20 Classic California Restaurant Chains
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A list of chain restaurants to eat at when you visit California that opened their original locations in California. You’ll want to eat at these restaurants to experience unique West Coast food. These chains were founded in California, have reasonably good food, and don’t have a significant nationwide presence.
1 – In-N-Out Burger
2 – El Pollo Loco
3 – Black Angus
4- Hot Dog on a Stick
5 – Boudin San Francisco
6 – Taco Shops (Bertos)
7 – Rubio’s Coastal Grill
8 – Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
9 – King Taco
10 – Lucille's BBQ
11 – Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
12 – Bruxie
13 – The Habit
14 – Jack in the Box
15 – Sprinkles Cupcakes
16 – BCD Tofu House
17 – Fast Fire Pizza – Blaze Pizza, Pieology, 800 Degrees,, MOD Pizza, Pizza Rev, Pizza Studio and Project Pizza.
18 – Modern Cafeterias – Lemonade / Tender Greens / Urban Plate
19 – Fish Grills: California Fish Grill, Malibu Fish Grill
20 – Poke Bowls – California Style
Honorable mention: Panda Express
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On the top 10 Canadian chains has to be…. In no particular order — Tim Horton’s, Swiss Chalet, The Keg, maybe throw in a little White Spot, and De Dutch Pannekoek House ? very underrated all day breakfast.
Traveling to more of the USA than just California? Check out my video on the Best Classic Chain Restaurants Across the USA: https://youtu.be/bTbroXQDDg4
Planning a trip later this year. Can’t get over the cost of accommodation in some cities. Cost of theme parks is outrageous.
Yes to tea review!!! Also, Las Quattro Milpas is my FAVORITE restaurant in San Diego, and my all time favorite Mexican Restaurant! I was there on my birthday a few years ago, and the whole restaurant, patrons and restaurant workers, including the tortilla makers, sang Happy Birthday to me! I will never forget that! That is my special place in San Diego! ?
Portos Bakery is mostly in L.A. but their desserts are amazing. Also Zacharys Chicago style pizza in Berkeley & San Ramon & pleasant hill
Porto’s is amazing!
In-n-Out is one of my top 3 favorite burger joints, but I’ve always been disappointed by the fries. Usually just get a couple double doubles, a milkshake, and of course a new shirt!
What are your other top 2?
Five Guys and a local chain in Portland called Killer Burger. No particular order.
Ooohhh we just ate at In N Out last night here in Fan Fran, it’s a must while here on holiday. I wasn’t fussed on the fries but my other half loved them.
Mmmm
This is very informative and interesting and a lot better information and newsworthy than trump news ??
Thanks Victor 🙂
Oh my, No Tommy’s!!! I love thier chili tamales!!
You should spend some time in Chicago. Very few chains, but an incredible selection of mom and pop places. Much more than just deep dish. ?
IDK if Chipotle is a California chain, but I loved when I was there!
Thanks, Chris! Keep doing these nice top lists!
Chipotle is from Denver Colorado.. it is good though!
Pls, do a video about boba milk tea chain in California or Southern California ?
Mmmmm tri tip sandwich. We ate well last year when we were there Chris! The Mac n cheese is good there also
Tri-tip and mac and cheese the perfect combination! Mmmm
One of my personal favorites is Baker’s Drive Thru which is a chain in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside Counties) that has been around since 1952. They serve food similar to Del Taco (another chain started in California!) but have long offered many vegetarian choices such as a veggie burger and veggie meats in their burritos (along with meat choices). I would drive around 25-30 miles from Whittier and La Habra, CA where I lived to go there!
You’re welcome! One interesting thing about Baker’s is that if you dine in, they insist on taking the food to you where you’re seated as a courtesy (not for tips).
Thanks for the addition of Baker’s!
Yes!!! What A Coincidence!!! Extra Everything – Just Like Me @ Burger King!!! Tomato’s the only.thng that costs more (unless you also want extra cheese or meat or a bun?) so that’s how I always get it!
Awesome 🙂
California ❤️❤️
As always I have to add to a great list.
Farmer Boys
Baker’s
Miguel’s Jr.
Taqueria De Anda
Tacos El Gavilan
Tommy’s Burgers
and Afters Ice Cream
You did not mention ” Foster’s Old Fashion Freeze” . Mostly independently owned franchise. I think that is why they struggled so much as a company . But they have a great soft-serve ice cream. Higher butter fat then most soft serve.
Thanks for the addition of Fosters Freeze!
Which restaurant and dish should be a must to try on my next visit to San Diego?
Last year i went to California and we went to In and Out , (thanks to your videos 🙂 ) and they didn let us down!!! really tasty burgers, never mind the tiny menu!!! One of the best Burgers!
Mmmm
Ask for a neopalaton shake at in and out,so good!
Mmmm!