By Stan

August 26, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

If I HAVE to eat fast “food”, which is VERY rare, I go for Wnedy’s or Zaxby’s. McD’s is just nasty now. BK is very inconsistant with food taste and service. Arby’s is TOOOO expensive for fast “food”. I’ll still go for Taco Bell from time to time.

Though I’m not sure what kind of places you are talking about as the new fast food/non fast food, I do love 5 guys…mmmmm I seldom eat out at all anymore with the exception of Waffle House once per week (unavoidable).

I gave up on TGIF when I realized that the after-taste, for lack of a better term, was exactly the same as BK. Why should I pay an extra $4-$6 for the same quality food only with “flare”?

By EveningEdge guy

August 26, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

You can get some ideas from our Takeout Guide. Comments and suggestions welcomed. But it’s also true that “drive-through” food is a broader category than traditional takeout. I’m curious whether anybody uses Whole Foods or Alon’s Market or a place like that to get family food on the go. Or are you more likely to hit Zaxby’s or Moe’s?

By Critic

August 26, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Ten years ago I abandoned eating fast food while traveling in favor of scoping out local BBQ. Even though eating fast food is extremely rare, for “traditional” fast food I choose Arby’s, Burger King, Chick Fil-A and McDonalds. But as Stan says, Arby’s is expensive and I won’t go there without a coupon. For non-traditional fast food, it’s Willy’s, Blimpie and Subway. I was not too impressed with Five Guys. Locally, Mellow Mushroom does a pretty mean Mill Combo sandwich, and a Publix Italian is pretty tasty. Henri’s Po Boy when I feel like splurging.

By HCR

August 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Chick Filet is consistant but their choices are usually high in sodium. Subway is my best choice. I can see them make it and can opt for a sandwich minus the heavy condiments. Taco Bell for a chicken soft taco fresco style. I love Chipolte but we don’t have one in my area. No other fast food restaurants ever hit my radar screen. It’s been years since I’ve chowed down on a burger and french fries.

By Peter

August 26, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Subway……. fast and HEALTHY !

By VP

August 26, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I’m curious whether anybody uses Whole Foods or Alon’s Market or a place like that to get family food on the go. Or are you more likely to hit Zaxby’s or Moe’s?

If I’m searching for some “fast food”, I usually go to Harry’s or Whole Foods. They have a hot bar, a salad bar, and also a burrito bar (whole foods only). The selections aren’t as salty as your typical fast food options, and it’s never greasy.

Every now and again, I’ll hit Moe’s and grab a “moo moo mr. cow”…

By reservoirDAWG

August 26, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Chick fil a hits the spot and you can skip the fries and get fruit salad. I also hit the BBQ joints when on the road. Whattaburger is great, I’m glad there not in Atlanta b/c I’d be a fata$$.

By Kid's Today!

August 26, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Last night I observed a mother and young boy entering a pizza parlor, young boy carrying a just-purchased McDonald’s happy meal. Mom went to the counter and ordered a slice of pizza for herself and sat down while the kid opened and ate the happy meal. When I was a kid, if I had a choice of McDonald’s or pizza, I would have taken the pizza in a heartbeat - what’s wrong with kids nowadays? I also thought it was in bad taste to walk into a restaurant with another restaurant’s food for the kid.

By Becky

August 26, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

If I eat fast food, the kids choose..They usually go for Krystal & Burger King..They are 6 (twins) & they would much rather go to Olive Garden, Joe’s Crab Shack or somewhere that we can sit down together..So, I guess I’m lucky..

By me

August 26, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

By j

August 26, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

I do go to mcdonalds in the mornings about 2 or 3 days a week for a breakfast sandwich or coffee. I’m a mom of 3 and a teacher, and I don’t have time to cook much in the morning since I’m heading off to work every day. We love eggs in our family and feel best throughout the day after eating eggs. If I don’t get a sandwich then I just grab a coffee. Their coffee has upgraded and tastes much better.

By NY Transplant

August 26, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

I would definitely say my choices have changed. I’ll go to MetroFresh in Midtown or to Trader Joes or to Jersey Mikes. If I do Mickey D’s it’ll be a plain hamburger. Whole Foods’ soup during the winter and maybe a sushi from there or Publix. It’s great to have some good choices!

By A. Teesman

August 26, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

I like that rad new D’Lites. You know the one near U.S. Bar y Grill on Roswell Road?

By mark white

August 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

I make no apologies … I’ve been a bonafided fast food junkie for 40 years. I’m 65 … so listen up children, and indulge me. (Yeah … I know … I won’t live to 66 eating this stuff). So sue me!

McD’s - Once upon a time the best … now just an also ran. Anyone notice how crummy (stale) the buns are? If it weren’t for the fries, I’d never eat there. But getting good fries (those not tepid, limp and soggy) remains a roll of the dice.

BK’s Whopper is still the best burger out there; but the fries are encased in something resembling airplane glue.

