One-off, independent eateries are often the best places to eat – but what about those spots that are so good, and so popular, they end up expanding past the first restaurant? These are the brick-and-mortar places with several locations in one city, borough, or state, having outgrown their original locations and expanded to meet demand. From tiny taquerias and cafés with spots dotted around one city, to neighborhood restaurants that have sprawled across a state and, in some cases, opened branches elsewhere in the US, here are the local chains worthy of a visit.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America’s hidden-gem local fast food chains, state by state.

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

This family restaurant has dozens of locations across the state (and now outside the border), but started off in 1960 as a humble hole-in-the-wall spot in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. People come for breakfast biscuit sandwiches with a variety of fillings, the breaded chicken, and the burgers. Those in the know can also order from the secret menu which includes a chopped steak dinner and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Pho’ Vietnam brings great value Asian food to Anchorage with its chain of four restaurants. It's known for its hearty bowls of pho – Vietnamese noodle soup – and authentic flavors of spice, sweet, umami, and tang. The menu also features dishes such as pad Thai noodles – thin rice noodles with egg, beansprouts, crushed peanuts, and topped with either chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp – fresh spring rolls, and Thai green curry.

Sprinkled across the state like handfuls of chopped herbs, this popular chain is all about Italian flavors with Chicago roots, born in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1993. Opened by Mark Russell who was inspired by his parents' love of entertaining and Italian food, Oregano's is beloved for deep-dish pizza, oozy with cheese, alongside thin-crust versions. Diners also rate the generous portions of pasta, garlic bread, and vegetable sides. The chain recently opened its first branch in Colorado, with more in the works.

Whole Hog Cafe was opened in Little Rock by three friends after they won trophies at world BBQ contests. Now with several 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 receive rave reviews too.

Pizzana has carved out a loyal following with its neo-Neapolitan pies, built on slow-fermented dough that delivers the perfect balance of crisp and chew. Naples-born founder Daniele Uditi elevates classics with a modern twist – the cacio e pepe pizza is a cult favorite, while the Neo Margherita shines with a fragrant basil crumb. For heat seekers, the Diavola with spicy salami and ‘nduja walnut romesco packs a fiery punch. Expanding from Los Angeles into Texas, Pizzana also embraces creativity with inventive vegan options.

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 – delicious!

Brunch favorite Snooze was founded in Denver and now has locations across several states. Its delicious dishes are so packed with flavor and seasonal ingredients, it's no wonder the popularity of the bright, fun joint has grown and grown. People rave about classic menu choices like French toast and shrimp and grits, as well as the inventive pancakes, from upside-down pineapple cake to pumpkin.

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 several scattered elsewhere. The joint is so famous for its gossamer-thin crust pizza, served with spicy oil and known as a ‘hot oil bar pie,’ it doesn't serve anything else. You can, however, get a salad pizza to help towards your five-a-day.

Few pizzerias are as legendary as Frank Pepe’s, the 1925 New Haven original that helped define America’s coal-fired ‘apizza.’ Famous for its thin, chewy crust with a smoky char, each pie is made from a wetter, long-fermented dough, hand-stretched and finished with a sprinkle of pecorino. The signature brick ovens, custom-built to mirror the Wooster Square flagship, ensure consistency across every location. Still family-owned, Frank Pepe has expanded thoughtfully, now boasting 17 restaurants in several states while holding on to its old-school charm.

The original Claymont location of Claymont Steak Shop opened in 1966 and now a handful of Delaware locations serve its famous juicy, Philly-style steak sandwiches, made from premium ribeye steak. The place also serves a wide menu of dishes including handmade pizzas, subs, salads, pastas, and loaded fries.

Boca has three Florida locations, each embracing the farm-to-table philosophy with menus that highlight fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Favorite menu items include Milanese chicken breast, sweet potato gnocchi, and the OMG Burger with lettuce, pickled onions, white Cheddar, sweet relish aioli, and truffle fries. Customers also rate the buzzing atmosphere and friendly service.

Souper Jenny is a collection of five cozy, community-driven cafés across Atlanta, with a focus on serving soups and salads packed with goodness. There are often lines out of the door, but it’s worth it for the fabulous atmosphere and delicious menu of hot soups (plus chilled soups in summer), sandwiches, and salads, all using seasonal ingredients. 

The first Merriman’s is still a hugely popular restaurant in Waimea, on the Big Island, and there are now four 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 (pictured). 

In a state known for its potatoes, it makes sense that a chain specializing in perfectly crisp, golden fries is considered one of the top must-visit restaurants. Boise Fry Co. has seven Idaho locations, with three (including the original) in Boise. Each is beloved for the fried potatoes, of course, but also its burgers, from bison to black bean.

What else could a Chicago-founded chain be but a pizzeria? 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 customers also rave about the side dishes. There are two branches in Chicago, and another in Wheaton, Illinois. There are also restaurants in Los Angeles, California, and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – and the brand has even gone global with an outpost in Singapore.

