It’s easy to dismiss chain restaurants in favor of one-off local spots. But, sometimes, big can mean better. These are the homegrown restaurants that have proved so popular, they’ve outgrown their original locations and expanded to meet demand. From tiny taquerias and cafés with spots dotted around one city to Vietnamese restaurants that have sprawled across a state and, in some cases, opened branches elsewhere in the US, here are the chains worthy of a visit. (As the current situation is changeable, be sure to check state travel advisories and the opening status of individual places before you head out.)
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Alabama: Jack’s
This family restaurant has dozens of locations across the state (and now outside the border), but started off with a humble hole-in-the-wall spot in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. People come for the generous, perfectly prepared breakfasts and the breaded chicken. Those in the know can also order from the secret menu which includes a chopped steak dinner and grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Alaska: Pho’ Vietnam
Pho’ Vietnam has four locations in Anchorage and is known for its hearty bowls of pho – Vietnamese noodle soup – and authentic flavors of spice, sweet, umami and tang. Diners praise the great value, delicious food and sticky, generously filled pork buns. Some locations are open for takeout only, so check the website for the latest news.
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Arizona: Oregano’s
Sprinkled across the state like handfuls of chopped herbs, this popular chain is all about Italian flavors with Chicago roots, born in Arizona. Oregano’s is beloved for deep-dish pizza, oozy with cheese, alongside thin-crust versions. People love the generous portions of pasta and garlic bread. The vegetable sides are a hit too.
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Arkansas: Whole Hog Cafe
Whole Hog Cafe was opened in Little Rock by three friends after they won trophies at world BBQ contests. Now with around a dozen locations across the state and beyond, this BBQ joint is all about pork (as its name suggests). But it also serves highly-rated beef ribs, which are slow-smoked over wood and served with one of six house-made sauces. The brisket burnt ends are a fan favorite.
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California: Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
If you’re going to focus on just two things, they need to be good. Thankfully Roscoe’s serves excellent fried chicken and fluffy, perfectly golden waffles, as fans of this Los Angeles favorite know. It was founded in 1975 and now has locations scattered throughout Southern California. Be sure to douse your chicken and waffles with lashings of butter and syrup.
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Colorado: Snooze
There’s nothing boring about Snooze, a brunch favorite founded in Denver and now with locations in Fort Collins, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lone Tree and Colorado Springs. Its delicious dishes are so packed with flavor and seasonal ingredients, each bite is worth leaping out of bed for. People rave about menu choices like French toast and shrimp and grits. The inventive pancakes, from upside-down pineapple cake to pumpkin, are a must-try.
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Connecticut: Colony Grill
The first Colony Grill was an Irish tavern in Stamford, opened in 1935 in post-Prohibition Connecticut. Now there are four across the state (and one in Port Chester, New York), and they’re better known for a certain style of pizza than pints of ale. Their gossamer-thin crust pizza, served with spicy oil and known as a ‘hot oil bar pie’, is so popular, they don’t serve anything else.
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Delaware: Claymont Steak Shop
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Florida: Boca
Dining at any of Boca’s three locations doesn’t feel like visiting a chain. Each one – in Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando’s Winter Park – has its own individual feel while staying true to the farm-to-table concept, with menus bursting with local and seasonal ingredients. The burger is a firm favorite and people also love the buzzing atmosphere and friendly service.
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Georgia: Souper Jenny
These cute and cozy, community-driven cafés are tucked in four Atlanta neighborhoods and, as the name suggests, the focus is on soups packed with delicious goodness. There are often lines out of the door, but it’s worth it for the fab atmosphere, bright, zingy salads and satisfying soups with seasonal flavors like chicken sausage and vegetables.
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Hawaii: Merriman’s
The first Merriman’s is still a hugely popular restaurant in Waimea, on the Big Island, and there are now five outposts across Hawaii. Each is committed to sourcing fresh, sustainable and seasonal ingredients from its surroundings, and staying true to regional traditions and flavors. Diners rave about the perfect seafood and pretty puddings like the chocolate purse dessert. The restaurants are open, though some locations offer only outdoor seating and there are some limits on numbers.
