Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
This Online Thread Is Dedicated To Grossly Overrated Fast Food Chains And Here Are 29 Of The Worst Ones
Fast food has been a controversial topic for many, many years. There are a lot of restaurants all over the globe that always seem to be bustling with customers. Some people love it and see no problem in eating it every day, while some absolutely hate it and say it's one of the most unhealthy things you can put in your body. However, we can all probably agree that the convenience of fast food can't be denied. You come in and get warm and tasty food just like that. To delve deeper into this topic, Redditor user c0rdl asked: "What fast food place is grossly overrated?" and people shared their opinions.
It seems that lots of popular fast food places are overrated and are just not good at all, based on the responses of these internet users. What do you think is the most overrated one? Share in the comments down below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Correct answer is....all of them. The prices have gone up so much its not worth it. The fast food empire is built upon being cheap and fast. They really are not either these days.
RedBadgerCan'tSwim 3 years ago
At least around where I live, most of them are still fast. I don't think fast food has ever been cheaper than making your own, but it's usually cheaper than sit down restaurants. Might be different other places.
Happy Panda 3 years ago
I agree. It is so expensive to eat fast food here, to the point that people rather cross border to get cheaper fast food prices (and they taste better too!) For my family, fast food feels like a luxury. I think it has been almost a year since I had KFC :'D
We talked to clinical dietitian Edvardas Grišin and he gave us some amazing insights on this topic. First, we asked him what is his least favorite fast food chain: "There couldn’t be one answer to this question. There are too many of us in the world to be objective at this point. From a nutrition perspective, European-Asian food is the most questionable fast-food chain in Lithuania’s market.
It doesn’t mean that Asian food is somehow unhealthy and bad for people’s health, but in our country, most Asian food lacks authenticity. People associate it only with deep-fried, fructose corn syrup-glazed vegetables, and meat of unknown origin, which is far from reality."
RELATED:
#2
Starbucks
- Their percolator coffee tastes like cigarette butts with way too much caffeine in it.
- The food ok, but costs three times more than it should
Starbucks is just bougie McDonalds
Solidhog 3 years ago
I find Starbucks and Costa are like Apple fanboys. It's more about the logo than the product.
Load More Replies...
The Scout 3 years ago
I would go even further: If you take your coffee with milk and / or sugar, you do not like coffee. No, your venti triple caramel double chocolate frappuccino is not coffee, it is a dessert (with enough calories to bring you through the week).
Load More Replies...
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
It's from bourgeois, as in upper class. Bougie is just a modern anglicized equivalent for rich jerk.
Load More Replies...
That Panda Sofia 3 years ago
Who the fudge likes Starbucks? I do not drink coffee but, my mom does and, she says that Starbucks is just a colossal waste of money
pocwaddler 3 years ago
Charbucks. It always tastes like it's been sitting in the pot for hours.
#3
Chick-fil-a.
Unpopular opinion to some, but I genuinely think it's way too overrated.
Violet Jensen 3 years ago
I’ve never had it and I get FLAMED every time I say it. I’ve boycotted successfully for 18 years.
Paul Richards 3 years ago
I won't eat their food even if it was the single greatest food on earth. I won't give my money to religious bigots. Screw them and their anti gay opinion and religion!
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 years ago
They tried to move in on Portland. The owner's political opinions meant they were boycotted immediately. Besides, I know where the best fried chicken in this town is and it's NOT from a chain.
pocwaddler 3 years ago
Wouldn't set foot in one, just for their stand on LGBTQ. One where I live is on a very busy street and people line up to get in to the drive-thru, blocking the whole street and causing accidents.
David Spencer 3 years ago
It's also an organization that donates to anti LGBTQ organisations, and no matter how you feel about that stuff, I would rather not get involved in that stuff when I just want a chicken sandwich
Edvardas Grišin shares if fast food is good or bad: "More than half (or even more) of fast foods served for people are generally nutrient-poor and high in harmful substances for the human body. It is usually calorie-dense, and high in saturated or unsaturated oxidized vegetable fat. The bigger part of its carbohydrate content comes from simple sugars lacking fiber and minerals.
Apart from its nutrient content and quite simple accessibility in whatever part of the world a person is in, fast food drives people to eat this type of food (as the first word of our topic says) very quickly. It is called unconscious eating, when our brain barely realizes the eating process during those 2-3 minutes of hedonic pleasure, which is more or less the time needed to demolish a double patty burger.
All the above-mentioned reasons (nutrient composition and people’s behavior) should at least put a red flag of warning on this type of gastronomic cuisine - high consumption of fast food can have a detrimental negative impact on people’s cardiovascular and metabolic health. Obesity has become the leading chronic disease in the world, which, as we see, is spreading further despite all the government health-promoting policies.
Another question is: Should fast food options always be considered a bad choice? It depends. Nowadays we can find many different new fast-food options around the country. We are delighted to see that they offer more unprocessed, fresh produce for customers. Fast food shouldn’t be always unhealthy. Let’s trade deep-fried vegetables for fresh or lightly pickled ones, mayo for avocado guacamole and we will have a healthy option for ourselves!"
#4
Can't believe it's not on the list yet but ... Subway. Bland cold cuts on cardboard bread.
tara 3 years ago
I eat way too much junk food. Sometimes I just need something...ALIVE! something that isn't colored potato chip beige....so I Go to subway!
madbakes 3 years ago
Agreed! It's nice to have fresh veggies. I especially loved it when I lived in Chicago where every location has hot giardeneria.
Load More Replies... CalicoKitty 3 years ago
Subway tastes pretty good to me, if sweet on the bread and fairly expensive for essentially a large sandwich. Then again, they say there are no carrots in Subway outside of Australia, so I can't comment on quality differences...
tara 3 years ago
You have carrots at your subway? Are they shredded or sliced??
Load More Replies...
