17 Secret Fast Foods You Have to Try Right Now.
These days, fast food doesn’t have to be only about the usual suspects. Globally, local entrepreneurs and culinary innovators create truly mind-blowing dishes that push the limits of what quick dining can mean. These are restaurants that may fly under the radar but each offers a different look at fast food worth investigating.
Be you a burger fanatic, a taco lover, or craving food from elsewhere in the world, this list is a primer to your new favorite place. Get ready to be amazed by these fast-food gems and their standouts.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken-the Fried Chicken Sandwich Masterpiece
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is perhaps one of Chicago’s recent most rethought fast-food staples: fried chicken sandwiches. Their signature dish features juicy, perfectly fried chicken breast with a crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the meat. Topped with honey butter and nestled between soft, fresh buns, every bite is balanced and flavorful. They also serve sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamed corn bread to complement the sandwich. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to elevate their fried chicken experience.
Fresh Mediterranean Bowls at Cava
Cava has gained popularity with its make-your-own Mediterranean bowl full of flavor. Each guest selects a base; anything from saffron rice to crisp greens really makes the dish pop and add proteins such as the spicy lamb meatballs or roasted vegetables. Add some crunch along with flavor with your many toppings, including pickled onions and hummus, then top it all with your choice of their four creative dressings, ranging in taste from zesty harissa to creamy tahini. It’s fast food that feels as nourishing as it is indulgent.
The Insane Taco Creations at Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco is the taco beyond your wildest dreams, stuffed with bold, unexpected mixtures. This Dallas original doles out varieties like the Buffalo Chicken Taco, filled with fried chicken tenders, ranch crema, and crispy slaw, or the TikTok-famous Shrimp and Grits Taco that marries Southern comfort food with the flair of Mexico. And every taco is crafted with the perfect bite in mind. Velvet Taco takes an average taco night to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Indulgent Cheese-Stuffed Burgers at Kuma’s Corner
Kuma’s Corner in Chicago takes the burger to a whole new level with its metal-inspired theme and cheese-stuffed patties. Its iconic burgers, such as the Metallica, boast unique toppings like roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and spicy mayo. Everything is served on a toasted pretzel bun for added crunch and flavor. Lively and full of robust flavors, Kuma’s Corner is anything but your typical burger joint. Pair it with craft beers for a complete experience.
Authentic Korean Corn Dogs from Two Hands
Two Hands has elevated Korean street food with their highly desirable corn dogs. Each was skewered, battered to perfection, and fried; some even had fun twists like spicy Cheetos crust or sweet cinnamon sugar. Inside, fillings ran the gamut from gooey mozzarella to savory beef sausage. From tangy garlic aioli to sweet honey mustard, their sauces elevate each and every bite. Two Hands transforms a humble snack into a share-worthy treat, and it’s taking over social media.
Fresh Sushi Burritos at Pokéworks
Pokéworks combines Hawaiian poke and sushi into sushi burritos. These huge rolls are packed full of fresh fish, such as ahi tuna or salmon, mixed with crunchy vegetables and flavorful sauces. Their build-your-own option lets diners customize to their heart’s content, making it both personal and satisfying. They also offer poke bowls and salads, catering to diverse preferences. It’s fast food that feels upscale without the price tag.
Cousins Maine Lobster Lobster Rolls Buttery
Cousins Maine Lobster brings the coast to fast food via their buttery lobster rolls, fresh and sustainably sourced lobster meat served on a toasted New England-style bun. You can opt for the classic Maine roll with chilled lobster or the Connecticut roll with warm, buttered lobster. Add in a side of clam chowder or lobster bisque for the full seafood experience. It’s luxury in a fast, portable format.
Smashed Patties at Burgers Never Say Die
Los Angeles’s Burgers Never Say Die focuses on simplicity and execution with their smashed-style burgers. The thin patties develop crispy edges while retaining juiciness on the inside. Topped with melted American cheese, pickles, and a dollop of their secret sauce, the flavors shine bright without unnecessary frills. Their commitment to freshness in ingredients and careful cooking ensures each bite is memorable. Sometimes, less really is more, as this place will show you.
