Fast Food Chain You Absolutely Detest [Archive]

VideoPaul

Mar 12, 06, 10:47 pm

The five I hate:
Burger King
Long John Silver
Church's Fried Chicken
Sbarro
Jack in the Garbage Can

McDonald's used to be redeemed because of their hash browns at breakfast. Now they changed the coating, and it's like sandpaper. Now I'm down to the occasional steak bagel (extra onions and extra pepper), the very occasional Filet-o-Fish, and a weekly pair of 99c Double Cheeseburgers (no mustard). I cant eat their larger burgers, their chicken, or their salads.

Here in the Chicagoland area we have the steak bagels. There are a lot of markets that do not carry the steak bagels and far more where they do not carry breakfast bagel sandwiches at all. They all do, however, carry those atrocious, disgusting "McGriddles" things. I wouldn't use one of those to test a sewage grinder.

My answer to the OP's question: A typical trip for me: Up at 3:30 AM to meet the car service at 4:30AM to get to O' Hare at 5:15 AM for a 6:00 AM flight. Restaurants don't open up in Dick Daley's House of Union Waste and Government Mismanagement until well after we're in the air, so it's Mc Grease on the way to the gate.

A tight connection in IAH (CO) or MSP (NW) means that it's fast food there or nothing. Land in, say, PDX at 11AM and I have to get right in the car and make the two hour drive to Albany and then another hour to the mountaintop transmitter site. BY then I have less thean three hours of daylight before I have to pack up and leave the mountain with some light left. So, it's fast food or nothing else until dinner. As much as I hate fast food, you grab what you can and make the best of it.

I have become a conoisseur of heart-attack-in-a-sack. Mc Donald's fries used to be better before someone trying to save me from myself sued them into changing the oil. I miss the McDLT. Burker King's whoppers have changed and I'm not sure how but they used to be a lot better. Jack In The Box has the best vanilla milkshakes. Sonic's strawberry limeade is worth the airfare into a market where they HAVE Sonics. I think Del Taco is a plot by Castro to kill capitalists one bag at a time. Wendy's has gone from hot 'n' juicy to cold 'n' greasy. KFC should go back to the 11 herbs and spices and stop trying to be everythign to all people. I believe that you cannot eat over $6 worth of Taco Bell in one sitting. $10 at Taco Bell feeds a family of 5. Subway lost its roots as well. Every chain has its up and downs. But my one single absolutely most infuriating issue with ANY fast food chain is when you don't get your order right because YOU DON'T SPEAK SPANISH, or you find yourself repeating everything over and over again, or having to use a picture menu and point at what you want BECAUSE YOU DON'T SPEAK SPANISH.

Okay, rant over. Let the flames begin.

--PP

IceTrojan

Mar 12, 06, 10:52 pm

Here in the Chicagoland area we have the steak bagels. There are a lot of markets that do not carry the steak bagels and far more where they do not carry breakfast bagel sandwiches at all. They all do, however, carry those atrocious, disgusting "McGriddles" things. I wouldn't use one of those to test a sewage grinder.

I'm the opposite.. the steak bagels come out of you like a brick, and hence I found out they ain't good for a roadtrip.

The McGriddles, however, are fantastic! The San Diego area was one of the test markets, and boy did I love it. I have them make an off-menu item though... I have them use HAM/egg/cheese. Tastes better, and way less greasy than sausage. I usually have to order "Sausage&Egg McGriddle, hold the sausage, add ham" for them to get it right though.

ButIsItArt

Mar 13, 06, 9:54 am

Their coffee is awful. Either take it black or don't. Even with that sometimes, I'd rather take $3.00/cup coffee from Starbucks than deal with Dunkin Donuts

I seriously don't understand the devotion to Dumpy Donuts coffee...like you I'd rather go to the Buck, or even better, go back to my office and make some Longjing tea ^ . But somethings endure on the East Coast despite their time having come and gone, such as DD's coffee; A&P's; and Breezewood, Pennsylvania.

silverthief2

Mar 13, 06, 1:09 pm

Restaurants don't open up in Dick Daley's House of Union Waste and Government Mismanagement until well after we're in the air, so it's Mc Grease on the way to the gate.

I think we should lobby for a name change. :D

lebowski2222

Mar 13, 06, 1:27 pm

It's food, you eat it and dump it off in the toliet when it goes down your throat so I can really eat any of them

taucher

Mar 13, 06, 10:30 pm

It's food, you eat it and dump it off in the toliet when it goes down your throat so I can really eat any of them
Yes, but some restaurants seem to believe in recycling it relatively unchanged.

redeeming

Mar 14, 06, 1:19 pm

Easy...Jack in the Box

mjcewl1284

Mar 14, 06, 3:37 pm

Easy...Jack in the Box

I live on the east coast so I have never eaten here. Though those scares in the early 90s about food poisonings probably gives me enough reason not to eat there.

redeeming

Mar 14, 06, 3:46 pm

Wisdom is a good thing....

alex0683de

Mar 14, 06, 4:37 pm

Yes, but some restaurants seem to believe in recycling it relatively unchanged.

Agreed, and in my experience KFC and Pizza Hut are among those most guilty of this.

I've never eaten at Jack in the Box, Hardees or Arby's, but from what I gather that's a good thing.

My favourite fast food is Burger King by a mile.

As for coffee, I have yet to find anything remotely resembling something that passes for coffee in the States (except possibly Starbucks' coffee of the day).

mikew99

Mar 14, 06, 7:22 pm

I vote for Taco Bell (#1 on my list): The last time I ate there (heck, it might even be my first time) was against my will, back in 1997. There was absolutely NOTHING on the menu that I found to be edible. Well, I did manage to find some sort of cinnamon-covered crispy things to eat while my friends devoured their "tacos." If I were Mexican, I might be insulted.

And speaking of insults, I am truly embarrassed by the dominance of McDonald's (#2) restaurants in foreign countries. The last thing I want foreigners to think is that McD's food reflects typical American cuisine. If I were an American, I would be insulted. (Actually, I am, and I am!)

tgw

Mar 14, 06, 9:36 pm

I ate at a place called Steak & Shake one time. Absolutely awful!

I really hate to admit this, especially after seeing all of the negative comments, but I actually like Jack in the Box. I think the eggrolls are pretty darn tasty. That's about all I really get there though, so maybe the other stuff is gross.

I don't frequent fast food establshments that often. In the airport and after work sometimes if it's really late.

CApreppie

Mar 14, 06, 9:37 pm

Subway

lecter

Mar 14, 06, 9:48 pm

McDonald's...the buns are horrible, the pickles are made God knows how, because they taste awful and the french fries are incredibly dry and not salty enough.

boycruz

Mar 14, 06, 10:04 pm

KFC and Pizza hut ugh

If i have to eat at a fast food at airport and am stuck with mcdonalds I order a Big Mac without special sauce and usually its fresher and more tolerable ( barely). I then add some spicy mustard they use for chicken mcnuggets and its ok

Luckily SFO has very little fast food!

mjcewl1284

Mar 15, 06, 12:59 pm

Subway

Quiznos is so much better.

ftgirl

Mar 15, 06, 1:37 pm

Hardee's and White Castle. Oddly, Carl's Jr. is much better than Hardee's.

Why no love for Jack in the Box? I think they're the best of the major burger chains (In-n-Out is much better, but they're pretty much a CA-only chain, so not major IMO).

uncertaintraveler

Mar 15, 06, 2:41 pm

And speaking of insults, I am truly embarrassed by the dominance of McDonald's (#2) restaurants in foreign countries. The last thing I want foreigners to think is that McD's food reflects typical American cuisine. If I were an American, I would be insulted. (Actually, I am, and I am!)

