I rarely eat fast food, not out of any dislike but just because working at home and living in a neighborhood with exactly two fast food restaurants (Subway and Wendy’s), fast food is hardly ever convenient for me, and unless you’re really craving it, it doesn’t make sense to drive across town for it or get it Doordashed. (Fast casual is another story. Five Guys is one of the cheapest and most reliable delivery options, and local sandwich chain Pressed isn’t cheap at all but is the best “lunch plus a latte” option.)
That said: I really miss Steak and Shake, which was the best option when I lived in Indiana. I hear they’ve gone downhill—I moved 20 years ago this June—but in memory, the Frisco melt remains one of the best fast food burgers.
I get Popeye’s a few times a year, and loved KFC’s Nashville hot chicken when they first introduced it, but I think that’s as much about New Hampshire’s general lack of and disinterest in fried chicken outside of chicken fingers. Also, back in the day they did a chicken-fried steak on a biscuit for breakfast, which on certain mornings in your twenties is a very nice thing.
I always think I like Taco Bell, and am disappointed almost every time I order it. I don’t even think it’s their fault, I think I just developed the affection when they were the cheapest and most convenient on-campus option and it was too hot to walk to Bud’s for a burger and a hand pie. I had two double decker tacos two or three times a week for probably five years.