Michael P. 3 years ago (edited)
I’ve commented before on how Subway was decent back then but meh nowadays. I haven’t eaten there in years. Plus, John Oliver did a segment about Subway and their shady business model that garnered a lot of attention. It’s worth watching if anyone’s curious.
tmw 3 years ago
subway has scientifically proven chicken that is not chicken in canada. same for their tuna (scientifically proven by 3rd party to not be tuna) in canada. and bread that is legally not bread in ireland. subway also kept jared on for years despite knowing what he was actively doing to children.
Sven Grammersdorf 3 years ago
I worked at Subway for 7 years, and I promise you the tuna is tuna. It's Starkist tuna. It comes in big pouches.
Load More Replies...
Philly Bob 3 years ago
Not bad, but not good... the adverts show you a nice packed sandwich but in reality is one slice of each. I can go to my local pizzeria / sandwich shop and get a far better hoagie with packed with more meat and cheese for the same price. AND I'm supporting a local business.
Noname 3 years ago
When you want fresh at an affordable price--Subway will also make any sandwich into a salad at no extra cost. I know a lot of folks are dissatisfied with Subway's bread, but ya'll seem to be happy with the same industrial bread you'll get at the supermarket or at Panera. The best subs/grinders/hoagie are made at privately owned shops that make their own bread from scratch. The reason ya'll go to McDo, BK, or any other chain franchise is price, convenience and consistency of product. So quit hating on Subway. If you don't like it, for whatever reason, don't patronize the chain, but let those of us who appreciate the food do so without your bitchin.
#5
Canadian here. At the risk of being tried for treason…Tim Horton’s is way overrated. They’ve lost their identity, which once was a solid coffee and donut (fresh, from scratch, baked on site iir) shop that was never a letdown. Now it tries to be, on one hand, a hip cafe a la budget Starbucks, and is selling all sorts of fast food items it has no business selling; and on the hand it wants you to believe it’s still a coffee and donuts place. The fast food sucks, the donuts all taste the same (slathered in glaze) and are baked off site and trucked in. And the coffee? Meh. Most people I know would rather hit McDonal’s for their morning coffee. Tim’s is a national institution but needs to get it’s act together and go back to simplicity. In my opinion, of course. Sorry.
Heather Fordham 3 years ago
Micky D’s has excellent coffee now that they adopted time limits for each pot to keep it fresh.
Load More Replies...
Allie 3 years ago
Another Canadian weighing in here....This is so accurate. 20 years ago, Tim's used to be fine. Then they got into sandwiches, wraps etc. We've tried ordering lunch at several locations over the years and they get something wrong nearly every time. A bagel with bacon served without the bacon. Chili instead of chicken soup. Chocolate donut stuck to the bag so the icing comes off. Something missing from the order. The list goes on so we've stopped trying. I roll my eyes every time I see a commercial for a new product they're selling because they can't ever get it right.
Jeff Welton 3 years ago
Tim's was awesome until they got bought out by non-Canadians and tried to become everything they were famous for NOT being. Now it's meh - still better than some of the alternatives, but I've gone from going almost daily 20-odd years ago to going maybe once a month now.
Load More Replies... Michael P. 3 years ago
As a Canadian, I rarely go to Tim Hortons nowadays. Their coffee is basically nothing more than boiling mud water. McDonald’s and Starbucks are decent at best. But I would rather go to a small cafe to get a good coffee or snacks. There are plenty of small cafes in Toronto where you can get a good cup of coffee and snacks.
Susan Green 3 years ago
Another Canadian here, this is so true. Tim Hortons used to be good, but they have gone downhill over the years. I never go there anymore.
Seabeast 3 years ago
They've been terrible for a long time. About 12 years ago I belonged to a swim club that met at the nearest one after practice. I could stomach maybe half a cup of their coffee and soon gave up on the donuts.
Load More Replies...
OnAFreakingRollercoaster 3 years ago
Great to meet all my fellow Canadians on BP. However I am very saddened to hear about the downfall of Timmies ☹️😓
Melanie Munroe 3 years ago (edited)
Also a fellow Canadian here and I agree that their coffee is AWFUL. I was told that long ago, when the coffee was actually good, they were using the same supplier that McDonalds is now using. For whatever reason, they changed their coffee supplier and the coffee is just horrible. I also agree that Timmy's has lost sight on what used to make them so special. Freshly made donuts onsite and a smaller food menu (which made the quality of the food SO much better then it is now).
TheEndIsNigh🇨🇦and🇬🇧in🇺🇲 3 years ago
I think you'll find many Canadians agree. We didn't keep sweets in the house (my parents tried to give us a good nutritional start in life), so getting Timbits was such a treat! The last visit home, we stopped at TH, and I was kind of disappointed 😞
Barbara Skolly 3 years ago
Somewhere about a decade ago Tim's changed their ingredients in their food and I get terrible indigestion from it. Anything more than two timbits and I pay dearly. Its a shame bc I work shiftwork and I miss being able to get a snack in a pinch there on nights.
The professional also shares why he thinks fast food is so loved: "The answer is both very simple and complicated. We can say: 'It’s easily accessible and… why not? Because it’s tasty!' On the other hand, what we don’t see is the effects of fast food on our gut and hormone profile.
The newest scientific data shows that poor nutrient-dense food consumption (as fast foods generally are) has a negative impact on gut microflora composition and neurohumoral brain circuits, which are responsible for people's eating behavior. Our brain becomes resistant to stimuli coming from the gastrointestinal tract after nutrients from food get there and, with time, needs even bigger doses of those substances.
In society it’s popular to say 'sugar addiction,' but it's way more than that. Let’s face it - tasty food is a combination of sugars and fats. Pasta isn’t tasty without its sauce, pizza dough is just dough without toppings on it. There will not be one substance to blame, that’s why avoiding sugar and replacing it with sugar substitutes (even calorie-free) won’t give long-term beneficial results.
