Experts Rank the Top 5 Fast Food Chains in California

California is known to have some of the best food in the country. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are littered with incredible restaurants that offer amazing meals, but despite that, sometimes you can't beat going through a drive-thru or heading to your favorite fast food place to grab a bite. Everyone is always on the go in the Golden State, and there isn't always time to have a sit-down meal, so grabbing something from a fast food place might be the only option for the day. Luckily, California has plenty of fast food restaurants to choose from, and modernmic.com ranked the best options in California. Here are the top 5 fast food places to enjoy in the Golden State.

5) Popeyes

Coming in at number five on the list is arguably the best chicken fast food restaurant and that is Popeye's. A few years ago when the chicken sandwich returned, lines went around the building and down the street, all for a chicken sandwich. It lets you know how good it is, but they also have Cajun fries, biscuits, and spicy chicken as well. Popeye's is well deserving of a top-five spot when it comes to fast food chains in California. 

4) Chipotle

Number four is one that some may be offended by is not higher on the list in Chipotle. With California being such a healthy driven state, it isn't surprising to see Chipotle rank in the top five. They offer healthier options than other fast food places as well as you can dictate how your burrito or bowl is made. One of the big selling points is the salsa that comes with the chips. While not in the top three, Chipotle still ranks as one of the best fast-food chains in the Golden State.

3) Shake Shack

Shake Shack might not be as big of a chain as others on this list, but their Angus beef burgers are delicious. Between the shakes, fries, and burgers, Shake Shack is exactly what you want in a fast food hamburger, but without sitting under a heat lamp and all the grease dripping off of it. It is a healthier burger than other chains, and it shows in its taste and quality. They rank as the third best in the state.

2) Rally's

Rally's feels like a food chain that is a blast from the past. They give you a classic feel but offer great food and have a variety. It doesn't matter if you want chicken, a hamburger, fish, or a hotdog, they got you covered. They also have slushies to enjoy on a nice warm day or a shake to pair with your meal. They aren't as well known nationally as others, but that might be part of what makes them stick out in California. The next time you see a Rally's stop by and enjoy the second best fast food chain in the state. 

1) In-N-Out

This should come as no surprise, but In-N-Out takes the crown as the best fast food chain in all of California. There is a reason that the lines are long no matter what location you go to or the time of day you go. The menu is simple, the prices aren't bad, and the food is incredible. It is likely that In-N-Out will remain atop this list for some time, and may never be knocked off. California takes pride in In-N-Out as it is the state that started it, and they support it well. It is nearly impossible to visit the Golden State and not have In-N-Out at least once. 

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To see the full list of the best fast-food chains in the country, make sure to click on the link in the first paragraph above. The next time you are craving something on the go, your best bet is to find the nearest one of these five chains above. They are likely not going to disappoint. While this is how this list ranked the best fast food chains in California, with so many options, do you agree? What does your list look like?