By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-24 18:11:52 | Updated at 2026-07-27 03:42:33
2 days ago
A long-time California hidden gem is finally stepping into the spotlight.
Del Taco has been named the 'Best Fast Food Restaurant in America' in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards, beating household names like Burger King and McDonald's - while In-N-Out failed to crack the top 10 altogether.
The rankings were chosen after USA Today editors and a panel of 'food experts' selected the nominees before readers across the country voted for their favorites. After tallying the votes, Del Taco landed on top.
'This popular taco stop, which serves all kinds of satisfying Mexican fare including burritos, quesadillas and nachos, also offers burgers and fries,' USA Today said of their winner. 'In addition, Del Taco has a dedicated breakfast menu, as well as a vegan and vegetarian menu.'
Del Taco, which was founded in California more than six decades ago, has built a loyal following by offering a mix of Mexican-inspired favorites alongside classic American fast food.
Del Taco long marketed itself as offering 'Mexican and American favorites,' offering a pretty expansive menu to customers. There are long-term favorites like the spicy jack chicken quesadilla and the 'epic' carne asada burrito, as well as Mexican-inspired desserts like sweet cream-filled churros.
The chain's crinkle-cut fries remain a fan-favorite pick, with the side dish earning the top spot in USA Today's Best Fast Food Fries category for the third year in a row.
Del Taco has also been expanding its breakfast, vegetarian and seasonal menu options. This year, it even landed the award for 'Best Fast Food Breakfast' from USA Today.
Del Taco was recently named the best fast food chain in America surpassing California favorite In-N-Out and big names like McDonald's and Burger King
The fast food chain Del Taco was founded in California and expanded to almost 600 restaurants across 18 states
Del Taco first opened in California during the 1960s, reportedly making just $169 in sales on opening day.
Since then, its popularity surged across the state and across restaurant locations. The company expanded along the West Coast, opening its 100th restaurant by 1978 and its 500th by 2008.
After being acquired by Jack in the Box in 2022, Del Taco was sold in 2025 to Fremont-based franchise operator Yadav Enterprises for $115 million, with new leadership brought in to oversee the brand's next phase of growth.
Today, Del Taco operates nearly 600 restaurants across 18 states, with the majority still located in California.
A big draw of both the Del Taco breakfast and all-day menu is its price point. Offerings go for as little as $1 with the 'Get a Lot of Value' menu, which includes everything from milkshakes to three-layer queso nachos.
Other fan-favorite spots like Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, Raising Cane's and McDonald's landed further down on USA Today's ranking. 'America's oldest fast food chain,' A&W, was dubbed the second-best chain after Del Taco. The chain is known for its freshly made draft root beer, root beer floats and 'Burger Family' combo.
The noticeably absent chain, though, was the long-time West Coast favorite In-N-Out.
Also founded in California, in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder, the burger chain has built a cult-like following thanks to its streamlined menu, fresh ingredients and 'secret' offerings.
Del Taco has Mexican-inspired menu items like tacos and burritos, as well as award-winning fries
That includes 'animal-style' fries, topped with melted American cheese, grilled caramelized onions, and their signature Thousand Island-esque sauce.
Today, In-N-Out regularly ranks among America’s best burgers, earning bonus points for its price point, but missing whole markets entirely by remaining predominantly West Coast-based.
In July 2025, there were rumblings of restaurants shifting to the East Coast after Snyder-Ellingson relocated her family near the Tennessee corporate hub.
The chain's Tennessee corporate office expansion was announced in January 2023, with the company heavily focusing on opening restaurants in the southern state.
The CEO quickly clarified that her family's move would not impact California restaurant locations, saying that 'where I raise my family has nothing to do with my love and appreciation for our customers in California.'