People have to realize that the food market is growing and sooner or later we will hardly be able to distinguish what is healthy and what is not. That’s why we shout out for people’s education in order to prevent the metabolic disease burden in the world."
#6
Dominos, It just isn't That good compared to other Pizza Places.
Paul Neff 3 years ago
Gotta be honest, every franchise is more a reflection of the local employees, than anything else. And here is the real kicker, the franchise reverse picks them by offering either a fair wage, or starvation wages.
Valdemar 3 years ago
All the ingredients are shipped in by the company so it comes down to cleanliness and customer service and cooking time.
Load More Replies...
Robin DJW 3 years ago
If it's the only pizza you can get, it's a whole lot better than no pizza at all. This comment posted while eating cold pizza from last night. Yum.
BrownTabby 2 years ago
In a pinch I’d rather just eat a bag of potato chips.
Load More Replies...
the Return of Bruno 3 years ago
Never heard of Boston Pizza, if that's a chain. But the city of Boston does have surprisingly good pizza... on just about every street corner. Not QUITE NY, but not bad.
Load More Replies...
Noname 3 years ago (edited)
Well,. It might not be great pizza-and I've eaten pizza in Italy-but compared with what the French call pizza, I'm willing to drive the 30 minutes to the only Dominoes in my area to get what I consider a decent pizza. My only other option is this Russian owned shop an hour away that makes THE BEST pizza, crust, sauce, toppings.
Philly Bob 3 years ago
Better off eating the box it came in rather that the pizza itself. They used to be good!
#7
Never "got" the big deal over Jimmy Johns
T Kory 3 years ago
Jimmy John went big game hunting and killed an elephant. The photo of him smiling next to the dead elephant is disgusting.
Rhonda Sanderson 3 years ago
He’s a well know horrid person. And pays $100,000 plus every time he kills a helpless and often endangered species. He built his empire on delivering cold cut sandwiches quickly to college dorms. Daddy gave him the money to start. So…..
Load More Replies...
Aria Whitaker 3 years ago
I love that I can get a sub as a lettuce wrap sans bread here...and they have bean sprouts, which seem to be a harder to find topping.
Well then 3 years ago
The lettuce wrapped subs are really good. I love the Italian one with cherry peppers and guacamole spread. I usually won't eat tuna fish unless I make it myself but theirs is actually pretty good. (Theirs' and Jersey Mike's)
Load More Replies... Paul Richards 3 years ago
Never eat Jimmy Johns, owners an absolute c**t who treats his employees like s**t
Edvardas Grišin also gives some great food and nutrition recommendations for people: "Eat fast food only in critical situations - there are always better food possibilities around us. Even petrol stations nowadays have a wide variety of healthy fast-food ideas, from salads with grilled meat to protein bars or even jerky strips - it will always be a better choice than a hot dog.
Fast food shouldn’t always be bad. Always read the ingredient list of the food that you are heading to buy.If the piece of food that is smaller than your palm has a 20-ingredient list with half of it starting with 'e' - think again whether it is the best option to choose.
Go for quality - not quantity. A family-size pizza with salami and cheese made of vegetable fats won’t be necessarily a better option than a medium one, but with better-quality toppings on it."
#8
Golden Corral. The food is mediocre, and buffets are disgusting in general
thegolfball 3 years ago
Yes. I don't like a side of children's boogers with my mashed potatoes and gravy.
Zachary Gillette 3 years ago
Please, if you are going there, you are getting EXACTLY what you expect.
HeatherDPanda 3 years ago
Omg...we took our very "rambunctious' sons there ONCE when they were little, and they sat still and quiet in HORROR of the other kids!! I was so proud! Lol
#9
Panera bread and I don't think it's close at all
They charge *ten dollars and nineteen cents* plus tax for a mac and cheese. It's good but I know how to make my own
Food tastes like literally nothing. Like there is a department dedicated to removing flavor. It’s the food equivalent of Hint water.
Aria Whitaker 3 years ago
They make a semi-decent broccoli and cheese soup...everything else is very...Meh.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 3 years ago
Which comes in frozen, if I'm not mistaken.
Load More Replies...
pat hayes 3 years ago
you probably have a good one near you! they mostly, used to be really good...
Load More Replies...
DeeDee M 3 years ago
And now they have that super dangerous "charged" lemonade. Be very careful drinking that if you are an adult, and dont let your kids drink it at all...it has a dangerous potentially deadly amount of caffiene for a child. Or someone with a heart problem. Shame on them...Panera has gone down hill.
William Teach 3 years ago
Their coffee is terrible. They make it at too high a temperature. All the bread is cold, like it's been sitting in the fridge.
zak 3 years ago
I do agree about them now being overpriced, but I'll get a sandwich there every couple weeks on my lunch break. The bread is better than almost any other sandwich shop, and you can modify the regular sandwiches into some really good ones. Plus they have pickled onions, which are SO GOOD on sandwiches.
Gazelda Schwartz 3 years ago
I love their orange scone, I don't care if it's not made from scratch. I love it. Salads can be nice, but definitely overpriced.
"Get your water and fiber in! Even though we eat fast foods, our primary healthy eating habits can’t be forgotten.
Before going to get a fast-food meal, eat a bowl of berries and drink at least 300-400ml of water. Hydration will reduce the sense of hunger and fiber will at least partially prevent digestive disorder risks like bloating which is often a post-meal 'souvenir' in fast food joints.
Don’t forget that more physical activity is the strongest gun we can use to decrease the negative impact of fast food on our well-being. From jogging to weightlifting, skiing or swimming - choose whatever you like and make it happen!"
If you want more tips on healthy eating, visit the Dietology center's Instagram page or contact dietologists Edvardas Grišin or Dalia Petrauskienė directly.
#10
Don’t nobody speak on Waffle House. I’m currently eating there. And it’s glorious.
