it’s just not feasible to spend hours cooking, especially on busy weeknights. In such instances, Southerners turn to high-quality fast-food options. While not all fast-food establishments are equal, there are certain trusted spots that stand out. Many of our favorite go-to places for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal have roots in the South, adding to their appeal. Everyone has their preferred fast-food order for when they need a quick fix, comforting meal, or simply crave something tasty. Here are 12 top Southern fast-food chains, as recommended by our readers.
Chick-fil-A
Undoubtedly, this list kicks off with the iconic Southern favorite, Chick-fil-A. Whether you’re indulging in their classic chicken sandwich combo, nuggets, or grilled chicken wrap, it’s hard to find a Southerner who doesn’t have a soft spot for this renowned fast-food fried chicken haven. With locations nationwide, the disappointment of craving a chicken biscuit only to realize it’s Sunday morning is a shared experience.
Chicken Salad Chick
Unlike traditional fast-food joints, Chicken Salad Chick offers a unique fast-casual dining experience focusing on a Southern classic—chicken salad. Featuring a variety of flavors, from dried cranberries to buffalo sauce, patrons can enjoy a trio of scoops for a satisfying meal. Despite the absence of fried or griddled items, this Auburn, Alabama-born eatery has garnered the love of nearly 100 readers.
Bojangles
Bojangles is renowned for its delectable Cajun Filet Chicken Biscuit, Bo-Berry Biscuits, and an array of innovative menu items. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this establishment is celebrated for its fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern sides like dirty rice, Cajun pinto beans, and coleslaw. Since its inception in Charlotte in 1977, Bojangles has expanded its reach far beyond its hometown.
Whataburger
Fans of Whataburger, a Texas-based burger chain, have long awaited its expansion, set to reach North Carolina by 2025. With numerous locations open 24/7, this spot is a reliable choice for a quality burger any time of day. Don’t miss their signature Fancy Ketchup and the option to enjoy your burger on Texas toast.
Milo’s Hamburgers
Residents of Alabama, including us at Southern Living, delight in the simple pleasure of a Milo’s hamburger—an indulgent patty topped with pickles, grilled onions, and their distinctive tangy, smoky red sauce. For non-burger enthusiasts, Milo’s offers delectable chicken tenders dipped in flavorful sauces like Boom-Boom, Ranch, or Double-O. And, of course, don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing beverage.
Indulge in a delightful meal at Cook Out, a brand that has been brewing its own sweet tea since 1946. Cook Out, which originated in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, offers unbeatable deals and a wide variety of menu options. Treat yourself to a “tray” that includes a large entrée such as barbecue sandwiches, double cheeseburgers, chicken strips, and more, along with two sides like fries, onion rings, corn dogs, chicken wraps, and quesadillas. Don’t miss out on their extensive selection of over 40 milkshake flavors. Raising Cane’s, a Louisiana favorite, serves up delicious fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and their signature Cane’s Sauce. Popeye’s, known for its Cajun fried chicken, has been delighting customers since 1972 with a menu full of Louisiana-inspired flavors. Church’s Texas Chicken, formerly known as Church’s, has been satisfying cravings for crispy fried chicken and honey-butter biscuits since 1952. Krystal, with a legacy dating back to 1932, is famous for its mini burgers and chicken sandwiches. Jack’s, a fast-food chain rooted in Southern hospitality, offers a range of beloved items like breakfast sandwiches, fried chicken, burgers, fried pies, and shakes. Biscuitville, a favorite in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina, is renowned for its delicious biscuits served from early morning to early afternoon.
