In-N-Out Burger vs. Five Guys? Popeye's vs. Chick-fil-A?
The Charbonnet transfer thread below got off on a tangent re: In-N-Out Burger.
Got me to thinking about the on-going debates re: burger and chicken spots. I haven't seen a thread addressing this vital issue, so my apologies if this is a redundant topic.
I personally find almost all of them to be overrated. Most are just slight variations on the burger or chicken theme...with nothing really special to distinguish one brand over another.
What's the allure of Chick-fil-A? The chicken is fine...but nothing special. The waffle fries are likewise just meh. We drove past their new location at 8 Mile/Haggerty and there were two lines of cars about 15/20 deep.
Give me a local slider joint like Hunter House over any of the national chains...and I've had some really tasty hand-made chicken tenders at various local restaurants.
What say you about this important topic?
In-N-Out? Five Guys? White Castle? Whataburger? Culver's? Red Robin? Shake Shack?
Chick-fil-A? Popeyes? KFC? Buffalo Wild Wings? Gus's?
January 31st, 2021 at 8:58 AM ^
King Taco in LA is the best local fast food chain anywhere
January 31st, 2021 at 9:30 AM ^
Isn't that the taco truck in the movie 'Turbo'?
January 31st, 2021 at 12:30 PM ^
Nope, that’s Dos Bros Tacos. I have a son who is a big fan of that movie so I have got the tee shirt, really.
January 31st, 2021 at 8:59 AM ^
If you don't understand what pickle juice can do for chicken batter, you have never gargled with pickle juice.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:03 AM ^
70s - 80s Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger on Division.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:27 AM ^
You had to have your act together when you ordered. That's certain.
My roommate worked there our senior year. His friend bought the place (IIRC in the 1990s), but eventually sold it back to Crazy Jim.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:31 AM ^
"You had to have your act together when you ordered."
NO BURGER FOR YOU!!!
January 31st, 2021 at 10:12 AM ^
I lived two doors down from Blimpy's on Division in the early 90s. Always fantastic. But on a student's budget, it was definitely not "cheaper than food"!
January 31st, 2021 at 9:05 AM ^
I’ve never had Raising Cane’s, though I’ve heard they’re excellent.
I like CFA, but it had to grow on me (had to have it three or four times before I liked it).
Popeye’s is solid, but I’ve only had it three times.
KFC is for when you want chicken and there’s nothing else offered in the area.
For burger joints, I’ve never had a lot of the places you mentioned, but I love me some Five Guys and Shake Shack is some of the best fast food I’ve ever had. Both have great burgers, but what made it for me was their fries. They’re both unique and delicious.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:09 AM ^
You can’t go wrong with Chick Fil A and Culvers. Culvers gives a fresh burger and great cheese curds. CFA has the best chicken sandwich ever and great waffle fries!!
January 31st, 2021 at 10:11 AM ^
Ageee 100%. Butter burger with cheese curds and their Root Beer is the best fast food burger meal around.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:17 AM ^
I have no cow in this race.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:20 AM ^
Most overrated from top to bottom:
1. In-N-Out: Yeah, the burger meat isn't frozen, but it's an overhyped McDonald's Cheeseburger with soggy fries.
2. Shake Shack: Virtual Tie with In-N-Out. The burger isn't great, the fries are so-so, the shakes are very overrated. Steak and Shake has a better shake, imo.
3. Five Guys: The burgers are somewhat legit, but their 'thing' seems to be overdoing the portions. I don't need a family size order of fries with my cheeseburger. Otherwise, pretty good.
Side Note: White Castle, Krystal's, and Culvers are a different style, if you ask me. I don't go to any of these if I am looking for a meal. The best time to get these is when you are drunk or hungover.
Honestly, Red Robin has a good burger and I am a sucker for Garlic Steak Fries. That said, their stuff is wildly overpriced. Because I am allergic to Gluten (diagnosed 2 years ago), I am limited in where I can eat. Red Robin has a GF bun, but it's $2.50 extra; the garlic is $1.50 extra, the burger starts at $13.95. With tax and tip, I am out the door for $22.00, minimum. I bring my own drink and ketchup, because I eat my burger in my truck due to COVID.
