By Aliza, founder and editor of Menu Info. Updated October 2026.
One of the best parts of a road trip across America is trying chains you cannot get at home. Some of the country's most loved restaurants are regional, found mostly in one part of the country. This guide covers the regional chains worth planning a stop around, where to find them and what to order when you do.
Locations change as chains expand, so check each chain's restaurant locator before you set off.
Regional chains at a glance
| Chain | Where you will mostly find it | What to order |
|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out Burger | California and the West, plus Texas and Tennessee | Double-Double Animal Style |
| Whataburger | Texas and the South | Whataburger with jalapenos, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit |
| Cook Out | The Southeast, especially the Carolinas | A Cook Out Tray and a milkshake |
| Culver's | The Midwest | ButterBurger and frozen custard |
| Waffle House | The South and Southeast | Waffle and hash browns, scattered, smothered and covered |
| Zaxby's | The Southeast | Chicken Fingerz with Zax Sauce |
| Dutch Bros | The West, expanding east | A signature sweet coffee or a Rebel energy drink |
| 7 Brew | The South and Midwest, expanding fast | A flavored drive thru coffee |
| Scooter's Coffee | The Midwest and Plains | The Caramelicious |
The West
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out is a must stop for many travelers in California, Nevada, Arizona and nearby states. The menu is tiny, but the not so secret menu adds options like Animal Style and Protein Style. Burgers are made with fresh beef and the fries are cut in store. Read which states have In-N-Out before you plan your route.
Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros started in Oregon and is famous for friendly drive thru service and sweet, customizable drinks. It has spread across many states but is still most common in the West.
Texas and the South
Whataburger
Whataburger is a Texas institution, known for its orange and white A frame restaurants, large burgers and late night hours. Many locations are open 24 hours, making it a favorite road trip stop.
Waffle House
Waffle House is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, and serves its full menu at every hour. It is common along Southern highways and is a classic stop for an early start or a late arrival.
The Southeast
Cook Out
Cook Out, based in North Carolina, is known for very low prices, its Cook Out Tray combo with two sides, and a long list of milkshake flavors. Many locations open late into the night.
Zaxby's
Zaxby's, founded in Georgia, focuses on chicken fingers, wings and salads, with its signature Zax Sauce. It is one of the most popular chicken chains in the Southeast.
The Midwest
Culver's
Culver's, founded in Wisconsin, is famous for ButterBurgers on a buttered, toasted bun, cheese curds and fresh frozen custard with a Flavor of the Day. It is a favorite stop across the Midwest.
Scooter's Coffee and 7 Brew
Scooter's Coffee, based in Nebraska, and 7 Brew, founded in Arkansas, are fast growing drive thru coffee chains. Both are easy, quick stops for coffee on the road.
Road trip food tips
- Use the chain's app to find the nearest location on your route and order ahead.
- Look for 24 hour chains such as Waffle House and many Whataburger locations if you are driving late.
- Avoid highway rest stop prices when you can. Restaurants a short drive off the highway are often cheaper.
- Carry water so you can skip expensive drinks.
- Try the local specialties. Regional favorites are part of the fun of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
What fast food chains are only in certain states?
Chains like In-N-Out, Whataburger, Cook Out, Culver's and Waffle House are concentrated in certain regions, though many are expanding.
Which fast food chains are open 24 hours?
Waffle House is open 24 hours, and many Whataburger and some Jack in the Box locations are too. Hours vary by location.
Where is In-N-Out located?
Mainly in California and the West, plus Texas and a newer expansion into Tennessee.
What is Culver's known for?
ButterBurgers, cheese curds and fresh frozen custard.
Is Cook Out cheap?
Yes. Cook Out is known for some of the lowest prices in fast food, especially its Cook Out Tray.
See full menus and typical prices for each chain on our restaurant menu pages. Locations and prices vary. Menu Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned.