8 Midwest chains we wish were available nationwide

Culver’s is known for its ButterBurgers.

Timothy Moore

Some of the most beloved fast-food chains in the US are based in the Midwest.
From Culver’s ButterBurgers to Skyline Chili’s loaded “three-way,” the chains pack big flavor.
The Midwest is also home to a few non-burger chains like Graeter’s Ice Cream and Runza.

The Midwest is known for its small towns and farmlands, but it’s also home to delicious food.

Here are some fast-food chains from the Midwest that we wish were available across the country.

Note: Some of these chains have a few locations outside the Midwest, but since they’re based in the Midwest and primarily serve that region of the US, they’re included on this list.

Culver’s is known for its signature ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard.

Portillo’s is known for its hot dogs and Italian-beef sandwiches.

Molly O’Brien

Portillo’s is a Chicago staple that has slowly gained national attention.

The chain specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs with mustard (never ketchup), relish, celery salt, onions, tomatoes, a whole pickle spear, and sport peppers on a poppyseed bun. It also serves up Italian-beef sandwiches, salads, pasta, and its signature Chocolate Cake Shake.

Each location is designed with a specific theme in mind — from Old Chicago to Prohibition — so every Portillo’s is decked out in eclectic, decade-specific decor.

The chain is located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.

Maid-Rite is famous for its loose-meat sandwich.

Graeter’s serves ice cream in scoop shops and grocery stores.

Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

Graeter’s specializes in chocolate-chip-studded French-pot ice cream, a creamy dairy confection that has a denser consistency than regular ice cream.

The Ohio-based chain dates back to the late 19th century. Today, there are also shops throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Outside these states, select grocery stores, including Whole Foods, carry pints of Graeter’s ice cream in the freezer aisle.

Nebraska-based Runza sells Eastern European bread pockets.

Skyline Chili piles its entrées with shredded cheese.

AJN72/Shutterstock

The main attraction at Ohio-based Skyline Chili is its signature “three-way,” a plate of spaghetti piled with chili and a heaping mound of cheddar cheese. If you add onions or beans, it becomes a “four-way” (with both, it’s a “five-way”).

The chain has been around since 1949, and it also serves cheese Coneys, which are hot dogs topped with chili and cheese.

There are Skyline Chili locations in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida.

Lion’s Choice serves up sky-high roast-beef sandwiches.

Max & Erma’s is known for its garbage burger.

Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

Ohio-based Max & Erma’s serves burgers as well as appetizers, salads, soups, and fresh-baked cookies you can order at the start of your meal.

The chain is especially famous for its garbage burger, which is topped with cheese, mushrooms, onions, and marinara.

And if cookies aren’t your thing, you can take advantage of the ice-cream sundae bar that’s served out of a bathtub.

Max & Erma’s has locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan.

This story was originally published in June 2019 and most recently updated on September 18, 2024.

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source:https://www.businessinsider.com/best-fast-food-chains-in-midwest-everyone-should-try