Actually, I think McDonalds does a good job of being sensitive to the local cuisine and most, if not all, of the McDonald's I've been to overseas have been loads better than what we get here in the States--both in terms of cleanliness and quality of food. For example, in Poland they had the normal hamburgers and fries, but also had more "local" stuff, like a McKielbasa and fried breaded broccoli...both of which were really quite good. Plus, based upon how busy the place was, the locals didn't seem to mind imported American food....

MSY-MSP

Mar 15, 06, 3:14 pm

It really depends for me on what meal I am eating.

As Carl's Jr and Hardees are the same company they rank a collective #1 on my list of places to avoid. Except for breakfast, where for some unknown reason Hardees breakfast is one of the best (for Fast food).

#2 is A&W -- They make great rootbeer floats and drinks, but their food is horrid.

#3 Long John Silvers -- How do you want that fried?

#4 KFC -- Just not that good when compared to Popeyes

anonplz

Mar 15, 06, 3:32 pm

Domino's
Sbarro's
P.Chang's (actually, just about all of those fast-food places in the food court at the Northwestern train station - whatever it's called now - on West Madison Ave. in Chicago)

fs2k2isfun

Mar 15, 06, 3:37 pm

HATE: McDOnalds

LIKE:
Burger King
Taco Bell
Wendys
Qdoba

LOVE:
Chipotle
Hardees/Carl's Jr.
Sonic
Goodtimes (in Colorado)

mjcewl1284

Mar 16, 06, 12:58 am

One of my friends at work asked if I wanted to go to Burger King with him. I was like ok, even though I despise the place.

I mean sometimes a Whooper doesn't hurt.

I told him if he was interested in making a wager. Terms were I'd get a Whooper with no onions, pickles and tomato. If 2 or more of the items were found, I'd win. Less than that he wins.

And what do you know, I got a Whooper with all those in it.

Have it your way my ....

orfflyer

Mar 16, 06, 6:43 am

I used to be able to eat at a McDonalds. Can't stand the place anymore - even my daughter avoids it (although the toys drew her in when she was a tot).

Hardees has a nice chicken biscuit and if I need a quick bite for lunch I think their angus burger is pretty good.

Taco Bell is one item prepared 10 different ways (and none of them very good).

Subway's vary so much it's hard to say.

I think Church's Fried Chicken is only local???, but it's the worst place I've ever tried to have a meal. I think they feed the chicks pure growth hormone. It's stringier than a French beach resort! (but doesn't have the views)

sangster

Mar 16, 06, 7:28 am

BamaVol

Mar 16, 06, 1:21 pm

I think Church's Fried Chicken is only local???, but it's the worst place I've ever tried to have a meal. I think they feed the chicks pure growth hormone. It's stringier than a French beach resort! (but doesn't have the views)

As far as I can tell, Church's specialty is locating restaurants in blighted areas no one else would consider. It tends to give them a semi-monopoly. No one in their right mind would stop there, let alone eat there.

jenn_1K

Mar 16, 06, 2:31 pm

The only fast food I will eat is Chick-Fil-A. Other fast food chains makes me sick to the stomach and unfortunately Chick-Fil-A is not on the west coast of the USA yet. Whenever I visit my brother at SFO he asks me to bring him Chick-Fil-A... even if its cold it is still delicious! And the advertising is great too. ^

I know Roseville isn't that close to SFO, but a Chick-Fil-A did just open there. Still closed on Sundays though.

There's one in Fairfield too.

orfflyer

Mar 17, 06, 1:24 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by orfflyer
I think Church's Fried Chicken is only local???, but it's the worst place I've ever tried to have a meal. I think they feed the chicks pure growth hormone. It's stringier than a French beach resort! (but doesn't have the views)

As far as I can tell, Church's specialty is locating restaurants in blighted areas no one else would consider. It tends to give them a semi-monopoly. No one in their right mind would stop there, let alone eat there.

I was in my left mind that day :D
You hit the nail on the head though!

ILuvParis

Mar 17, 06, 1:52 pm

I ate at a place called Steak & Shake one time. Absolutely awful!

I'm not sure that Steak 'n Shake qualifies as you go in and sit down and a waitperson takes your order. Then, they make your food. Even the shakes are made with hand dipped ice cream and then mixed. They do have a drive-up window, though, so I'm not sure. That said, I love a double steakburger platter and a chocolate shake, served in an old fashioned glass with a cherry, a spoon and a straw! Yum!

Back to what's bad, though, what could possibly be worse than an Arby's beeflike sandwich? :confused: (Can you say Carl Buddig?)

hpvamp

Mar 17, 06, 1:59 pm

The only fast food I will eat is Chick-Fil-A. Other fast food chains makes me sick to the stomach and unfortunately Chick-Fil-A is not on the west coast of the USA yet. Whenever I visit my brother at SFO he asks me to bring him Chick-Fil-A... even if its cold it is still delicious! And the advertising is great too. ^

I agree they're pretty good, there's a whole bunch down in Southern California so they have at least been expanding there.

rishiboy

Mar 17, 06, 2:20 pm

I might killed for this one, but good Timmies may have cornered the coffee market up here, there lunch's have been pretty awful the last few times I gone there to eat any of their sandwiches. The soups their are just as bad, not to mention most of their meals are over priced (I saw a AD recently for a $6.99 combo "deal" ).

sylvia hennesy

Mar 17, 06, 2:32 pm

Oxb

Mar 17, 06, 3:02 pm

What's with Chic-Fil-A and their personal little Blue Law? Must be owned by some fundamentalist.

Yes, it is.

BamaVol

Mar 17, 06, 3:48 pm

What's with Chic-Fil-A and their personal little Blue Law? Must be owned by some fundamentalist.
McDs is very nasty, but (in Colorado) Goodtimes is pretty good (organic beef).
Why oh why must western state fast food places put mayo on the burgers? Do they do that elsewhere (didn't used to in NY)?

Mayo on hamburgers is a southern mode as well. The way I was raised, mayonaise does not belong on cooked ground beef.

And, personally I think it's nice that a company regards it's employees more than the profits it would have earned opening on Sunday. Who cares what their religious beliefs are?

sylvia hennesy

Mar 17, 06, 5:26 pm

So, the assumption here is that Chick-fil-a hires only Christians who keep the sabbath on a Sunday (not all do)?

uncertaintraveler

Mar 17, 06, 5:46 pm

So, the assumption here is that Chick-fil-a hires only Christians who keep the sabbath on a Sunday (not all do)?

Huh? :confused:

Chick-fil-A hires all sorts of people. The stores are simply closed on Sundays because the owner believes everyone should get a day of rest and be able to spend it however they please--whether it is with their family, their church, their friends, or whatever. I think its a pretty refreshing way of doing business, although I personally wish they were open on Sunday just so I could eat there more often.

And speaking of Chick-fil-A, I have to say that their lemonade is very tasty!

BamaVol

Mar 17, 06, 6:46 pm

So, the assumption here is that Chick-fil-a hires only Christians who keep the sabbath on a Sunday (not all do)?

You should take your axe somewhere else to grind. They cannot legally discriminate in hiring only a particular religion. They do, however, hire very pleasant employees. Chick Fil-A is a clean restaurant with friendly help. I find the food a little bland, but I do like the soup and nuggets. The diet lemonade is sour, but perks up with a couple packets of sweetener.

redbeard911

Mar 18, 06, 6:15 pm

Must be owned by some fundamentalist.
Truett Cathy (http://www.truettcathy.com/) Actually, he's an impressive businessman.

