Culver's is my personal pick
this post was submitted on 09 Jun 2023
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My vote is also for Culver’s.
Which I guess the upvote button covers so I probably didn’t need to make this comment. But I’m thrilled to be commenting somewhere that isn’t Reddit. 😅
Culvers
All these posts about Kwik Trip was making me question what I'm missing by not eating gas station food.
But to be fair, I do love a Casey's pizza. Best gas station pizza I've had.
A l posted a few years ago on /r/iowa:
I've had better pizza than Casey's, but it didn't come from the gas station down the street.
Best gas station pizza I've had.
I mean... I guess I can't disagree with you there.
In all seriousness it's probably at least on par with the big chain type pizzas like the Pizza Hut and Dominos.
I’d agree that Casey’s pizza by the slice is on par with Dominos or Pizza Hut, but ordered fresh I’d pick it over the two every time.
Quik Trip is pretty great. I think I actually like their pizza more than Casey's; their crust is a little more crisp on the outside with just the right amount of chew on the inside.
Kwik Shop kinda sucks. Though, at least in my area, they've started integrating Sbarro's into their locations, so at least the pizza is getting better.
Wendy’s chocolate frosty and fries 🤤
Toss in spicy nuggets and you’re made in the shade
Absolutely! Spicy nuggets are the best.
Is Wendy’s based in the Midwest?
Yup! Columbus, Ohio
I’m partial to Culver’s and Wendy’s. Portillo’s seems to be rising in popularity across the country these days, too.
I'm a +1 on Culvers. Seems to be the most popular with my crowd.
Portillos is good, but honestly it's always insanely busy which usually swings me towards an alternative.
Chain fast food: Portillos hands down. Non chain: your closest hot dog or beef joint
I moved away from the Midwest a few years ago and miss the food dearly
Not necessarily the best, but I have a special place in my heart for Rax Roast Beef:
My preference is usually Chicago style, but this Detroit stuff will do.
I guess Runza is too niche
Nobody knows what that is.
(I do, but I've been to Omaha)
What?! Nobody’s mentioned Steak ‘n Shake? They were my favorite before Culvers migrated south.
I guess it doesn't matter anymore since nothing is open overnight these days, but back in the day I have been served some truly foul Steak 'n' Shake in the drive thru after midnight, bad enough to make you never wanna go back.
I think White Castle, the original slider, mighty whitey one bite, also deserves a shout out, even though they’re kind of awful IMO.
steak n shake's gone downhill. they were my favorite like 10+ years back, but the last few times ive gone, even at different locations, it's been low quality meat even by fast food standards and nothing is assembled right. i swear even the fries are less salty. it's so bad there used to be one over by a nearby highschool that managed to go out of business somehow
Midwest here, had a number of Steak n Shakes go downhill then close around me. Turns out if you lower the quality of your overpriced extremely slow 'fast' food people stop coming. Weird.
Taco Johns
Culver's is definitely my top contender.
Taco John's is a good one. I loved their chicken avacado bacon taco. $2 and half a dozen later never had a regret. Until it went away.
A&W is hit or miss as long as they still have their root beer tapped in store.
Kwik Trip is popular too because it's literally grab and go or call ahead and it's made for you. You can customize it without extra cost is a big win. Burgers. Pizza. Grab some donuts and breakfast sausage and the ultimate diabtus sandwhich is made for breakfast.
Potato Ole's are one of the best sides of any fast food!
Pancheros Mexican Grill. It's like Chipotle but better. Moe's is close competition though.
What’s the criteria? Simply originating in the Midwest? Or not available in all contiguous 48 states? Or ones that embrace their Midwest roots? Do gas stations count?
I like Culver’s, Taco John’s, and Kwik Trip, all mentioned before here.
My addition will be B-Bops. Last I checked, they are only in the Des Moines metro. Also, Tasty Tacos, but they are more fast casual rather than fast food.
Central IL, I don't know if it would count but there are several in a close area: Krekel's Custard. Known for smashburgers and homemade ice cream. Similar to Culver's but older I think, and better.
I can eat a Portillo's beef in a pinch, but if I have my choice and I'm in Chicago, I'm going to Al's.
Beef-A-Roo, best fast food burgers I've ever had, and I've lived all over the country.
Del Taco
Is there a different Del Taco? The one I know is the huge chain in California?