Lowbrow

The Best Fast Food in America

America’s most prominent chefs prefer In-N-Out Burger.

This month, Esquire Magazine polls 27 of the country's top chefs to find out their thoughts on the fast food spots that they’ll willingly—or happily—eat at. The winner, hands down, is In-N-Out Burger. "It's the perfect example of classic American fast food,” says Thomas Keller of The French Laundry and Per Se. “It satisfies my craving for meat, crisp fries, and their special sauce." (Keller’s order: Cheeseburger, fries "well done," and a Diet Coke). Tyler Florence, host of Tyler’s Ultimate, agrees: "I dare anyone to tell me their burgers aren't as good as any you'll fine anywhere, from fast food to fine dining." The loser: Taco Bell. "Utter bastardization of one of the finest cuisines in the world. What the fuck is a chalupa?" asks Joey Campanaro of The Little Owl in New York. Adds Tim Love of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Texas, "They use a meat hose for their meat. That's just plain gross."