1. Red Barn
Red Barn was hard to miss thanks to its barn-shaped buildings, and if you ever stepped inside, you knew this wasn’t your average burger joint. Aside from serving burgers and fried chicken, they also had a salad bar way back in the ‘60s—which was way ahead of its time for fast food. But the real stars were the Big Barney and the Barnbuster, which were basically their versions of the Big Mac and Whopper. Their menu was eclectic and constantly shifting, with everything from fish sandwiches to deep-fried apple pie says Tasting Table.
They also had a trio of mascots called Hamburger Hungry, Chicken Hungry, and Big Fish Hungry, which sounds more like a cartoon than a restaurant strategy. But that quirky charm was part of the appeal. Sadly, Red Barn couldn’t keep up with the fast-food giants, and most locations were gone by the early ’80s. Still, people who remember it tend to talk about it like a beloved hometown hangout that just happened to have a weirdly diverse menu adds the Desert Sun.
2. Gino’s Hamburgers
Founded by NFL star Gino Marchetti, Gino’s Hamburgers leaned hard into being different. They didn’t just serve burgers—they had Gino Giant sandwiches that competed with the Big Mac and a secret sauce that fans still rave about. But what really made their menu wild was the fact that they served Kentucky Fried Chicken. That’s right—they had a partnership with KFC, so you could get a bucket of chicken with your burger and shake shares the Daily Meal.
The mix-and-match vibe was part of what made it fun, even if it was kind of confusing. You didn’t quite know what kind of craving Gino’s would fix until you got there. It was like a mini food court in one building. The chain eventually faded away in the late ‘80s after being bought out. But for a while, it was one of the few places where you could walk out with a burger, fried chicken, and coleslaw—all from one counter explains Go2Tutors.
3. Burger Chef
Burger Chef was one of McDonald’s biggest rivals in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and they weren’t afraid to experiment. They came up with the “Funmeal” before the Happy Meal existed, complete with a toy and colorful packaging. Their menu featured things like the Big Shef and the Super Shef, both oversized sandwiches dripping with special sauce and topped with everything but the kitchen sink. They even let customers assemble their own burgers at a toppings bar.
This DIY concept was revolutionary at the time, giving people a little more control in a world of pre-made fast food. They also had spaghetti, chili, and fried fish sandwiches, which felt more like a diner lineup than a burger place. Sadly, the innovation couldn’t save them from financial troubles, and the brand was sold off and slowly disappeared. But many still remember the jingle and the wild freedom of building your own burger.
4. Hot ‘n Now
Hot ‘n Now promised fast food at lightning speed, and they delivered it all from tiny buildings with drive-thru windows only. They were known for their shockingly cheap prices—like 39-cent burgers—and a menu that seemed designed for teenagers with big appetites and little cash. You could order a taco burger, mozzarella sticks, and a peanut butter milkshake in one go. It was fast food chaos in the best way.
Their menu changed often and wasn’t afraid to go off-script. At one point, they even had chili cheese fries topped with onions and jalapeños. The chain expanded quickly in the ‘80s and ‘90s but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Most locations shut down, leaving only a single Hot ‘n Now in Michigan. For those who remember, it was like the Wild West of drive-thru dining.
5. Naugles
Naugles was the kind of place that took fast food Mexican to a new level. The chain was open late—some 24 hours—and had an extensive menu of burritos, tacos, and something called a “Macho” size option. You could get a massive breakfast burrito in the morning and a cheese-stuffed combo burrito in the middle of the night. Everything was bold, a little greasy, and completely crave-worthy.
They also served burgers and fries, which made the menu feel a little all over the place. But somehow it worked, and regulars loved the quirky blend of American and Mexican fast food. After merging with Del Taco, the Naugles name vanished, but fans have fought for years to bring it back. A few pop-ups and revivals have happened, but nothing like the original glory days.
6. Rax Roast Beef
Rax tried to be everything at once: roast beef sandwiches, salad bar, baked potatoes, milkshakes, and even a pasta bar. It started out as a direct competitor to Arby’s but quickly turned into something more bizarre. You could get a taco salad, a baked potato with cheddar cheese and bacon, and then grab dessert from their free-form pudding bar. It was like a fast food buffet in a sit-down setting.
They even had a character called “Mr. Delicious” who was meant to appeal to adults with dry humor—definitely a strange move for a roast beef chain. The overexpansion and strange marketing didn’t help, and the chain shrunk down to just a few locations. But those who experienced it still remember it as a wild fast food fever dream. It was like going to lunch in an alternate universe.
7. Lum’s
Lum’s was the kind of place you went when you wanted your hot dog steamed in beer. Yes, that was a real thing. The menu had a heavy European influence, with items like knockwurst sandwiches, fried clams, and even roast beef au jus. It wasn’t your typical burger and fries joint, and that’s what made it stand out.
