What fast food do you eat rarely, but that first bite think "Wow, this is so good!"

Question

So today we were driving to a party, and my son had to go to the bathroom. We saw an Arby's and ran in to use the facility, and ended up ordering a sandwich. ( The party hosts often have limited amounts of food at their parties, and usually no food out for the first few hours of their gatherings- but that is a whole different post.) Anyway, ordered a beef and cheddar, slathered on some horsey, and arby's sauce, and took a bite. Wow was it good. Messy, but sooooo good. The onion bun was soft, and fresh, the beef was lean and unfatty, and the cheese sauce tasty. It made me wonder what other fast food do you buy rarely but think is so good? Is it good because you eat it rarely? Would it be ruined if you ate it more often? I will go to bed dreaming of the Arby's sandwich, but my waistline is happy they are not closer!!!

Answer

My first thought was an Arby's roast beef. 

Arthur Treacher's.

I used to like a Mcd's cheeseburger decades ago, but last time I tried one, about 5 years ago, it left an ugly aftertaste.

Answer

This isn't from the US, but I love New York Fries in Canada. (so ironic that it isn't from New York)

I love their fries with gravy. Definitely eating this very rarely now as I am actually living in New York where there is no New York Fries....

Answer

Whopper with cheese, no onion. I eat it about once a year and savor every bite! however, I'll never make the mistake of getting a BK shake ever again lo

Answer

Okay, I have a short list and I'm really not a big fast food eater and even more so, avoid fast food meat.

Recently I've had a Volcano Taco-darn good if you can get a fresh one.
The cheese tator tots from Burger King-cheesy, greasy goodness.
And I do like the spicy chicken from Popeyes!

Answer

while on the road on a six hour drive over the holidays we hit a McDs on the turnpike. Small order of fries and cheeseburger. I never get fries..... but oh the salty goodness and hot hot hot!

Answer

The hard taco at Taco Bravo (a local chain to me). It's not authentic, not even remotely "ethnic" except in name but the ingredients are always fresh-made and put together well. I hit Taco Bravo before any other fast food joint.

Answer

Sausage McMuffin with Egg. I get a craving maybe once a year on a cold winter day and it really hits the spot.

Answer

Whopper Jr. with cheese. I only 'allow' myself to have one of those when traveling and there is nothing more, um, sensible around (meaning I was too lazy to make sammiches).

And well-made fries.... ah, fries. Crunchy and hot and salty on the outside, and fluffy and potato-y on the inside. What's not to love.

Answer

I had a Whataburger with cheese last week that nearly melted me when I took my first bite. I hadn't had a burger of theirs since they stopped offering their veggie burger... and I stopped being a veggie.
I must admit fries are not a rare thing but they're usually always delicious.

Answer

Caramel apple empanada from Taco Bell

Answer

recently we stopped off at Culvers. Hadn't been to a fast-food place in over a year, but wow that burger was excellent. Best burger I can remember having, ever.

Answer

Just a week ago it was McD's fries. Hadn't had in ages, and they were actually pretty good.

Answer

There's this Canadian chain called Harvey's which is imo the best fast food burger here (we don't have In N' Out), actually it's better than chain restaurants too...

They use a REAL grill, not what passes as "grilled" these days. With the lines and everything. I love their Anguses, so good!

Answer

McDonald's Filet-O-Fish.

Ok, I lied. I eat it quite regularly, but each and every time I still get that "Wow, this is so good" moment ...

Answer

the original chick-fil-a sandwich with extra pickles, mustard and light mayo added. MMMMMMM........

Answer

McDonalds steak, egg, and cheese bagel breakfast sandwich with extra onions and sauce...............ALWAYS delish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer

Hi... This is too easy: the McRib. As i similarly stated in another infamous thread, the first bite of the McRib tastes like a Proustian kiss with that demure third cousin you only run into once-a-decade; the last bite (if you ever get that far) tastes like french-kissing the business-end of an alien's blow-hole. The first swath of sauce looks like a Jackson Pollock fever-dream reverie; the last swath of sauce resembles Lucifer's congealed man-butter... Still, I order up that McRib like clockwork, every 5-to-7 years :-)

Answer

Definitely a warm Krispy Kreme donut. Of course, the feeling never lasts beyond the first bite, and more than one whole donut makes me queasy from the sugar rush.

Answer

Jack in the Box's jalapeno poppers. Decadance. Guilty pleasure. Rare treat. Mmmmm.

Answer

Anything at Chik-fil-a, but especially the chicken biscuits. Dear god, those are yummy.

Answer

Every so often i get 2 BK cheeseburgers with extra mustard and pickles. Those next 10 minutes are perhaps the most shameful but also most satisfying 10 minutes of the month.

Answer

Can't believe Five Guys has not been mentioned here. The regular cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, raw onion and ketchup. So, so good.