Back on topic. We don't eat at McD. BK, KFC, C,Jr., etc. I love Chik-fil-A, Baja Fresh, Rubio's, Quizno's.

lance6

Mar 18, 06, 6:25 pm

Here in SoCal, I know they have one in the Del Amo Mall in Torrance, one in the South Bay galleria, and one in Cerritos Mall, all in their food courts if I remember correctly.

I don't recall where the freestanding ones are, but I think there's a few scattered around in the Inland Empire and behind the Orange Curtain.

I remembered going by the restaurant and snacking on the free samples as a kid. Yum. I've had better service in the freestanding units compared to the "inside the mall" locations. Must be the lack of sunshine?

GadgetFreak

Mar 18, 06, 9:32 pm

Cracker Barrel. Arg, I was forced to go there once, I almost walked out.

ILuvParis

Mar 18, 06, 10:48 pm

Cracker Barrel. Arg, I was forced to go there once, I almost walked out.

They have fast food Cracker Barrels now?

GadgetFreak

Mar 18, 06, 10:51 pm

They have fast food Cracker Barrels now?

Youre right. I got carried away because I hated them so much. I guess they really arent fast food.

Canarsie

Mar 19, 06, 12:28 am

The only fast food I will eat is Chick-Fil-A. Other fast food chains makes me sick to the stomach and unfortunately Chick-Fil-A is not on the west coast of the USA yet. Whenever I visit my brother at SFO he asks me to bring him Chick-Fil-A... even if its cold it is still delicious! And the advertising is great too. ^There are currently 13 Chick-fil-A restaurants in Southern California.

Go to the Internet web site of Chick-fil-A (www.chickfila.com) for more information.

tsw1

Mar 19, 06, 2:56 pm

Huh? :confused:

Chick-fil-A hires all sorts of people. The stores are simply closed on Sundays because the owner believes everyone should get a day of rest and be able to spend it however they please--whether it is with their family, their church, their friends, or whatever. I think its a pretty refreshing way of doing business, although I personally wish they were open on Sunday just so I could eat there more often.

And speaking of Chick-fil-A, I have to say that their lemonade is very tasty!

i fully agree and i believe they do run their business at a higher standard for better quality
as i know it you have to work x amount of time there before they will allow you to buy into the fanchise

IceTrojan

Mar 19, 06, 3:00 pm

I don't recall where the freestanding ones are, but I think there's a few scattered around in the Inland Empire and behind the Orange Curtain.

There's one in the Irvine/Tustin Marketplace on Jamborree. It takes me 2 minutes to get out there :D

Chick-fil-A sandwich plain (add light mayo afterwards, maybe some polynesian sauce), and a chicken salad sandwich ^

Oh... and I LOVE Cracker Barrel (at least for breakfast) :o

sangster

Mar 20, 06, 8:04 pm

Cracker Barrel. Arg, I was forced to go there once, I almost walked out.

I do not think that Cracker Barrel is a fast food chain but yes there are plenty of them... which makes it a chain restaurant. And the one time I was forced to go there it was terrible... the atmosphere was crowded, loud, and all I could smell was fried food. And ironically all I wanted was fried chicken since I figured that was probably the best type of food there and it was not on the menu! I was very surprised but definately very disappointed with the restaurant. :td:

sangster

Mar 20, 06, 8:09 pm

There are currently 13 Chick-fil-A restaurants in Southern California.

Go to the Internet web site of Chick-fil-A (www.chickfila.com) for more information.

Nice! I'm sure my brother hopes the Chick-fil-A's finally spread up to San Francisco soon! And yes I agree to another reply that the diet lemonade at
Chick-Fil-A is delicious... mmm mmm mmm :D

deltajfk

Mar 29, 06, 6:06 pm

Thats easy................... ALL OF THEM

I haven't ate at one in the past 20+ years, and I have been so much healthier.

Here's are a fact about McDonalds: it's healthier to eat a BigMac then a salad with everything on it!

CMCFlyer

Mar 29, 06, 7:48 pm

I have to agree with deltajfk. all of them pretty much suck, if I'm on the road I'll patronize In-In-Out, otherwise I try to avoid them at all costs.

dll

Mar 29, 06, 7:52 pm

Pretty much all of them. In-n-Out burger is the only "fast food" I really eat. However I detest low end chain resturants such as Olive Garden and Chilis even more. I would take McDs over any of these any day.

I so agree. Call it what it is and don't put inedible parsley on the plate in an attempt to make it "haute." I have much contempt for the likes of Olive Garden and Chilis.

AinA

Mar 29, 06, 7:56 pm

McDonald's is hands down the absolute worst! I can't stand to smell the car after the family has hit that grease pit's drive through. Buhhhhh!

What I DO like... Sonic and Popeye's! Yum!

A

Mar 29, 06, 8:14 pm

Absolute Worst: Jack in the Crack

Bad: K F C what's barfin'

also bad: Pizza Hut (used to be good, but I think now they are using what remains of Pizza the Hut)

Sbarro and Dominoes attempt to make horrible pizza like Pizza Hut, but every now and then they mess up and produce something edible

Wendy's, Burger King (and Waffle House if you want to count that, sort of a cross between fine dining and fast food) are hit-and-miss; delicious if they make it right, awful if they don't

I think McDonald's is pretty good. I swore them off several years ago after some poor service and bad food, but I caved on the road one time, and since then I haven't run into any bad McDonald's.

I like Arby's but I've only eaten roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.

The best is In 'N Out, and Hardees. Why do people knock Hardees? It tastes like a real burger and not the fast food smashed-down version "McMeat" type. :confused:

I agree with the comment on Church's Chicken. The only time I ate there was because I was in some nasty neighborhood in Queens in the middle of the night and it was either eat there or go hungry. I should have gone hungry. :mad:

Daringdoo

Mar 29, 06, 8:27 pm

I don't get all the 'buzz' about In-n-Out. Personally, I think they're highly over-rated. I guess I don't detest them, but I'd go miles out of my way to go somewhere else.

What I really detest is Krispy Kreme. Unlike Tim Horton's where you can easily eat half and then walk away I think KK does something to the doughnuts so that you can't eat just one bite (or even just one doughnut, for that matter). I think they're evil ;)

pdx42

Mar 29, 06, 8:28 pm

honestly, all of them.
my stomach starts to freeze up the moment i comtemplate driving in to the parking lot. i can't even stomach their fountain drinks. yuck.

shiner

Mar 29, 06, 8:30 pm

I so agree. Call it what it is and don't put inedible parsley on the plate in an attempt to make it "haute." I have much contempt for the likes of Olive Garden and Chilis.

Agreed. There is no worse food than OG. Unfortuately, that is what passes for Italian in many places.

mkt

Mar 29, 06, 9:02 pm

I abhor Checkers... hurl hurl hurl!

McDonalds sucks too.

CrazyOne

Mar 29, 06, 10:28 pm

Just because you get table service doesn't make it not a fast food restaurant. This is what I remember some Shoney's (shudder) manager trying to explain to my father some years ago. "We are a fast food restaurant" he said. I don't remember exactly what Dad's complaint was about. My vague recollection is that it had to do with the pace of things being brought to the table (too fast), which is of course a silly expectation in that sort of restaurant. Dunno why I remember this so well. ;)

There's nothing particularly fast about Cracker Barrel, though, in my experience. I've found it subpar at different locations, so I tend to avoid it. I'd only really care to eat at such a place for breakfast, and would rather settle for Bob Evans instead if it had to come to that. (Around here, we just go to Eat'n'Park for that. The one closest to home is extraordinarily consistent for such a low-end chain place.)