I agree with the OP that local divey places usually have the best burgers. By me, there is a place called Ground (Ground Beef and Potatoes come from the Ground, I guess) that is pretty awesome. They keep it simple: Burgers, Fries, Soda/Beer.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:25 AM ^
I agree with you on 5 Guys. To me, this is just a clever business plan. There is a novelty in the way they do things, and restaurant chains need novelty and character to be successful. The first time I was there they actually down-sold me on the fries. I ordered two small fries for me and my son (who was 4 I think at the time) and the guy told me to only get one, because even that would be more than we needed.
I didn't go back for at least two years, and the exact same thing happened (I had forgotten about the portion sizes). Whatever I ordered, they told me to get less. At a different location in a different town. It made me wonder if this was branding. Like, you tell your friends "hey check this place out, a small fry is enough to feed a family of ten!" Or whatever.
Also, you don't have to be a health nut, just health conscious, to know that something like a bacon cheeseburger and fries probably has 3-4 days worth of saturated fat. Maybe if you're a college guy that would be great. But when you're in your mid 30s or older you can almost hear your arteries clogging.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:37 AM ^
https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.05.077
"Dr. Astrup has received research funding from Danish Dairy Foundation, Arla Foods Amba, and the European Milk Foundation; has received speaker honoraria for the Expert Symposium on the Dairy Matrix 2016 sponsored by the European Milk Foundation"
"Dr. Brenna has received research funding from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association/North Dakota Beef Council; has received panel participation honorarium from Dairy Management"
"Dr. Hill has received research funding from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; has served as a member of the scientific advisory committee of the Milk Producers Education Program"
"Drs. Mente and Yusuf have received research funding from the Dairy Farmers of Canada and the National Dairy Council"
... and more
You get what you pay for, I guess.
January 31st, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
Yeesh. Sometimes I feel like the more I learn the less I know.
Having said that, there have been many studies that have shown that saturated fat has a lot of negative effects on your brain and mental health as well. It is linked to diseases like dementia and alzheimers. But, I have no idea if those studies were sponsored by non saturated fat producers, or something. So who knows.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:39 AM ^
Fry sizes are way too large if you're eating solo. But a regular size fries is great for feeding 4 of us!
January 31st, 2021 at 9:28 AM ^
I did a thing on this a few years ago if y'all want to see some extremely scientific research on the subject.
January 31st, 2021 at 11:02 AM ^
I'm always amazed at the outrageously strong opinions some folks have over fast food... https://mgoblog.com/comment/243157623
January 31st, 2021 at 9:28 AM ^
Nearest Popeye's is about an hour away. For burgers, Culver's is the best that fast food has to offer, from what I've had.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:34 AM ^
Not a huge fan of In N Out. Fries go cold very fast and become inedible. Burgers are nothing special. They do make a very good chocolate milk shake and they aren't gouging you in price for their products. They also get high marks from me for their friendly and efficient staff. I'm also upset thing that the company no longer make their "In N Out Burger" bumper stickers. I always got a chuckle when I saw an altered bumper sticker on the back of a car or truck that read "In N Out urge" where the car owner cut out the B and r. Hence, why In N Out stopped making them.
I'll probably get dinged for this, but to be honest, I truly love the consistency of McDonald's burgers, especially their cheese burgers (when made fresh) and their fries. No matter where you go in America, or the world, you know that your McDonald's cheese burger and fries will taste the same. There is a reason why MickyD's has sold over a gazillion of them.
A little history on the In N Out bumper sticker
http://timcastro.blogspot.com/2009/09/in-n-out-thats-what-bumper-sticker-is.html
January 31st, 2021 at 10:20 AM ^
Speaking of McDonald’s burgers and consistency, I try eating a Big Mac in every country I visit to test the consistency. I’m quite militant about getting in that Big Mac when I’m in a new country. And they all taste the same!
January 31st, 2021 at 10:58 AM ^
I feel like people go to In and Out expecting the best burger ever and end up disappointed. In reality their double burger is solid especially at the price point. Their draw is good quality for great value. Also, get your fries well done and they cone out much better.
