There are few things more quintessentially American than the fast food joint, and so it stands to reason that there’s an inexhaustible list of brands and chains available in even the most remote locations.
With so much competition, each brand is under plenty of pressure to steal a march on the rest and perhaps win itself the crown of ‘America’s best’.
Getting such a coveted accolade is no mean feat, and USA Today’s latest winner – decided by a readers’ poll – has frankly come out of nowhere.
Not only is it one of the lesser-known names on the list, but it’s only available in 18 of America’s 50 states.
So, who is this mysterious winner of USA Today’s best fast food restaurant award in 2025?
It’s Del Taco, but beyond it winning the most votes it seems that USA Today was short on insights as to why. “This popular taco stop, which serves all kinds of satisfying Mexican fare including burritos, quesadillas, and nachos, also offers burgers and fries,” it said. “In addition, Del Taco has a dedicated breakfast menu, as well as a vegan and vegetarian menu.”
However, it might have something to do with the Mexico-inspired fast food chain’s fries. While fries aren’t typically cited amongst Mexican cuisines, Del Taco also topped USA Today’s top 10 list of fast food fries.
The chain beat out some pretty major names, too:
1. Del Taco
2. Jack in the Box
3. A&W
4. Golden Chick
5. McDonald’s
6. Shake Shack
7. Five Guys
8. Chick-fil-A
9. Arby’s
10. KFC
It’s safe to say that those must be some pretty good fries.
Curiously, Del Taco is only available in the following 18 US states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
With that in mind, there’s a good chance you won’t have experienced the ostensibly-best fast food outlet in America.
The other winners in USA Today’s best fast food restaurants list were as follows:
- Best Fast Casual Restaurant: Habit Burger & Grill
- Best Fast Food Breakfast: Biscuitville
- Best Fast Food Burger: Double Char - Habit Burger & Grill
- Best Fast Food Fried Chicken: Jollibee
- Best Fast Food Fries: Del Taco
- Best Fast Food Sides: Tempura green beans - Habit Burger & Grill
- Best Fast Food Taco: Taco Bravo - Taco John's
- Best Regional Fast Food: Skyline Chili
- Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food: Jason's Deli
- Best Sandwich or Sub Shop: PrimoHoagies
When the picks are that niche, they must be good.
But when it comes to the best of the best - the stakes get a whole lot higher.
According to USA Today's reader's rankings, the best fast food restaurants in the US overall are:
- Del Taco
- Jack in the box
- A&W
- Chick-fil-A
- Wendy's
- KFC
- Taco Bell
- Raising Cane's
- Zaxby's
- McDonald's
With a similar ranking to the best fries - it's clear where people's tastes lie.
But with a list that long, there's sure to be a restaurant to satisfy your cravings.
Featured Image Credit: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Rachael Davis