The Best And Worst Fast-Food Restaurants In The U.S., According To New Data

A customer should be able to enter a restaurant operated by a prominent fast-food corporation, such as McDonald’s or Taco Bell, and receive the same food and service as they would at any of its other locations, in theory. However, as any individual who enjoys rapid cuisine is aware, this is not always the case.

Poor administration or execution by restaurant operators and staff can result in a significant disparity in the quality of the food and overall experience. Consequently, certain establishments are essential to visit, while others are best avoided.

It is fortunate that the business publication Fast Company has recently released reports on the five highest-rated and five lowest-rated McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and KFC restaurants in the United States.

These lists are a valuable resource for individuals who wish to identify the fast-food establishments that are most likely to provide the most exceptional meal and experience, or to observe the extent to which stores within a single company can vary.

The weighted scores used to compute these scores take into account the average Google Maps ratings and the number of customer reviews.

In the following section, we have compiled a list of the finest and worst McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and KFC restaurants in the United States, as rated by the Fast Company.

1. MacDonald’s

With an average rating of 4.3 on Google and a weighted score of 8.63, the McDonald’s restaurant at 2130 Main Street in Eagle Pass, Texas, has taken the title of the highest-rated spot in the country.

Food quality, customer service, and the restaurant’s physical appearance have all been lauded by reviewers.

“When I entered, I refrained from consuming any food; however, I was eager to express my admiration for the impressive interior design.” One admirer noted, “There is a significant amount of indoor space, and I appreciate the fact that they have a machine that allows you to order your meal without interfacing with an employee.”

The additional McDonald’s locations in the top five were as follows: 720 Imperial Ave., Calexico, CA; 2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY; 10207 Lakewood Blvd., Downey, CA; and 101 S. Expressway, Brownsville, TX.

Meanwhile, the McDonald’s located at 10042 S. Zarzamora Street in San Antonio received the lowest rating on Google, with a weighted score of -6.35 and an average rating of 1.37.

A significant number of the negative reviews at this establishment are characterized by inadequate service, extended wait times, and cuisine that is not immediately fresh.

“There has not been a single visit to this location since it opened, during which the food was entirely fresh.” Never heated or fresh, the patties on the burgers are always at room temperature. “On a rare occasion, you may receive fresh fries; however, the remainder of your order is often subpar,” stated one reviewer.

Until the previous customer in line has been processed, they permit customers to rest at the speaker and refrain from responding. It is my custom to place orders via the application; however, I have yet to receive an accurate order.

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport’s North Terminal, 13591 Grant St., Thornton, Colo.; 9225 E. Cadence Parkway, Mesa, Ariz.; and 18423 US-20, Goshen, Ind. are the four other McDonald’s that have received the lowest ratings.

2. Burger King

If you are in search of the highest-quality Burger King in the United States, you should visit the location at 3040 Ella Blvd. in Houston. Customers have praised the exceptional cuisine and customer service, earning it an average Google rating of 4.60 and a weighted score of 11.05.

“This establishment provides exceptional customer service!” The manager, Esperanza, is consistently professional, kind, and pleasant. There is never a shortage of steaming and fresh cuisine. This location is genuinely beloved by me due to the employees who work here,” extolled a reviewer.

The remaining Top Five Burger King restaurants were located at 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, Florida.

Burger King at 4301 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, S.C., is the lowest-rated establishment in the United States, with an average Google rating of 1.42 and a weighted score of -7.48. A reviewer observed, “This Burger King location is likely the worst!” It appears that there is only one individual working at any given moment, and each of them has the most unwelcoming and unhelpful dispositions.

Food is chilly and appears to be incompletely prepared. Even if the Coca-Cola freestyle dispensers were operational, the majority of the varieties are unavailable. It has been the same every time I have visited. Refrain from wasting your time in this location.

205 New Neely Ferry Road, Mauldin, S.C.; 5934 Ardennes St., Bldg. C, Fort Liberty, N.C.; the Honolulu International Airport; and the Burger King stores at North 408 Highway 149, Earle, Ark. comprised the remaining five locations.

3. Taco Bell

Located at 5200 CA-1 in Pacifica, California, the Taco Bell with the highest rating in the United States has an average Google rating of 4.42 and a weighted score of 9.81. The restaurant’s beachside views, personnel, and cuisine quality are much-loved by customers.

“The customer service is satisfactory.” Food was both fresh and delectable. These are some of the most exceptional Taco Bells ever. According to a reviewer, “The food and view are so worth it.”

925 FM802, Brownsville, Texas; 402 Dixieland Rd., Harlingen, Texas; 3509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Union City, N.J.; and 420 S 10th St., McAllen, Texas are the other four top-rated Taco Bell restaurants.

In contrast, the Taco Bell in Deltona, Florida, with the lowest rating in the United States is situated at 1519 Saxon Blvd. With an average Google rating of 1.78 and a weighted score of -5.56, this restaurant has received numerous complaints regarding inaccurate orders and extended wait times.

“The service is honestly the slowest of all time.” Every time I pre-order through the app, I am able to drive through, and it takes approximately 20 minutes to receive my meals. Fast food? “It would be more efficient to dine at Chili’s, consume a meal, and return home,” stated a reviewer.

The other four Taco Bell restaurants with the lowest ratings are situated at 1810 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio; 355 Dix Ave., Queensbury, N.Y.; 1893 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, N.Y.; and 7660 Barrington Rd., Hanover Park, Ill.