From soggy fries to broken McFlurry machines, Americans must always rely on a consistently inconsistent fast food experience.

Poor management, low profits, and outdated technology are just some of the reasons why quality control may be inadequate in a fast food restaurant.

Fast Company has compiled the best and worst locations of some fast food companies – McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell – in the United States.

To do this, the portal analyzed reviews from every single location in the US on Google Maps, using a combination of average customer rating and number of reviews submitted by customers. The ratings are current as of July 30, 2024.

Here are the best and worst locations:

McDonald’s

Best location

First place went to the Golden Arches at 2130 Main Street in Eagle Pass, Texas.

With a total of 1,945 reviews, Fast Company gives the location a score of 4.25 and a weighted score of 8.63.

One notable customer review said that the place has an “incredible interior” with “lots of space inside.” It also mentioned that there is a vending machine where you can order your food and that it allows the customer to avoid speaking to a real person—perfect for introverts.

Runners up: Second place is shared by two McDonald’s locations: one in California and one in New York.

The location at 720 Imperial Ave in Calexico, California, received a rating of 4.22 and a weighted score of 8.43. One reviewer noted that it is an “excellent source for getting food at the drive-thru” and that the employees “work very hard and you only have to wait a few minutes.”

The New York location at 2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, New York, received the same score and weighting as the Calexico location. However, this location is special because it is the McDonald’s Mansion, which has been called the “most beautiful” McDonald’s in the world.

One review of the location stated, “If you’re going to eat at McDonald’s, you might as well do it in a mansion. I’ve driven by the McDonald’s Mansion a few times over the years and finally decided to stop by and eat there. It’s an old converted house, complete with a glass rotunda, bay windows, and an upstairs balcony area that’s unfortunately roped off and only accessible for parties. There’s a framed photo of the original property, as well as a plaque with some of the details. There’s plenty of wood and pillars, and plenty of seating throughout. There’s a 24-hour drive-thru, but if you go here, I recommend eating inside. The food is standard, with no specials or anything, and so is the service.”

Worst location

It turns out that both the best and worst McDonald’s locations are in Texas. The worst-rated McDonald’s is located at 10042 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, Texas.

Based on 67 reviews, Fast Company gave this place a score of 1.37 – and a weighted negative score of -6.85.

One review said the food was “dried out, old and full of oil.”

The review continued, “How do they do that? I’m not sure but it was just bad. Mocha Frappé was just a milkshake. How I couldn’t get fresh food at 6am is beyond me. There was no line. No one in the parking lot.”

Burger King

Best location

According to Fast Company, the best Burger King in the country is located at 3040 Ella Blvd, Houston, Texas.

With 1,444 points, the location received a rating of 4.6 and a weighted score of 11.05. In one review, the manager was particularly praised.

“Esperanza, the manager, is amazing! Great energy and great customer service. There are not many people with this much energy in the fast food business! Thank you, Esperanza!!!”

Worst location

The worst Burger King store is in South Carolina: 4301 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC.

With a score of 1.42 and a weighted score of -7.48, one of the 114 reviews warned: “Avoid at all costs!!!!!!”

According to the review, customers are never given receipts, sauces are “out of the question”, it takes “forever” for the food to arrive, the fries are unsalted and cold – and “you can’t get a straw”.

“The whole place is absolutely gross. Like it was wiped down with grease. And let’s not forget the staff,” the reviewer noted. “The people who work there are extremely rude, except for a few. I love BK food more than anything, but every time I come here I just hope for a change. Despite all these bad reviews, nothing seems to change. Does no one care about their job anymore?”

Taco Bell

Best location

The world-class Taco Bell is located at 5200 CA-1, Pacifica, California – and people love it so much that they apparently try to catch the sunrise and sunset from here.

Based on 3,400 reviews, this location receives a score of 4.42 and a weighted score of 9.81.

“Definitely the best Taco Bell in the West, located on the beautiful Pacific coast! Best to try and catch the sunset so you can sit outside and enjoy your food with a beautiful view! Unfortunately I didn’t make it in time,” said one review.

“As for the food, it’s mostly standard Taco Bell fare with a few specialty items that don’t disappoint. They also offer alcoholic beverages!”

Worst location

The worst Taco Bell location is 1519 Saxon Blvd, Deltona, Florida.

This location received 95 reviews with a score of 1.78 and a weighted score of -5.56.

One reviewer said Taco Bell did not make a “good first impression” and “the food, to be honest, was not great at all” due to missing ingredients.

“So yeah. Take a risk if you want. I did and it sucked, but oh well. Maybe you’ll get some good food, who knows. Maybe it’ll get better with time. I’ll keep my fingers crossed because I like Taco Bell.”

KFC

Best location

According to Fast Company, the best KFC is located at 637 E National Ave, Brazil, Indiana.

This location has a score of 4.67 and a weighted score of 11.12 from 780 reviews.

According to one review: “The food was hot and ready. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The place was busy but we didn’t have to wait to be served. A great addition to our small town. I will be back.”

Worst location

The worst KFC branch is conveniently located right inside an airport – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – at 380 World Way, Los Angeles, California.

This KFC received 286 reviews, a score of 1.48 and a weighted score of -8.6.

One review said: “Very rude people, bad, overpriced menu. Avoid if you can. Simple ordering on the limited menu was messed up. Just sad. Eating there made me sad.”

“I feel sorry for everyone who has to suffer in this place,” he concluded.