In the realm of the "real" fast food, I have in the past been in a position to judge drive-thrus. I don't think McDs is as good as they once were speed-wise. They had a switchover of tactics a while back (at least for the sandwiches, from making them ahead to putting them together when you order) that only has a few years of practice behind it. Wendy's is my favorite widespread chain for the food anyway, and when they're on, these guys can get you through the line fast fast fast. And this is experience at multiple outlets. Not sure which of these type of places I would rate the worst, though. I don't really like McD's food other than breakfast, although I used to torture myself with it occasionally. BK is generally pretty bad. Many around here closed a few years ago and have not reopened (some were redeveloped, and some still sit empty). Two exceptions are still open within a couple miles of each other near my house, though. Weird.

-Flynn-

Mar 30, 06, 5:41 am

By now it is Taco Bell - after some very very bad experience we both, my brother and I had the same time in Florida about a year ago. Yeah I can say I really detest Taco Bell and will never ever eat there again.

Other than that... Hmmm none I can think of.
Working in EMS, fast food is sometimes the only food we can get at 1am.

DCBob

Apr 6, 06, 8:09 pm

What could be worse than White Castle? Especially the one on 8th Avenue in NYC.
:td: :td: :td:

DCBob

Apr 6, 06, 8:16 pm

HATE: McDOnalds
LOVE: Chipotle

Ironic then that McDonald's owns a majority of Chipotle stock. Even more ironic:

Many people prefer to load their burrito up when they go to a place like Chipotle that advertises huge burritos. Try the 13" burrito shell with rice, black beans, carnitas, corn salsa, cheese, sour cream and lettuce. That'll get you 1272 calories (only 438 from fat), 3411 mg of sodium, and 141 g of carbs. Compare that to a Big Mac and medium fries - 910 calories, 49 g of fat, 1230 mg of sodium and 89 g of carbs.

GadgetFreak

Apr 6, 06, 8:35 pm

What could be worse than White Castle? Especially the one on 8th Avenue in NYC.
:td: :td: :td:

Hmm, White Castles. I love White Castles. When I was in grad school in Ann Arbor on the odd occassion we would go to one of the campus bars when they had like $1 pitcher night or whatever. After getting lots of refreshment we would pile into someones car and drive all the way to Dearborn for White Castles. Ah to be young, drunk and slider seeking again :)

silverthief2

Apr 6, 06, 10:49 pm

Hmm, White Castles. I love White Castles. When I was in grad school in Ann Arbor on the odd occassion we would go to one of the campus bars when they had like $1 pitcher night or whatever. After getting lots of refreshment we would pile into someones car and drive all the way to Dearborn for White Castles. Ah to be young, drunk and slider seeking again :)

At least you didn't have to hang glide there like Harold and Kumar. :D

Delta Hog

Apr 7, 06, 5:03 pm

Hate:

White Castle. :confused: as to how anyone can eat it.

McDonald's

Burger King

Any chicken other than KFC or Popeye's

Will go out of my way to find:

Hardee's

Popeyes

yum!

cyberdad

Apr 7, 06, 5:32 pm

How about a subcategory: "Never knew what all the fuss was about"

I hereby nominate...

White Castle (or for that matter, Krystal)
Steak and Shake
In and Out Burger (okay...so they're decent, but who'd go out of their way for one).

Now, back to the absolutely awful....

Hardee's
Sbarro
Rocky Roccoco (upper Midwest)
Taco Bell

Those of us who go to Canada on a frequent basis have learned to avoid...

Harvey's (Canada's overcooked, overly greasy answer to Mickey D's)
Swiss Chalet (Charbroiled chicken...great idea, great concept...lousy food.)
Tim Horton's (donuts are pretty tasty, but adding sandwiches was a bad idea)

And in the UK....

Garfunkels (a chain that redifines "undistinguished")

tdo-ca

Apr 7, 06, 6:22 pm

Taco Bell. The meat looks like Alpo, even on the commercials. Disgusting.

While the burger joints have certainly slid down the ladder of quality in the last decade or so, none of them warrants my detestation.

The pizza places are pretty bad - and what kills me is that most people have a choice of a local 'za joint which runs circles around these nasty zones. Heck, some of the bake and rise pizzas are better than Domino's.

sangster

Apr 7, 06, 6:41 pm

mkt

Apr 7, 06, 6:57 pm

I should have mentioned... I adore Chik-Fil-A and In-n-Out burger, but not many moer

ILuvParis

Apr 7, 06, 9:10 pm

Hate:

White Castle. :confused: as to how anyone can eat it.

McDonald's

Burger King

Any chicken other than KFC or Popeye's

So you hate any chicken you haven't tried? :confused:

Canarsie

Apr 8, 06, 12:27 am

Those of us who go to Canada on a frequent basis have learned to avoid...

Harvey's (Canada's overcooked, overly greasy answer to Mickey D's)
Swiss Chalet (Charbroiled chicken...great idea, great concept...lousy food.)
Tim Horton's (donuts are pretty tasty, but adding sandwiches was a bad idea)What about St. Hubert (http://www.st-hubert.com/) in Québec?

volrichard

Apr 8, 06, 9:07 am

Krystal

GadgetFreak

Apr 8, 06, 9:12 am

Damn it, now Im jonesing for White Castles..... :( ;)

dizzy

Apr 8, 06, 10:41 am

Places where meat patties come pre-made and are thinner than the diameter of a dime.

BTR_CDN

Apr 9, 06, 4:20 pm

Krystal Burger

What could be worse than White Castle? Especially the one on 8th Avenue in NYC.
:td: :td: :td:

dizzy

Apr 9, 06, 4:38 pm

I agree w/ the White Castle Nomination. I cringe when I see people eat those..."sliders"

Little Dragon Kitty

Apr 11, 06, 2:20 am

Actually, I think McDonalds does a good job of being sensitive to the local cuisine and most, if not all, of the McDonald's I've been to overseas have been loads better than what we get here in the States--both in terms of cleanliness and quality of food. For example, in Poland they had the normal hamburgers and fries, but also had more "local" stuff, like a McKielbasa and fried breaded broccoli...both of which were really quite good. Plus, based upon how busy the place was, the locals didn't seem to mind imported American food....

Wow, there seems to be an overwhelming majority of people who dislike KFC! I do agree with you though that KFC in North America (if that's what most of you are referring to, is not very good).

However, I agree with uncertaintraveler that some fast-food joints do fare a better job overseas.

I actually find the KFC in HKG quite good for fast-food. In fact, they have legions of dedicated fans ---the line-ups there are simply crazy! And those cute portuguese tarts they serve are deeelish and so is their milk tea.. :)

When I was in HKG last summer, I didn't mind going there at all.

~LDK

violist

Apr 11, 06, 5:51 am

I actually find the KFC in HKG quite good for fast-food. In fact, they have legions of dedicated fans ---the line-ups there are simply crazy! And those cute portuguese tarts they serve are deeelish and so is their milk tea.. :)

If they offered cute Portuguese tarts of any variety here in the States
they wouldn't be so low on the list. (I do hate having to go to Lisbon or
farther for the pasteis de nata.)

From what I've heard and from limited personal experience it appears
to me that the big US chains abroad

1. alter their products and offerings to suit the locals (which is good);
2. have their act together (also good).