Aria Whitaker 3 years ago
There shall be zero WH slander!! The best food at 2:30am drunk-me has ever had lol
JL 3 years ago
If the place is loved, why is it listed in a post of the worst overrated places?
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! 3 years ago
Had the most fun Christmas dinner at Waffle House with my hubby and FIL. It was packed with happy, friendly patrons and staff!
ChickyChicky 3 years ago
Waffle House doesn't try to be anything else but what it is. Most of the places on this list are trying too hard at something else. Waffle House has integrity.
Alicia M Goodner 3 years ago
Where I live... There isn't one... Where I used to live , there was one every few miles... I miss it ! It's also the ONLY thing I miss about my former state , lol
Joi Cain 3 years ago
Here here. None in Washington state. It's the only reason I miss home.
Load More Replies...
Martin Kaine 3 years ago
Having lived in Atlanta, where there was one on every exit of the Perimeter, I wholeheartedly agree.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 3 years ago
There aren't any close by where I live. Used yo take friends there and annoy them by popping quarters in the jukebox for the waffle house songs 😄
Patrick Farnan 2 years ago
Why is this picture and place even on the list then? You get a 0 for your time..... Good Day, Sir!
#11
Five Guys is ok for three times what it should cost.
Dude 3 years ago
Used to eat there often until the prices went through the roof!!! I go there when I want a burger that reminds me of home made burgers from my childhood.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 3 years ago
I go there just for the fries. A family of four can eat on a "small" order. 😄
Bob La Capra 3 years ago
You know those little frozen breakfast sausage patties? That's about how big the burger was the last time I ate at 5 Guys...and it will always be the last time
Mark Fuller 3 years ago
I live in the UK, where we have a 5 guys just down the road from The Ivy - a very elegant / pricy restaurant chain. They charge less for a burger than 5-guys, who are essentially glorified McDonalds.
Philly Bob 3 years ago
The 5 Guys burgers are to die for but I won't pay the prices anymore. I could get a rib eye to take home and cook for about 3 to 4 dollars US that what I'd pay for a 5 guys lunch. They are super good but not over $20 bux good.
#12
KFC. You see it on TV and are like, "f**k I haven't had kfc in ages".
You order it, it takes an age to make, and you eat it. The feeling afterwards of self loathing and disgust is the reason you haven't had KFC in ages.
LittleMissPanda 3 years ago
Can't relate. I eat it very rarely as I don't eat fastfood but if I crave some, KFC is my go-to place. I guess it differs where you're from. I'm from Europe so food related regulations are much stricter than in the US
Noname 3 years ago (edited)
KFC in France is nothing like the USA brand. I miss the American coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, and especially the biscuits! In France you get a stale mini-baguette instead of a biscuit, and the rest is c**p because the recipes and menu has been designed for French palates (the same people who call a panini à "taco") But then, biscuits to Europeans are cookies, so armed with this knowledge, you know you're gonna get forked
Load More Replies...
Michael Largey 3 years ago
After Colonel Saunders sold his company to a big corporation, they began changing things and he hated the resulting product. He had signed an agreement to appear in their Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials. He followed the contract, but the contract didn't specify that he had to speak in them. (They just assumed.) He refused to utter a single word in any of the tv ads.
Zachary Gillette 3 years ago
Isn't the old recipe in some place still? IIRC part of gas station where he started it all (and killed someone).
Load More Replies...
unfilteredCigarette73 3 years ago
I have used the drive through just to get a grip of coleslaw for a family BBQ because I was too busy and its better than I can make.
Happy Panda 3 years ago
KFC here is actually pretty great, but it depends on which branch you go to! :D Some branch got better chicken nuggets and fried chickens
Mark Fuller 3 years ago
I just don't understand how ANY food establishment can make such awful fries. How can you screw up frying potato for heaven sake?? Always, luke warm, soggy, limp and tasteless.
#13
Honestly, I find Chipotle’s food bland and boring, definitely not worth what you pay for it. Now, take me to Salsarita’s and you’ll be my best friend.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 years ago
Always better with a real Mexican place. One staffed by first generation immigrants. There's a place near me where I've watched their kids and nieces and nephews come through over the last decade or so and earn enough money to make it here. Also hands down, better burritos than any chain.
Valdemar 3 years ago
Got one by me that's become a chain. Traditional cooking but way overpriced now.
Load More Replies... madbakes 3 years ago
I still love Chipotle. If you think it's bland then you're just not putting anything on it.
Julie Cohn 3 years ago
I've gotten it with almost everything possible & it still tastes like f*** all. All of the meat is especially bland & usually have to pick out a lot of fat.
Load More Replies...
bibbitybobbityboop 3 years ago
Yeah I’ve never been (thankfully), but my friends have and every time they went they got food poisoning (probably from it being raw). I live in Oregon btw I will never go there ever
Tinderella 3 years ago
Chipotle is horrible!! Every other similar place does it ten times better. Like California Tortilla or Moes or Qdoba or Baja Fresh.
Yared Calkinnunen 2 years ago
If you have access to a Freebird's in your area, you will never eat Chipotle again.
#14
All of them. It's gotten to the point where you can't even get a fast food meal for under 20$ anymore. Groceries are expensive enough, I never eat out anymore
Bec 3 years ago
We are spending about $10 per person at this point. I went to Wendy's to get 'just' 2 burgers and a large fry and it was $16.
Noname 3 years ago
In France, I'll choose BK over McDo, for price, quantity/quality and choice. Subway and Dominoes are at the minimum a 30 minute drive and then I need to find parking which might cost me more. But, otherwise, I agree, it's too expensive to "eat out". I've actually never been much into fast foods, even in the USA, though the local Chinese take-out was decent. But in France, as expensive as food is at the supermarket, it's still cheaper to cook in than take out.