Answer

Krystal's Original Breakfast Scrambler. There is nothing low-carb or diet friendly about it but it's a southern girl's dream - a cup layered with grits, scrambled eggs and cheese, topped with a piece of Jimmy Dean sausage. It's wrong to love something so bad for you so very much but I do.

Answer

White Castle. I regret it every time! but sometimes I just need a double cheese slider. 

No Dunkin Donuts in Minnesota, but when I'm back in Chicago i like to get a chocolate glazed. soooo good.

Answer

Any shake at Steak n'Shake

Answer

I'm embarrassed to admit that I love the bacon, egg and cheese McGriddle at McDonald's. It's so bad for you but I love the sweet, salty combo. They have to be nice and hot, they get disgusting once they get cold.

Answer

The first one that came to my mind is a Western Bacon Cheeseburger at Karl's Jr. The day before Christmas eve I was out shopping and stopped at Karl's and got one, with just a glass of water. (Felt like a bit of a cheapskate, but really didn't want a meal deal or a sugary drink, just my burger!) Sat down and ate it very slowly, chewing every bite, and yes, it was SO good. And I can't believe that someone has not already mentioned the macaroni and cheese bites at Jack in the Box. OMG they are just so good, like so many other things mentioned, they must be just about pure fat, but delicious fat!

Answer

I have to echo, as my first choice, In-n-Out...... but, after that, I'll admit that a Carl's Jr. $6 Guacamole burger is it for me. Just really decadent and without any culinary credentials, but s-o-o-o good.

Answer

Chick Fil A, original sandwich, extra pickles. Heaven on a bun!

Answer

for me it would have to be a Skyline 5 way or a few Coneys. I don't live near any Skylines so it's a big treat. I also love a double double from In & Out but once again, I am an east coaster, so it also means that I am on Vacation!! Occasionally I also like a big messy cheese Whopper from BK

Answer

White Castle. It's the first place I go when visiting my in-laws in NJ. 10 with cheese, no ketchup. 

Blissful.

Answer

For some reason i've been craving ice cream all this week, and specifically soft serve....despite the fact that we are having a record breaking cold snap here right now !!! So I finally gave in today and had a Blizzard from Dairy Queen, something i've not had in a couple of years at least. OMG soooo good....definitely hit the spot. 

I will also add A&W's onion rings to this list. Something I rarely have, and I love them.

Answer

I am going to add to my list the McDonald's chicken biscuit breakfast sandwich. I am in love with that thing. I eat it about twice a month because if I allowed myself more I would probably eat it every day.

Answer

Jack in the Box TACO--2 for 99cents---is yummy!!

Answer

Long John Silvers!

Answer

Let me tell you something. The dream is real. Tortilla chips with nacho cheese dip. On a paper plate with the plaid red and white design. The stuff they serve at high school basketball and community college football games. You can't top that.

Answer

The breakfast burritos at both Chik-Fil-A and Sonic. Guilty pleasures, very guilty. But I simply can't resist them.

Answer

Good Fish Tacos are NIRVANA to me...

Answer

I hardly ever get to go to Schlotzsky's for a sandwich, but went close to Christmas and I got the small deluxe original. That was the best thing I had tasted in a long time, from the first bite to the last. I still think about it. I guess if it was closer to my house I might grow tired of it, but I doubt it!

Answer

A Blake's Lottaburger w/ double (Hatch) green chile. Voted New Mexico's #1 burger.

Answer

Since we live in Maine, a lobster roll is fast food and putting 5 kids through college the last 10 years, we seldomly eat them. But , boy, they sure as hell are good.

Answer

Wendy's Frosty. In all it's original chocolate malty goodness. 
It's a good thing there's no chain fast food here in Bermuda (except KFC). Think missing it makes it all the more enjoyable (although had a McD's Big Mac recently and was really disappointed).

Answer

Popeye's 2-piece dark meat spicy with red beans and rice. Love every artery clogging bite of it.

Answer

Today I was out running a ton of errands and drove by BK. I went into the ATM, and did my banking, then pulled a U-turn back for a BK Whopper! Oh, the grilled flavor in the cheeseburger was heavenly. Wow, was it ever good. The fries were okay, but no "heroin" added here, lol!

It just made this Boston chow, wish it were warmer so I can grill again! Yum. One of my stops was my favorite farmstand where I filled up on all of my fresh veggies and fruits. Back to reality.....hmmm.

Answer

An Egg and Cheese McGriddle. To me, this signifies either a Road Trip or Moving Day. Otherwise, I wouldn't be awake with nothing to do early enough to actually procure one.

Answer

McGriddle for one

Second a fast food chain no longer. It was in MI, Murphys in northern MI, primarily fish like a long John Silvers but also had chicken and some burgers. They had a Fish sandwich wish the best seasoning, A totally amazing BBQ coleslaw with fresh grilled onions. It was AWESOME. I ate them once a week. They were the best ever.

