Fast Food You Wish Would Come to the Area

**Tweedt4Cy** · 06-09-2009, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by egami

Yeah, but that A&W is weak sauce compared to like Carroll's and the one that used to be on the river in Cedar Rapids...the more old school A&W's.

Yea the old school ones are amazing. But it does the trick if thats what your looking for!

**C.John** · 06-09-2009, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

I'm surprised you guys don't have the joint Long John Silvers/A&W combo restaurants

Up here in the land of cheese and honey, we still have a traditional drive up A&W with the car hops. It closes each November and reopens in March or April.

Bacon burger with cheese curds and a frosty root beer.

**cyrevkah** · 06-09-2009, 02:17 PM

Runza is supposed to be good because it's in a bread roll type thing. They have tons of different "kinds"

But sometimes they're a bit extra greasy. If I remember...their fries are good.

**theshadow** · 06-09-2009, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Tweedt4Cy

Yea the old school ones are amazing. But it does the trick if thats what your looking for!

As in the "sit in the booth, push a button, and phone your order into the kitchen" old school? Definitely rock star.

**Torks Pub** · 06-09-2009, 02:18 PM

Another vote for In N Out

Not fast food, but chains I would like to see in the Des Moines area in no particular order: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Pappas Restaurants- esp. Pappadeauxs and Pappasitos, Houston's, Brio Tuscan Grill.

**egami** · 06-09-2009, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Tweedt4Cy

Yea the old school ones are amazing. But it does the trick if thats what your looking for!

Yeah, at least the root beer is the real thing...I'll give you that.

**Angie** · 06-09-2009, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Cybone

Tokyo Joe's (limited to Colorado only, for right now...yummy)

I really wanted to hit the one in Denver when we were there last year.

Has anyone been to a Lion's Choice? They do roast beef, I think - there are a few in St. Louis, I think. I considered going when I was headed back to my hotel room one night, but it was an unknown quantity.

There is a good barbecue place in Rochester (and I think a few others in MN) called John Hardy's. That place was pretty good.

**Frak** · 06-09-2009, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by CarolinaCy

Not a national chain, but I think Pepperjax Grill (from Omaha) would make a killing in Ames. Philly cheesesteaks, wraps, ricebowls - all for a pretty reasonable price. I know a lot of people in Omaha that are big fans.

Pepperjax is freaking awesome. Best Philly's ever. They would make a KILLING on Welch Ave. My other choices would be Chic-Fil-A, Sonic, Noodles Etc and Steak N Shake.

Also, not really fast food, but I'd love to see a Palmer's Deli in town.

**ISUKyro** · 06-09-2009, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Torks Pub

Another vote for In N Out

Not fast food, but chains I would like to see in the Des Moines area in no particular order: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Pappas Restaurants- esp. Pappadeauxs and Pappasitos, Houston's, Brio Tuscan Grill.

Love all the Pappas around here! Co-workers got me hooked about a year ago.

**cyrevkah** · 06-09-2009, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

As in the "sit in the booth, push a button, and phone your order into the kitchen" old school? Definitely rock star.

Last I knew the Indianola one still does that. They don't close in the winter though. I'm not sure if the car hops still work in the winter...

**Cycloin** · 06-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by TxCycloneFan

Not only would you never leave the house, you could never get out the front door! I love that greasy fish.

Tried to leave you rep, but it looks like I gave you some before.

You earned it!

Damn straight. Me, Food Network, LJS fish, all while mainlining the malt vinegar.

**A-town Cy** · 06-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Anything in Campustown that would be open till at least 3am.

**gocubs2118** · 06-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Portillo's. End of story.

**bawbie** · 06-09-2009, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Angie

Noodles & Company - I freaking love pasta, so this is my first choice. Quick, easy, and inexpensive. Their buttered noodles are delicious. It's also on the list of ten healthiest fast-food restaurants.

Any other votes?

I love Noodles & Co. I used to live near one in Chicago and would eat their all the time. There used to be a Noodles Etc here in Cedar Rapids, which was similar but not as good, but it's been closed for several years. There isn't anything like that around anymore.

The other one I'd like is a Potbelly's. Love them subs.