My grandfather used to go to a Pizza Hut near his apartment in Taipei,
claiming that the food there was better than at the pizza parlors he
used to frequent when he was doing stuff at the UN in New York.

andyZRH

Apr 11, 06, 6:30 am

What could be worse than White Castle?Krystal BurgerI've been to neither of those, but out of curiosity I checked out their websites... boy, does this stuff look nasty! :eek:

Little Dragon Kitty

Apr 11, 06, 3:00 pm

From what I've heard and from limited personal experience it appears
to me that the big US chains abroad

1. alter their products and offerings to suit the locals (which is good);
2. have their act together (also good).

My grandfather used to go to a Pizza Hut near his apartment in Taipei,
claiming that the food there was better than at the pizza parlors he
used to frequent when he was doing stuff at the UN in New York.

hehhe YES! They do get their act together! For service for example, (and I'm only speaking for the fast-food places in Asia like Hong Kong and Japan --have not been to other asian countries so cannot comment on those), they have a good line-up of employees, like 10 people behind the counter ready to serve you, plus however many in the back preparing the food. My mum always pokes fun of east and west work ethic: You come back from a trip to Asia and it feels like everyone back home is doing Tai-Chi :D

cyberdad

Apr 11, 06, 5:22 pm

What about St. Hubert (http://www.st-hubert.com/) in Québec?

Yeah.....Definitely gotta include St. Hubert's. I actually thought of them right after my post. Sorta like Swiss Chalet only frumpier and not exactly clean. And of course, the quality of the food is no reason whatsoever to go here...at least not in my personal experience!

New-Flyer

Apr 12, 06, 7:41 am

Anything that slaps a piece of dried meat between 2 buns, soggy lettuce and heaps of sauce.

bkramt1

Apr 12, 06, 1:22 pm

Taco bell, White Castle, Jack-in-the-Box.

bocastephen

Apr 12, 06, 2:41 pm

Those of us who go to Canada on a frequent basis have learned to avoid...

Harvey's (Canada's overcooked, overly greasy answer to Mickey D's)
Swiss Chalet (Charbroiled chicken...great idea, great concept...lousy food.)

...

Harvey's is actually very good. Their hamburgers are flame broiled, not fried, and you can taste the flavors of the meat and cheese - not to mention the fresh toppings you can custom select. Definately a better burger than most of the fast food places down here, and the burgers almost get in the same league as In-N-Out.

Just stick with the basics - the original hamburger, cheeseburger and hotdog, and avoid the newer flaky stuff that Cara brought onto the menu. If you ever find your diet has worked too well, and need to add a few pounds within a 10 minute timeframe, give the Poutine a try ;)

I also think Swiss Chalet is quite tasty, especially the dipping sauce. Again, the basic standards work best here - the chicken is a standout, but other menu items lack flavor and flair. Actually, Swiss Chalet and Harvey's are owned by the same company - perhaps you visited the wrong location. I found the best food from both restaurants to be found at the original stand-alone corporate locations before the Cara takeover. Now many of the newer franchisees under Cara handle both brands onsite, which makes for a mess of both.

I have to give a thumbs down to Krystal - the last batch of burgers I ate there were literally grease sponges. Disgusting.

Schurr

Apr 13, 06, 4:48 pm

McDonald's has evidently increased their sales due to their new premium coffee. Has anyone tried it?

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=20193

Steve

FinsUp99

Apr 14, 06, 8:42 am

My vote goes to Wendy's.

Even though they are flying me to a few places this year via AirTran, the food sucked. Poor food quality, no free refills, overpriced, etc.

BARF!

sangster

Apr 14, 06, 9:51 am

McDonald's has evidently increased their sales due to their new premium coffee. Has anyone tried it?

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=20193

Steve

Yes I tried it a few days ago and I was actually surprised. I do not like Mcdonalds except for their fries every once in a while. But yes the coffee was very good.
^

modgirl

Apr 15, 06, 2:59 pm

Besides the obvious greasy burger joints (McDonalds, Burger King, Hardees, etc), I have to add Applebee's. It has the pretense of being a half-way decent restaurant, yet their prices are grotesque for the mediocre, fast food they serve. I'd actually go to McDonald's befgre I'd ever return to Applebee's.

essxjay

Apr 16, 06, 4:31 am

Hands down: White Castle. WC is sommmme kinda nasty sh!t. Woof!!

Blimpie is a sorry @ss excuse for sandwiches.

Why all the riffing on KFC? I rather like it. :o

I'm one who will go outta my way for In 'n Out. Wanna make sumthin' of it, fellah? :mad:

I miss der Weinerschnitzl. :(

Olive Garden, Applebee's, Red Lobster, PF Chang's and TGIFs all have earned my everlasting contempt for trying pass themselves off as either "ethnic" or "fine" dining. ...?

BamaVol

Apr 16, 06, 9:51 am

I miss der Weinerschnitzl. :(

Der Weinerschnitzl is gone? OMG!

I used to like the split hotdog on rye bread with a pickle spear down the center. Still make em at home, but hadn't had an authentic one in many years.

There will be a 5 day mourning period in the BamaVol castle. :(

jenn_1K

Apr 16, 06, 10:48 am

Der Weinerschnitzl is gone? OMG!:(

They are still around in Northern California. Though I'm not sure they are worthy of mourning.

ILuvParis

Apr 17, 06, 12:26 am

Canarsie

Apr 17, 06, 12:54 am

Der Weinerschnitzl is gone? OMG!I know of at least one in San Diego county.

I’ll pass, though...

srk123

Apr 17, 06, 1:05 am

Jack-in-the-Box and Krispy Kreme. Both SOS!

FinsUp99

Apr 17, 06, 8:35 am

I have to give a 4-barf bag rating to Hardees. Overpriced, bland, locations are usually in nasty neighborhoods. Didn't they create some 90 fat gram sandwich lately? I mean, c'mon!

If any Chicago-area folks mention "Portillo's" as being bad, there's going to be some fisticuffs. :mad:

silverthief2

Apr 17, 06, 8:50 am

FinsUp99

Apr 17, 06, 9:11 am

http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/ (www.wienerschnitzel.com/)
Looks like there's only one in the whole state of Illinois. BOO!!!!

CaliforniasCentralCoast

Apr 17, 06, 6:01 pm

In some places people may find fast, or let's say, somewhat faster-food restaurants that are often NOT chains, and are of good quality.

How about some suggestions for lesser-known, out-of-the-way places we like?

andyZRH

Apr 17, 06, 6:20 pm

Great idea! ^
I suggest you open a new thread to ask this question though. ;)

redbeard911

Apr 17, 06, 6:29 pm

Der Weinerschnitzl is gone? OMG!

I used to like the split hotdog on rye bread with a pickle spear down the center. Still make em at home, but hadn't had an authentic one in many years.

There will be a 5 day mourning period in the BamaVol castle. :(That would be the Polish Sandwich. ^

They are now just known as Weinerschnitzel. I guess the "Der" confused people. Best architecture for a FF restaurant; the original A-frames were great. I think there's at least five of them in San Diego County, plus Petco Park. In Colorado, there's a co-branded store with some second rate hamburger place.

ILuvParis

Apr 17, 06, 6:41 pm

Great idea! ^
I suggest you open a new thread to ask this question though. ;)

^ I agree. If you ever wanted to search for them, it would be pretty tough to remember that the good places are in the "chains you absolutely detest thread."

philipperv

Apr 18, 06, 5:31 am

I vote for Taco Bell (#1 on my list): The last time I ate there (heck, it might even be my first time) was against my will, back in 1997. There was absolutely NOTHING on the menu that I found to be edible. Well, I did manage to find some sort of cinnamon-covered crispy things to eat while my friends devoured their "tacos." If I were Mexican, I might be insulted.