Wendy’s ain’t been the same since Dave died. The chili’s still pretty good though.

Arby’s … the roast beef sandwiches still taste like beef-flavored copier bond paper. The BLT is pretty good but everything is way over priced.

Chick Filet still has the best chicken sandwich and the new menu is promising. But getting used to those wannabe fries takes a while.

KFC … There’s nothing like the smell of hot KFC grease … I always enjoy the squawk going down … but 2 minutes later I always ask myself … “Did I really eat that sh..?”

Olive Garden … Can’t beat the bread sticks and salads. But the fetucini sauce often resembles and tastes like wallpaper paste.

Red Lobster … the TV ads are incredibly tempting … but reality sets in once the food hits the table. Argh!

TGIF … the appetizers are pretty good … especially the wings. But food quality is hit and miss.

Chinese buffet … still looking for a good one. Maybe the Olympics will spur someone on … to offer a first class chinese buffet. I often wondered why the check arrived so soon after going through the line. Then I remembered why I’ve always had to roll down the car windows on the way home

Krystals …Isn’t there a law prohibiting selling beef from cattle infected with Mad Cow Disease?

Hardees … The best biscuts bar none. I’ve a soft spot for breakfast at Hardees.

By Kev

August 26, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

When I do eat fast food, I usually stop by Zesto. I think their burgers are much better than McD’s and their soft-serve ice cream and shakes are better than Dairy Queen.

By Sunny

August 26, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Sigh

With the exception of Zaxby’s there is no good fast food in Georgia. I’m from TX and I’m suffering from withdrawal due to the lack of Whataburger, Taco Bueno, Taco Cabana and Jack in the Box. And surprise, all of these places are open nearly 24 hours a day and offer variety which I have yet to find here. Thank goodness I’m catching a flight out on Thursday morning to get my fill of some good ol’ fashioned junk food! :-)

By Ashley

August 26, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Sunny, I’m from Texas too and I agree - Whataburger and Taco Bueno are delicious!! My FAVORITE restaurant is Pancho’s Mexican Buffet - the original!! The one in Atlanta is a rip off and their food is NOT the same as the Pancho’s in Texas/Oklahoma.

By Chele

August 26, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

ZESTO’S should be everywhere. Grew up with one in E.Point.

By Ilene

August 26, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Oh, there is a great fast food place — it’s called El Pollo Loco. It’s slowly making its way from California to GA. There are several locations now in the Metro area. It’s awesome. Great selections — and the chicken is flame-grilled! When we took our two-year old there a few months ago, I couldn’t wait to see her face when she ate her chicken leg — she took a bite, looked at me and said “mmmmmm.” That just says it all. Now that we have them here, I don’t have to “waste” a meal when I visit Los Angeles. I ALWAYS had to have a meal there.

I do also like Wendy’s. Their chicken nuggets are very good; their fries not too greasy. They also have baked potatoes that you can get plain.

By David

August 27, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

The most popular places are Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, etc., but so few people seem to admit to eating their food.

By Katie

August 27, 2008 6:07 AM | Link to this

Mmmm, Jack in the Box.. Sure wish there was one in Georgia!!

I love Taco Bell and Firehouse Subs.

By fishtales

August 27, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

In and Out Burger is the best…they REALLY need to move East! 5 Guys is pretty good too…

By Poolside

August 27, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Johnny Rockets and 5 guys for burgers are the best and the fries are good both places. Sure wish they had a Jack-in-the-Box here. I don’t do McDonalds, I’ve had too many egg shells in my breakfast sandwichs there and the burgers are awful. I don’t like Wendy’s, I’ve even had a bad salad there. Once in a while I’ll go to Steak and Shake. KFC is not the KFC I grew up with, their food these days is pitiful. Arby’s Roast Beef tastes like cardboard and they top it off with that nasty imitation cheese stuff.

By Dixie Dog

August 27, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Our choices have changed for sure. Chick-fil-a is about the only “traditional” fast food we’ll go to because of the chargrilled chicken option. We even go to traditional grocery stores and get fresh fruit and veggies for meals on the road. High quality cereal at home is always faster and healther than going thru the drive thru @ golden arches for one of their sandwiches. Subway has some good choices if you don’t get carried away with some additions and add chips. Moe’s can be healthy but I don’t see too many people ordering it. Got to agree with the bad feeling some of the folks referred to after certain fast foods. We now feel that way about Zaxby’s but used to love it. We also now carry our own “trail mix” and raw nuts in our vehicles and on trips so that we don’t end up buying junk food to snack on.

By David

August 27, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Every time I have been to Moe’s the rice has not been completely cooked so it is crunchy and nasty - never again. I like Willy’s and Chipotle and the Whole Foods hot bar and Wendy’s and Fatburger for burgers.

By Randy

August 27, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

QUIZNOS AND JIMMY JOHNS!!!

By b1ondie420

August 27, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

If I have to go through a drive thru, I choose Wendy’s, Chick-fil-a, or Taco Bell.