February 1st, 2021 at 6:50 AM ^
Whenever I go to Vegas, In N Out is a mandatory stop!
January 31st, 2021 at 9:35 AM ^
I’ve always tried to love CFA, but I just don’t get the hype. And the CFA sauce everybody always raves about kinda makes me want to gag every time I catch a whiff of it, and that says a lot because I pretty much love all food and sauces. Popeyes is far superior. Their chicken sandwiches (spicy) are hands down the best fast food chicken sandwich. I do love Raising Canes too, I just can’t rank them above Popeyes because they only have tenders.. they need to add some variety to their menu for me to want to go there more.
Shake Shack takes the burger debate for me. The shake stack burger is next level. Five Guys is a close second for me. Five Guys cajun fries are the best fries in the business, and burgers always taste great.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:39 AM ^
I know the OP was talking about burgers and chicken, but what about hot dogs? I've always wondered why there aren't any chains that specialize in this American favorite. Sonic and five guys do have some dogs on their menu, but not much variety outside of cheese or chili & cheese.
Like burgers and chicken, the best dog places tend to be local, like Pink's in LA, and if you're ever in Baton Rouge try Frankie's Dawg House. But it seems like this is an area where some chains could expand.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:42 AM ^
Does Coney Island count?
(I met someone from Maine who told me his favorite food was "a Michigan." Had no clue what he was talking about. Apparently that's what they call Coney Dogs in other parts of the country).
January 31st, 2021 at 9:45 AM ^
Ashamed to say I've never eaten at Coney Island.
Edit: I remember there was an episode of Man v. Food in Detroit where they compared American and Lafayette. Adam wimped out, though, and didn't declare a winner.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:08 AM ^
That's really twisted (but very interesting).
I've never understood why a Detroit-based restaurant would name itself after something in Brooklyn. Why not do use something original? I may be missing part of the backstory.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:26 AM ^
Quick search on Wikipedia reveals that Greek and Macedonian immigrants first started them in New York, called Coney Style because they were popular in the Coney Island region. They spread around the country but seemed to stick in the Detroit area around early 20th century. Their continued popularity in Southeast Michigan seems to be a result of the large number of Greek immigrants in this region.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:53 AM ^
"a Michigan."? Probably means it doesn't live up to its pre-purchase/season rankings.*
*football of course.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:00 AM ^
A&W still has hot dogs on their menu, iirc. Not many of them around any more, though. We used to go to A&W when I was a kid when we were traveling on summer vacation because my mom liked their root beer.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:09 AM ^
Ah yes, there is one in Dexter. And I remember stopping at one on our way up north as a kid, as a sort of tradition. Can't remember where it was though. But we were heading to Alpena, so maybe near Bay City?
January 31st, 2021 at 10:11 AM ^
I used to see A&Ws on my drives back to Michigan (seemed like a lot of them in Indiana), but not so much now. It's a shame because they had good food.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:17 AM ^
A&W was the big thing for us growing up in a small town south of Lansing. Once a month our family would get a treat by going out to dinner there. lol. We kids thought it was cool, though, as you would sit in the booth and place your order through an intercom instead of having the server come to you. Very exciting stuff for a bunch of small town kids!
I still love their root beer. Good stuff.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:23 AM ^
Portillo’s, while known for their beefs, have fantastic dogs. The dogs are chicago style which I like a lot. I like coneys as well.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:26 AM ^
To this day the best hot dog I've ever had was that Chicago Dog place that was (is?) near South University around central campus. I went to that place as much as I could afford when I was a student in the early 90's. I think that was the name of the restaurant. Tried Googling it but found nothing. Anyone with a better memory that can provide some detail?
I just remember their Chicago style hot dog and waffle fries were unbelievable.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:42 AM ^
Red Hot Lovers, maybe? I haven't been on campus in far too long, so I don't recall the cross streets. But that is/was a great hot dog joint.
January 31st, 2021 at 11:18 AM ^
Yes, used to be Red Hot Lovers on East University between the walk from Ulrich’s and East Quad. Looks like is now Ray’s Red Hots.
