I've had the privilege of spending a lot of time traveling the country; my early twenties was spent on road trips touring with friends and I've also worked in positions that called for extensive travel. My roommate also has considerable experience on the road; he was a truck driver.
Living on the road exposes you to a lot of different brands, chain
restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations that vary based on
region. Admittedly, it's probably a weird thing to notice and an even
weirder thing to develop out-of-town favorites (favorite gas station:
Sinclair, favorite grocery store: Publix).
Being the red-blooded American I am, fast food is one of my favorite
kinds of regional experiences. There are glorious fast food and
family dining restaurants to be had while drunk, stoned, or lazy
across our great nation. Secret gems only granted upon those who have
driven past them and actually paid attention.
I decided to map out a simple two-day road trip which hits some of
the best fast food and chain restraints that you can't get in
Michigan. Just in case you're feeling adventurous but without
purpose.
It's worth noting that this trip includes cities like Cincinnati and
Indianapolis, which have several amazing, local restaurants, but for
the sake of consumerism and cholesterol- this is only about chain
eateries.
Fellow Detroit-ers bury your shame, buy your last Tim Hortons coffee and let's begin this culinary, calamitous journey.
Breakfast Day One: Waffle House Toledo, OH
Distance from Detroit: 66 Miles/1 Hour, 6 Minutes
Waffle House needs little explanation, whether starting the day trying to cure a vicious hangover or ending the night wasted drunk after a show, Waffle House is there for our shame meals. The tasty waffles, toast and cheesy eggs will make you forget that your insides are on the verge of collapse.
Lunch Day One: Jack In The Box Cincinnati, OH
Distance from Waffle House: 202 Miles/3 Hours, 9 Minutes
Their two tacos for 99 cents are reminiscent of the mini-tacos served
in middle school, except full-sized and deep fried instead of
microwaved. You can barely pry open the shell to add sauce but every
bite tastes like a delicious mixture of nostalgia, glory and regret.
Dinner Day One: Zaxby's Georgetown, KY
Distance from Jack In The Box: 79 Miles/1 Hour, 13 Minutes
The best fried chicken is a point of contention between many fast food chains and their adoring fans. Zaxby's is no exception and though I've never been there myself, my roommate claims that their chicken is "better than Chik-Fil-A", true fightin' words if said in the wrong crowd.
Breakfast Day Two: Huddle House Austin, IN
Distance from Zaxby's: 106 Miles/1 Hour, 37 Minutes
Like Waffle House, Huddle House is a 24 diner known for their delicious breakfast and southern charm. I won't be wearing my "I'm with Her" shirt when I go there, but I'll be wearing a grin in anticipation of some fluffy biscuits and sultry sausage gravy.
Lunch Day Two: Yats Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Huddle House: 79 Miles/1 Hour, 13 Minutes
This chain is selfishly only in the Indianapolis area. Cajun and Creole inspired fast food is a refreshing change from the typical, bland saturated fat that we're used to.
Dinner Day Two: Skyline Chili Lima, OH
Distance from Yats: 173 Miles/2 Hours, 35 Minutes
Distance to Detroit: 136 Miles/2 Hours, 12 Minutes
Detroit is home to its own regional type of restaurant that is rarely found outside of Michigan: coney islands. They're known for featuring the delicious coney style chili dog alongside Greek-inspired dishes. So I was skeptical when first encountering Skyline Chili and while they're no match to the coney islands of my home state- I appreciate that they are making the delicious tradition of chili dogs paired with Greek-inspired food available outside of Michigan.
Skyline is a fitting conclusion reminding us that while we lack some
delectable fast-food destinations in Detroit, our own greasy spoons
have received the highest form of flattery- imitation.