My favorite quick meals include Chipotle, Firehouse Subs, and Whole Foods!

By Poolside

August 27, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

I forgot about Willy’s, my favorite..love their burrito in a bowl !!!

By 40 BMI

August 27, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

just look for all the fatties. that is where the best fast food is!!!

By Chuck

August 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

You know, I have lots of fast-food cravings but none last very long… either I suddenly realize how sickening the food is, or the elementary school dropouts ‘serving’ me send me back to the grocery store to make my own damn meals. Lately, it’s Subway, Popeye’s, Quizno’s and maaaybe McD’s, but only for b’fast. I’d add Chipotle, but everything’s too damned big. Zaxby’s opened a new place near me, but I don’t get it. Okay, but not crave-worthy. Same with 5 Guys. Lots of fries, but they’re limp & greasy.

We need more neighborhood BBQ - that isn’t Shane’s.

By Monty

August 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

I order a hamburger from Hardee’s at least once a week. I think they have the best fast food hamburger you can get, especially the jalopeno burger, and their fries are always hot. I moved here from Chicago and miss Portillos… miss the roast beef and cheese sandwiches with hot peppers and their chopped salad! Atlanta needs a Portillos.

By Russ

August 27, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Whataburger has opened on Windy Hill Road about 1/4 mile east of I-75.

By Mr. Anderson

August 27, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

More and more, I try to go to a grocery store like Publix or Kroger for a lunch time bite. Publix sandwiches are really good and a Kroger in Roswell has a great soup bar. Short of the grocers, I like Chik-Fil-A for fast food. It’s pretty basic and doesn’t seem to be loaded with the junk that makes you feel weird after eating.

By DM

August 28, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

I’m not a big junk foodie, but when I HAVE to have a burger and fries, I drive to Leeds, Alabama to Milo’s. It’s a haul, but their burgers are to die for, the sauce is unbelieveable, the fries supreme and their sweet tea will make you slap your momma.

By Debbie

August 28, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Biscuit Barn on 141 in Cumming has delicious homemade-tasting food and has a drive-thru. Firehouse Subs and Publix subs are yummy also.

By LG

August 28, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Moe’s or Five Guys for a treat, or Publix deli for a sandwhich on wholewheat.

By Electra

August 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

The ultimate “fast food” in the Atlanta area is the Varsity. Hasn’t been the same without Erby “Mr. Varsity”

Some healthy menu items include salads, sandwiches but after all they are not famous for healthy foods.

By A MOM

August 28, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I rarely eat fast food—ugh. I did discover a relatively new restaurant called Giovanni’s on the East-West Connect in Austell (right near The Outback and BJ’s) I have stopped in several times. It is good, homemade food and very reasonable prices. Their service is fairly quick too. Everything I tried there is great—they have a chicken parmesan sub, spagetti, chicken marsala—those are all yummy. I like places like Giovanni’s because it is good reasonable-priced food but quick service. It is so much better than just a burger.

By She-She

August 28, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Me my husband and son always grab some healthy Subway when we’re on the go!

By She-She

August 28, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Also- Welcome too Moe’s!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Carolina Girl

August 28, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

To all you Jack in the Box diehards. There is now a Jack in the Box in Greenville, SC, so maybe they’ll be one in Atlanta soon!

By Kim

August 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

There is a closer Jack in the Box, Clemson SC. Need that and White Castle here.

By Kim

August 28, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

The closest Jack in the Box is in Clemson SC. Need one and White Castle here.

By FCM

August 30, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

I’ll put Butter Burger (WI) up against Jack In The Box (TX) anyday…I have had both.

As to ATL fast food: Chick Fil A (especially drawf house) for lunch or dinner, Mrs. Winner’s Biscuits for breakfast—the kids say the Waffles are good too. Waffle House is pretty fair too.

However, when I trek out to Marietta (used to live there for 30+ years) I go to Marietta Diner. I told the owner the other day I have been coming in since before the place looked ‘pretty’ he laughed, blushed, and said ‘shhh, we don’t talk about that!’ Truthfully, I have been going there before the 1996 Olympics. Hands down it is my children’s favorite place to go out that way. If you are fortunate enough to be there on the day Pirogue is on special, forget the calories and endulge—spend the week repenting! Recently they were on Food TVs Triple D (Diners, Dives, and Drive-Thrus) so now they are ‘cool’ too. Really give the finger to the calories and indulge in one of the cakes….too die for! We even just do dessert and no dinner from time to time. I guess it takes Great Greeks to make Great Food!

We seldom do fast food except for Pizza. Chips Southern Cooking is good food fast though.

By Becky

September 5, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

We go to Subway, Chick Fil A & BK..MD’s has the best fries, but only if they are fresh..El Pollo Loco is so nasty that even my 6 year old grandkids threw it in the trash..They said they don’t ever want to go back there..Zaxby’s isn’t fast food, but it’s ok once in a while..