January 31st, 2021 at 12:11 PM ^
Bingo! That was it! Hole in the wall brick and mortar diner. Good stuff.
January 31st, 2021 at 11:00 AM ^
I'm not in the area anymore and this place isn't fast food, but Swig in Perrysburg has some great hot dogs (and beer).
January 31st, 2021 at 11:05 AM ^
Too funny. When I go to Five Guys I always get a hot dog and a little order of fries. When it comes to chicken it's always CFA because of the mac n cheese, when trying to counter the fact that the chicken is deep fried I go with the fruit cup.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:41 AM ^
No comparison. Five guys and CFA
Also surprised Hardee's hasn't been mentioned yet unless you don't have them most everywhere. Heartier burgers than all the other fast food places.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:52 AM ^
A few years ago I helped my daughter move from Massachusetts to San Diego. We decided to eat the same lunch every day: cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake, but at different regional burger chains, plus the national ones if necessary. We hit Five Guys, Sonic, Whataburger, and In-and-Out, plus Wendy's and Burger King. (Somehow we avoided McD's! Whew!)
My evaluation: Five Guys burgers and fries, Sonic milkshakes. My daughter's favorites were different, of course.
One more thing: my dog prefers Wendy's chicken nuggets to those at McDonalds and Burger King. She gets real disappointed when I use the drive-thru at Rite-Aid to pick up my prescriptions, though.
January 31st, 2021 at 9:54 AM ^
In n Out all the way. If you get a chance go to the one in McNamaras hometown of Damonte Ranch, Nevada, all the kids working there are in complete harmony working like gangbusters, was cool to see.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:01 AM ^
PSA to start off...growing up in the 60s and 70s, french fries tasted better. This is because folks (McDonald's) cooked the fries in beef tallow (rendered fat). McDonald's stopped using beef tallow in 1983 as it was bad for you (allegedly). Fries have never been the same and this diminished the American experience.
Random thoughts as most of my thoughts these days are random...
For me it's a toss up between Chick-fil-A and Popeyes for chicken. I really like Chick-fil-A's chicken nuggets, but I also enjoy both the spicy and regular Popeyes fried chick. If my wife is going to be out of town for a week or two visiting family in the UK, I'll buy a family meal from Popeyes and graze on that all week while she's gone. Cold, 3 day old fried chicken is underrated.
No more KFC for me. A couple of years ago I went there at lunch and got a chicken sandwich at the drive thu, parked my car, opened the bag, took a bite of the sandwich and bit into a half cooked slimey piece of chicken. I got the door of my car open quick enough to spit out the chicken and vomit up the gallon of coffee I drank that morning. I thought about complaining, but that would have taken time and I would have then been late for a 1 pm meeting. I never went back to that KFC or any other.
Five guys? Too expensive. The prices were slightly bearable when you could sit there and eat a boatload of peanuts waiting for your food. Not now.
Wendy's or Burger King if I want a fast food burger. If I'm at a sitdown restaurant I'll always order the burger with blue cheese on it.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:36 AM ^
Ended up with food poisoning the last two times I bought KFC in the US from rancid oil and will never go back.
Having said that, KFC is Japan is excellent as the turns are much higher and the QC much better.
January 31st, 2021 at 10:03 AM ^
Totally agree on not worth waiting in line for any of it. It's decent but factoring in the time it is not worth the wait. Especially waiting in a long line of cars. It feels dystopian to be waiting in a long line of cars. Reminds me of Wall-E.
January 31st, 2021 at 12:45 PM ^
I decided to try the Popeyes chicken sandwich a few months back once all of the initial hype died down. I’ve got to say, it was a life altering experience. You are right about the lines though — especially the one at the truck stop on Baker Rd west of A2. The lines aren’t long because there are so many customer, they are long because they DO NOT MOVE. Even so, I’ve driven 25 minutes to get down there only to wait in a 40 min drive thru line (which I fully expected) on more than one occasion because that spicy chicken is so damn delicious. Their tenders are also top notch but their sides are trash.