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Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Illinois: Gino’s East
What else could a Chicago-founded chain be but a pizzeria? With four locations in the Windy City, three elsewhere in the state and a handful across the US, Gino’s East makes its dough from scratch and sources the best tomatoes, mozzarella and seasonal toppings for its pizzas. The deep-pan pies are a crowd-pleasing favorite and people also rave about the side dishes. Most of the restaurants are fully open with social distancing measures in place and are also offering curbside pick-up and extended delivery zones.
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Indiana: Books & Brews
This hip brewery and bookstore, aptly named Books & Brews, has popular locations throughout the state. It’s mostly about getting together for craft beers, games nights and regular live music and comedy – perhaps before, during or after browsing the array of books. There’s also food, from tacos and toasties to soft pretzels with oozy beer cheese. The locations are currently open with regular, socially distanced events like wine, beer and coffee tasting and themed trivia nights.
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Iowa: Maid-Rite
There are scores of Maid-Rite locations across Iowa, where the chain has been selling its signature loose meat sandwiches since 1926. A little like a sloppy Joe but without sauce mixed in, buns are packed generously with seasoned ground beef. It makes for a messy eat but that’s half the fun, as is the nostalgic look of the restaurants. Some customers like to keep it simple with pickles and onion, or go wild with extra toppings. Some locations are currently open for takeout and delivery only.
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Kansas: Knolla’s Pizza
This family-run Wichita chain has five restaurants in and around the city, and serves Chicago-style deep-pan and thin-crust pizzas, alongside huge salads and sandwiches. People love the cheesy garlic bread and the sausage pizza. Knolla’s Pizza’s unusual creations like the cheeseburger pizza also get the thumbs-up. Most locations are open for dine-in as well as takeout and delivery.
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Kentucky: El Taco Luchador
The food is as bold and vibrant as the colorful exterior of the original El Taco Luchador in Louisville’s Highlands district, which attracts long lines for its fish tacos and grilled corn. So much so, the popular Mexican restaurant opened three more locations around the city (with more coming soon). People praise the bright, cheerful decor and the generously loaded nachos.
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Louisiana: Dat Dog
New Orleans-founded Dat Dog, with three colorful restaurants in the city, goes way beyond your usual hot dog stand. People love the unusual options like alligator and duck, which can be embellished with more than 30 topping options for no extra charge. The buildings are plastered with fun murals and have twinkly-lit outdoor spaces.
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Maryland: Cava Mezze
You can find Cava Grill outposts – the fast-casual spin-off of this Mediterranean restaurant – throughout the country. But Cava Mezze, the full-service version of the chain founded by three friends, has stayed relatively small. Its brand of zingy Greek cuisine has just a handful of restaurants around the DC Metro area. The original restaurant is in Rockville, Maryland while diners also devour the juicy lamb chops and delicious dips in Baltimore and Olney.
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Massachusetts: Legal Sea Foods
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Minnesota: Red Cow
A Twin Cities favorite, Red Cow is a burger joint with a well-seasoned side of sophistication. Billing itself as a neighborhood tavern, the chain has a few locations in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul, but manages to keep a cozy, local feel. Regulars love it for date night, and the cheese curds and perfect burgers are always winners.
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Missouri: Lambert’s Cafe
This homely restaurant chain – which has two Missouri locations in Ozark and Sikeston, and a third in Foley, Alabama – opened in 1942. Today Lambert’s Cafe still serves comforting plates of roasted meats with generous sides of vegetables and potatoes. It’s known as the home of the throwed roll because servers literally chuck bread rolls to hungry customers.
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Montana: The Pickle Barrel
People are potty for Montana’s pickle-obsessed chain. The Pickle Barrel, which has cute locations in Montana and one outpost in South Dakota, makes delicious sub sandwiches, stuffed with meatballs and provolone, and Philly-style cheesesteak. Fans love the generous fillings and the incredible desserts (don’t worry, there are no pickles in those). Some locations are takeout only.
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Nebraska: Runza
Nebraska has around 80 Runza restaurants, named after the regional sandwich they specialize in. The first location opened in Lincoln in 1949 and, aside from taking over the state, little has changed. Fans are especially happy they’re still serving those deliciously addictive runza sandwiches, also known as Nebraska buns, which are stuffed with beef, cabbage and onion. The Frings – onion rings mixed up with fries – come highly recommended, too.
