Big fast-food chains get low marks in taste test (Duh!!)

Consumer Reports via msnbc ^ | 30 June

[flowerplough]

McDonald's Corp, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell are the biggest U.S. fast-food chains, but they lag smaller rivals like In-N-Out Burger and Chick-fil-A when it comes to taste, according to a new survey released on Thursday by Consumer Reports.

"Chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell boast supersized values, but consumers don't necessarily think they offer much bang for the buck," said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports' senior projects editor.

The survey, based on responses from more than 36,700 subscribers who made more than 98,000 visits to 53 fast-food chains, found that the big four U.S. fast-food chains had "uninspiring food" and "only so-so service."

No more than 11 percent of respondents found the food at those big brands to be "excellent," while a higher number -- 15 to 19 percent -- found their food to be fair, poor, or very poor.

Southern California favorite In-N-Out Burger captured the No. 1 spot among all of the chains with high rankings for food, service, value and speed.

McDonald's ranked last in the hamburger category, with particularly poor performance in food satisfaction, to finish just behind Burger King.

[razorback-bert]

I paid $3.69 for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, that was an over cooked chicken piece on a bun, that was all there was to it.

[EQAndyBuzz]

White Castle. Ahhhh..... A favorite of mine.

4 surf and turfs, clam strips, onion rings and a large chocolate shake.

Packs and packs of rolaids and 2 days in the bathroom. God I miss that.

[Venturer]

Never heard of them around here. Where are they?

[bgill]

They’re named “fast food” not “tasty gourmet food” for a reason.

[dfwgator]

California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and now, Texas.

[Fiji Hill]

I like Taco Cabana, but the nearest one is 700 miles away.

[sportutegrl]

For fast food, nothing beats Popeyes Fried Chicken. I tell my hubby that if I am ever on death row, my last meal will be Popeyes spicy and a large Coke, maybe with some red beans and rice on the side.

[OriginalChristian]

Surf & Turf @ Whitey’s, you have some ‘splainin to do here. I’ve been eating WC all my life and I’ve never heard of Surf & Turf. I can imagine what you mean, but I want to hear it from you. Thanks...

[OriginalChristian]

West Coast, Mountain states and Texas. I’ve only visited them in California. You can get several variants of the same basic burger/cheeseburger, fries, shakes and soft drinks. They are clean, fast and crowded. In the Chicago metro, my favorite is Portillo’s followed closely by Mickey’s (love their Gyros) and Nicks.

[Siena Dreaming]

I go to the drive-thru at Mac's. I still like it.

I pay for my meal at one window...when I get to the next window 2 secs later the server alreaady has his/her hand out the window dangling my bag of food.

I've re-discovered McDonal'ds double cheeseburgers. I hadn't had them for years but they're only a dollar now and they taste just as good as I remember.

[patriot08]

The Dairy Queen here in my home town has consistently excellent food.

[GSWarrior]

If you are into mayo and onions, it's got to be Nations Giant Hamburgers.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Burger and filet of fish. Put cheese on it and it rocks.

[TruthBeforeAll]

Nobody stood up for Wendy’s? Great burgers, real cut potato fries and their Baja salad is pretty good too.

[Scoutmaster]

I paid $3.69 for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, that was an over cooked chicken piece on a bun, that was all there was to it.

Sorry you got an over-cooked one. That's rare. When they're not overcooked, but still nice and juicy, it's nearly impossible to beat one. Real chicken breast. Moist. Nicely seasoned. Perfectly fried. Compare the price to chicken sandwiches from other restaurants.

Truett Cathy is a fine man who still refuses to open Chick-fil-A on Sundays. If you say "you're welcome" to a worker, they are required to say "my pleasure," no matter how many times you say "you're welcome." You want to hire a good kid? Find one who worked/works at Chick-fil-A. The gifts in the kids' meals are often Bible-based.

Not saying that has anything to do with the food. I'm just saying morals and customer service are a big, big deal with Mr. Cathy.

I've had the pleasure of meeting him and working with Chick-fil-A on several occasions, when they were supporting the Boy Scouts.

[irishjuggler]

Nobody stood up for Wendy’s? Great burgers, real cut potato fries

Wendy's fries are frozen, just like McD's and BK's. Only apparent difference is that Wendy's have a bit of potato skin left on them and use "sea salt." Nothing special, in my opinion.

I do prefer Wendy's burgers to the other two, though. Their chocolate frosties are good, too.

[OriginalChristian]

You have to make it yourself or they make it for you?

[Arrowhead1952]

I like KFC....peta hates them, and that is good enough for me....

Most of the KFCs in and around Austin have closed. We like Bush's fried chicken. Really ticked off the libs when it opened. The have the best tea in town.

[EQAndyBuzz]

It’s on the menu. A least it was in Edison, NJ.

[GreenLanternCorps]

I eat way too much fast food. But here is my list:

1. Skyline Chili
2. Frisch’s Big Boy
3. Wendy’s
4. Subbys
5. White Castle

Of course my kids will choose Mickey D’s every time.