From soggy fries to broken McFlurry machines, Americans can always count on a consistently inconsistent fast food experience.
Poor management, low profits and outdated technology are just a few reasons why one fast-food location may undermine quality control.
Fast Company rounded up the best and worst locations of some fast-food companies — McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell — across the United States.
To do this, the outlet analyzed reviews from every single location in the US on Google Maps, using a combination of average customer review score and number of reviews customers left. The scores are current as of July 30, 2024.
Here are the best and worst locations:
McDonald’s
Best location
6
The Golden Arches at 2130 Main Street in Eagle Pass, Texas, scored the No. 1 spot.
With a total of 1,945 reviews, Fast Company gave the location a score of 4.25 and a weighted score of 8.63.
One notable customer review shared that the location has “incredible interior design” with “a lot of room indoors.” They also noted that there is a machine to order your meal that allows the customer not to talk to any actual person — perfect for introverts.
Runners up: Two McDonald’s locations tied for second place: one in California and one in New York.
The location at 720 Imperial Ave in Calexico, California, received a score of 4.22 and a weighted score of 8.43. A reviewer noted that it is an “excellent source to get your food at the drive-thru” and that the employees “work very hard and you only wait a few minutes.”
New York’s location at 2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, New York, received the same score and weighted score as the Calexico location. But this location is special because it’s the McDonald’s Mansion, dubbed the world’s “most beautiful” McDonald’s.
A review of the location said: “If you’re going to eat McDonald’s, you might as well do it in a mansion. I’ve driven by the McDonald’s Mansion a few times over the years and finally decided to stop by and eat in. It’s an old converted house, complete with a glass rotunda, bay windows, and an upstairs balcony area that’s unfortunately roped off and just for parties. There’s a framed photo of the original estate, along with a plaque with some of the details. There’s a ton of wood and columns with plenty of seating all around. There’s a 24-hour drive-through, but if you’re coming here, I say eat inside. The food is standard with no specials or anything, and the service is too.”
Worst location
It turns out that the best and worst McDonald’s locations are both in Texas. The worst-ranked McD’s is located at 10042 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, Texas.
With 67 reviews, Fast Company gave this location a score of 1.37 — and a weighted score in the negatives, -6.85.
A review said that the food was “dried out, old, and full of oil.”
The review continued, “How one manages to do that? I’m not sure but it was just bad. Mocha frap was just a milkshake. How I couldn’t have fresh food at 6 a.m. is not making sense to me. There was no line. No one in the lot.”
Burger King
Best location
6
According to Fast Company, the best Burger King location in the country is at 3040 Ella Blvd, Houston, Texas.
With 1,444, the location received a score of 4.6 and a weighted score of 11.05. One review specifically gave a shoutout to the general manager.
“Esperanza the general manager is amazing! Great energy and great customer service. There are not many people with this energy in the fast food service! Thank you Esperanza!!!”
Worst location
6
South Carolina is home to Burger King’s worst spot, located at 4301 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC.
With a score of 1.42 and a weighted score of -7.48, one of the 114 reviews warned: “Avoid at all cost!!!!!!”
According to the review, receipts are never given to customers, sauces are “out of the question,” the food takes “forever” to come out, the fries are unsalted and cold — and “forget about getting a straw.”
“The entire place is absolutely gross. Like it was wiped down with grease. Let’s not forget to mention the staff,” the reviewer noted. “The people working are extremely rude minus a select few. I love BK food to death, but every time I go here I am just hoping for a change. Despite all these bad reviews, nothing seems to change. Does no one care about their job anymore?”
Taco Bell
Best location
6
The top-rated Taco Bell is located at 5200 CA-1, Pacifica, California — and people love it so much they apparently try to catch the sunrise and sunset from here.
With 3,400 reviews, this location received a score of 4.42 and a weighted score of 9.81.
“Definitely the best Taco Bell in the West located on the beautiful Pacifica Coast! Best to try and catch the sunset to sit outside and enjoy your food with a gorgeous view! I unfortunately didn’t make it in time,” one review said.
“Food-wise, mostly standard Taco Bell fare with a few special items that don’t disappoint. They also offer alcoholic drinks as well!”
Worst location
The worst Taco Bell location is at 1519 Saxon Blvd, Deltona, Florida.
This location received 95 reviews, with a score of 1.78 and a weighted score of -5.56.
One reviewer said the Taco Bell did not give a “good first impression” and “the food wasn’t great at all to be honest,” with missing ingredients.
“So yeah. Take a gamble if you wish. I did and it was pants but eh. You might get good food who knows. Maybe it will improve in time. Fingers crossed as i do like Taco Bell.”
KFC
Best location
6
The best KFC is located at 637 E National Ave, Brazil, Indiana, according to Fast Company.
This location has a score of 4.67 and a weighted score of 11.12 with 780 reviews.
According to one review, “The food was hot and ready. The staff was very kind and helpful. The place was packed but we had no waiting to be served. A great addition to our small town. I will be back.”
Worst location
6
The worst KFC location is conveniently located inside an airport — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — at 380 World Way, Los Angeles, California.
This KFC got 286 reviews, a score of 1.48 and a weighted score of -8.6.
One review said: “Very rude people, poor overpriced menu. Avoid if you can. Messed up the simple order in the limited menu. Just sad. Eating there made me feel sad.”
“I feel sorry for anyone that has to suffer this place,” it concluded.
