NOT ALL ARE CREATED EQUAL
I am a fan of fast food. It is fast; it is cheap. There are many times that I would prefer going to get fast food over anything else depending on what it is I'm looking for. If i want good Coke, i go to McDonald's. If i want a great burger, I go to Culver's. If I decide to sacrifice the regularity of my digestion system, I make my way to a Taco Bell. All of these kinds of places fulfill a specific craving that I get from time to time.

The nice thing about fast food joints is the idea of consistency. Each Taco Bell has [basically] the exact same menu. So, whether I am driving home from a long day at work or if I'm across the country on a business trip, or I am visiting family, the food is going to be the same if I stick to a chain restaurant. Certainly, there is some consistency, but that doesn't mean there is equality. I know that sounds kind of crazy. I realize that it's all the same food, that comes from the same distributors, that is delivered in the same fashion and sits in the same containers waiting to be opened by it's respective employees. But more recently, I have noticed that I'm developing "favorites" among my frequented restaurants. I have my theories about why they are better, but it's too much to go into right now. So, without further delay, here is a list of my favorite locations to get food that you can get almost anywhere:

1. McDonald's in St. Peters, MO - the corner of Jungerman and Willot. This is hands down the best McDonald's i have ever had. Somehow, they have managed to deliver my food both quickly AND fresh every time. I know that's what's supposed to happen but at most fast food places, it doesn't. I have had instances where i have received my food in less than 1 min at this speedy golden arched wonder. The fries [most important for freshness] are always hot, and always contain the right amount of salt. Add that with a good burger and the best Coke available and you have a for-sure winner. I have driven past 2 or 3 McDonald's just to get to this one...it is my favorite. Runner up - McD's in St. Peter's MO, on Spencer.

2. Taco Bell in Brownsburg, IN - SR 267 just before the I-74 overpass. i'll have to say this one isn't nearly as solid as the #1, but they are good at making non-authentic mexican feasts. The best time to visit this place is on Saturday for lunch. Actually, in my opinion, that's the best time to go get fast food (but that's another post). The reason this is my favorite is because I have gone here more than once and left actually thinking I'd like to come back. Usually when I go to TB my final thought before I leave the building is, "i'll never eat TB again." Runner up - TB in Warrenton, MO.

3. Culver's in St. Charles, MO - Corner of Muegge and Mexico Rd. I have eaten at this culver's more than any other culver's that exists. It always has the best burgers. Perfectly toasted buns, crispy bacon, and fresh lettuce and tomato. The real kicker is that the ketchup cups are 3x's the size of most places so you only have to get one cup rather than trying to balance 3 little paper communion sized cups. Not to mention the crinkle fries are a nice change of pace from most restaurants. Don't forget the frozen custard. This place is awesome. Runner up - Culver's in Bloomington, IL on Hersey.

4. Subway in Streator, IL - Westgate Plaza. I think this is the only Subway that I can safely order a sub on Italian bread and the ends won't be hard as a rock.

5. Domino's Pizza in Lincoln, IL - 415 Keokuk. I grew up in Streator, IL and when I was very young, our Domino's had a bad fire and it never reopened. SO, when I went to college I was introduced to "communion bread" pizza. That just means thin crust. But it was a welcome addition to my expanding palatte. Plus, since Luzio started working there, I knew that my hot wings would ALWAYS be cooked just the way i liked them. He would bring me wings; I would help him with his Greek homework...i'm not sure how he would have made it through LCC without me.

6. Hardee's in Lincoln, IL - 539 Woodlawn Rd. Long live the monster burger.

So, what are your favorites?