Read more: 5 Fast Food Scandals That Shocked The Industry<\/a><\/p>\n In-N-Out Burger: A West Coast classic Animal-style fries, consisting of grilled onions, cheese, and spread, sit next to a double-double burger in a classic red tray. – Tom_young67\/Getty Images<\/p>\n In-N-Out Burger is a West Coast staple: Its iconic “Double Double” burgers and animal fries have long become synonymous of the California beach life. The chain’s celebrity endorsements have certainly played a role in helping boost its image: Gen Z reality mogul Kylie Jenner has appeared ordering from one of its joints while on the hit show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” while a cohort of A-listers \u2014 from Julia Roberts to Reese Witherspoon \u2014 have either been papped at the chain, or even posted pics of it on their social media. Little wonder celebrity chefs love In-N-Out \u2014 we’re talking Julia Child<\/a>, Alton Brown<\/a>, Ina Garten<\/a>, and even Gordon Ramsay<\/a>.<\/p>\n Opened in 1948 as California’s first drive thru(even inventing the two-way speaker), In-N-Out Burgers largely operates in Pacific-facing and Southwestern states, from the Golden State itself to Washington and Arizona (Tennessee is the farthest East). That means you’ll have to hop on a plane from JFK if you want to get your hands on any Animal-style burger and fries.<\/p>\n Whataburger: Texan through and through A tray featuring a Whataburger cheeseburger meal with french fries and a Coca-Cola at the fast food restaurant chain. – Adam McCullough\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n Whataburger is Texan cooking at its heartiest. Opened in Corpus Christi in 1950, it specialises in its thick burger cuts (often five-inch wide) with extensive customization options \u2014 from sweet and spicy bacon to avocado to fried chicken, honey, and barbecue sauce.<\/p>\n Its tasty, diverse menu has made it a fast food favorite \u2014 it had over 1,000 restaurants as of 2024 \u2014 but a regional one at that: It operates only in Southern and Southwestern states, meaning New York City is off the map. It’s not to be confused with the similarly named What-A-Burger, based in Virginia \u2014 which incidentally also does not have a branch in NYC.<\/p>\n Jack-in-the-Box: A drive-thru staple A Jack-in-the-Box meal sits on a picnic table outside. – Summer_Wind\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n With over 2,000 locations across the U.S., Jack in the Box is a true drive-thru classic. California-centred and opened in 1951, it’s well-known as a late-night spot for a serving of curly fries, tacos, and its signature sourdough Jack burger patties.<\/p>\n While rumors have swirled about Jack in the Box potentially branching out to New York City, the chain still remains largely West Coast and Southwest oriented. Its former foothold in the region has also not been exactly encouraging for the company: Back in the 1970s, it had restaurants in the Northeast, which it was eventually forced to close following poor revenue.\u00a0Its absence from the Big Apple hasn’t gone unnoticed with fans of the chain either, with a Reddit thread<\/a>\u00a0dedicated to the topic. With the chain hemorrhaging\u00a0sales and closing restaurants left, right, and center, it seems unlikely that a New York branch will be opening any time soon.<\/p>\n Culver’s: Midwestern comfort The new Colby Jack Burger with French fries and Coca-Cola soda at Wisconsin based fast food restaurant chain Culver’s. – Adam McCullough\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n For many across the Midwest, Culver’s is instantly synonymous with (delicious) comfort food. The chain’s “ButterBurgers,” crinkle-cut fries, pretzel bites, and frozen custard, are all directly inspired by Midwestern staples, and are a must-order at the Wisconsin-born fast-casual chain.<\/p>\n With its Midwestern focus, New York City hasn’t yet been on Culver’s radar. Its restaurants are independently owned, and as a result of high real estate costs in the Big Apple, it seems New Yorkers won’t be digging their teeth into its ButterBurgers any time soon. That isn’t to say the residents of Gotham City haven’t taken notice: A whole Change.org petition<\/a> has been launched to bring it to NYC, in the hopes of “introduc[ing] the dynamic flavors of Culver’s to the discerning palates of New Yorkers.”<\/p>\n Del Taco: Tex Mex with a twist A feast of food. including tacos, crinkle cut fries, hot sauce, and a drink, from Del Taco on a bicycle at the beach. – Del Taco \/ Facebook<\/p>\n Ever since it opened its doors to the public in Yerno, California in 1964, with a simple 19-cent menu of tacos, tostadas, and fries, and 24-cent cheeseburgers, Del Taco has been one of California’s favorite joints, blending classic Mexican-American cuisine with standard American fast food classics: from Mission burritos and tacos to regular burgers and french fries.<\/p>\n By the 2020s, Del Taco has expanded into U.S. states, with over 595 locations across the country. New York City is not among them. With its more western focus, the reason is not solely geographical as it’s as far east as the Carolinas and Virginia, but also has an economic and quality control factor: A lack of infrastructure, brand awareness, and distance from distribution centers, alongside fierce competition from Northeastern chains, would make opening a New York branch largely counterproductive.<\/p>\n Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter<\/a> where we’re helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source<\/a> on Google.<\/p>\n![\"Animal-style](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/5280603b66a6a350d35e7dbc9fd88d5a.jpeg\"\/)
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