Overloaded Fries at Lord of the Fries
Lord of the Fries is turning the humble potato into a feast, basically. The Australia-based plant-based fast-food chain sells everything from vegan chili cheese to satay curry over its fries. Every plate is generous in size, ideal for sharing with others. The finishing touches come from house-made dipping sauces-smoky barbecue to herby garlic mayo. Fast food, indulgent and inclusive: this food caters to vegans and omnivores alike.
Giant Breakfast Burritos at Tacos Tu Madre
In Los Angeles, Tacos Tu Madre has a breakfast burrito that can easily be considered lunch. Filled with scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, cheese, and your choice of bacon, chorizo, or avocado, their spicy salsa is just the right kick against the richness of the filling. Every bite feels hearty and comforting, making it a fan favorite for a reason. This is the place for anyone who thinks breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi at Banhwich
Banhwich in Houston offers a Vietnamese twist on fast food with their pork belly banh mi sandwiches. Each baguette is baked fresh daily, providing the ideal crunch. Their caramelized pork belly is melt-in-your-mouth tender, balanced by pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. A slathering of sriracha mayo ties it all together with a spicy kick. This sandwich is proof that fast food can deliver complex flavors in minutes.
Savory Naan Wraps at Roti Modern Mediterranean
Roti Modern Mediterranean does a number on the competition with its Indian-inspired naan wraps. Soft, pillowy wraps are filled with grilled proteins like lamb, chicken, or falafel, topped with bold flavors like sumac onions and spicy harissa. Garlic sauce and cilantro dressing really make every bite pop. It’s a satisfying and portable way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors. This innovative take on wraps makes for a deliciously unexpected meal.
Next-Level Pizzas at Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza offers fast, customizable pizzas cooked to perfection in under three minutes. Choose from dozens of toppings, from roasted garlic to spicy chorizo, and watch your pizza assemble in front of you. Their high-heat ovens create a perfect crust that’s both crispy and chewy. They also offer gluten-free and keto crusts, catering to various dietary needs. Blaze Pizza redefines what fast-food pizza can be.
Juicy Fried Fish Sandwiches from Slapfish
Slapfish raises the ante in fried fish sandwiches with seafood freshness and inventive toppings. Pair crispy fried fish with the Ultimate Fish Sandwich, tossed with slaw, pickles, and house-made, tangy tartar. Get a hot twist by trying their Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich. Some of its sides include crispy fish tacos and chowder fries. Slapfish puts to rest all thought of seafood being inferior because it’s fast food.
Savory Filipino Rice Bowls at Jeepney
Jeepney in New York brings in bold Filipino flavors into its rice bowls. Their Lechon Bowl features tender roasted pork, crispy skin, and garlicky rice. Other hits include adobo chicken and tapa beef, both loaded with genuine seasonings. Pickled papaya and fried eggs add complexity and textural elements. The bowls at Jeepney are satisfying, filling, and a celebration of Filipino tradition.
Artisan Empanadas at The Empanada Factory
The Empanada Factory has freshly baked empanadas on offer with a number of different fillings. From the classic beef and onion to more adventurous flavors such as spinach and goat cheese, there’s something to please every palate. Well-seasoned, hearty fillings inside a flaky crust are perfect for a quick meal. Their dipping sauces, such as chimichurri and spicy aioli, elevate the experience. These empanadas are ideal for foodies seeking convenience without compromising on quality.
Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches at Coolhaus
Coolhaus creates gourmet ice cream sandwiches and reimagines dessert. Choose unique cookie flavors, such as snickerdoodle or chocolate chip, and complement them with creative ice cream flavors like brown butter candied bacon. The sandwiches are made to order, ensuring freshness and customization. Vegan and dairy-free options widen their appeal to all audiences. A sweet treat, it brings nostalgia and modern creativity together.