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Nevada: PT’s Pub
Among the nationally – and internationally – known chains and huge hotel buffets that dominate in Las Vegas, PT’s Pub is an anomaly. The gastropub-style restaurant has several locations in Sin City and elsewhere in Nevada. It serves up an appropriately all-day menu (in a city where people rarely know what time it is) of build-your-own burritos, chicken tenders and generally decent pub grub. The mini-chain also brews its own craft beers.
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New Hampshire: Moe’s Italian Sandwiches
Moe’s Italian Sandwiches was founded by cheese salesman Phil ‘Moe’ Pagano in 1959. The original Portsmouth location still serves the crowd-pleasing Italian sub rolls filled with salami, provolone and roasted veg. Moe’s has expanded with a few other New England locations, but for its devoted fans it’ll always be a New Hampshire institution. Most locations are open for takeout only.
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New Jersey: Seed to Sprout
The refreshingly healthy menu at this small New Jersey chain has proved so popular it’s expanded to three locations and counting. Specializing in vegan and organic fare, Seed to Sprout’s delicious salads and smoothies are a huge hit. But eating here certainly doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. Daytime and dinner options include an indulgent looking (and tasting) Mexican melt, with avocado and cashew cheese, and pizza with a spelt base. The cookies and cakes are incredible too. They’re currently open for curbside pick-up and takeout only.
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New Mexico: Blake’s Lotaburger
Blake’s Lotaburger has grown significantly since it began as a basic burger joint in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1952. But it’s stayed true to its roots, with the vast majority of its 80-odd locations within the state’s borders. The green chili cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries are delicious. It’s also the sort of place where you’ll want to buy the (cool, illustrated) T-shirt and maybe the cap too. Most locations are open for takeout only.
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New York: Xi’an Famous Foods
With locations across Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, Xi’an Famous Foods is known for tangy, flavor-packed dishes from the central Chinese city of Xi’an, with a New York twist. Lamb dumplings, packed with tender meat and spice, are a crowd-pleasing favorite while diners also adore the hand-pulled noodles. You can also order online for pick-up or delivery.
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North Carolina: Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits
Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1977, the Bojangles’ chain now has several locations in the southeastern states and remains rooted in Cajun spices and tender, marinated meat. Diners love the crispiness of the coating on the chicken tenders and the fluffiness of the biscuits used for the sandwiches. Most locations are currently offering takeout, drive-thru and/or delivery only.
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North Dakota: Kroll’s Diner
With the vintage vibes of a classic American diner and traditional, comforting German dishes, this North Dakota institution is a real winner. Since 1969, menu items like the Reuben sandwich and German burger – topped with sauerkraut and lots more besides – have delighted customers at Kroll’s Diner. If you only order one thing, though, make it the knoephla soup. It’s thick with chicken, potato and little dumplings.
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Ohio: Skyline Chili
Greek heritage was the seemingly unlikely inspiration for this chili-centric chain, whose original location opened in Cincinnati in 1949. The Greek immigrant founder served takes on his mother’s family recipes, and the Cincinnati chili and unassuming atmosphere draw in the diners today. Unique and top-rated dishes include the Ways – a heap of spaghetti smothered in chili and cheese, plus beans or onions – and hot dogs topped with (yep) chili. Most locations are fully open.
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Oklahoma: Redrock Canyon Grill
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Oregon: Laughing Planet
This small chain started out in Portland and has since expanded with several other Oregon locations, including Bend and Eugene. At Laughing Planet, it’s all about healthy twists on fast food classics. Think burritos packed with locally grown beans, brown rice and spiced grilled chicken; or bowls with flavors like Korean BBQ and Lebanese.
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Pennsylvania: Tony Luke’s
Who makes the best cheesesteak is a contentious topic. Everyone has an opinion and a certain spot they’re loyal to. Tony Luke’s has been a firm favorite since opening in 1992 and, although it’s expanded throughout Pennsylvania and into other states, the original Philadelphia location is still considered a must-visit. Fans rave about the perfect bread and balance of chopped meat, cheese and onions. It’s been open for takeout only due to COVID-19.
