It’s my first trip to the USA from the UK in a week’s time. Travelling through jfk to Indianapolis.
What’s a must try fast food item, chain and candy?
Waffle house is on the list already.
Give me some more places to try.
It’s my first trip to the USA from the UK in a week’s time. Travelling through jfk to Indianapolis.
What’s a must try fast food item, chain and candy?
Waffle house is on the list already.
Give me some more places to try.
Comments
Whatchamacallits are my favorite candy bars. So be sure to try one of those.
Salt water taffy. Every British person I’ve given it to has loved it.
If there’s Arby’s in that area, try them.
Why are y’all so obsessed with our fast food? Stop in a diner, taqueria, or BBQ joint. It’ll be fast & cheap
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Any roadside BBQ joint.
Culver’s is pretty good, would definitely recommend the fried cheese curds and the concrete mixer. Also White Castle sliders are something you should try!
5 Guys for burgers. I’m not usually a fast-food chain kind of person, but every once in a while I get a craving for these.
I don’t live in Indy so I’m not sure which chains they have. Candy- Reese’s in general but a Reese’s fast break is good. I heard Dr. pepper is disgusting outside of the US so I’d try it here. Enjoy your trip!
Get off the fast food. It’s literally horrible.
Why is everyone obsessed, genuinely curious?
I love Dr Pepper in uk so will be interesting to compare
We have SO many options for this stuff in the US and everyone has their own preferences.
With fast food in particular it can also vary a lot by region given how large the US is. Knowing what state(s) and cities/towns you will be in will make it easier for folks to make good reccomendations. Let us know!
Nerds clusters
Waffle House is an American cult classic. There’s a few in Indiana.
I went to the blueberry hill pancake house an uncomfortable amount, it’s amazing. Same with bob evans.
Mama corollas is north of Indy but is my favorite Italian restaurant I’ve been to.
Portillo’s, a Chicago chain with Chicago Hot Dogs, Italian Beef and Italian Sausage sandwiches has 4 Indy suburban locations. Definitely worth checking out for a true taste of Chicago (in Indiana!)
Candy:
Ghirardelli Squares – Caramel Waffle Cone
DeMet’s Original Pecan Turtles
I don’t know what your arrangements are here, but if you can get someone to make you s’mores, your life will be changed for the better. 😍😍😍
I took graham crackers with me when I went to visit my UK friends that have moved to France, and they got marshmallows and milk chocolate there, and we made them. It was the biggest hit!
Pizza in New York or Long Island.
Diner food, especially breakfast at a NY Diner.
If you are driving, research local favorites for different regions.
Cincinnati Chili; all the way
Philly Cheese Steak
Try a reese’s cup. It’s a mixture of peanut butter and American chocolate.
Since you are going to be in Indianapolis, try Shapiro Deli. A lot of locals love it.
If you want another truly American experience, try food from a gas station/convince store; like a hot dog that cooks on rollers, a slice of pizza, or some places sell fried chicken livers and gizards.
Renting a car? If so, grab a different candy bar at each petrol stop. Ask someone for recommendations. (Eat it whenever.)
Most Brits hate American chocolate, and I understand why. But you may drive close to Hershey, PA. It may be a “trying Lutefisk just because you’re in Sweden” type situation.
I’d suggest Sonic for fast food.
I’m hooked on Lion bars, so I have no recommendations for candy. I Chic Fil A might be novel, assuming they have them in Indy and don’t have them where you’re from. If you see one, have the regular sandwich and a sweet tea to drink.
I don’t know a lot about Indy, but here’s a list of things the people at Visit Indy think people should try:
https://www.visitindy.com/restaurants/features/iconic-eats/
Arby’s is underrated by most Americans IMO. Get a beef and cheddar. Or if you’re adventurous you can ask if they still sell Meat Mountains, I haven’t asked for one in years.
Chick-fil-a is pretty banging
Potbelly Sandwiches (and a milkshake)
The sodas here compared o sodas in Europe are grossly over sugared. I had a can of coke over there just so I could see what the hype was among my friends, and they were right. Less sugar and so much tastier.
GenCon or the 500?
McDonald’s and Pizza Hut are pretty similar to the UK. I never noticed a difference when I lived in the UK.