Justin Rogers 3 years ago
Have not had fast food in over 4 years and no regerts. Every time I eat out I feel disappointed and I am reminded doing dishes isn't so bad. $45 for a meal that tastes like fear and depression isn't worth it
David 3 years ago (edited)
YES. A local independent chinese restaurant I like has a lunch special I like for $10.95 every day of the week. And that after raising prices recently. I get comfortable booths, good service, fairly decent ambience (not fancy but not noisy). I do tip as well but the food and the experience of eating it is so much better than three fast food places within about 100 yards.
Lola Atkinson 3 years ago
McDonald's is still fairly affordable here in the UK. I think I spent about £10 (US$12) for a Big Tasty with Bacon, large (US: Medium) fries and Cola Zero. The burger arrived without bacon and no tomato, but they fixed it when I complained. It used to be a lot cheaper though.
Rob Chapman 3 years ago
At least Wendy's still has their $5 Biggie bags. Can't even get a Big Mac at McD for $5 anymore. And a whopper meal at BK costs around $12 now.
pocwaddler 3 years ago
The McDonald's $3 bundle--double cheeseburger and small fries--is still a deal.
Snorkeldorf 3 years ago
Agreed. A meal at any of them costs quite a bit these days. I can order pickup from a local deli restaurant and get a large, delicious, complete dinner that I stretch into 3 meals. When I break it down, even with tip, it's cheaper than fast food, much tastier and certainly healthier.
#15
Tim Hortons
It's an absolute travesty that they've literally advertised their way into Canadian identity while cutting costs in every way possible.
Their coffee is at the absolute bottom of the barrel, and I genuinely can't think of a major chain that serves worse food. It's *awful*.
Nothing is made in house, and simple basics, like toasting bagels - something that's been an issue for *fifteen years* - remains unaddressed. They're still somehow always cold AND burnt.
Not to even touch on their abuse of temporary foreign workers, abysmal pay, and awful work culture.
Easiest boycott you'll ever make.
[edit - I cannot believe I forgot to add this, but after only a few weeks of working at Tims, a girl ate something she was allergic to and nearly died. The management tried to get staff to sign a waiver *taking personal responsibility for any fallout*. Absolute f****d.]
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
Because we remember the way it used to be before it was purchased by an outsider. Everything amazing and unique about it has been killed.
Load More Replies...
Faith Love-robertson 3 years ago
Tim Hortons has not been good for about 15 to 20 years. We used to stop on our way to the cottage to get doughnuts because it was so early in the morning and the kids loved it. The chain has gotten progressively worse every year and now it is not even a choice we consider.
Patrick Farnan 2 years ago
This is the second time this is on the list.... You are disqualified! Hang your head in shame!!! Good Day, Sir!!!
v 3 years ago
Was she forced by the company to eat what she was allergic to? Also, how is it not personal responsibility to know what you are allergic to and, if you don't know you're allergic to it, how is it the companies responsibility?
Juley Clark 2 years ago
Yes she was, it was the new limited time product and the manager insisted she had to try it so she could tell customers all about it.
Load More Replies...
#16
KFC
I can go to any grocery store and pick up an 8 piece bucket of fried chicken from the deli for like $6-$8. Grab a side of mac and cheese, a small coleslaw and a pack of Kings Hawaiian rolls and I spent an extra five bucks. Maybe. KFC is like $30 for an 8 piece bucket and sides and I'll take grocery store chicken over KFC any day; it's bigger, juicier, crispier and tastes less salty.
Andy Smith 3 years ago
This I agree wholeheartedly with. Plus, by my house, there’s a gas station that has fried chicken that is so dang good, makes kfc look like the real dumpster juice it really it
Philly Bob 3 years ago
Not Royal Farms is it??? They make a*s-kicking chicken!
Load More Replies...
Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
I love my memories of KFC but haven't eaten there in over 20 years. Too far to drive. The Taco Bell and McDs are closer and still tasty, but the prices have at least doubled in the last 10 years. One thing I've learned is to never let the food sit a while. Fresh off the grill is the only way to eat fast food.
Philly Bob 3 years ago
Go to BJ's and get a whole roasted chicken for $5.99. Best gawddammed chicken you will ever have. Costco has a great whole roaster too for the same price! I could live on chicken!!
Doug the Special one 3 years ago
What is it with americans and their god-awful fascination with mac and cheese? It's something invented by Satan.
Sage Gusano 3 years ago
Winco grocery stores have surprisingly good fried chicken in their deli. Made fresh on site.
Marc Wood 2 years ago
Being an old guy, I can remember when you could make a meal out of their biscuits and gravy, it was so good. Coleslaw actually looked like coleslaw instead of a semi pureed smoothie. Now, I'm sure they don't change their frying for weeks, if ever. The rancid grease smell from the one a block away from me is disgusting. Won't eat there ever.
Stephanie A Mutti 3 years ago
The fried chicken at Publix [southern USA grocery] is some of the best fried chicken you can buy and wayyyyyy cheaper than KFC
#17
Burger King. It sucks balls. It smells disgusting, and they have stupid colors
tara 3 years ago
I used to LIVE on their veggie burgers. Back when NO ONE had veggie burgers. My mouth is watering over the thought of a sesame seed bun with ketchup mayo cheese xtra pickles tomato and lettuce. oh yessssssss
LA Murphy 3 years ago
I do like the Impossible whooper. It's the only fast food thing I eat.
Load More Replies...
Mark Fuller 3 years ago
If hot, a UK Burger King is really tasty. Waaaay better than McDonalds.
Zachary Gillette 3 years ago
Ever since McD's stopped freezing their quarter pound patties, I much prefer those.
Load More Replies...
Donkey boi 3 years ago
I'm a fan of Burger king in the UK. But some of the burgers are dry as heck (Especially the ones without salad). I don't eat chips/fries but I've been told they're minging. And they are fecking expensive! But I still rather that over McD's.
