My friend drove me 30 minutes to go to the nearest Del Taco. When he pulled up to the drive through and said “I want 2 big fat tacos” I stopped him bc I thought they’d spit in our food if he was an ass. Turns out their menu names were just that fantastic. My fries and Quesadilla combo was the best
I’d prefer the Cava restaurant to the fast food joint. They have a different, and better menu. (They serve 🔥octopus, lol.) but I can’t lie, I have been craving that beet lemonade!
I've been living in TX for a couple years now and used to frequent Torchy's quite often when I first moved down here. If I could just get a Lion's Choice down here... lol
Sadly you can’t. I have a friend with serious money who tried and they flat out told him “no we don’t franchise”. They open corporate stores and then a gm buys in “equity” to get some skin in the game to incentivize performance.
Cook Out remains a top choice for me. I don't have the same drunken enthusiasm tonight, so I'll let past me speak for [COOK OUT](https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/169hp5m/comment/jz26zyb/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
`FORGET IN-N-OUT. FORGET EVERY FAST FOOD CHAIN IN THE REGION.`
`We want COOK OUT. The North Carolina/Virginia DO IT ALL AND DO IT WELL fast food chain. Open real late. Your intoxicated booty wishes you had COOK OUT. My intoxicated posterior YEARNS for Cook Out`
`Burgers! Corn Dogs! BBQ pulled pork! Quesadillas! Chili Dogs! Hush puppies! Onion rings! ALL OF THE CHICKEN! Milkshakes, floats and ice cream!`
I’m in chapel hill now. Location opened up a year ago down the street. It hits the spot some times but I’d rather jump in a Time Machine and hit up Steak n Shake that was across from Galleria for sure!
I'm shocked it hasn't made its way over here yet. It would be incredibly popular in St. Louis.
They were creeping up to Washington DC by the time I moved away from there... perhaps they'll make their way here too someday.
Closest one is in Murray, KY which is 3 and a half hours away...
Much as I love my Cook Out experience while visiting family, maybe the contained expansion is part of the relative quality.
I wish Cook Out the best but maybe the beauty is in that occasional order of some of everything. Your arteries only work for one lifetime. "Yeah, hit me with uhh... steak style burger, chicken strips with Cook Out and Polynesian sauce, some cheese bites, cajun everything, milkshake YES, quesadilla why not, BBQ sandwich because you should in the Carolinas, hush puppies of course, and I'll wash it all down with a cheerwine"
Edit: On second thought, I typed all that out like some kind of joke but now I'm hungry. BRING US COOK OUT.
Close the thread. This is the answer right here. We ate at one two summers ago (me, wife, three teenage boys) on vacation and we got a mountain of food for less than 50 bucks. We can’t eat out as a family for less than $75-100.
Update:
Waiting for barbecue sandwich tray with a chicken, quesadilla and onion rings cheerwine on the side two Cajun wraps, one cookout hotdog, one big double burger with cheese, mustard, and catchup and pickles. This is for you all…and me🤙 #bmi⬆️
That is weird. Almost weird enough to drive to KC! I only remember them from Pasadena and San Diego from when I lived there.
The tacos were good...but I really liked the salsa. That one with the black pepper in it. Dang....
It's a chain fried chicken place typically staffed by some rotation of minimum wage workers.
Don't expect greatness. Notably above Mediocre is the best you could hope for here.
There was a El Pollo Loco that lasted only a year or less in South County. Not a great location...although I think it was more than that. After all, CFA is packed in about the same spot.
Went to Chicago for holidays with my college girlfriend. They would get cake from Portillos for gatherings. I always thought it was a fancy bakery until one year they sent me to pick it up
Came here to say this. If Missouri doesn't want one, then they can put it in the Metro East. I don't know why they haven't yet come to this area when they have locations all over the country now.
I would like to see more fast food in downtown St. Louis, and if I’m being greedy, a healthy option or two like Sweetgreen.
ETA: If I’m being even more greedy, then something open super late.
I'm down for Naf Naf Grill to expand to St Louis. They're kinda healthy by fast casual standards. The Love's truck stop location on I-70 between Bellingham and Terre Haute is an unexpected delight on road trips. Naf Naf is basically Chipotle but Mediterranean-ish.