I'll go way out of my way to go to the Bell and I have to since there is only about 3 of them here in the Philippines however, to answer the OP, the biggest pile of crap that any chain offers people to eat is McDonalds.

Ever see the movie: "Supersize Me"?

ftgirl

Apr 26, 06, 1:32 am

They are now just known as Weinerschnitzel. I guess the "Der" confused people. Best architecture for a FF restaurant; the original A-frames were great. I think there's at least five of them in San Diego County, plus Petco Park.
I used to frequent the Santa Clara street Weinerschnitzel in San Jose, which is an A-frame. Just walk up and order, something you can't do anymore in a fast food joint.

In Colorado, there's a co-branded store with some second rate hamburger place.
Co-branding seems to be the in thing now, like the Taco Bell + KFC stores I see nowadays. A&W seems to have dropped most of its standalone stores (few though they were) and started opening co-branded stores with Long John Silver's. A new stripped down menu, too, without all the interesting burger variants, and none of the history and distinctiveness of their older locations :td: I think they even dropped the Great Root Bear. I really loved the Mozzaburger + quart of root beer from the Mountain View A&W. Plus now that they're run by corporate types rather than individual owner/operators the co-branded A&Ws seem to serve their root beer a little too cold, too carbonated, and with too little syrup (the same way most fast food joints screw up Barqs). Good root beer should be smooth: almost no carbonation, only mildly cold.

ILuvParis

Apr 26, 06, 9:55 am

I used to frequent the Santa Clara street Weinerschnitzel in San Jose, which is an A-frame. Just walk up and order, something you can't do anymore in a fast food joint.

Huh? :confused:

iCorpRoadie

Apr 26, 06, 10:02 am

all of them, including denny's type chains.

ftgirl

Apr 26, 06, 1:59 pm

Huh? :confused:
Sorry. The weinerschnitzel A-frames don't have dining rooms, so you order outside.

abruin2

Apr 26, 06, 5:48 pm

KFC, Yoshinoya... used to not like McD's, but I really like their grilled chicken salads now...

Schurr

Apr 26, 06, 8:28 pm

I used to frequent the Santa Clara street Weinerschnitzel in San Jose, which is an A-frame.

I forgot all about Weinershnitzel. I used to go to the one on Story Road in San Jose when I lived there. The "Chicago" hot dog was a little tepid but the closest that I could get to home out there. I figured you can't screw up a hot dog too much.

Steve

MMMinTX

Apr 27, 06, 11:31 am

Co-branding seems to be the in thing now, like the Taco Bell + KFC stores I see nowadays. A&W seems to have dropped most of its standalone stores (few though they were) and started opening co-branded stores with Long John Silver's. A new stripped down menu, too, without all the interesting burger variants, and none of the history and distinctiveness of their older locations :td: I think they even dropped the Great Root Bear. I really loved the Mozzaburger + quart of root beer from the Mountain View A&W.

I believe Yum! Brands owns all those, plus Pizza Hut, now, which explains the co-branding and, unfortunately, the growing similarities between formerly distinctive spots.

gelizon

Apr 28, 06, 8:37 pm

Krystal

Yeah, that's absolutely the most disgusting!!!! The bread is soggy and the meat is :confused: really bad.

Love the Waffle House though

sangster

Apr 28, 06, 8:45 pm

Hate:

White Castle. :confused: as to how anyone can eat it.

McDonald's

Burger King

Any chicken other than KFC or Popeye's

Will go out of my way to find:

Hardee's

Popeyes

yum!

I hardly ever eat fried chicken but if I need it and want it fast I agree Popeyes is the best... I also ate Biscuits and Gravy a lot from Hardee's growing up on long road trips.

sangster

Apr 28, 06, 8:51 pm

Yeah, that's absolutely the most disgusting!!!! The bread is soggy and the meat is :confused: really bad.

Love the Waffle House though

:confused: I completely disagree. Love the waffle house? uhhhg I've been there twice and I felt finger nails and hair were in my food. I just feel it is very dirty and unclean everytime I've been in there. And growing up in Florida I loved Krystal. Simple- bread, hamburger meat, and some mustard... simple and they were very small so you did not end up eating an entire whopper or big mac. :td:

milwaukeeclassic

Apr 29, 06, 8:20 pm

Where else can you get "smoked" eggs or "smoked" hash browns than Waffle House? :)

dannyr

Apr 29, 06, 9:10 pm

I hate Red Rooster (http://www.redrooster.com.au/) . The chicken is either too moist (almost chicken soup) or too dry. Yech!

jgoodm

Apr 29, 06, 11:46 pm

ftgirl

Apr 30, 06, 12:54 am

I am not so certain Hardee's actually makes a sandwich, its more of a "miserable vomitous mass." So gross I preferred my public school 3rd grade mystery lasagna. At least I think it was lasagna... Hmmmm.

Oh yeah, back on topic, Hardee's completely sucks.
Can you explain why Carls' Jr bought Hardee's? Carl's Jr's burgers are pretty good (at least the CA ones are), but I agree Hardee's burgers are atrocious.

gleff

Apr 30, 06, 5:39 am

Can you explain why Carls' Jr bought Hardee's? Carl's Jr's burgers are pretty good (at least the CA ones are), but I agree Hardee's burgers are atrocious.
That purchase almost destroyed the company (stock price hovered in the $2 range for a long time). Looks like they've recovered though. Still I've never gone into a Hardees, even though living in Virginia I miss Carl's Jr and will often stop into one while on the road.

jgoodm

Apr 30, 06, 12:37 pm

I like Carls Jr. too. It was really weird moving from LA to DC when I was in college. SoCal is filled with delicious burger places (Apple Pan, In N' Out, Carneys, Martys, Etc.) and on the east coast its just crappy fasty food chains. The only place I was able to get a chili burger remotely close to whats in LA was Johnny Rockets and that didn't quite cut it. Of course this goes back 10 years so maybe its changed. Oh, did I mention Hardees is disgusting? ;-)

Moderator2

Apr 30, 06, 1:47 pm

I stopped at a Hardee's last week while driving on I-85 through Piedmont, South Carolina. As a SoCal resident, I'm pretty fond of Carl's Junior's "$6 burger", so I ordered Hardee's equivalent.

Not the same at all. The ingredients looked alike, but the flavor was off. I'd almost think the charbroiler at Hardee's is not seasoned or designed the same as Carl's.

One positive about this Hardee's, the people working in the store were incredibly nice. When my assistant and I walked in the pretty empty store, the general manager who was sitting at a table doing paperwork looked up and genuinely greeted us. The cashier was just as gracious, and walked our food out to us after we sat down. As we left, two of the staffers thanked us for stopping by.

All and all, mediocre food, but made up by nice people in a clean store (even the bathroom was spotless).

PSUhorty

Apr 30, 06, 2:02 pm

Tim Horton's (donuts are pretty tasty, but adding sandwiches was a bad idea)
Wow, couldn't disagree more! ;)
I love their sandwiches. I know, I know, they're not downtown, deli-style sammies, but to me, they're very good. What I like best about 'em is the rolls... always crusty on the outside, but good on the inside.

cyberdad

Apr 30, 06, 9:24 pm

Wow, couldn't disagree more! ;)
I love their sandwiches. I know, I know, they're not downtown, deli-style sammies, but to me, they're very good. What I like best about 'em is the rolls... always crusty on the outside, but good on the inside.

Re: Tim Horton's. I'd be willing to give them another try. I've found them to be dry, and rather bland. Soup's pretty decent, however.

mkt

May 1, 06, 12:34 pm

I tried 3 new places (to me) over the past few days, and enjoyed 2 of them... the third was good, but nothing exciting.

