More Regional Burger Chains that We Wish Were National
After we published our list of 10 Regional Burger Chains That We Wish Were National, we received many responses from our readers urging us to consider their favorite regional spots. Considering how passionate some of us can be about our burgers, on top of our hometowns, we're hardly surprised!
To be clear, we understand why some of you all might have wondered why we didn't include Five Guys or Shake Shack on our list. We certainly love these burger joints as much as the next person, but with Shake Shack's national and international locations, and Five Guys' multiple locations across the United States, they just didn't fit our regional criteria.
Related: The 40 Best Burgers in America
In any case, we still wanted to highlight some of your recommendations, since establishments like the beloved Varsity Drive-In in Atlanta and Southern chain Cook Out are regional chains that we overlooked that any burger lover needs to visit.
Related: 10 Fast-Food Restaurants You Haven't Heard Of
From burgers topped with chili and coleslaw made by your neighborhood line cook to gourmet burgers topped with pastrami designed by an Iron Chef, read on below to see more of your favorite hometown spots.
Pal's Sudden Service: Tennessee and Virginia
Affectionately called Pal's by fans, this chain prides itself on customer satisfaction and retention. The menu features standard fast-food favorites, like burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Their namesake burger, the Big Pal, is a 1/3-pound burger on a large bun with mayonnaise, onion, lettuce, and tomato. Their most popular item is actually a beverage, the Pal's Tea, a quart-sized cup of sweet tea served open to close.
Related:Chicago's 29 Best Hot Dogs
Cook-Out: North Carolina
This privately owned chain based in North Carolina has now spread to the neighboring states of Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina with more than 100 locations. The restaurant specialty is grilled hamburgers and hot dogs "cook-out style," as well as their premium milkshakes with flavors like Banana Pudding and Chocolate Cherry. The menu also includes some Carolina-style barbecue. Most of the locations have a drive-thru as well as outdoor seating.
Related:America's Unhealthiest Fast-Food Items
The Varsity: Atlanta
The original Varsity was opened in 1928, and since then the fast-food chain has grown to be one of the most beloved and iconic restaurants in Atlanta. The original location in downtown Atlanta is the world's largest drive-in - on its two acres, it can accommodate 600 cars and more than 800 people! Their menu is filled with fan favorites, like chili cheese dogs, burgers (some of the best around, too), the Frosted Orange shake, and fried pies, and the company boasts of using the freshest ingredients.
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-Emily Rothkrug, The Daily Meal