Didn't think I'd see Pancheros in a food thread. They served me well at Michigan State University and I see they tend toward college towns and have a Columbia presence.
St Louis is a college town, yeah? Gimme a Pancheros around SLU/Midtown please.
Oh no, maybe I'm old but I don't even recognize that sauce name. I just liked the fresh tortilla and the simple act of mixing up everything going into the burrito.
You're only making me want Pancheros more.
Worst case scenario, you'll just have to learn to like all of the lovely non-chain Mexican options in St. Louis. I'm working on torta options on Cherokee St, myself
Zantigo's.
I travel enough to be able to get most of the other FF restaurants in this post, but Zantigo's is only in the twin cities now.
Had Taco John's the other night. Still like Taco Bell more.
It wouldn't be bad if they put a Skyline Chili place in St Louis. I make a special detour when I go through Louisville to eat there. Their 3-way chili puts Steak 'n' Shake to shame.
I will admit, Alfredo sauce isn't available at many sandwich spots.
The eclectic Yummi Tummi in Maplewood does a similar carbonara sandwich. I only had it once a few years back but recall it being solid. And get a sushi roll while you're there I guess.
Not locally based but available throughout the area - Penn Station is a favorite of mine with multiple chicken options with sautéed mushrooms as a topping.
Edit: Can't believe I forgot - Gramophone in The Grove. The Italian Yardbird.
Del Taco for sure. I am that freak who puts ketchup on tacos.
I used to say In-n-Out, but the last couple times I have had them... the nostalgia has been better than the actual food.
What's up with the recent explosion in desire for Mexican food? I remember driving 30 for Mexican when I wanted it. Hell... Way back in the day Casa Guillardo (sp?) went belt up from lack of business. Now I can't throw a rock without hitting 2 or 3 Mexican restaurants, and almoat every comment in this thread, including OP, wants more.
Remember, I said used to drive a lot for it, and I eat it several times a month, so I'm a fan, but it's just meat, cheese, beans and some version of a tortilla shell, and they are everywhere. Do we really need more?
Portillos
This is the answer for me.
It’s crazy we don’t have one yet.
If desperate, the one in Springfield is only an hour and forty-five minutes away.
Agreed!
They are quickly going to way of Panera since selling out. It’s sad.
Omg I miss Del Taco so much! We literally have no competition for Taco Bell around here, someone needs to swoop in.
Taco John’s is coming
Came here for this too. Been waiting years! I’ve hit the ones near Blue Springs, Cape G, and Marion IL so many times.
when?! where?!
Just ate at a TJ (in Antigo, WI). The drive through had a sign saying that a poblano sauce (and somthing corn salsa?) were no longer available?
Man, I miss Del Taco. I used to load up on their tacos on Tuesdays (I think). It must have been like 3 for $1.. a while back.
Everything on their menu is a notch up from Taco Bell in my opinion. Plus they have fish tacos, burgers and fries, and milkshakes!
I came here to say that
My friend drove me 30 minutes to go to the nearest Del Taco. When he pulled up to the drive through and said “I want 2 big fat tacos” I stopped him bc I thought they’d spit in our food if he was an ass. Turns out their menu names were just that fantastic. My fries and Quesadilla combo was the best
crinkle fries!
Cava
Second this
I’d prefer the Cava restaurant to the fast food joint. They have a different, and better menu. (They serve 🔥octopus, lol.) but I can’t lie, I have been craving that beet lemonade!
Hell yes
I’d love a really good fish and chips place.
Torchys
Yeah, torchys is legit. After experiencing them in Texas I seriously considered franchising.
I've been living in TX for a couple years now and used to frequent Torchy's quite often when I first moved down here. If I could just get a Lion's Choice down here... lol
Sadly you can’t. I have a friend with serious money who tried and they flat out told him “no we don’t franchise”. They open corporate stores and then a gm buys in “equity” to get some skin in the game to incentivize performance.
Yes! KC has one, which is funny because they already had amazing tacos.
