Regional Fast Food Chains Worth a Road Trip Stop
Quick answer
- In-N-Out is the West’s favorite burger stop, from California to Texas.
- Whataburger is a Texas icon, open 24 hours at most locations.
- Cook Out serves cheap Trays and 40+ milkshakes across the Southeast.
- Culver’s, Zaxby’s and Raising Cane’s are also worth a stop if they are new to you.
National chains are everywhere, but some of the most loved fast food spots are regional. If you are on a road trip, these are the chains worth pulling off the highway for.
Regional chains worth a stop
| Chain | Where it is strongest | Must-try order | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out | California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho | Double-Double, Animal Style Fries | About $6.25 and $5.45 |
| Whataburger | Texas and the South | Whataburger or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit | About $5.49 and $3.39 to $4.29 |
| Cook Out | The Carolinas, Virginia and the Southeast | Cook Out Tray with a shake | About $5.99 to $7.69 plus about $1 to $1.60 |
| Culver’s | The Midwest | ButterBurger and Wisconsin Cheese Curds | About $5.99 and $5.76 |
| Zaxby’s | The Southeast | Chicken Finger Plate | About $10.49 to $11.29 |
| Raising Cane’s | Started in Louisiana, now nationwide | The Box Combo | About $10.99 to $11.49 |
| Waffle House | The South and Southeast | All-Star Special | About $11.25 to $13.85 |
| Dutch Bros | The West, growing nationwide | Golden Eagle | About $5.25 |
| Scooter’s Coffee | The Midwest and South | Caramelicious | About $5.75 |
Road trip tips
- Check the chain’s app before you go. Many have store locators with hours.
- Late at night, Whataburger, Waffle House and Cook Out are often still open.
- Order ahead in the app to skip long lines at In-N-Out and Raising Cane’s.
- Bring a cooler for Culver’s frozen custard if you are not eating right away.
What makes each chain special
- In-N-Out: fresh, never frozen beef and a simple menu with a famous Not So Secret Menu.
- Whataburger: big 5-inch burgers, 24-hour service and late-night breakfast.
- Cook Out: cheap Trays and more than 40 milkshake flavors, often open very late.
- Culver’s: ButterBurgers, Wisconsin cheese curds and fresh frozen custard every day.
- Zaxby’s: chicken fingers with signature Zax Sauce and big Zalads.
- Waffle House: open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Plan your stops
Use each chain’s app to find locations along your route. Many regional chains are clustered near highways in their home states, so you can often plan a stop for each meal of the day: Waffle House for breakfast, Whataburger or In-N-Out for lunch and Cook Out for a late snack, depending on where you are driving.
Frequently asked questions
Which fast food chains are only in certain states?
In-N-Out, Whataburger, Cook Out and Culver’s are mostly regional, though several are expanding.
Is Whataburger only in Texas?
No. Whataburger started in Texas but now has locations across many southern and some midwestern states.
Where is Cook Out located?
Cook Out is mainly in the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
What is Culver’s known for?
Culver’s is known for ButterBurgers, Wisconsin cheese curds and fresh frozen custard.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
