Chefs Reveal Their Favorite Fast Food Picks That Stand the Test of Time

The appeal of fast food transcends culinary sophistication, and even seasoned chefs have their guilty pleasures. After long, demanding shifts, many culinary professionals gravitate towards beloved fast food classics that evoke nostalgia and comfort. We spoke to nine chefs who revealed their favorite fast food picks—offerings that range from national staples to cherished local gems, each with its own flavor profile and backstory.

Chef-Inspired Fast Food Favorites

• White Castle Sliders
• Wendy’s No. 6 Combo
• Taco Bell Bean Burrito and Baja Blast
• El Mago de las Fritas Cuban Fritas
• Shake Shack Double ShackBurger
• Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Combo
• Fatso’s Last Stand Char Dog and Fried Shrimp
• Five Guys Burger
• Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets
• Gotham Burger Social Club Smash Burger

For Mike Puma, the owner of Gotham Burger Social Club in New York City, the nostalgia tied to White Castle sliders is profound. He recalls their unique flavor profile, particularly how the steamed onions meld with the beef—an influence that inspired his restaurant's signature Gotham Smash burger. “Nothing tastes better than memories,” he notes, emphasizing the emotional connection many have to these classic offerings.

Chef Chris McLaurin from Lutra Cafe & Bakery in Durham, North Carolina, also shares his fondness for a fast food staple. The Wendy’s No. 6, featuring crispy spicy chicken, fries, and a rich chocolate frosty, was his reward after tiring shifts. Its affordability combined with satisfying flavors makes it a go-to for him.

Rayven Mendoza, the director of culinary operations at Isla & Co. and Ms. Alice in New York City, leans toward Taco Bell for both comfort and convenience. His go-to order combines a bean burrito with potatoes and cubed pico de gallo, complemented by the refreshing taste of Baja Blast. “Nothing glamorous, but after a long day taking care of everyone else, it was exactly what I needed,” he shares.

For Gustavo Montes, executive chef at Yamashiro in Miami, Cuban fritas from El Mago de las Fritas hold a special place in his heart. Two fritas topped with Swiss cheese, seasoned meat, and a shake of nostalgia bring back memories of childhood visits to the restaurant with his father. The crunch of papitas against the soft Cuban bread makes every bite a delicious fusion of taste and texture.

Jeffrey Marks, executive chef at Sadie’s in New York, is a devoted fan of the Double ShackBurger from Shake Shack. The original location in Madison Square Park serves as a reference for his own culinary endeavors. He recalls the experience of ordering with friends, enjoying the crinkle-cut fries, and strives for that same approachable vibe in his restaurant's menu.

John Manion, chef at El Che Steakhouse & Bar, enjoys a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza combo—though he admits it’s not quite the same as it once was. He also relished local picks, opting for a char dog and a quarter pound of fried shrimp from Fatso’s Last Stand.

Franklin Becker, the head chef and owner of Point Seven, shares candidly that he often indulges in burgers from either Five Guys or Shake Shack. Simple yet satisfying, Becker appreciates their commitment to quality ingredients and straightforward preparations. At Five Guys, he opts for a classic single burger with American cheese, while at Shake Shack, he enjoys a ShackBurger accompanied by shared fries, honoring the idea that sometimes less is more.

Lastly, Joey Rosato, lead line cook at Kinda Nice in Brooklyn, reflects on his childhood fast food cravings, which gravitated toward chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper. He’s still drawn to Wendy’s nuggets for a nostalgic late-night snack, representing a broader nostalgia shared by many in the culinary world.

These chefs remind us that comfort food doesn’t relinquish its hold easily. Whether it’s the joy of nostalgic flavors or the efficiency of quick meals after hours of cooking, these fast food picks resonate deeply within the culinary community.

The article We Asked 9 Chefs: What’s Your Go-to Fast Food Order? appeared first on VinePair.