Answer

Bisquitville (a local NC chain) Bacon, Egg & Cheese - can't ever get through the whole thing but the first bite rocks!

Steak & Shake - Orange Freeze - again can't get through the whole thing but those first few sips - yum!

McDonalds - Cheeseburger - good to the last bite!

Answer

The first mouthful of Caramel Sandy ice cream in McDonalds... I never have it, but when I do............LOVELY!

Answer

Two days ago I had my first KFC grilled chicken filet and I was just blown away by the taste so much so that I bought ten $2 orders= ($21 with tax) to take home and eat with my salad to last me the rest of the week.

IT WAS THAT GOOD!

It tasted better than the $15 fancy gourmet chicken entrée I had at my trendy local bistro.

I've stayed away from KFC most of my life because of health concerns over their original recipe's fried chicken which by the way doesn't have the same gorgeous flavor it had when I first tried it back in 1968.

Today's original recipe no longer has that subtle hint of clove and nutmeg that I remember back then as a 9 year old first opening that bucket. It had such an impact on me I still remember it to this day.

KFC's grilled chicken filet has impacted me the same way that I had to post a comment which is rare especially for fast food.

Answer

I live in Florida, working outside in the summer basically destroys your appetite. I had a huge job I started at sunrise about 6 am , didn't eat anything all day, plenty of fluids of course, and finished up at sundown about 9 pm. Driving home I still didn't feel hungry although I had a headache and pangs. I knew my body needed food, I just didn't feel hungry.

I pull into a BK and walk in (I feel so rushed at the drive thru speaker) and order ONE regular cheeseburger. Someone mentioned this before, but that first bite with melted cheese mixing with the mustard and the ketchup and the smoky hint of the beef caused a sudden violent earth shaking instant return of my appetite.

So now I'm standing at the counter devouring my single cheeseburger that I bought two seconds ago like cookie monster nom nomming and asking the girl if I could have five more PLEASE!!! So yeah, I definitely know the "Wow, this is so good!" feeling, and scared the crap out of some teenagers that work at BK as a bonus.

Answer

I don't eat fast food much any more, but every now and then, I get a BK Whopper - extra tomato, extra pickle. Of all the big American chains, it's the best. I agree with AngelSanctuary that Harvey's makes a fine FF burger, and you really do get it "your way" - they dress it right in front of you. (Hey Angel - ever try Johnny's in Scarborough?) 

I love White Castle, but I rarely get to the states these days, so they're just a distant memory. 

And one last Toronto-centric chain - "Jimmy the Greek", found in food courts everywhere. It's cheap Greek food, but their pork souvlaki dinner, with rice, potatoes, and salad, slathered with their incredible garlic sauce is also a treat.

Answer

Weinerschnitzle chili cheesedog w/ onions

Blakes lotaburger green chile cheeseburger (best chain burger in the USA)

KFC's fried apple pie

Eegees lemon slushie

Answer

Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich - yum yum gimme some!

Answer

i love backyard burgers its the best

Answer

McDonalds shakes or a Wendy's Frosty...I don't have a sweet tooth but I'm a sucker for ice cream and milkshakes! BTW...total newbie here - looking forward to reading/posting and digging in!!

Answer

Ohhh...Chik-fil-a. I live near Chicago so I rarely get to eat here...only on my annual trip to GA to visit family. Gotta have the nuggets every time I go, and I stock up on the Chik-fil-a sauce to bring back home with me.

Answer

Tater tots from Sonic. Tater tots from anywhere, really. I'll throw in the McDonald's hash brown patty too.

Answer

I've never met an onion ring I didn't like. Breaded or battered, crispy or soggy, burnt or undercooked.

Answer

White Castle is pretty rare for us and there's a new one that just went up a year ago right down the street! I always think to myself "I need to get there for some sliders" then it kind of never ends up happening.

Arby 's Beef and Cheddar are heaven - no sauce, extra cheese.
McDonald's FOF (extra sauce) or Big Mac (not lettuce, extra everything else) go on the list too.

Answer

Blue Coast Burrito's fish tacos

Answer

Omg, it was a Whataburger green chile cheeseburger. The chiles were fresh, I can tell - and it was one of those things you remember. I got two, and then they stopped serving them. I will be more aware of the seasonal thing with Whataburger from now on. I like them, btw, for a fast food place near the house. Good Burgers and helpful employees.

Answer

French Fries with Ranch Dressing.

But only the first few fries, after about the 4th mouthful, I begin to feel even more like the tub of lard than I really am. At the 5th mouthful, I want to take Liquid Drano chasers.

Answer

A waffle and hashbrowns scattered/smothered/covered/diced from Waffle House.

I only get it when I'm back in the midwest, but it's always a treat.

