The 30 Most Popular Restaurant Chains in the US

From classic burger-and-fry joints to ubiquitous coffee shops, there are plenty of popular restaurant chains throughout the US. Whether you’re looking for familiarity or just a reasonable price, you can find most of these establishments pretty much anywhere in the country.

Panda Express

The largest American Chinese fast-food chain, Panda Express is known for its American-Chinese cuisine. Popular items include the Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and a variety of sides like fried rice and chow mein.

Shake Shack

This modern burger chain is famous for its high-quality ingredients and fast-casual dining experience. Signature items include the ShackBurger, Crinkle-Cut Fries, and their rich, creamy shakes.

Culver’s

Known for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard, Culver’s emphasizes quality and freshness. Popular menu items include the Culver’s Deluxe Burger, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, and a rotating selection of custard flavors.

TGI Fridays

A casual dining chain known for its vibrant atmosphere, TGI Fridays offers a diverse menu of American classics. Popular items include the Jack Daniels Ribs, Loaded Potato Skins, and their signature cocktails.

Red Lobster

Famous for its seafood offerings, Red Lobster is known for its casual dining experience and fresh ingredients. Popular menu items include the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Lobster Bisque, and various lobster dishes.

Sonic Drive-In

Known for its drive-in style and retro vibe, Sonic offers a unique fast-food experience with burgers, hot dogs, and shakes. Popular items include the Cherry Limeade, Footlong Chili Cheese Dog, and various slushes.

Baja Fresh

Specializing in fresh, Mexican-inspired dishes, Baja Fresh is known for its flavorful burritos, tacos, and salads. Popular menu items include the Grilled Chicken Burrito, Fish Tacos, and their fresh salsa bar.

Joey’s Pizza

Known for its New York-style pizza and casual dining atmosphere, Joey’s offers a variety of pizzas, pasta, and subs. Popular items include the classic Cheese Pizza and the signature Joey’s Special with various toppings.

Noodles & Company

A fast-casual restaurant specializing in pasta and globally inspired dishes, Noodles & Company offers a diverse menu. Popular items include the Mac & Cheese, Pad Thai, and Zoodles, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.

Firehouse Subs

A sandwich chain known for its hearty subs and commitment to public safety, Firehouse Subs offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. Popular items include the Hook & Ladder and Meatball Sub, with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Cold Stone Creamery

Famous for its mix-ins and custom ice cream creations, Cold Stone Creamery allows customers to create their own unique treats. Popular menu items include the Founders’ Favorite and Cake Batter ice cream, served on a chilled stone.

Denny’s

A classic diner chain, Denny’s is known for its all-day breakfast and comfort food. Popular menu items include the Grand Slam breakfast, Moons Over My Hammy, and various hearty burgers and sandwiches.

Kona Grill

A casual dining chain known for its fusion of American and Asian cuisine, Kona Grill offers sushi, seafood, and grill items. Popular dishes include the Hawaiian Tuna Tacos, Asian BBQ Ribs, and a wide variety of sushi rolls.

Subway

Specializing in customizable sub sandwiches, Subway allows customers to build their own meals with fresh ingredients. Signature items include the Italian BMT, Meatball Marinara, and Veggie Delight, making it a popular choice for healthy eaters. Some people consider them too pricey for their menu offerings, but they remain a popular and plentiful chain.

KFC

Known for its “finger-lickin’ good” fried chicken, KFC specializes in chicken meals, sides, and biscuits. Popular items include the Original Recipe Chicken, Extra Crispy Chicken, and their famous mashed potatoes with gravy. They used to have all-you-can eat buffets in some restaurants, but those all vanished after 2020 for understandable public-health reasons.

Dunkin’ Donuts

A coffee and donut chain, Dunkin’ Donuts (who now really want to go by the name “Dunkin’”) is known for its quick service and variety of breakfast items. Popular choices include their signature coffee, iced drinks, and classic donuts like the Boston Cream and Glazed.

Wendy’s

Famous for its fresh, never-frozen beef, Wendy’s is known for its burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. Popular items include the Baconator, Frosty, and Spicy Chicken Sandwich, alongside their fresh-cut fries.

Panera Bread

A fast-casual restaurant known for its bakery-café concept, Panera offers soups, salads, and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Signature items include the Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl and the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.

Olive Garden

This Italian-American chain is famous for its unlimited breadsticks and salad. Popular menu items include the Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, and the never-ending pasta bowl, appealing to families and groups.

Applebee’s

A casual dining chain known for its “neighborhood grill” vibe, Applebee’s offers a diverse menu of American favorites. Popular items include the Classic Burger, Riblet Platter, and their extensive drink specials.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle is famous for its customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos made with high-quality ingredients. Popular items include the Burrito Bowl, Barbacoa, and their signature chips with guacamole, appealing to health-conscious diners.

IHOP

The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is known for its breakfast offerings available all day. Signature items include the Original Buttermilk Pancakes, Omelettes, and their famous stuffed French toast.

Outback Steakhouse

An Australian-themed chain, Outback Steakhouse is known for its steaks and hearty entrees. Popular items include the Bloomin’ Onion, Outback Special Sirloin, and their signature Alice Springs Chicken.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Known for its wings and sports-bar atmosphere, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of sauces and flavors. Popular menu items include traditional and boneless wings, along with burgers, nachos, and a selection of craft beers.

Zaxby’s

A fast-casual chain specializing in chicken fingers and wings, Zaxby’s is known for its Southern-inspired comfort food. Signature items include the Chicken Finger Plate, Zax Sauce, and a variety of salads.

Chick-fil-A

Renowned for its chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A is known for its high-quality ingredients and customer service. The Original Chicken Sandwich and Waffle Fries are fan favorites, alongside their signature sauces and seasonal milkshakes. Don’t forget: they’re closed on Sundays.

Pizza Hut

A major player in the pizza industry, Pizza Hut offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and sides. Known for its stuffed crust pizza and pan pizza, it also features deals like the popular “Big Dinner Box.” They also serve a delightful lava cake.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is famous for its Mexican-adjacent fast food, offering a diverse menu that includes tacos, burritos, and nachos. Signature items like the Crunchy Taco, Doritos Locos Tacos, and Quesarito are popular among fans. They have a reputation for being affordable and staying open late.

Starbucks

The world’s largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks offers a wide variety of coffee, espresso, and tea beverages. Popular items include the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Frappuccinos, and seasonal drinks, as well as a selection of pastries and sandwiches. If you’re craving a specialty drink, odds are good that there’s a Starbucks around the corner that can serve it to you.

McDonald’s

Known for its iconic golden arches, McDonald’s is a global fast-food leader famous for burgers, fries, and breakfast items. Signature items include the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and Chicken McNuggets, alongside popular breakfast options like the Egg McMuffin. You can find a McDonald’s almost anywhere.