The atmosphere was also a little more relaxed and tavern-like, which was rare for a fast food spot. At its peak, Lum’s had hundreds of locations, and the food always felt a little more adventurous. But as the fast food world shifted toward quicker, more predictable fare, Lum’s lost its place. Today, it’s mostly remembered for that boozy hot dog and its unexpectedly upscale vibe.
8. Yummy Burger
Yummy Burger was mostly a West Coast phenomenon, but it had one of the weirdest combinations of Asian fusion and classic American fast food. You could get teriyaki burgers, kimchi fries, and bubble tea all in one order. The flavors were bold, and the presentation was colorful. It felt like a food truck menu exploded into a restaurant.
It was an early adopter of mixing cuisines in a way that we now see everywhere. But back then, it was considered risky. The chain didn’t survive the competition, but its creativity made it unforgettable. For those who stumbled upon one, it was like discovering a culinary secret in a strip mall.
9. Chicken George
With a name like Chicken George, you’d expect, well, chicken—and they delivered. But not just any chicken. They had everything from traditional fried chicken to barbecue wings, chicken livers, and spicy gizzards. The menu leaned into Southern comfort food territory with cornbread, collard greens, and sweet tea.
They even had a few soul food-inspired desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding. It wasn’t the kind of menu you’d expect from a chain, and that’s what made it exciting. Unfortunately, the brand couldn’t scale up fast enough to compete with KFC and Popeyes. Still, Chicken George earned a loyal following during its time.
10. Druther’s
Druther’s began as Burger Queen before rebranding, and the name alone hinted at how unusual it was. The menu had burgers, sure, but also fried chicken, fish sandwiches, and even country-style sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw. It was trying to be a little bit of everything, and surprisingly, it almost pulled it off.
There was even a breakfast menu with items like biscuits and gravy alongside pancakes and sausage. The brand was later absorbed by Dairy Queen, which gave it a quieter exit than it deserved. People who grew up with Druther’s still remember the weirdly satisfying mix of food. It was like your grandma’s Sunday dinner had a fast-food cousin.
11. Henry’s Hamburgers
“Henry’s, a meal a minute” was the tagline—and it kind of matched the chaos of their menu. While they started out as a classic burger joint, Henry’s quickly expanded into shakes, hot dogs, chili, and even fried shrimp baskets. The pricing was low, the service was fast, and the menu kept expanding to fit any craving.
At one point, they were competing with McDonald’s in size and scope. But as the big guys streamlined their offerings, Henry’s wild variety became a liability. The brand faded out, with only one surviving location. For those who remember it, it felt like a roadside diner with a drive-thru and a whole lot of personality.
12. Chi-Chi’s
Chi-Chi’s was a Mexican chain with a festive vibe and a menu that loved going over the top. They had chimichangas the size of your head, fried ice cream, and margaritas that came in neon-colored glasses. It wasn’t authentic, but it was definitely fun. The menu seemed designed to impress your tastebuds and your Instagram feed—even before social media existed.
They even introduced a dish called “Seafood Nachos Grande” which included shrimp and crab meat over tortilla chips. Things eventually went downhill after a few health scares and lawsuits, and the chain completely disappeared in the U.S. But people still fondly remember birthday parties at Chi-Chi’s with sombreros and sizzling platters. It was as much about the experience as the food.
13. Pup ‘N’ Taco
This California favorite was exactly what it sounded like: a mash-up of burgers, hot dogs, and tacos all under one roof. The menu was as wild as the name, offering pastrami sandwiches, burritos, fries, and even root beer floats. It was one of those places where you could eat like five different cravings in one visit.
The vibe was casual and distinctly SoCal, with a loyal following. Taco Bell eventually bought out many of the locations, which is why you might recognize the buildings but not the name. Still, Pup ‘N’ Taco had a charm all its own, and the bizarre combo menu left a lasting impression. It’s the kind of place people bring up with a nostalgic smile.
14. Sandy’s
Sandy’s started as a Midwestern answer to McDonald’s and quickly grew thanks to its wild and friendly menu. They served fried pork sandwiches, onion rings the size of donuts, and even milkshakes made with seasonal fruit. You could also order corn dogs, chicken dinners, and fish on Fridays. It was all a bit much—in the best way.
The logo was a red-haired Scottish girl in a kilt, and the whole place had a cozy, retro diner feel. Despite loyal customers, Sandy’s eventually merged with Hardee’s and disappeared. But the variety and regional charm still linger in memory. For those lucky enough to visit one, it was like a fast food playground.
15. Howard Johnson’s
Technically a hotel chain, Howard Johnson’s also had full-service restaurants and a fast food offshoot that served some of the wackiest road-trip meals. Their menu included fried clam strips, grilled frankfurters, and 28 flavors of ice cream. You could get a turkey dinner with cranberry sauce or just grab a burger and fries. The variety was unmatched.
At its peak, it felt like a traveler’s oasis, where you could satisfy any craving under one roof. The bright orange roof and aqua signage made it easy to spot on the highway. As the roadside culture faded, so did Howard Johnson’s restaurants. But for those who stopped in, it was like getting a buffet in a fast food wrapper.