The best and worst fast food restaurants in 2024, according to data
In theory, a customer should be able to get the same food and service at a restaurant owned by a major fast food company like McDonald’s or Taco Bell as they would at any other restaurant. But as any fast food fan knows, that’s not always the case. The quality of the food and the overall experience can vary greatly due to poor management or execution by restaurant owners and staff, making some places a must-try while others are best avoided.
Fortunately, the business newspaper Fast Company just published reports on the five best and five worst rated McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco BellAnd KFC Restaurants in the United States. Based on weighted ratings that factor in average Google Maps ratings and the number of customer reviews, these lists are a useful tool for anyone who wants to find the fast-food restaurants where they’re likely to get the absolute best meal and experience – or see how much shops can differ under the same corporate umbrella.
We have all those highly and poorly rated fast food restaurants from the Fast Company Read on to learn about the best and worst McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and KFC restaurants in the US right now.
McDonald’s
A McDonald’s restaurant in Texas 2130 Main Street in Eagle Pass has secured the crown as the highest-rated place in the country with a weighted score of 8.63 and an average rating of 4.3 on Google. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, the customer service and the actual look and feel of the restaurant.
“I didn’t eat anything when I came in but I just wanted to comment on the incredible interior. There’s a lot of space inside and I love that they have this vending machine where you don’t have to talk to a staff member to order your food!” wrote one fan.
The McDonald’s branches in 720 Imperial Ave., Calexico, California.; 2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY; 10207 Lakewood Blvd., Downey, California.; And 101 S. Expressway Brownsville, Texas made up the rest of the top five.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s 10042 S. Zarzamora Street in San Antonio was the lowest rated with a weighted score of -6.35 and an average rating of 1.37 on Google. Many of the negative reviews complain about poor service, long wait times, and food that is anything but fresh at this location.
“Since opening this location, there has not been a single visit where the food has been completely fresh. The patties on the burgers are always room temperature and never hot or fresh. On rare occasions you get fresh fries, but they let you miss the rest of the order,” wrote one reviewer. “They leave customers on the speaker and don’t respond until they’re done serving the previous customer in line. I always order through the app and not once have they gotten the order right.”
The four other McDonald’s branches with the worst ratings include the branches in 18423 US-20, Goshen, Indiana.; The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport North Terminal; 13591 Grant St., Thornton, Colorado.; And 9225 E. Cadence Parkway, Mesa, Arizona.
Burger King
If you are looking for the best Burger King in the United States, you should visit the one located in 3040 Ella Blvd. in Houston. It has a weighted score of 11.05 and an average Google rating of 4.60, with customers praising its excellent customer service and food.
“The customer service here is amazing!!!!! The manager Esperanza is always friendly, kind and professional. The food is always hot and fresh. I really love this place because of the staff that work here,” raved one reviewer.
The Burger King restaurants in 12790 NW Seventh Ave., North Miami; 2280 E. Garrison St., Eagle Pass, Texas; 6085 Montana Ave., El Paso, Texas; And 11400 NW 41st St., Doral, Floridamade up the rest of the top five.
With a weighted score of -7.48 and an average Google rating of 1.42, Burger King is 4301 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, SC is the lowest rated in America. As one reviewer noted, “This is probably the worst Burger King location!! It seems like there is only one person working at a time and they all have the worst attitude and are rude. The food is cold and doesn’t seem to be cooked all the way through. Both Coca-Cola Freestyle machines don’t work properly and even if they did, most of the flavors are out. Same thing every time I’ve been here. Don’t waste your time here!”
The Burger King branches in North 408 Highway 149, Earle, Arkansas.; The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport; 205 New Neely Ferry Road, Mauldin, SC; And 5934 Ardennes St., Building C, Fort Liberty, N.C. made up the rest of the bottom five.
Taco Bell
The highest rated Taco Bell in America is located in 5200 CA-1 in Pacifica, California, with a weighted score of 9.81 and an average Google rating of 4.42. Customers love the staff, food quality, and beach views at this restaurant.
“Good customer service. Food was hot and delicious. One of the best Taco Bells ever. The food and view are really worth it,” wrote one reviewer.
The other four top-rated Taco Bell restaurants are 925 FM802, Brownsville, Texas; 402 Dixieland Rd., Harlingen, Texas; 3509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Union City, NJ.; And 420 S 10th St., McAllen, Texas.
On the other hand, the worst rated Taco Bell in America is located at 1519 Saxon Blvd., Deltona, Florida. With a weighted score of -5.56 and an average Google rating of 1.78, this restaurant has amassed numerous complaints about inaccurate orders and long wait times.
“Truly the SLOWEST SERVICE ever. I pre-order through the app, drive thru, and EVERY SINGLE TIME it takes about 20 (minutes) to get my food. Fast food? It would be faster if I sat down at Chili’s, had a meal, and went home,” wrote one reviewer.
The other four lowest rated Taco Bell restaurants are located in 1810 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio; 355 Dix Ave., Queensbury, NY; 1893 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, N.Y.; and 7660 Barrington Rd., Hanover Park, Illinois.
KFC
According to the guests, there is no better KFC in the USA than the one in 637 E National Avenue in Brazil, Indiana. With a weighted score of 11.12 and an average Google rating of 4.67, customers love the fast, friendly service and consistently great food they receive at this location.
“The food was hot and ready. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The place was busy but we didn’t have to wait to be served,” wrote one reviewer.
The KFC restaurants in 501 S. Main St., Sapulpa, Oklahoma.; 1301 Southern Hills Center, West Plains, Missouri.; 514 S Commercial St., Harrisburg, Illinois.; And 3970 Hwy 411, Madisonville, Tennessee. made up the rest of the top five.
With a weighted score of -8.60 and an average Google rating of 1.48, a KFC at Los Angeles International Airport was declared the worst in America. Customers complained of poor treatment by employees, incorrect orders and extremely slow service.
“Worst KFC!!!! Rude for no reason! Food takes forever so I had to cancel my order and get a refund for my $20 for a chicken sandwich and fries,” wrote one reviewer.
Among the last five were the KFC restaurants in 21566 N. John Wayne Pkwy, Maricopa, Arizona.; 4727 N Midkiff Rd., Midland, Texas; 16980 W Yuma Rd., Goodyear, Arizona.; And 1960 E. County Line Rd, Littleton, Colorado.
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