The good:
Backyard Burgers (http://www.backyardburgers.com/home.asp). Amazingly good fast food burgers
Firehouse Subs (http://www.firehousesubs.com/). Heaven for a Carvivore like me.

The ok:
Salsaritas Fresh Cantina (http://www.salsaritas.com/). The food isn't as good as Moes/Chipotle, but not bad.... and they serve Margaritas.

-----------------------------------------

Also good... Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes

gopherblue

May 3, 06, 10:12 am

Hmm, White Castles. I love White Castles. When I was in grad school in Ann Arbor on the odd occassion we would go to one of the campus bars when they had like $1 pitcher night or whatever. After getting lots of refreshment we would pile into someones car and drive all the way to Dearborn for White Castles. Ah to be young, drunk and slider seeking again :)

Dearborn?!? My deal fellow alum, there's one in Ypsi! And, (circa early 90's) a Hot-n-Now.

Go Blue!

GadgetFreak

May 3, 06, 1:09 pm

Dearborn?!? My deal fellow alum, there's one in Ypsi! And, (circa early 90's) a Hot-n-Now.

Go Blue!

Hell, I would rather go to Dearborn ;). Seriously, if it was there then (circa 1978 or 1979) we didnt know about it. And there wasnt much traffic into Detroit at the time Dooleys was closing.

civicmon

May 3, 06, 2:36 pm

I'm a fast food junkie so I can't say there isn't anything I wholly don't like. I much perfer the chicken sandwiches over anything else.

That said, I can't stand McDonalds under most circumstances. Their meat tastes funny, poorly made. Even their 'spicy' chicken sandwich is weak. Breakfast is good on the rare occasion I actually eat breakfast.

I haven't had a Wendy's hamburger in ages, but I love their Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, has a nice kick to it.

Like KFC (only get the Chicken Strips with Zinger sauce on the side) and Popeyes.

I don't know if I understand why there's so much hate for TGI Friday's? I mean, Yeah, it's tacky Americana, but I usually leave pretty satisfied and never had a bad experience in the ~15 or so times i've been there (it's a local hangout for happy-hour appetizers and such late night).

Completely love In-n-Out... I will go out of my way to get some if I've been without for a while.

Most of the Chinese fast food joints are alright in my book. Only had Manchu Wok once at an airport somewhere, was alright. Panda Express is another thing that's also just alright.

Generally like Rubio's over Baja Fresh. Their fish tacos are pretty good, but all in all, I perfer real mexican food, esp. since there's so much here in SAN.

Jollibee's... it's a Phillipine Chain.. HATE IT. Think it's atrocious. I live in an area with a lot of Filipinos and I been in there a whopping one time... no thanks.

cyberdad

May 6, 06, 1:21 pm

Canarsie

May 6, 06, 3:15 pm

I know its fashionable to bash Mickey D's, but the fact is, most of them are really bad. I confess, however, that I'll duck into one in a pinch.

I was wondering....

Is it just me, or do they tend to be slightly better in Canada? Not that they're anything great North of the border. I'd say we're talking "lousy" versus "terrible".I do not know about Canada, but I have always found McDonald’s to be much better in terms of quality and service outside of the United States as opposed to within the United States.

For further discussion pertaining to McDonald’s, please click on one of the following links: Do people who get McDonald's abroad do so at home? (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549266) Mcdonalds around the world (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=297668)Thankfully — at least for those FlyerTalk members who are dining aficionados — both of those threads can be found in the TravelBuzz! forum, rather than the DiningBuzz! forum, where the result could possibly be perceived as sacriligious to the aforementioned FlyerTalk members...

view

May 6, 06, 3:33 pm

If anyone goes to Amsterdam, stay away from Febo.

Rejuvenated

May 6, 06, 5:00 pm

To be honest, I've actually dined out at McDonalds and KFC alot more often in HK than I do in the States or Canada. Cheaper and much better ingredients. ;)

Athena53

May 6, 06, 7:10 pm

I vote for any of the Chinese food chains that have proliferated in malls and airports. I love Chinese food when it's done well- crisp stir-fried vegetables, spicy sauces- but that greasy and graceless stuff plopped onto styrofoam plates is not in the same class.

etch5895

May 6, 06, 8:21 pm

I'm in the middle of watching "Super Size Me"

Pretty much all of them are detestable, although I do go to Taco Bell about once every three months, so that is the least of the evils for me.

Subway is OK.

sangster

May 6, 06, 8:58 pm

I'll go way out of my way to go to the Bell and I have to since there is only about 3 of them here in the Philippines however, to answer the OP, the biggest pile of crap that any chain offers people to eat is McDonalds.

Ever see the movie: "Supersize Me"?

I was never into eating fast food often but when I saw "Supersize Me" I stopped eating fast food. It was a huge wake up call and if I ever eat Mcdonalds or any other fast food I will probably throwup or get even more sick. Yes I know you need to eat it 3 times a day to get liver failure but wow that movie scared me! I do eat ChicFilA though :p

silverthief2

May 7, 06, 7:23 pm

Yes I know you need to eat it 3 times a day to get liver failure but wow that movie scared me! I do eat ChicFilA though :p

Well, if you ate Chick-fil-a all the time you wouldn't get sick quite as quickly as the guy in Super Size Me because you'd have every Sunday to recover. :p

DrivingRain

May 7, 06, 7:50 pm

Subway

-Would anyone actually be able to taste the difference between their turkey and ham in a blind test?

-How about all that silver color on the roast beef? :td:

-My biggest gripe with them is that they play themselves out to be the "fresh choice" when they slice their meats weeks before you actually eat them.

Canarsie

May 7, 06, 10:33 pm

SubwayThe following was originally posted by me in the OMNI forum (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2183611&postcount=3) on December 21, 2003 concerning Jared, the official spokesperson for Subway:I passed a Subway franchise in Albany, Georgia on my way to a customer. The sign announced that Jared would be there at a specified time to make an appearance.

The next day, while waiting for my flight from Albany to Atlanta, he showed up in the gate area in a rather smug manner — toting his briefcase, talking on his cellular phone, as if he were some big celebrity. Nobody (to my knowledge) recognized him or approached him at any time.

We boarded the flight, which was a regional jet. He sat in an aisle seat in the first row. I sat a few rows back in an aisle seat on the other side of the aisle.

While observing him reading, his finger embarked on a journey towards its apparent final destination: his nose. The finger must have had an intense and insatiable curiosity as to what was hidden inside of his nose because he started digging up there as if it were the Big Dig (http://www.bigdig.com/) in Boston. All the while Jared was conspicuous and unashamed during his spontaneous treasure hunt. At least he could have tried to do it either privately or with a tissue or handkerchief!

I do not know if he ever struck gold that day as I could no longer watch, but I can say that every time I see a Subway commercial, I feel queasy because it always reminds me of him picking his nose.

If anyone ever does meet him, I would advise against shaking his hand for sanitary reasons.

This is some impression to give by someone who is supposed to be a compensated public spokesperson commercially endorsing a company whose primary business is to sell appetizing food.

shocka

May 8, 06, 10:51 pm

Not a fan of BK, HArdees, Big Boys.

as for those who said they dont like White Castle.... you suck :-)

MMMinTX

May 9, 06, 10:51 am

Subway

-How about all that silver color on the roast beef? :td:

Ugh, I have noticed that too - what IS that silver stuff?!

DFW Consultant

May 18, 06, 4:19 pm

I must say I try to avoid taco bell if at all possible.

