There are so many great Southern restaurant chains to choose from!
But which is the MOST Southern?
We ranked ’em based on the food they serve, where they’re located, and most of all, how much Southerners love them!
The list is so tough to get on, Texas Roadhouse didn’t make the list.
Let’s count ’em down!
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Southern Bona Fides: At this point, Chick-fil-A is everywhere and beloved by all. But don’t forget it started in Georgia and its three biggest states are Texas, Georgia, and Florida.
Bonus Southern points for being closed on Sundays.
Yeah, Chick-Fil-A is only the 10th most southern restaurant chain!
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Southern Bona Fides: A great many folks north of the Mason-Dixon line are scratching their heads, but Huddle House is a true Southern diner with breakfast, burgers, and Southern classics like country fried steak and forgotten classics like chopped steak.
You can find a handful of locations in Northern states, but the great majority are in the South (Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky are the top three).
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Southern Bona Fides: What’s more Southern than an entire restaurant dedicated to the delicious biscuit? You can only find these in the Carolinas and Virginia. Two words that take Biscuitville over the top: Jelly Bar!
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Southern Bona Fides: Even subtracting points for being everywhere across the U.S., this Tennessee native still rings Southern. With its rocking chairs, country store, and hospitality for weary travelers. And let’s not forget the menu! Chicken n’ Dumplins? Check. Southern Fried Chicken? Check! Turkey n’ Dressing? Check!
Cracker Barrel never disappoints!
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Southern Bona Fides: You want the bona fides? Ask which sliders are better: Krystal or White Castle. I all but guarantee you the Northerners will say White Castle. And the Southerners will say Krystal.
Makes sense…Krystal was born in Tennessee and sticks to the South while White Castle was born in Kansas and is most prominent in the Midwest (and Jersey for the Harold and Kumar fans out there).
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Southern Bona Fides: What a genius concept for a restaurant…it’s all in the name! Like any good cook out, you can get char-grilled burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. PLUS North Carolina-style barbeque!
Its 300+ locations are south of the Mason-Dixon line and east of the Mississippi.
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Southern Bona Fides: Whataburger loses points for being mainly a Texas thing, but it still extends throughout large parts of the South. It’s the South’s answer to In-N-Out, Five Guys, Shake Shack, and Culver’s. Enough said.
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• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
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Southern Bona Fides: I mean, you HAVE to have at least one dedicated fried chicken joint. Sorry to Zaxby’s, Bojangles, and to a lesser extent Raising Cane’s, but Popeye’s is the Southern fried chicken chain G.O.A.T. And, yeah, the sides don’t hurt the argument (Cajun rice, mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy, and biscuits, mac & cheese, coleslaw, Cajun fries, and a jalapeno pepper? Yes to everything!)
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Southern Bona Fides: Yeah, it’s just donuts. But if Dunkin’ is associated with Boston, Krispy Kreme is definitely a Southern thing (shout out to North Carolina!) that has grown to universal popularity.
Those glazed donuts really do melt in your mouth. And I’m a sucker for the over-the-top deliciousness of the chocolate glazed.
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Southern Bona Fides: I mean, it had to be Waffle House, right? The food is typical greasy diner fare, but it just oozes the South. If you know, you know. If you don’t, then try it out. Chances are, if you’re not from the South, you won’t get it.
And THAT’s why Waffle House is the #1 Southern chain!
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Here is the top 10:
1) Waffle House
2) Krispy Kreme
3) Popeye’s
4) Whataburger
5) Cook Out
6) Krystal
7) Cracker Barrel
8) Biscuitville
9) Huddle House
10) Chick-Fil-A
Let us know what your favorite Southern chain is in the comments. Me? I might go Cracker Barrel…I’m a sucker for Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast.
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