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Rhode Island: Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille
Family-run Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille was founded in 1955 and now has a handful of locations throughout the state. The mini-chain’s ethos is all about a homely atmosphere and traditional, well-prepared comfort food, like juicy prime rib, mac ’n’ cheese and fish and chips. And that’s exactly why people love it. That, and the generous portions.
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South Carolina: Rush’s
Beef hot dogs, chili cheeseburgers and chicken club sandwiches are among favorites served at Rush’s, which many consider a must-visit when in South Carolina. The Rush family opened their first restaurant in 1940 and, after losing it to fire and reopening as a Dairy Queen, reinstated the brand in the 1960s. It’s been a hugely popular fixture around the state ever since.
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South Dakota: The Millstone Family Restaurant
The Millstone Family Restaurants, with three locations across South Dakota, are favorites for families – and anyone really – looking for a down-to-earth atmosphere and comforting, perfectly cooked meals. The small chain is family owned and eating here really does feel like being at a beloved relative’s home – one that can cook perfect meatloaf and whip up the best breakfasts in town. Restaurants are open for dine-in with added curbside pick-up and delivery options.
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Texas: East Hampton Sandwich Co.
Texans are passionate about their regional chains (ask anyone and they’ll probably tell you Whataburger – headquartered in San Antonio – makes the world’s best patty). But East Hampton Sandwich Co. might just be the best, serving dreamy, mouthwatering sandwiches like Southern fried chicken with avocado mash and lobster rolls alongside huge, flavorsome salads – all made with top-notch ingredients.
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Utah: Crown Burgers
Launched in 1978 with a small spot in Salt Lake City, Crown Burgers now has a scattering of restaurants across Utah, most of them in and around the state capital. For many who have tried the juicy classic patty, heaped high with pastrami, it’s no exaggeration to describe it as among the best burgers around. Diners rave about the perfect fries and enormous portions, too. Some locations are takeout only so it’s best to check first.
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Vermont: American Flatbread
A favorite with winter ski crowds, American Flatbread has three Vermont locations – including at the gorgeous Lareau Farm – and is best known for wood-fired pizzas with crisp, chewy bases and delicious seasonal toppings. Diners love the warm, cozy atmosphere and the fact you can get gluten-free bases. The local beer selection is pretty good too. Current services vary by location, with some offering only patio dining and takeout.
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Virginia: Macado’s
Fans simply know this place as ‘the Do’s’. But whatever you call it, Macado’s is a reliable spot for staples like loaded potato skins, burgers and sticky wings. The first restaurant opened in 1978 in Roanoke and there are now several across the state, each decorated in the same nostalgic, eclectic fashion. It’s especially popular with students, partly due to the reasonable prices, huge portions and home-style cooking. The restaurants are fully open and also offering contact-free delivery and curbside pick-up.
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Washington: Burgerville
Burgerville is more than a fast food joint – it’s an institution. This Pacific Northwest chain, founded in Vancouver, Washington and with several locations in Washington state and Oregon, is the type of place you linger with friends over sustainably-sourced burgers with seasonal toppings. And maybe a generous portion of waffle fries and a face-hurtingly thick milkshake too. People particularly rave about the great customer service. Dining rooms are currently closed due to COVID-19 but you can order for drive-thru, curbside pick-up or delivery.
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West Virginia: Tudor’s Biscuit World
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Wisconsin: Café Hollander
America’s Dairyland has founded several successful chains including fast food favorite Culver’s and Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta. But Café Hollander, with five locations all within state borders, is arguably the best of them all. They’re hugely popular hangouts for brunch (with or without a bloody mary), burgers and tasty sharing dishes like crab dip. All locations are open with limited seating and curbside pick-up.
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Wyoming: Taco John’s
Taco John’s started as a tiny taco stand in Cheyenne in 1969, and word spread about the delicious salsas and crispy shelled tacos. Now there are restaurants across the US but most are concentrated in its home state and around the Midwest – and fans see it very much as a Wyoming ‘thing’. The potato olés – little nuggets of deep-fried potato, like mini hash browns – are always a winner. Some locations are open for dine-in while others are takeout only.
