The Top Fast Food Chains In America, According To Consumer Reports

Fast food has a certain quality that makes it so satisfying when you’re hungry. Have you ever wondered what the overall opinion on the web is towards your favorite chains, though? Folks, we do have all that information right here. You might be surprised by the following ratings and evaluations from websites like Consumer Reports, which range from “dangerous” sandwiches to swoon-worthy shakes. Here are the top 15 fast food chains in America.

15. Sonic Drive-In

We’re beginning to notice a pattern with the Chicago Tribune. With its food reviews, the newspaper doesn’t hold back! A reporter writing about the burgers at Sonic Drive-In said, “The large bun deserves the greatest scorn, while the pallid-looking patty deserves to be covered up with something.” Sheesh. Despite the complaints, it still received a 74 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index in 2022.

14. Pizza Hut

Another topic with sharply differing opinions is whether or not people enjoy eating at Pizza Hut. The American Customer Satisfaction Index, for instance, gave the pizza restaurant a respectable 77 in 2022. However, based on more than 1,400 online reviews, it has received a two-star rating on Trustpilot.

13. Panera Bread

It’s easy to see why Panera Bread has such a large fanbase. The meal looks amazing! The American Customer Satisfaction Index score of 77 for 2022 shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, given that. Remember that some people may still be turned off by 2019 assertions made by a former employee that the mac and cheese there would be heated up in the microwave from frozen.

12. Wienerschnitzel

Hot dogs are sold at a fantastic price at Wienerschnitzel, which is well-recognized for its reasonable cost. But are they worthwhile? More than 40% of the people who spoke with Consumer Reports agreed with this statement. However, a Yelper wasn’t really pleased with the food they got. According to the user of the website, there were more chunks of bone than actual beef in the patties.

11. Taco John’s

It should go without saying that people’s opinions of fast-food restaurants can be influenced by portion sizes. Furthermore, the restaurant chain Taco John’s has taken some heat for it. A customer reportedly said, “I honestly received a tortilla with maybe a spoonful of beans, a sprinkling of cheese, and a little sauce,” according to Comedy.com. The potato olés were regarded as being the menu item with the highest quality.

10. Papa John’s

A Trustpilot user referred to the well-known pizza chain as “Average John’s.” Harsh! They weren’t the only ones, though, to mock Papa John’s. Evidently, more than 50% of website visitors rated it as “Bad.” Comparing that to the American Customer Satisfaction Index is interesting. It’s ranking for 2022 is number 76 on the list. Far from average, right?

9. Baskin-Robbins

Given that the company has been operating for almost 80 years, Baskin-Robbins must be doing something right. It has a devoted fan base that is mostly devoted to the ice cream on sale. However, not everyone has been satisfied with the results. Online commenter: “[Some branches are] perpetually out of chocolate ice cream and they won’t place another order! I only hear one excuse after another.”

8. Whataburger

One feature of Whataburger that frequently draws attention from consumers is the size of the patties. It’s really rare to come across a report that doesn’t mention it! The chain has a 2.5 rating on Yelp. However, because of problems like extended wait times and incorrect orders, Not even the affordable prices were able to improve it.

7. Taco Bell

Taco Bell was the best Mexican restaurant in the United States in 2018. That year, it was recognized as “America’s favorite Mexican restaurant.” As of right now, the chain has a 2022 American Customer Satisfaction Index score of 72. But despite that, more than 50% of people told Consumer Reports they wouldn’t go back there.

6. Popeyes

Over the past 50 years, Popeyes has gained a sizable following as a result of its chicken meals. However, Trustpilot users haven’t been particularly impressed. The average rating from more than 690 reviews is 1.5 stars. The chicken sandwich wasn’t only a letdown; it was also unsafe, according to one customer. It was burned, rotten, and reeked awful.

5. Dunkin’ Donuts

Trying to find an excellent doughnut shop? According to all accounts, Dunkin’ Donuts is the best option. The chain had a 74 out of 100 rating from the American Customer Satisfaction Index in 2022, which isn’t at all bad. On Yelp, though, a number of users have occasionally questioned the output’s quality. I’ve never had a fresh donut here. Someone even wrote in the comments.

4. Shake Shack

You pay attention when a fast food restaurant brand receives almost universal praise. That distinction belongs to Shake Shack in this instance. In the 1,800+ reviews on Yelp, it will be difficult to find many negative remarks. There is a handful on Tripadvisor, though, for context. The food and beverages on offer, however, appear to be breathtaking despite that!

3. Burger King

Burger King is one of the most well-known fast-food restaurants. Who hasn’t heard of that logo? It also provides delicious food at a reasonable cost. Despite this, Consumer Reports found that the restaurant received positive reviews from just over 30% of customers. Furthermore, we don’t think this reviewer was one of them. They were furious, saying, “[The crispy chicken sandwich] was the most horrible thing I’ve ever had. I vomited it out.”

2. KFC

KFC is one of the kings of the fast food industry when it comes to value for money. You may spend as little as $20 to purchase a sizable container of the chain’s renowned chicken. It’s ideal for huge gatherings. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, the restaurant received a 78 overall score in 2022. The Consumer Reports figure, on the other hand, was far lower.

1. McDonald’s

Which brand comes to mind when you think about fast food? It’s McDonald’s, right? After all, it’s arguably the most well-known chain on earth. Do people, however, genuinely enjoy the items on the menu? As a result of the iconic Super Size Me documentary, some diners are now less inclined to visit the Golden Arches. Less than 30% of those questioned really indicated to Consumer Reports that they would return.

What’s your favorite fast food restaurant, and why do you like it? Did we miss anything to add to the list? Please let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to spread the news so that we can hear from more people.