California - fast food recommendations and other trivia we may not know about

[JesusInTheCabbageVan]

Big bucket-list road trip holiday that was originally meant to happen back before Covid. While we won't be eating in fast food places every day, I want to try some of these places I've been reading about for years, like Denny's, IHOP, Wendy's... also heard that Gordon Ramsay is a fan of In n Out burger.

Any recommendations for fast food we must try, or should avoid? Also, any other less well known advice or tips (never been to America before) would be appreciated!

Cheesecake factory avocado egg rolls are AMAZING. You must get them - one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten!!!

I was going to recommend Lefty O'Doul's in San Francisco for breakfast, but I just read it closed a couple of years ago and the owner might be going to prison.

Avoid Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits.

Can confirm - we stopped in Pismo on our way down specifically for the cinnamon rolls from Old West. Delicious - number 2 in my all time list, only beaten by Isles Bun and Coffee in Minneapolis.

If you end up anywhere near Los Gatos then Los Gatos cafe does an amazing breakfast.

Also Shakeys Pizza Parlor - delicious

BTW since you'll be in LA, do not miss going up to Griffith Park at night - there's a huge terrace by the observatory and the lights of the city spread out all the way to the ocean are one of the sights of the world

I was horrified in the US at having to mispronounce croissant to be understood, especially as I lived in France for a few years. DH found it hilarious.

I didn't rate IHOP but don't like those big fat pancakes much.

When went to the Cheesecake Factory, DH and I shared a main course when we saw how big they were. Meant there was room for dessert!

For the Cheesecake Factory lovers, Costco sell a selection box of their cheesecake in the frozen aisle. It’s about £15 but a huge box. We get one at Christmas.

Oooh look at that @DeusInAbsentia! We don't have a Costco card, but I have a couple of friends who do

I don't know where you're staying in San Francisco @JesusInTheCabbageVan , but if it's Fisherman's Wharf we had a couple of very good breakfasts at Darren's Café on Taylor Street. It's run by a Vietnamese family, but they do an excellent American breakfast.

Yes, it's cross-ONT @mrsfeatherbottom, with the stress at the end. Make sure to ask for 'warder' rather than water as well, or you'll get baffled looks from most wait staff.

@maranella in the past they have also had Ghiradelli Chocolate at Christmas, the big variety bags, they didnt have them last year sadly though they do have a Ghiradelli Brownie Mix kit all year round.

We are on our way to Heathrow today!

DS is dead set on trying Mr Beast Burger, which I have to say looks pretty good in the photos.

Safe and happy journey, OP ... the fun starts right here

We just got back from Vegas (& a road trip), and be prepared for expensive food there. If you're staying in a casino hotel there's a target & csv on the strip where you can buy drinks & snacks.

For food the Ceasars Palace buffet is one of the best, but pricey. Trevi (in Ceasars Palace) was a lovely evening with great food, overlooking the fountains inside. Lots of lovely restaurants in the Bellagio - but Lago is a nice and reasonable option & overlooks the fountains. They all need booking in advance though.

Nice breakfast in the Aria patisserie, but queues if you get there later! We also enjoyed border grill for breakfast in Mandalay Bay. Enjoy!! That sounds like a fab holiday - I can't help with anywhere else as we did Phoenix, Tucson & Route 66.

Had an In n Out burger animal style! It was indeed amazing, like a much more wholesome and flavourful McDonalds.

Tried to add a photo but it won't let me

Also had chocolates from Ghirardelli (raspberry ones are lovely), fish tacos, clam chowder, and a huge meal at Z&Y in Chinatown.

Hilarious- we had that experience with 'warder'- also need to yell at the sat nav in an American accent for it to understand us!!!

I'd forgotten all about this! But yes, it's been a big shock how often people just don't understand us. The thing is, they don't ask us to repeat ourselves - they just nod away and then go and bring us something else we never asked for.

Also this explains why we never get water when we order it

I suppose we're just so used to hearing them on TV, but they just don't have the same level of exposure to British accents.

Don't miss Steak 'n Shake for milk shakes. There are a few locations in LA.

Also, don't forget Mexican mom and pop restaurants. You'll get the real thing in CA.

Don't bother with McDonalds or Burger King, but other burger chains like Wendy's, Five Guys, Sonic and In and Out are a cut above. Denny's used to be great for a huge cheap meal (particularly breakfast) but has gone downhill, still ok though.

I like Applebees, Olive Garden etc. Decent food drinks and you know what you are going to get.

Definitely Mexican food.. so good there.

I love Chinese food in the US.. Kung Pao chicken etc. Had some amazing Chinese food in SF.

Cheesecake in the US is great, and their fruit pies at diners etc.

I'm not personally a fan of pizza in the US.

Also love American deli sandwiches - Reubens are my favourite sandwich ever.

Also Carl's Junior for burgers
Agree the Chinese can be good, but IMO the Thai's even better and you can find amazing lunch deals

And Chilis if you're looking at chains; reasonably standard stuff, but the quality's decent and the prices are pretty good

it's been a big shock how often people just don't understand us

Never go to the South, OP; it's an individual thing I know, but I almost needed an interpreter - though in fairness they probably did too

Funny story about not being understood - when I first moved to the US with my DH and we were having all our boxes delivered to our new apartment my (American) FIL was there to help out. And thank goodness he was.

The moving team were Hispanic, i.e. their first language was Spanish, and they quite literally couldn't understand A SINGLE WORD I said. After a few baffling attempts at communication, one of them turned to my FIL and said 'Can she even speak English?' and my FIL guffawed with laughter and replied 'She IS English!', to which they just looked completely confused. I let him do the talking after that

The best Mexican food is always purchased from places with bars on the window. Just facts

So true about bars on the windows indicating excellent food within.

Also look for beaten up pickup trucks parked outside.