Zagat Fast Food Survey Takes In-N-Out Down A Notch

Nobody really wants to admit to liking "fast food," be it the classiest Panera Bread or the lowliest Burger King. But in their 2010 Fast Food Survey, Zagat has the courage to announce the best tasting meals in the combo-menu lot. And there are a few surprises, including In-N-Out's fall from glory.

Zagat Survey CEO Tim Zagat said on the Today Show, "I think the headline is Five Guys," who won for best fast food burger. Last year's winner In-N-Out came in second, and Mickey D's a distant fifth. Zagat said the Five Guys win “was a big surprise to me, because I've never yet eaten a Five Guys burger." McDonald's did win for best fries, best breakfast and best value menu, while Starbucks beat out Dunkin' Donuts for best coffee. But the prize went to Wendy's, winning for best overall food from a "Mega-Chain" (over 5,000 locations).

For "full-service" chains, Red Robin served the best burger, and Cheesecake Factory served both the best salads and desserts. And IHOP won for best coffee, beating out places like the Waffle House, Denny's and Cracker Barrel. Unfortunately most New Yorkers won't be able to conduct personal taste tests, as half the chains require an out-of-city trip. We're betting next year the Fried Cheese Melt wins for something. Best vegetarian sandwich perhaps?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jaya Saxena in Food on August 16, 2010 3:14 PM

Comments [rss]

xToddrick

This is why a Zagat Guide should only be used to find the address or telephone number of a restaurant. I've never had a good Five Guys hamburger but I have had a tasty In-And-Out hamburger. Also Starbucks is far from the best coffee and Subway is not healthy. It may look healthy but their ingredients are not.

freddynyc

Is that Gothamist's all-time favorite pic?

boogpowell

All I ask for is a Red Robin. Its delicious and far better than applebees, fridays, chilis, ruby tuesdays, etc. Zagat's ratings prove this. I also agree that McDonalds breakfast is the best. ALways cures a hangover.

Potty Boy

Ha! I was just thinking Red Robin today!

OuHe

Why is there a picture of me when I was 3 yrs next to the article?

Kelles

yikes i hope it was just baby fat

tsk_tsk_tsk

i realize i will sound like a fuckin snob saying this, but seriously, starbucks and dunkin are the best coffee? it may just be my spoiled new yorker tastes...

korper

"Unfortunately" half the chain restaurants require an out-of-town trip? What's unfortunate about that? Heck, that's the best thing about NYC I've heard in a while. Clearly you don't snicker (like some of us insensitive beasts) at the dummies waiting on line for The Olive Garden in Times Square when some great Italian restaurants are just 2 blocks over on 9th.