Lola Atkinson 3 years ago
I agree. The fries are not as crispy as McDonald's, the patties taste industrial, wayy too much bread... no thanks.
#18
White Castle
TheNightOwl 3 years ago (edited)
When I die, I want my casket to be carried through the Craver Hall of Fame before I’m buried.
#19
Shake Shack.
I had heard their burgers were good, so really went out of my way to have one. It was small, not cheap, and very average.
Won’t be back…there are a lot of burgers I’d eat before Shake Shack..what a scam.
Kyle Simonson 3 years ago
Ditto....was deeply disappointed after all the hype....
Load More Replies...
Powerful Katrinka 3 years ago
But their shakes are great! One of the few (if not only) chains that use actual ice cream. And they're huge; because they are made with real ingredients (instead of some artificially flavoured syrup) they are just as good the next day.
Zachary Gillette 3 years ago
IMO, a shake is the worst form of ice cream.
Load More Replies... pocwaddler 3 years ago
And danged!expensive! Went there once and just about plotzed when I got the bill.
Dorothy Stovall 3 years ago
Exactly. Tried it for the first time for lunch a couple weeks ago. Completely underwhelmed. Never again. Even McDonald's is better.
Momma Dubb 3 years ago
I tried it because of the hype too and when I bit into the burger it felt like I had bit into greasy fat meat. That's the only way I could describe it and I hated it. Vowed to never eat there again.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago
In so many cases, the whole thing depends so much on the manager/owner of the franchise. Some of them are fantastic with high standards. Others - not so much.
aubergine10003 3 years ago
Hmmm... that's weird. The original Shake Shacks in NYC are all delicious. Maybe they haven't expanded well?
#20
I scrolled through most of this thread.
My go to is always Wendy’s. Glad to see they’ve not been mentioned.
bibbitybobbityboop 3 years ago
Mine is bad. The fries are bland and tasteless and the burgers are rubbery and burnt the drinks are good though.
thegolfball 3 years ago
My beef (in case you were wondering "Where's the beef?") with Wendy's is they are so inconsistent from restaurant to restaurant
Bunzilla 3 years ago
Wendy's always made me sick whenever I tried to eat there. Several different occasions, several different locations. Never again.
Violet Jensen 3 years ago
Huh, Wendy’s is the only one that doesn’t make me sick
Load More Replies...
Cindy Rushin 2 years ago
I love Wendy's jr bacon cheeseburgers. But I miss when they were 99 cents. From what I've seen it depends on the location. I used to go to the one in Forney, Texas but no more. They always messed up something on my order. Last time I went I ordered 3 items--bacon cheese potato, chili, & a Dry chicken sandwich. What I got was a potato with cheese--no bacon, no butter, & no sour cream, chili that was mostly liquid with no beans & probably 3 pieces of meat, & a chicken sandwich dripping with sauce. And I got to watch the cashier slinging her long hair every where. Haven't been back to that location, but have been to other locations without a problem.
#21
Olive Garden
thebridget 3 years ago
Nah, Olive Garden slaps. It's not "real" Italian food, but it's good and you get a ton of food. Plus, it's not considered fast food anyway so it has no business being on this list
WonderWoman 3 years ago
It is ALL made off site - delivered to your table in a few minutes - it is sit-down fast food.
Load More Replies...
Spinstapink 3 years ago
just don't work there. You'll ruin your back running your a*s off carrying all that stoneware, and people tip like the broke-a*s people they are who think this is a real restaurant. Everything except the pasta is frozen and nuked. If they don't use all the noodles in one order, they'll sit over the pot until the next order comes along, dunk them back in the water and send them out on the next order.
Robin DJW 3 years ago
When I go, which is less than once a year, I get the bean-pasta soup + salad. Delish and filling. Agree - is not fast food. Several chains have snuck into this thread just by virtue of being chains. If we are going to go that route, I'd add Chili's. God, what grindingly average or downright awful food.
Faith Love-robertson 3 years ago
This is not actually fast food but it is a chain and I cannot understand why people actually go there. I have given it three tried because people are always telling me how good it is - GARBAGE! Overcooked, swimming in fat, and tasteless unless you like salt.
#22
Everyone is going to have different answers and they're all going to come down to the fact that the quality of fast food is extremely dependent on the state of the particular restaurant you go to. I have a McDonald's by me where the McNuggets are always inedible, but another where they're pretty good.
The Popeyes near me is always terrible, but anywhere else I've been, it's amazing (but still overpriced).
Hexenfox 3 years ago
Yeah like if "they're always terrible" why keep going back?
Load More Replies...
John L 3 years ago
That sounds odd, in McDonald's case as their claim to fame is massive reproduction on an industrial scale. Even their cooking equipment is calibrated to deliver the identical product in the same time and quality.
JMil 3 years ago
That was my understanding. It has always been very consistent in my experience.
Load More Replies... Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
One McDs outside of Rochester, MN has fries that taste like the great old days. I hope the whole chain wised up and went back to making them original. Super good.
Rob Carleen 3 years ago
Nearby ; MCD: food barely above room temp, fries soggy and tasteless. Popeyes always overcooked
Lola Atkinson 3 years ago
I agree with this. Some locations of McDonald's actually make their food taste great when it's fresh. Others just don't give a f**k and will give you wilted, compressed salad and soft fries with no salt.
#23
I might be banished from Texas for saying this but Whataburger is just okay.
The burgers and fries are good, but not worth the insane hype that they receive, and I find most of the breakfast options to range from mediocre to inedible.
Plus most locations are incredibly slow so it’s fast food in name only.
Kurtz Frausun 3 years ago
I live in Texas. Can confirm. Seriously don't get it. Only time I eat it is when I'm on a road trip because there is one every few miles.
