5 Regional Burger Chains We Wish Were National

It's the place your friends have been telling you that you have to try when you visit them in their hometown. They think you're crazy for never having tasted it. We're talking about the burger from the fast-food chain in your state, and you're as loyal to it as you are to your favorite football team.

Related: America's Top 10 Chain Burgers

Regional burger chains have cult followings that have escalated into near religious dogma, and for good reason. From secret menus to special sauce, these joints have found a way to stand apart from other fast-food chains, and have gained enormous (if only specific in a certain area) popularity in the process.

Related: The 40 Best Burgers in America

Some of these regional spots, like Milo's Hamburgers and Dick's Drive-In exist in just one state, while others are in five to 10. Some even take their regionality to the next level: chains like Burgerville are not only regional, but are also dedicated to their state through their use of local ingredients and farmers.

Related: 10 Fast-Food Restaurants You Haven't Heard Of

Whataburger, Southern United States
With more than 700 locations over 10 states, it's a shame that Whataburger hasn't made its way up north. A Texas favorite and number six on the Daily Meal's list of 10 Best Chain Burgers, Whataburger has classic fast-food options in addition to seasonal favorites like avocado and specialty burgers with jalapeños and cheese.

Related: 50 Best Burger Recipes

Dick's Drive-In, Washington
Dick's Drive-In has six locations in Washington, and has been serving their famous fast-food burgers since 1954. A contender on The Daily Meal's list of 40 Best Burgers in America, the Dick's Deluxe Burger is a Washington cult classic.

Related: How to Eat Healthy at 16 Fast-Food Chains

Milo's Hamburgers, Alabama
Located only in Alabama, Milo's has been serving their special sauce and quick-service hamburgers since 1946. Milkshakes have also become crowd favorites, but Alabama locals know that the hamburger is the reason to visit this local spot.

Burgerville, Northwest
A smaller chain, Burgerville is located primarily in Oregon, with a few spots in Washington, too.With 39 locations, Burgerville is unique in that they use local and seasonal ingredients, and stress sustainable business practices like composting and recycling.

In-N-Out, West Coast
Perhaps no regional chain is as beloved as In-N-Out Burger. Though it's primarily associated with California, In-N-Out also has locations in Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Arizona. Though the Animal-Style fries of the secret menu have yet to make it over to the East Coast, locals swear they're worth the trip. In-N-Out was the runner-up on the Daily Meal's list of 10 Best Chain Burgers, though some locals would probably contest that.

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-Emily Rothkrug, The Daily Meal