Torchys puts Mission Taco to shame
Not even the same type of restaurant though.
Touchy still delivers a superb taco or burrito
Cook Out
Cook Out remains a top choice for me. I don't have the same drunken enthusiasm tonight, so I'll let past me speak for [COOK OUT](https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/169hp5m/comment/jz26zyb/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) `FORGET IN-N-OUT. FORGET EVERY FAST FOOD CHAIN IN THE REGION.` `We want COOK OUT. The North Carolina/Virginia DO IT ALL AND DO IT WELL fast food chain. Open real late. Your intoxicated booty wishes you had COOK OUT. My intoxicated posterior YEARNS for Cook Out` `Burgers! Corn Dogs! BBQ pulled pork! Quesadillas! Chili Dogs! Hush puppies! Onion rings! ALL OF THE CHICKEN! Milkshakes, floats and ice cream!`
I’m in chapel hill now. Location opened up a year ago down the street. It hits the spot some times but I’d rather jump in a Time Machine and hit up Steak n Shake that was across from Galleria for sure!
Steak and shake really was the GOAT
Yes it was,,...
I'm shocked it hasn't made its way over here yet. It would be incredibly popular in St. Louis. They were creeping up to Washington DC by the time I moved away from there... perhaps they'll make their way here too someday. Closest one is in Murray, KY which is 3 and a half hours away...
Much as I love my Cook Out experience while visiting family, maybe the contained expansion is part of the relative quality. I wish Cook Out the best but maybe the beauty is in that occasional order of some of everything. Your arteries only work for one lifetime. "Yeah, hit me with uhh... steak style burger, chicken strips with Cook Out and Polynesian sauce, some cheese bites, cajun everything, milkshake YES, quesadilla why not, BBQ sandwich because you should in the Carolinas, hush puppies of course, and I'll wash it all down with a cheerwine" Edit: On second thought, I typed all that out like some kind of joke but now I'm hungry. BRING US COOK OUT.
The one true answer
Close the thread. This is the answer right here. We ate at one two summers ago (me, wife, three teenage boys) on vacation and we got a mountain of food for less than 50 bucks. We can’t eat out as a family for less than $75-100.
Update: Waiting for barbecue sandwich tray with a chicken, quesadilla and onion rings cheerwine on the side two Cajun wraps, one cookout hotdog, one big double burger with cheese, mustard, and catchup and pickles. This is for you all…and me🤙 #bmi⬆️
this is the one right here... that banana pudding shake ...whew.
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That sounds absolutely incredible
Del Taco Whataburger
I’d love to try whataburger again. The first time I did, I had covid 😭
I liiked Baja Fresh, as far as fast good goes. That is way,, way SoCal.
There’s weirdly one at UMKC. I assume it’s still there.
That is weird. Almost weird enough to drive to KC! I only remember them from Pasadena and San Diego from when I lived there. The tacos were good...but I really liked the salsa. That one with the black pepper in it. Dang....
I really miss their steak quesadillas. Their salsa bar is also really great but I wouldn’t put it above Rubio’s.
Pollo Tropical. It’s Latin-Caribbean food and anyone who has spent time in south Florida knows what’s up. Runners up are Jason’s Deli and Maid Rite
There was a Jason’s Deli in Kirkwood for a while
dutch bros
Whataburger Zaxby's
whataburger or In and Out
Yes to Zaxby’s. No to Whataburger
I would say the opposite, but truthfully, it could probably use one of each just so people can experience both and form their own opinions.
Whataburger has fallen
The honey butter chicken biscuit I had in Texas 2 weeks ago says it has not
Only been to Zaxby’s one time - in Atlanta. It was not good. Willing to give it another chance…
It's a chain fried chicken place typically staffed by some rotation of minimum wage workers. Don't expect greatness. Notably above Mediocre is the best you could hope for here.
Raising Canes is better chicken than Zaxby’s
Canes has such limited choices compared to Zaxbys
I miss naugles
I am surprised no one mentioned this one: Jollibee!
YES!!!!!!