Not sure of the truth of this statement, but I have heard they do not cook any food onsite. All they do is warm pre-cooked food that is delivered. From my experiences this seems pretty accurate.

Paubri

May 18, 06, 7:12 pm

I went to a Taco John's for the first time a couple of weeks ago. After looking at a menu that makes Taco Bell look like authentic Mexican cuisine, I went for the taco, figuring that was probably the toughest to screw up.

I was wrong.

BOB W

May 18, 06, 7:50 pm

Mc Donald's

especially if it's in a WalMart :td:

tonerman

May 20, 06, 12:43 pm

El Pollo Loco

opus17

May 20, 06, 1:39 pm

El Pollo Loco

That's the only fast food place I go to!

SWG

May 21, 06, 9:00 am

Roy Rogers and Hardees. The worst thing about both places is that, wherever I seem to have to travel, they tend to be the only fast food option. These two chains thrive on desperate customers.

Hayden

May 21, 06, 8:23 pm

Not sure of the truth of this statement, but I have heard they do not cook any food onsite. All they do is warm pre-cooked food that is delivered. From my experiences this seems pretty accurate.

I believe that's correct. When Taco Bell originally started, they did cook their food in the restaurants. One of their innovations was to remove the full kitchens and instead send to the restaurants pre-cooked food for re-heating.

I haven't eaten at Taco Bell since I went by one at 2 am one morning when their industrial-size grease trap was being pumped out. The smell of the putrefying grease was incredible--and as amazing was the man running the pump on the tanker truck, who was apparently inured to it.

-Hayden

BamaVol

May 21, 06, 10:00 pm

I believe that's correct. When Taco Bell originally started, they did cook their food in the restaurants. One of their innovations was to remove the full kitchens and instead send to the restaurants pre-cooked food for re-heating.

You are right. My oldest son managed at a TB 7-8 years ago. There was no cooking involved. Taco Bell was fine was I was a starving college student in the 70's and you could get 3 bean burritos for a dollar. The food has gotten worse and I can afford better.

thegeneral

May 28, 06, 10:06 pm

Hardees
Taco Bell
Burger King

I dunno Burger King's burgers are good and it's great food when fighting a hangover. Other than that, pretty much everything that is a chain is garbage at any end of the spectrum and I consider them all fast food. :mad:

Playboy

Jun 2, 06, 11:23 am

Detest is such a strong word, no? I like In and Out burger somewhat, but they have to go on this list just b/c of their french fries. Whataburger and Panda Express as well. Unless you're about to die of starvation, stay far far away from these places. Jack-In-the-Box as well. Plus their commercials are horrible.

Playboy

Jun 2, 06, 11:31 am

Playboy

Jun 2, 06, 11:37 am

I enjoy Panera Bread, Qdoba, and Chipolte....

I do not like Subway, Mcdonalds, KFC, Taco Bell, Long John Silvers, or Burger King... I tend to stay away from the fast food restaurants that have drive thru windows... ^

Panera is more like fast casual but it isn't your typical fast food b/c they serve non-grease laced sandwiches. Panera by far is my fav. Too bad the PHX won't get any until 2008 and it'll only be 3 at that. Chipolte is absolutely horrible when you compare it to Baja Fresh. Never had Qdoba. Always got to Quiznos over Subway. I avoid McDs unless I need breakfast in hurry.

Playboy

Jun 2, 06, 11:46 am

NWA_via_MSP

Jun 2, 06, 2:32 pm

McDonald's - the lettuce is usually brown. :td:

ExecPlatinum_Lord

Jun 28, 06, 1:43 am

Thumbs down on Taco Bueno -- (here in McKinney - even the locals don't partake of it... it's almost always empty in the parking lot).

- I'd wish they tear it down and put in a Weinerschnitzel! Yea!

ExecPlatinum_Lord

Jun 28, 06, 1:45 am

Krystal

Gotta disagree -- love White Castle AND Krystal... with the nod to White Castle for being the tastier of the two.

Of course - this was all before I started South Beach 8 months ago... (sigh) -- now they are just memories!

ExecPlatinum_Lord

Jun 28, 06, 1:48 am

I tried 3 new places (to me) over the past few days, and enjoyed 2 of them... the third was good, but nothing exciting.

The good:
Backyard Burgers (http://www.backyardburgers.com/home.asp). Amazingly good fast food burgers
Firehouse Subs (http://www.firehousesubs.com/). Heaven for a Carvivore like me.

Yep - encountered those two while TDY in Tallahasse FL last year -- The Firehouse Sub had the BEST melted pastrami/cheese sandwich I can remember in a while.

Yet another Chain I'd consider opening in my retirement years (another 15 or so years from now)

-----------------------------------------

Also good... Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes

n5667

Jul 6, 06, 3:09 am

I'm not a fan of Del Taco, even though it seems everyone else is.

They're disgusting - but honestly, only In-N-Out burger is that good - though as someone else said, the fries are lackluster, I have a weakness for Taco Bell too, but beyond that... *shivers*

Jack 'n the box or whatever is particularly disgusting, though...

Scott in LA

Jul 7, 06, 1:03 pm

Jack in the Box...burgers are horrible, "tacos" are actually frightening...

knit-in

Jul 7, 06, 1:28 pm

McD's gotta be the worse of the lot that I have been to. Plus any Pizza chain (spoilt New Yorker here ;))

yolers

Jul 7, 06, 6:18 pm

del taco is NASTY i'm glad others agree....they just opened one up near me...and i've made better food in my microwave. My chicken was rubbery and i think i was chewing dirt on my vegetables. I guess I got the wrong thing because others seem to rave about it...but I cant think about going back

henryf

Jul 7, 06, 6:53 pm

They have Firehouse and BB in AZ? Both chains are local (more or less)..Firehouse is based in JAX and BB HQ is Memphis.

I agree on both your choices. Having grown up in NY and currently living in TLH, I can say that Firehouse has the closest pastrami to a NY deli in this part of the world. My wife and I can have a filling meal for under $10 when we split a large sub.

My wife loves the burgers at BB, I like the chicken strips w/BBQ sauce (unusual since I am generally allergic to chicken).

On your next trip to TLH, try Cabo's Taco's or Momo's Pizza (as big as your head)..both exude a funky college vibe and serve decent food at a reasonable price.

As a matter of personal taste, I stay away from Chick-Fil-A and Church's

Also, it seems that the closer you are to the home office, the better the food of any given franchise. Chili's in Dallas is decent. Here, the food is not worth a flip.

Sweet Willie

Jul 7, 06, 7:57 pm

I'm not a fan of Del Taco, even though it seems everyone else is.
you are not alone, see: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=572923

Too many restaurants to name but if I had to dine at their location I believe I could, ok I belive I might find something that would be ok and wouldn't hate.

Thankfully that is rarely the case as there are so many choices if one just looks around so I'm not put in that situation frequently.

--

phillygold

Jul 8, 06, 11:48 am

While not exactly a fast food place....I thought that I would weigh in on a chain that I detest in any case.

Cold Spring Creamery Ice Cream Shoppes.

1) Their pricing is insane. Hey, if you can find suckers willing to pay out the rear for your product...more power to you. But to charge 30-50% more than other ice cream joints for a product that is only marginally as good....well, like I said good luck.

2) The singing servers. Ok, the first time I heard it standing in line, I thought it was cute. 10 minutes later, it was annoying. 20 minutes later, I wanted to hit them with their scoops. 40 minutes later while leaving, I vowed never to set foot in the place again.

Baskin Robbins still does it right. And at $3.29 a pint.....it is still affordable.

Rant over.

ILuvParis

Jul 9, 06, 9:54 am