Jameel Aboulhosn 3 years ago
It's not that it's not overratrd.It is. It's also better than literally every single fast food place that makes a burger in the country, period, and their specials like the Sweet N Spicy , the Mushroom Swiss and the Chophouse are far better than most gourmet burger joints, too. But that's not even why people like Whataburger. It's that their fries are amazing. Because they use salt flour, instead of normal, larger grain salt. And their spicy ketchup is the best ketchup in existence.
Aubrey Mortensen 3 years ago (edited)
#banished ... legitimately the best fries under $3 and they never assume you want mayo. I think if you stick to just ONE location, you win. There's 3 here in town but I go to the one that has been here the longest. #4 no lettuce is my jam
Jameel Aboulhosn 3 years ago
Most locations are "slow" because there are 105 people waiting. You have no idea what you're talking about unless you;'ve been to downtown Houston in the tunnels and seen hundreds of people served in minutes.
Quinn Avery 3 years ago
I worked at a Whataburger for a whopping 5 days total ober 3 weeks. When I worked there, I got half off the meals. A meal for $5-$6? Pretty good, and I do like their patty melts and their on and off buffalo ranch chicken sandwich. But spending more than $10 for a fast food meal is too much.
Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago
They have Whataburger in Redmond, WA and my sister just swore by it. If beige were a hamburger ...
#24
Steak ‘n’ Shake. Like so many of these places, they were legit at one point then suffered from over expansion and spiral down
Lola Atkinson 3 years ago
Capitalists: "Wow, people really love that fast food chain for its quality food. Let's buy it and use cheap ingredients while charging more! This is the way."
Yared Calkinnunen 2 years ago
They used to have a Jamaican Jerk Burger that was the best, then they took it off their menu and I stopped going.
Beth Gietl 2 years ago
My family noticed after they opened from the pandemic, the prices were up and the portions were way smaller.
Elizabeth Butler 3 years ago
WAAAY down. Went there this year after not since 2019. Now its the pits.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
I absolutely love the double garlic burger from Steak n Shake. They're greasy, drippy heart attacks, but so so good.
#25
Canes.
Only thing good is the sauce and bread. I live in Louisiana - people here will whine all day long about underseasoned food but will literally back up traffic to get some bland-a*s Cane's chicken.
Chirp 3 years ago
Love the chicken - very tasty and the pieces are pretty big. Their ice tea is wonderful
Julie Cohn 3 years ago
I had a friend who worked at Canes. The marinade for the chicken is to soak the pieces in salt water for 48 hours then straight to the fryer. There is nothing tasty about seasoning with one ingredient lmao. I grew up in Louisiana & my mother & I both thought it tasted like cardboard. Also, they put all of their food in styrofoam boxes so everything is soggy as hell by the time you get home.
Load More Replies... Mike Loux 3 years ago
Had a Cane's in Austin. It's actually really good. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the sauce would taste good on a car bumper, but the tenders are solid. We'll get a 25 pack, have a bunch for dinner, and then have the rest with salads and whatnot for the next few days. Cheap eats.
Zachary Gillette 3 years ago
It's called Raising Canes. They are okay - my work had their catering, and the sides are better than the main event.
Sage Gusano 3 years ago
They've recently opened in my town. I saw these huge lines and thought it must be the best food ever. Then I saw they're just chicken fingers....Really? I make those myself.
#26
Wing stop is the nastiest s**t on the planet. Why?????
Michael Vickery 3 years ago
Look at that picture. These are their boneless wings. They are about half the size of a McDonald's chicken nugget yet cost three times as much. Plus, the ones in my state got busted for charging their minimum wage workers for their uniforms.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 years ago
Well the problem is, they ordered boneless "wings". I'm not sure which part of the chicken boneless wings come from, but they aren't from the wings.
Load More Replies... Violet Jensen 3 years ago
NAW SERIOUSLY!! It was good when I was a kid! Ate there for the first time in 8 years on Tuesday, was kinda grossed out, then spent Thursday food poisoned with my brother!
Barrett Slimmer 3 years ago
I work next to one at a Domino's and wings are nothing special after twenty five years at Domino's. But, there Potato Salad was a bit expensive but the best and they discontinued it .
Stephanie Did It 3 years ago
The one time I was there, I was served a basket of grease with some dark things floating in it. Note: I didn't say I ate there.
#27
Tiffany's. Breakfasts there are c**p.
Molly Block 3 years ago
Do you mean the big classic store? Like Macy's, but Tiffany's? I have never had the chance to eat there.
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
The only Tiffany's i know is the jeweler. Unless you're referring to the Audrey Hepburn movie, which was okay
#28
So basically this thread includes comments naming virtually every fast food place as grossly overrated, and I would agree that yes, most (if not all) fast food is gross (yet, oddly delicious at times), places like In-N-Out or Chick-Fil-A are grossly overrated in that there will never be a time it's worth waiting in a line that wraps out into the street and around the block for an admittedly good burger and/or decent chicken sandwich. That people willingly put themselves through that kind of insane line/wait is a testament to their grossly overrated-ness.
EDIT; ok, so CFA lines apparently move fast. Noted, lol.
EDIT #2; yes, going inside is generally faster than a drive through, yet there are times it’s legitimately tough to see where to even try and park to go inside when these places are absolutely slammed. This is in Los Angeles, for reference.
FINAL EDIT: I am choosing to upgrade In-N-Out to only "mildly overrated".
King Joffrey 3 years ago
I will be crucified by Californians but I actually think In-N-Out is the most overrated of them all as everyone raves about it so much. As a result, I had really high expectations and ended up bitterly disappointed (I tried a couple different ones thinking maybe it was just the one restaurant but they were all the same). Also, as a European, I'm not convinced by their overly friendly service, although that just might be me. I actually prefer Five Guys or even Shake Shack.
Abner_Mality 3 years ago
Family owned by religious Trump fan. Mediocre food. Long wait... All downside to me!