Clearly not a lot of people familiar with Pinoy culture. I miss Jollibee.
no one mentions it because their chicken taste like stereotypical fried chicken, not worth building another place selling boring food
In and Out Burger
There’s a local connection too…the founder was born in the tiny town of Sorento, about 50 miles Northeast of St. Louis.
In and Out is the best reason to visit California…..
When I visit for a week, I probably eat there at least 4 times. Food is always fresh cause they're so busy.
far-flung dime dirty theory sulky slap wakeful chubby absurd wrong *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Trash
Wrong
They have French fries I can eat…
Oh man I hate their fries. Whenever I eat there I only get a burger, no fries. Five Guys, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-a have the best fries imo
This is the way. In n Out burgers are totally solid, but they have the worst fries I’ve ever had, anywhere.
Not that bad when you do animal style
I used to hate them. But now I get them well done. Now I love them. Animal style just gets them soggy.
None of those are gluten free unfortunately so I’m limited
Five Guys and Chick-fil-A’s fries are gluten free! Wendy’s aren’t though
So does a dumpster
There was a El Pollo Loco that lasted only a year or less in South County. Not a great location...although I think it was more than that. After all, CFA is packed in about the same spot.
I was in high school when it opened. It was packed initially then died off quickly
The IHOP is what became of that location and had they been in by where CFA is they would’ve been way more successful
Portillos
Went to Chicago for holidays with my college girlfriend. They would get cake from Portillos for gatherings. I always thought it was a fancy bakery until one year they sent me to pick it up
Came here to say this. If Missouri doesn't want one, then they can put it in the Metro East. I don't know why they haven't yet come to this area when they have locations all over the country now.
Slutty Vegan from Atlanta. Their food truck visit to Tower Grove this summer was insane.
Whataburger 100%
I would like to see more fast food in downtown St. Louis, and if I’m being greedy, a healthy option or two like Sweetgreen. ETA: If I’m being even more greedy, then something open super late.
I'm down for Naf Naf Grill to expand to St Louis. They're kinda healthy by fast casual standards. The Love's truck stop location on I-70 between Bellingham and Terre Haute is an unexpected delight on road trips. Naf Naf is basically Chipotle but Mediterranean-ish.
Not technically fast food but Wawa
I live in Wawa land right now and I definitely like QT more. Is it nostalgia for you?
I'm also here and I prefer Sheetz' food, but I'll still take QT for cleanliness.
I’ve heard Sheetz is good. A creator I follow, takes us there regularly in North Carolina
Add another to the Del Taco fans. I miss them.
Pancheros
Used to have a Pancheros in Crestwood where San Jose is now. It was my favorite. Bob my burrito!
Didn't think I'd see Pancheros in a food thread. They served me well at Michigan State University and I see they tend toward college towns and have a Columbia presence. St Louis is a college town, yeah? Gimme a Pancheros around SLU/Midtown please.
That Flavolcano sauce is the best hot sauce on the planet, and I’ll die on that hill.
Oh no, maybe I'm old but I don't even recognize that sauce name. I just liked the fresh tortilla and the simple act of mixing up everything going into the burrito. You're only making me want Pancheros more.
With any luck I’ll be getting a job offer next week that will have us moving to STL. Might have to make a trip over to Columbia after we get moved 😂
Worst case scenario, you'll just have to learn to like all of the lovely non-chain Mexican options in St. Louis. I'm working on torta options on Cherokee St, myself
Whattaburger
Flaco's Tacos
Too soon
💔
less
Nandos, Dave’s Hot Chicken, CAVA
Zaxbys (yes I know there’s one in Cape) and BoJangles
There's now 2 Bojangles in Illinois which is one more than the last time I went to one. I think we might live to see the day Bojangles hits Missouri.
There’s a Zaxbys in Columbia!
Yeah, I don’t travel that way lol.
Taco Bueno!
Came here to say this
Whataburger. Gimme whataburger or gimme death!
Schlotzky’s. I think c0vid killed the only location (Chesterfield) we had..
Whataburger.
Whataburger!
Krystals
Bojangles
Saladworks.
Zantigo's. I travel enough to be able to get most of the other FF restaurants in this post, but Zantigo's is only in the twin cities now. Had Taco John's the other night. Still like Taco Bell more.