Answer

I used to really jones for the BK breaded chicken filet sandwich- or whatever they called it. It's so crispy and salty and good. And definitely so awful for you!! I haven't had one in years and years, but would recognize the smell and rectangle-shaped box anywhere!!!

Answer

The beloved Jack in the Box tacos...stuff some fries in those bad boys with some extra hot sauce..

Answer

A citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken thigh from El Pollo Loco.

Something I'd eat more often if there was a EPL nearby.

Answer

Hands down, McD's Filet O Fish.

Answer

Mmmm.. McD's Filet O Fish! Probably the best consolation to abstaining from meat on Friday's during Lent. Esp. when some locations have the FoF on sale (2/$5).

Answer

shawarma in a laffa or a pita
pork souvlaki in a pita (with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and a few french fries)
Halifax-style donair (made with the pre-frozen, processed gyro meat) and sweet sauce
falafel in a pita
churrasco chicken from a Portuguese take-out place
veal sandwiches (similar to veal parm on a bun) from California Sandwiches

While none of these fast foods are multinational corporation-type, chain restaurant fast foods, all of them are fast foods that make me think "Wow, this is so good." I don't eat any of these fast foods more than once a month.

Answer

my breakfast indulgence of choice is micky d's sausage biscuit with egg.

Answer

This doesn't apply to me anymore, but I used to dig Nathan's hot dog nuggets.

Answer

An Arby's roast beef sandwich, the ONLY thing I've ever ordered from Arby's and I've been going there since I was a kid, in the 1960s. I get Horsey sauce and Arby's sauce with it. And I do vary with the size, but no cheese sauce, no onions, or whatever the hell they have now.

Except for the Jamocha shake, I absolutely love that weirdass taste, and always will. 

I think Arby's got its bad junkfood name because people don't just order the original sandwich, which even though it's not the same as it was originally, it still ignites a primal hunger in me that almost nothing else satisfies.

Answer

Also, the Whataburger green chile double. As good as it gets in Tucson, the two times i"ve gotten it, the chiles have absolutely tasted fresh-roasted.

Answer

Fried whole belly clams and lobster roll dripping with butter.

Answer

For some reason, I like Auntie Anne's pretzels and pretzel dogs at LaGuardia. I've never had one anywhere else, but they hit the spot at the airport.

Answer

A hot dog at a ball game. If my team could play worth a damn, I might go to a game and break my 5 year embargo.

Answer

Fries at Mickie D's.

Answer

Popeyes chicken, biscuits and beans w/ rice. It's my only Fast Food weakness. (I haven't had it in a few years....maybe today's the day).

Answer

I don't have it often probably because of where I live. it's not available here but I can't explain the first few mouthfuls of Skykine chili. it's an amount of elation second to none.

Answer

Lobster Rolls at McDonald's, in Maine. Especially when I'm living in New Mexico!

Answer

If you run more than 30 miles (or ride a bicycle for more that 100) pretty much ~anything~ tastes good.

I imagine one could have the same experience by not eating ~anything~ for two or three days.

Answer

The original roast beef sandwich with horsey sauce is a fav. Unfortunately the closest Arby's is a 40 minute drive for us. Also the cream cheese stuffed soft pretzel @Wawa is great with a cup of coffee.

Answer

I rarely eat them, but I love Krystal burgers, Auntie Anne's pretzels, and chili cheese dogs from anywhere, even though I'm usually more of a mustard-and-kraut hot dog purist. Sometimes I'll crave chili dogs enough to make them at home with Sabrett hot dogs, canned chili "sauce," onions, and occasional spicy mustard and kraut as well, but this is an even rarer indulgence for me.

Answer

I go to Arby's every couple of months, there's one by the library and I just love their ham melt, it's a little ham sandwich with processed swiss on a squishy white bun. Add pickles, onions and horseradish/mayo sauce. Mmmm. With potato cakes, which are a big hash brown cake in deep-fried form.

Answer

bloomin' onions. a million calories and grams of fat of pure goodness, from bite one until the very last bit.

Topics

Locations

Your post has been published!

What fast food do you eat rarely, but that first bite think "Wow, this is so good!"

More from Chowhound

Guides

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It

Recipe Round-Ups

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress

Guides

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime

Home

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin

Trending Discussions

Chowhound Recipes That You are Saving

A Final Goodbye for Chowhound

Favorite Chowhound Memories

NY Times: Chowhound Closes After 25 Years of Food Obsession, Wisdom and Debate

January–April 2022 Baking COTM: DESSERT PERSON by Claire Saffitz

Quick Links

Latest Discussions

Cookbook of the Month

Dish of the Month

Weekly Menu Planning

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

12 Irish Foods to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day That Aren’t Corned Beef and Cabbage

Chowhound

Policies

Community

Editorial

Content