MingHin Cuisine has become a Chicago favorite, earning the Michelin Bib Gourmand award five times for its standout Cantonese cooking. Dim sum is the star here – from delicate shrimp dumplings and pillowy barbecue pork buns to siu mai that keeps diners coming back. The menu also shines with seafood specialties, richly flavored Peking duck, and crispy Macao-style pork belly. With multiple locations across the city and suburbs, MingHin continues to grow, adding even more variety with Japanese dishes alongside its Cantonese classics.

This hip brewery and bookstore, aptly named Books & Brews, is all 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 a menu of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, nachos, and tortillas.

As well as the many Maid-Rite locations across Iowa, it also has outposts in several other states. Selling its signature loose meat fresh ground beef sandwiches – similar to a sloppy Joe without the sauce mixed in – since 1926, there's also a menu of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. As well as the comforting food, customers also love the retro style of the restaurants.

With five locations in Wichita, Knolla's Pizza is the place to go for freshly made Chicago-style deep-pan and thin-crust pizzas, alongside huge salads, and sandwiches. Regulars love the cheesy garlic bread and the sausage pizza, while the more unusual creations such as cheeseburger pizza and dessert pizza (with toppings including cherry, chocolate, pineapple, and apple) are popular too.

Home to a certain fried chicken giant, Kentucky is also awash with plenty of excellent lesser-known chicken spots, and those in the know head to Indi’s. This small, family-run chain was founded in the 1980s and has locations across Louisville and Lexington, as well as one in nearby Jeffersonville, Indiana. Indi’s is known for its distinctive red, turquoise, and yellow buildings, which come in all shapes and sizes, as well as its spicy and perfectly crispy fried chicken. Fans also rave about the gigantic potato wedges, which come covered in the same punchy spice seasoning as the chicken.

Dat Dog, with three colorful restaurants in New Orleans, takes hot dogs to another level with a host of gourmet sausages – including alligator, duck, and fish-based options – and more than 30 toppings to choose from. The quirky restaurants are plastered with fun murals and have twinkly lit outdoor spaces that are often open into the early hours.

Serving inventive pizzas since opening in Portland in 2009, OTTO now has several locations throughout the city and has expanded to Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Masher, with mashed potato, scallion, and bacon is one of its most popular pies, while other toppings include butternut squash, ricotta, and cranberries, and pulled pork and mango.

You can find outposts of Cava Grill – 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 can be found at the original restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, while diners can also find delicious dishes, including spicy lamb sliders and pan-roasted Greek risotto, in Olney.

With around two dozen restaurants across Massachusetts, Legal Sea Foods is that rare beast: a chain that has expanded without compromising on quality or character. The creamy, seafood-packed clam chowder – served at every presidential inauguration since 1981 – and shrimp cocktail are customer favorites. But really, everything is fresh, perfectly cooked, and utterly delicious. 

Halo Burger is famous for its olive burger – a juicy quarter pounder with sliced green olives, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheese. Founded in 1923, it's one of the oldest burger chains in the US, with several locations across Flint. The original Linden Road location is a must-visit, according to those who’ve been.

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 three locations in Minneapolis, plus branches in St. Paul, Rochester, and Wayzata. Each location has a cozy, local feel, while regulars say it's the perfect place for a date night. As well as the tasty burgers, other popular menu items include beer battered Wisconsin cheese curds, Tennessee hot chicken sandwich, and the birthday cake shake.

There are dozens of Ward’s restaurants throughout Mississippi but the fast food restaurant has never crossed state borders. Specialties include spicy fried chicken, burgers, and hot dogs topped with chili. The chain is also famous for its homemade root beer, best served in a frozen mug, which is also available by the gallon at select locations.

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.

The Pickle Barrel has been serving up award-winning sub sandwiches for more than 30 years and currently has two cute locations in Montana (Bozeman and Livingston). Fans love the generous fillings such as meatballs and provolone, pulled pork, and Philly-style cheesesteak. Any sandwich can be served in a pickle instead of bread at the original Bozeman location, too.

Runza restaurants are scattered throughout Nebraska, and now also in Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas. Named after the regional sandwich they specialize in, the first location opened in Lincoln in 1949. Fans are especially happy they’re still serving those deliciously addictive runza sandwiches, also known as Nebraska buns, which are stuffed with shredded beef, cabbage, and onion. The menu also features burgers, chicken burgers, and salads, as well as the highly recommended Frings – onion rings mixed with fries.

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 all-day menu (fitting for a city where people rarely know what time it is) of bar snacks, chicken wings, burgers, salads, and pizzas.

Moe’s Italian Sandwiches was founded by cheese salesman Phil ‘Moe’ Pagano in 1959 in Portsmouth. Now with 16 locations across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, the joint still focuses on crowd-pleasing Italian sub rolls filled with salami, provolone, and roasted veg. Other fillings include turkey, tuna, chicken, and meatballs.