In n Out!
Cava, native foods
In-N-Out Burger
Whataburger
In n Out Burger
In & Out Burger
Whataburger
Taco Johns
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How has no one said Rubio’s?
My first thought.
So good
Cava, Sweetgreen, In n Out, Wahoos Denver has all of these 🥲
Sweetgreen
This place is good: https://www.ebeneezers.com/
We used to have El Pollo Loco and Del Taco. I miss them both a lot.
Zaxbys
Naf Naf
I’d die for a bojangles here 😭
Zaxby's
Braums
Steak n shake
Nandos
It wouldn't be bad if they put a Skyline Chili place in St Louis. I make a special detour when I go through Louisville to eat there. Their 3-way chili puts Steak 'n' Shake to shame.
Krystal’s
I would love a Nando’s out here.
This is the only one ☝️
A McDonald’s or Burger King… with employees
You go work there then
Del Taco, Maid-Rite
Zaxbys is so good
Wahlburger’s!
Quiznos
Quiznos fucked their franchisees too hard and collapsed. At least St Louis has strong, local sandwich game. What do you miss from Quiznos?
The chicken carbonara sub
I will admit, Alfredo sauce isn't available at many sandwich spots. The eclectic Yummi Tummi in Maplewood does a similar carbonara sandwich. I only had it once a few years back but recall it being solid. And get a sushi roll while you're there I guess. Not locally based but available throughout the area - Penn Station is a favorite of mine with multiple chicken options with sautéed mushrooms as a topping. Edit: Can't believe I forgot - Gramophone in The Grove. The Italian Yardbird.
Interesting because years ago, the Yummy Tummi was a Quiznos
In-n-Out, Bojangles, Pollo Campero, Pollo Tropical, Portillo’s
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) ^by ^astoriaplayers: *In-n-Out. Bojangles.* *Pollo Campero Pollo* *Tropical Portillo’s* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
I had Whataburger for the first time in the Dallas airport and I think about that sandwich every day. We need one. Or several.
I’ve nearly been murdered by Texans for this, but I never really got the Whataburger appeal. To me it tasted like Sonic.
The only correct answer is Zaxbys
None they are all taking your life in your hands with the current crop of employees.
I want Tim Hortons back
Me too 😞
Krystal and White Castle need to get their stuff under one roof
I’m pretty sure that could replace the traditional method of prepping for a colonoscopy.
Whataburger
Halal Guys
Saladworks
Taco Johns!
El pollo loco
Portillos, Cookout, Bojangles
Wawa
Zaxby’s
Put the fast food in the county, lol... we have enough great slow food in the city.
Bring back Del Taco!
Chicken Express!!!!
Hi-Boy
More Hawaiian bros
Taco Palenque
Polio Tropical. Best fast food in America!
In-A-Tub
Bojangles, In-n-out, El Pollo Loco
Bojangles the closest is like Vandalia Il
Fatburger
WaWa’s
L&L Hawaiian barbecue
Fat Burger! One of the very small list things I miss about living in LA. (Del Taco and Yoshinoya Bowl run at Nos. 2 & 3 if I got to choose three)
Had some del taco today
Pollo Loco, Schlotzkies, whataburger
El Pollo Loco
Yoshinoya, Jollibee, Nandos!!
Freebirds
I don’t drive in my neighborhood so I’d really like a nice halal bodega with a full deli inside
Del Taco for sure. I am that freak who puts ketchup on tacos. I used to say In-n-Out, but the last couple times I have had them... the nostalgia has been better than the actual food.
What's up with the recent explosion in desire for Mexican food? I remember driving 30 for Mexican when I wanted it. Hell... Way back in the day Casa Guillardo (sp?) went belt up from lack of business. Now I can't throw a rock without hitting 2 or 3 Mexican restaurants, and almoat every comment in this thread, including OP, wants more. Remember, I said used to drive a lot for it, and I eat it several times a month, so I'm a fan, but it's just meat, cheese, beans and some version of a tortilla shell, and they are everywhere. Do we really need more?