There are many regional differences regarding food in the United States between the North and the South. Although the North is home to many restaurants Americans frequent on a regular basis, some foods that are essential to Southern eating just aren’t accounted for within these dining facilities. Items like sweet tea, grits, hushpuppies and fried chicken are far and few between across the establishments within this area, leaving Southerners who relocate to the North with withdrawals from these staple foods.
1. Chick-fil-A
Although it is slowly assimilating into parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, the majority of New England does not readily have access to the fried (and now grilled) chicken that Chick-fil-A prides itself upon. Although closed on Sundays, many Southerners additionally make frequent runs here to satisfy their cravings for their one-of-a-kind sweet tea. And the best part about this restaurant is that they hold annual “Chick-fli-A Days” where you get free food all day if you show up to any location dressed as a cow.
2. Bojangles'
Founded in my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, Bojangles is just about as well known as McDonalds. Southerners live and die by their Bo-Berry Biscuits and chicken supremes. For all of you Northerners who are unfamiliar to these foods, Bo-Berry Biscuits are warm blueberry biscuits with icing, and they’re served even after breakfast ends. And for the supremes (mildly spicy chicken strips), you can’t eat just one (or two or three).
3. Cookout
Also founded in North Carolina, Cookout is a fast food chain where you can get chicken nuggets, a quesadilla and a corn dog in the same value meal (a.k.a., a cookout tray). But Cookout’s claim to fame is its endless milkshake combinations. Cookout offers over 40 flavors of milkshakes, even including seasonal ones (watermelon is a personal favorite). But what makes this chain so unique is the option to mix in any toppings or flavors to any milkshake, creating the option to get a different one every time you visit. It’s also super inexpensive, which is always a plus.
4. Zaxby’s
Although Zaxby’s is famous for its chicken strips, its legendary Zax sauce is what makes it stand out from its competitors. This tangy and slightly spicy sauce pairs well with just about anything on their menu, even the Texas toast. And don’t forget the birthday cake milkshakes!
5. Backyard Burgers
Although Backyard Burgers isn’t as frequent to spot amongst Southern cities as it used to be (s/o to the company for its terrible money management skills), its food is still as delicious as ever. Backyard Burgers are known for their unique variety of 1/3 lb. burgers that are always bound to make your mouth water.
5. Waffle House
Where else can you show up at 2 a.m. and eat homemade chocolate chip waffles? Waffle House is famous for its late night hours and delicious waffles (hence the name). Although it was founded many years before most restaurants today, Waffle House’s timeless breakfast food classics (the hash browns especially) is what keeps customers hungry for more, literally.
