Best fast-food dishes in every U.S. state offer more than just a quick meal they tell the story of local traditions, regional flavors, and family-owned restaurants that have become famous over the years.
Whether it's Alabama's smoked chicken plate, Arizona's Sonoran hot dog, Hawaii's comforting loco moco or Chicago's infamous Italian beef sandwich, there's a state cuisine to sample in every state. From creating a road trip to finding the most quintessential American comfort foods, this guide identifies the most “must haves” of fast food and where to eat them in the U.S.
Fast food dishes for your bucket list
We prove that with a bit of passion, everyday dishes become the culinary superstars we wait in line for. From a cult-following local sandwich to a legendary burger or an age-old order of fries, check out our must-try fast-food dish from every state-it’s sure to shake up your go-to order.
Alabama: Smoked Chicken Plate, Saw's Soul Kitchen, various locations
White Alabama Barbecue Sauce This vinegary, mayo-based white sauce the perfect foil for smokey meat Big Bob Gibson invented in 1925 when he was the legendary pitmaster for the classic Decatur barbecue establishment that now bears his name.
It normally smothers chopped and smoked chicken, but while the original Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q still offers it, a version at Birmingham’s SAW’s Soul Kitchen may be the superior one (SAW’s is the parent organization to six state-wide BBQ spots).
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Alaska: Alaskan Reindeer Hot Dog, International House of Hot Dogs, Anchorage
This is a destination if a dog calls your name as the ease of customization (so many sausages! And toppings!) attracts hungry folks both native and visiting. Inside this friendly establishment, you can have your choice of beef, buffalo, chicken, or even a veggie dog, but the quintessential choice can only be one item off the menu: the signature Alaskan Reindeer (reindeer-based Polish-style sausage with caramelized onions and the spot's signature chipotle sauce).
Arizona: Sonoran hot dog, Emilio's Tacos & Hotdogs, Phoenix
“It’s basically birthright for anyone from the Grand Canyon State,” USA Today summed up the Sonoran hot dog. The “best” of any ubiquitous dish is bound to spark a debate, but most agree the one at Emilio's Tacos & Hotdogs is pretty special. The place splits a house-made bun to accommodate a bacon-wrapped dog adorned with grilled onions, diced tomatoes, ranchero beans, mayo, ketchup, mustard, guac and Cotija cheese. It’s a must.
Arkansas: fried catfish, Catfish Hole, Fayetteville:
Customers are losing their minds over the food, service, and atmosphere at Catfish Hole Fayetteville. Pat and Janie Gazzola run the hole-in-the-wall establishment, which boasts to be the go-to place for fried catfish with all the fixin's, and customers certainly agree. In fact, one customer said, "it's the greatest catfish dinner in the natural state!" The restaurant serves only American farm-raised catfish, which can be topped with sides such as fried okra or hushpuppies.
Colorado: mountain pie, Beau Jo's, various locations
Mountain pie is a seriously massive, honey-sweetened, ridiculously thick pizza required for support the terrifying quantities of sauce and cheese you and whatever else you’ve piled on top will be consuming. Beau Jo’s at the original Idaho Springs spot invented the mountain pie (or as Coloradoans know it, Colorado-style) in the ’70s and a lot of people argue it’s the absolute best place for such an outrageous culinary experience. Don’t forget the side of honey for dipping!
Hawaii: loco moco plate, Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu
Hawaiians find great pleasure in a heaping dish of loco moco, and the Rainbow Drive-In has slung this iconic fast food for locals since 1961. Their well-loved loco moco plate has two scoops of gravy-topped rice crowned with two juicy hamburger patties and two eggs cooked to order. You’ll even get a scoop of macaroni salad for the ultimate feast, also known as a plate of pure joy.
Idaho: fries, Boise Fry Company, various locations
Small chain Boise Fry Company has spread six spots throughout Idaho, where you’ll find an impressive variety of tasty fry types that you get to personalize yourself. Select fry shape, which includes regular, homestyle, and curly; choose potato type; there are russet, red, and sweet varieties, too. Plunge these all into all-natural oil; your fries remain unsalted so you can combine them with your choice of seasonings or any house-made sauces.
Illinois: Italian beef, Al’s Beef, Chicago
What it is: Chicago's messy, glorious favorite consists of paper-thin slices of roast beef that chefs simmer in rich jus and tuck into a soft Italian roll, then diners 'dip,' 'wet,' or 'baptize' in the delicious sauce. It's quick, it's satisfying and it's incredibly Chicago.
Where to eat it: Get the archetypal experience at Al's Beef, the classic counter-serve place that essentially invented the sandwich. Get yours hot to feel a jolt from the giardiniera, or go sweet with roasted peppers. Drippy, juicy and overflowing with flavor, it's a Chicago classic you eat with both hands and a bunch of napkins.
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Kansas: Z-Man sandwich, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City
Believe it or not, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que started in the corner of a gas station - kind of a bizarre location for a live fire restaurant. But champions Jeff and Joy Stehney saw potential, and have been serving up serious Q ever since. As for the signature Z-Man sandwich - a whole story in itself - know this: It’s a local legend that arrived on the menu in ’97. What’s not to love about smoked brisket, smoked provolone cheese, onion rings, and a drizzle of their BBQ sauce between two Kaiser roll buns?
FAQs
1. What is the most popular fast food item in each state?
Every state has a favorite dish, from Alabama's smoked chicken plate to Arizona's Sonoran hot dog and Hawaii's loco moco to Illinois' Italian beef sandwich.
2. Why are these fast food items referred to as iconic?
They embody local ingredients, cooking methods, and recipes that have been cherished by generations of locals and visitors alike.
3. Do these restaurants appeal to tourists?
Yes. The unique recipes and old reputation of many of these local restaurants have made them must-visit spots.
4. Are these dishes available in other states?
Some restaurants have spread their wings and opened up in other states, but the very best place to get the dish will likely be where it was developed.
5. How will you learn about the well-known American fast foods?
For the ultimate American fast-food experience, it's best to take a road trip or hit some of the most popular local restaurants in every state, and enjoy America's iconic fast-food dishes.