A Jersey Shore institution since 1963, The Windmill is built on nostalgia – think flat-grilled Sabrett hot dogs with a satisfying snap, smothered in mustard, sauerkraut, or chili, accompanied by crinkle-cut cheese fries so iconic they rival the dogs themselves. With multiple locations from Long Branch to Asbury Park, it captures seaside memories as much as it fills you up. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and shakes round out the menu, making it perfect for beachgoers craving fast food with heart.

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 most of its 70-odd locations within the state’s borders, and a couple of locations in Arizona and Texas. Regulars highly rate the green chile cheeseburger and sweet potato fries.

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. 

Serving the fluffiest biscuits and crispy, tender chicken coated in Cajun spices, the Bojangles chain first opened in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and now has hundreds of locations in the southeastern states. Diners can't get enough of the biscuit sandwiches, while other menu options include chicken dinners with sides such as dirty rice, mac 'n' cheese, coleslaw, and green beans.

Retro-style diner Kroll's serves a menu of classic American fare and traditional, comforting German dishes. Since 1969, menu items like the Reuben sandwich and German burger – topped with sauerkraut and lots more besides – have delighted customers who praise the 1950s vibes and excellent service. If you only order one thing, though, make it the knoephla soup. It's thick with chicken, potato, and little dumplings. There are now four locations throughout the state.

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. Popular dishes include the 3-Ways – a heap of spaghetti smothered in chili and cheese, plus beans or onions – and hot dogs topped with (yep) chili. There are several locations in Ohio, plus Florida, Indiana, and Kentucky.

On the shore of Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City, Redrock Canyon Grill makes a great spot for date nights accompanied by a stunning sunset – and the original doesn’t feel remotely like a chain. Nor do its other locations, in Norman and Tulsa, and in Overland Park, and Wichita in Kansas. The vibe is upscale yet relaxed and the food – with the juicy, bone-in pork chop and devilled eggs among standout dishes – is exceptional.

This small chain started out in Portland and has since expanded with several other Oregon locations, including Bend and Eugene, plus a handful of out-of-state outposts. At Laughing Planet, it's all about healthy twists on fast food classics. There are plenty of vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free options, with popular dishes including burritos packed with locally grown beans, brown rice, and spiced grilled chicken, and house-made veggie chili with beans, corn, zucchini, carrots, onions, green bell peppers, and celery.

Who makes the best Philly 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. It's also famous for its roast pork sandwiches and chicken cutlets.

Family-run Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille was founded in 1955 and now has eight locations throughout the state. Its ethos is all about the homely atmosphere and traditional, good quality comfort food, like juicy prime rib, mac ’n’ cheese, and fish and chips. And that’s exactly why people love it. That, and the very generous portions.

Beef hot dogs, chili cheeseburgers, and chicken club sandwiches are among the 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, with several locations.

The Millstone Family Restaurants, with two locations in Rapid City and one in Spearfish, are favorites for families 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 the home of a beloved relative – one who can cook perfect meatloaf and whip up the best breakfasts in town. 

Babalu’s two Memphis locations are famous for their tacos and the tasty guacamole that’s mashed and mixed tableside. Diners love the fact there are lots of vegetarian and vegan options, and praise the hip, bright restaurants. Other menu highlights include lamb sliders, the Cuban sandwich, and the shrimp and chorizo skillet.

With three locations in Dallas, East Hampton Sandwich Co. serves mouth-watering sandwiches like Southern fried chicken with avocado mash and lobster rolls alongside huge, flavorsome salads – all made with top-notch ingredients. Customers also love the all-day breakfast sandwiches, and say the joint is the perfect pitstop.

Launched in 1978 with a small spot in Salt Lake City, Crown Burgers now has a scattering of restaurants across Utah, with each of them having at least one family member working there. Often cited as the 'best burger in Utah,' those who try the juicy classic patty, heaped high with pastrami, usually agree. Diners also rate the delicious fries, enormous portions, and friendly service.

A favorite with winter ski crowds, American Flatbread has five 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 chain has also expanded into Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut.

Known simply as ‘the Do’s’ Macado’s is a reliable spot for comfort food like loaded potato skins, burgers, and sticky wings. The first restaurant opened in 1978 in Roanoke and there are now several across the state, as well as in North Carolina and Tennessee. Each restaurant is decorated in the same nostalgic, eclectic fashion, and customers praise the reasonable prices and generous portions.

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 the state and across lines in 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. 

You can order pretty much anything you fancy at this West Virginia chain – so long as there are soft, crumbly buttermilk biscuits involved. At Tudor’s Biscuit World, eat them stuffed with delicious combinations like bacon, potato, and cheese in a top-rated breakfast sandwich, or on the side of a dinner plate with chicken-fried steak and pork chops.

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 all hugely popular hangouts for brunch (with or without a Bloody Mary), burgers, and tasty sharing dishes like crab dip. 

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. As well as the tasty tacos and wraps, the potato olés – little nuggets of deep-fried potato, like mini hash browns – are always a winner. 

Now discover the best breakfast and brunch spots in every state

Last updated by Natasha Lovell-Smith.