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 years ago
I wish I could upvote this more. In-N-Out is about as good as McDonalds IMO. They got that gimmicky "secret menu" the Millenials obsess about, and that's about it. Have I had worse burgers? Yes. Have I had better burgers? Also yes. But I've had a lot more burgers that were better than In-N-Out than worse.
Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
Sometimes the kitchen is swamped with drive-up traffic so the dine-in people have to wait 20 minutes for fast food! Food's good.
#29
Panda Express
Mary Jeffries 3 years ago
I like Panda Express. You can get relatively healthy foods with more vegetables than any other fast food place.
Mike Loux 3 years ago
Total guilty pleasure. In Texas, Panda Express is better than a lot of local Chinese joints (despite being anything but authentic). Now that I've moved back to the east coast, I am once again enjoying the fact that there are local places that are better than PE. Huzzah...
Philly Bob 3 years ago
Chick-Fil-A serves chicken, Burger King serves burgers, Panda Express are liars...no panda served there....
Mark Goode 3 years ago
They had one at the university I went to and I loved it. Tried it a few times in recent years and it was gross. Either they've changed, I changed or both.
What do you think ?
Snowy Tundra 3 years ago
When a new restaurant opens, they talk up their fresh, wonderful ingredients and incredible service. Then they get successful and expand too quickly or are bought out by a large company. Profit becomes more important. So recipes are adjusted to use cheaper and lower quality ingredients or less of what made a particular dish so popular . Extras are now charged for. Labor is paid less than before and service deteriorates. Line managers are overworked and put on salary so they don't get overtime. Lousy managers ride their staff to do more and perks erode. Quality people leave and are replaced by not-so-good people who don't really care about service and quality, and pay them less. Of course, not every place is like this and you find a hidden gem. Senior management tries to institute reforms aimed at turning back the clock to when things were better. Cynical, ain't I? I'm not always this negative. I guess I'm feeling not so optimistic today. It must be all the bad weather.
Bec 3 years ago
Yes. My sister worked for a certain west coast chain that was really in to treating workers well and giving them basic autonomy and training to give good customer service. Then they went public and started to expand. She would point out how their new policies contradicted their own training. She left to work in a not-for-profit instead.
Load More Replies...
Noname 3 years ago
Hey-- I'm glad Sonic didn't make this list-- it was the only fast-food joint my family agreed on for quality and price. Does it still exist?? Inquiring expat wants to know!! Thanks
Marc S. 1 year ago
Sonic is still around, but they vary from location to location. One near my daughter has the worst chili.
Load More Replies...
Stacey Rae 3 years ago
Helpful tip* if you are suffering from constipation a meal from Taco Bell will help and is less expensive than meds. You're welcome.
William Teach 3 years ago
No one mentioned Jersey Mikes? Way overpriced. Good. But, way overpriced.
Bec 3 years ago
I'm willing to pay a little more for fresh decent ingredients.
Load More Replies...
Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago
My husband is a refrigeration engineer, specializing in restaurant kitchen equipment. We've only been in Oregon since March of last year and he's already got a list of 20 or so places we are never allowed to eat at. Just found out the McDonald's where I fulfil my Quarter Pounder w/cheese craving is like, #3. Also - in the US, almost NONE of the 100 or so McD's he's worked in over the years clean the ice or ice cream machine on the schedule they are supposed to adhere to. I'm talking black mold and cockroach droppings under the IC machines.
Snowy Tundra 3 years ago
When a new restaurant opens, they talk up their fresh, wonderful ingredients and incredible service. Then they get successful and expand too quickly or are bought out by a large company. Profit becomes more important. So recipes are adjusted to use cheaper and lower quality ingredients or less of what made a particular dish so popular . Extras are now charged for. Labor is paid less than before and service deteriorates. Line managers are overworked and put on salary so they don't get overtime. Lousy managers ride their staff to do more and perks erode. Quality people leave and are replaced by not-so-good people who don't really care about service and quality, and pay them less. Of course, not every place is like this and you find a hidden gem. Senior management tries to institute reforms aimed at turning back the clock to when things were better. Cynical, ain't I? I'm not always this negative. I guess I'm feeling not so optimistic today. It must be all the bad weather.
Bec 3 years ago
Yes. My sister worked for a certain west coast chain that was really in to treating workers well and giving them basic autonomy and training to give good customer service. Then they went public and started to expand. She would point out how their new policies contradicted their own training. She left to work in a not-for-profit instead.
Load More Replies... Noname 3 years ago
Hey-- I'm glad Sonic didn't make this list-- it was the only fast-food joint my family agreed on for quality and price. Does it still exist?? Inquiring expat wants to know!! Thanks
Marc S. 1 year ago
Sonic is still around, but they vary from location to location. One near my daughter has the worst chili.
Load More Replies... Stacey Rae 3 years ago
Helpful tip* if you are suffering from constipation a meal from Taco Bell will help and is less expensive than meds. You're welcome.
William Teach 3 years ago
No one mentioned Jersey Mikes? Way overpriced. Good. But, way overpriced.
Bec 3 years ago
I'm willing to pay a little more for fresh decent ingredients.
Load More Replies... Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago
My husband is a refrigeration engineer, specializing in restaurant kitchen equipment. We've only been in Oregon since March of last year and he's already got a list of 20 or so places we are never allowed to eat at. Just found out the McDonald's where I fulfil my Quarter Pounder w/cheese craving is like, #3. Also - in the US, almost NONE of the 100 or so McD's he's worked in over the years clean the ice or ice cream machine on the schedule they are supposed to adhere to. I'm talking black mold and cockroach droppings under the IC machines.
You May Like 200 Fun "Most Likely To" Questions To Shoot From The Hip 150 "What If" Questions You Perhaps Never Thought About 198 Lord of the Rings Trivia Questions To Revisit Middle-Earth
Viltė Domkutė
Eligijus Sinkunas
Eligijus Sinkunas
Related on Bored Panda
