From French fries to broken McFlurry machines, Americans can always count on a consistent, unsustainable fast food experience.
Poor management, low profits and outdated technology are just a few reasons why a fast food place can suffer from quality control.
Fast Company rounded up the best and worst locations of several fast food companies — McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell — across the United States.
To do this, the media analyzed reviews from every single US location on Google Maps, using a combination of the average customer rating score and the number of reviews customers left. Results are current as of July 30, 2024.
Here are the best and worst places:
McDonald’s
The best location
The Golden Arches at 2130 Main Street in Eagle Pass, Texas, scored the no. 1.
With a total of 1,945 reviews, Fast Company gave the location a score of 4.25 and a weighted score of 8.63.
A notable customer review shared that the location has “outstanding interior design” with “plenty of room inside.” They also noted that there is an order-your-own-meal machine that allows the customer to not speak to any actual person – perfect for introverts.
Runners-up: Two McDonald’s locations tied for second place: one in California and one in New York.
The location at 720 Imperial Ave in Calexico, California, received a score of 4.22 and a weighted score of 8.43. One reviewer noted that it’s a “great source for takeout” and that the employees “work really hard and you only wait a few minutes.”
The New York location at 2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, New York, received the same score and weighted score as the Calexico location. But this place is special because it is the McDonald’s Mansion, called the “most beautiful” McDonald’s in the world.
A review of the location said: “If you’re going to eat McDonald’s, you might as well do it in a mansion. I have driven by the McDonald’s residence several times over the years and finally decided to stop and eat. It’s a converted old house, complete with a glass rotunda, bay windows and an upstairs balcony area that’s unfortunately roped off and just for parties. There is a framed photo of the original estate, along with a plaque with some of the details. There is a ton of wood and columns with lots of seats around. It’s a 24-hour drive, but if you’re going to come here, I say eat in. The food is standard with no specials or anything, and the service is too.”
Worst location
It turns out that the best and worst McDonald’s locations are both in Texas. The lowest ranked McD’s is located at 10042 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, Texas.
With 67 reviews, Fast Company gave this location a score of 1.37 — and a weighted negative score of -6.85.
One review said the food was “dry, stale and greasy”.
The review continued, “How does one manage to do this? I’m not sure, but it was just bad. The mocha frap was just a milkshake. How I couldn’t eat fresh food at 6 in the morning makes no sense to me. There was no line. No one in the lottery.”
Burger King
The best location
According to Fast Company, the best Burger King location in the country is at 3040 Ella Blvd, Houston, Texas.
With 1,444, the location received a score of 4.6 and a weighted score of 11.05. One review specifically appealed to the general manager.
“Esperanza, the general manager is great! Great energy and great customer service. There aren’t many people with this energy in fast food service! Thank you Esperanza!!!”
Worst location
South Carolina is home to the worst Burger King location, located at 4301 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC.
With a score of 1.42 and a weighted score of -7.48, one of the 114 comments warned: “Avoid at all costs!!!!!!”
According to the review, receipts are never given to customers, sauces are not discussed, food takes “forever” to come out, chips are unsalted and cold – and “forget to take a straw”.
“The whole place is absolutely gross. As if it had been greased. Let’s not forget to mention the staff,” noted the reviewer. “Working people are extremely rude, minus a select few. I love BK food to death, but every time I go here, I just hope for a change. Despite all these bad comments, nothing seems to change. Doesn’t anyone care about their work anymore?”
Taco Bell
The best location
The top rated Taco Bell is located at 5200 CA-1, Pacifica, California – and people love it so much they seem to try to catch the sunrise and sunset from here.
With 3,400 reviews, this location received 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! Better try to catch the sunset to sit outside and enjoy your food with a great view! Unfortunately I didn’t make it in time,” said one review.
“For the food, mostly standard Taco Bell fare with a few special items that do not disappoint. They also offer alcoholic drinks!”
Worst location
The worst Taco Bell location is at 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 didn’t make a “good first impression” and “the food wasn’t good at all to be honest,” with ingredients missing.
“So yeah. Take a gamble if you want. I did and it was pants but eh. You can get good food who knows. Maybe it will get better with time. Fingers crossed I do like Taco Bell.”
KFC
The best location
The best KFC is located at 637 E National Ave, Brazil, Indiana, according to Fast Company.
This site has a score of 4.67 and a weighted score of 11.12 with 780 reviews.
According to one review, “The food was hot and ready. The staff was very polite and helpful. The place was packed but we had no wait to be served. A great addition to our small town. I would to return.”
Worst location
The worst KFC location is conveniently located 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, poor menu at high prices. Avoid if you can. Messed up the simple order in the limited menu. Just sad. Eating there made me feel sad.”
“I feel sorry for anyone who has to suffer in this country,” he concluded.
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