The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Canada has many delicious fast-food options, and with Shake Shake's upcoming expansion north of the border, we've decided to take a look at a few classic American fast-food joints that should also come to Toronto, if not all of Canada.
If you've ever gone cross-border shopping or spent time in the U.S., chances are you've stopped for a quick bite at some of the country's iconic restaurants for a burger, some ice cream or tacos, and there are a few of those chains that we should be able to dine at on a more regular basis.
From sweets to full-on meat feasts, take a look at some of the best fast-food joints in the U.S. that we need in Toronto as soon as possible, please!
Culvers
Culver's offers up all kinds of delicious menu items like soups, seafood and chicken, but they're best known for two things: their fresh, frozen custard and their ButterBurgers.
The custard is made throughout the day for maximum deliciousness, and once you decide on what flavour you'd like you get to pick fun and funky add-ins like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, root beer, whipped cream, cookie dough, granola clusters, fresh fruit and nuts. Make it as weird as you want — it's sure to be tasty!
As for the ButterBurgers, they're a bit like smash burgers that are made with fresh beef and served with a lightly buttered, toasted bun.
Sonic
Given the amount of drivers in Toronto, it's somewhat surprising that we don't really have drive-in restaurants in the city.
Imagine this: you just fought your way across Bloor (or the Gardiner, depending on whether you chose to go south for your battle to the other end of the city), and instead of parking and going into a restaurant, you park and they bring the service to you!
That's what Sonic offers, and they have some fun menu items to choose from like a Chili Cheese Coney, which is a hot dog topped with chilli and, you guessed it, cheese. You can also order the Sonic Cheeseburger, which looks like a greasy delight, and wash it all down with a Sonic Blast, which is kind of like a milkshake with yummy additions.
Jack In The Box
When it comes to fast food and tacos, Toronto has a limited amount of options which is exactly why we need the culinary delight that is Jack In The Box to come to the city.
They have a deal where you can get two tacos for $0.99, which is wild, and they have "tiny tacos" which just look like the most adorably perfect snack to pick away at.
They also have items like Sausage Croissants for breakfast and lunch and dinner options like Corn Dogs, Mozzarella Sticks, the Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger, Spicy Sauced and Loaded Popcorn Chicken and more.
Their mascot is kind of creepy, though — he can stay south of the border!
White Castle
If you're a geriatric millennial like I am, you undoubtedly remember the stoner buddy film Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.
That memory alone makes me want to try White Castle as I still have not tasted it and wonder why the pair endured so many shenanigans to get those sliders.
On their slider menu, they have Bacon, Bacon Cheese, and Chicken Bacon Ranch made with the cult favourite Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, which sounds pretty epic.
If you want breakfast sliders, grab the Chicken and Waffles Slider or Belgian Waffle Slider which swaps out buns for waffles.
And don't forget dessert — you can get their Strawberry Cheesecake, Fudge-Dipped Brownie and Gooey Buttercake, which are all served on a stick so you can nibble at them like a corndog.
In-N-Out
Another true American classic we desperately need north of the border is In-N-Out.
Their menu is fairly small in comparison to other restaurants, which means the items that they do have are bound to be super tasty.
You can choose from their Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Double Double, and you can also pick options from their "Not So Secret Menu" like getting your burger in "Animal Style."
Make sure you grab a milkshake or a Signature Pink Lemonade, too!
Whataburger
Like In-N-Out, Whataburger is one of those American chains that seems to be particularly pervasive in pop culture, which makes us Canucks wonder what we're missing out on.
Some of their all-time favourites are the Sweet and Spicy Bacon Burger, the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich and the Whataburger Patty Melt, which is essentially a burger sandwiched between two pieces of Texas toast.
Their breakfast menu, which is offered from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. features some seriously tempting-looking offerings like the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit, Taquitos with Cheese and Biscuits with Gravy.
Checkers
Checkers needs to come to Canada if only so we can get our hands on the Buford Bites, white are tiny little empanada-like pastries filled with pieces of 100% beef hamburger, melted American cheese, dill pickle pieces, and ketchup.
Other than that little treat, you'll also want to order up some Famous Seasoned Fries, which can be ordered with a variety of yummy toppings like chilli cheese and garlic parmesan, as well as classic wings, hot dogs, burgers and more.
Cook Out
If you're looking for a truly wide variety of menu options, Cook Out is the franchise you should be hoping makes its way across the 49th parallel.
Corndogs, hushpuppies, quesadillas, chilli fries, burgers, chicken and more — you want it, they got it. And that's not even mentioning the dozens of "fancy milkshakes" from their creamery that come in classic flavours as well as interesting options like Heath Toffee, Red Cherry and Walnut.
You can also grab a Coke Float served with vanilla ice cream because a drink and dessert combination is just delicious.
So, American restaurants — the ball is in your court, and Canadians are eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Please make your way to Toronto, ASAP!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
In-N-Out drive-thru.
In-N-Out burger and fries.