Same is probably true for any other fast food places that are currently in the UK or your area.
Wendy’s is known for their Frosty’s and never frozen burgers. If made right they have some of the best burgers for a major fast food.
Culver’s is known for their smash burgers and butter buns.
Popeye’s Chicken is the best on the market for fast food. I enjoy the spicy servings best.
Bubba’s burgers is a great place that is a chain.
Yats has good Cajun food and it’s in down town. Their jambalaya is really good. And you’ll get a taste of Louisiana cuisine.
Smokey Bones is a top place for Southern BBQ if you want to try that. They have multiple locations.
If you have lots of money then you should definitely try Ruth’s Chris, St. Elmo’s and Prime 47. All in downtown. I would also suggest Bynum’s Steakhouse on the south side. All of these will cost you ~$80/person without drinks. They are where the stars eat though.
You also have several hibachi places that are really good. Along with a Brazilian restaurant called Fogo de Chão; an all the meat you can eat place, where they come around with the meats on skewers and cut you off a slice or 2.
Chocolate Candy? Depends on if you’re a snob about your chocolate and think American chocolate is shit. If not, I’d suggest Snickers with Almonds or Pecans, Reece’s Cups, Rolos, and maybe Baby Ruth (my favorite).
Candy? Sour Gummy Worms are a staple here.
Hope this helps, and of course I’m sure I missed a bunch and many will disagree with my choices.
You’re in the Midwest try Bob Evan’s. For one of the top restaurants in the country try Milktooth. Go to a grocery store and browse but if you’re staying downtown there’s a Whole Foods which I don’t feel like is a good representative or offers a good cross section of American candies. Try a Kroger. Try Nerds gummy clusters.
Indianapolis has some great food trucks. https://www.indyfoodtrucks.org/
TIL there are waffle houses in Indy. Didn’t think they were that far north.
Skip the fast food and hit a good steakhouse! If you’re really interested in “chain” fast food, Longhorn Steakhouse is solid reasonably priced fare
My chain recommendation.
In-n-out and Chick-fil-a for fast food. And Chilli’s and Appelbees for fast casual, Ruth’s Chris for expesive but so good.
For candy try Zots. Its hard candy with a fizzy thing in the middle or Pop Rocks.
Since you’re going to Indy go to Yats, they serve Cajun/Creole food and it’s delicious. Fast food I’d do Culver’s. If you’re going to try root beer get Barq’s. I’m a personal fan of BRU Burger Bar for burgers, and I swear everyone raves about Bazbeaux when they talk about pizza in Indy. If you want donuts everyone goes to Long’s Bakery. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, it’s been awhile since I lived in Indy.
I wish people wouldn’t come here and eat fast food. Try the local food in whatever region you visit!
I’m not sure what candy you have but some of my favourites: Three Musketeers, Charleston Chew, butterfinger, Lemon Heads, sour patch kids, sour punch straws
But as for restaurants I’d say find the Reddit for the city you’re going to be in and ask for recs for local places.
Route 44 Strawberry Limeaid from Sonic Drive In. Maybe include a foot long chili cheese coney dog (with onions) and tater tots.
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
Visiting the US and only eating fast food is like going to the Louvre just for the Wi-Fi.
You lot need to learn to try local places.
Visit the Historic Steer-Inn at 10th and Emerson on the East side and have a pork tenderloin sandwich the size of a hub cap. It’s our state food item.
Shake Shack. Not sure if they have it in Indianapolis, however.
Culver’s. It’s a big Midwest burger chain. If you do, get fried cheese curds.
We only go to Waffle House if we’re absolutely trashed after the bars closed. All fast food is crap but they are at the bottom of the list!
Arby’s, Cracker Barrel, Chick Fil A, Panera Bread (not just bread), Krispy Kreme donuts, Culvers, Jack in the Box, Panda Express, but probably the best advice I can give you for trying American food is to stay away from the national chains, go to local places, or regional chains that only operate in a few states.
Shapiro’s Delicatessen downtown and at the airport in Indianapolis has some pretty decent food. My favorite is the reuben on rye bread or the corned beef. It tasted even better when my best friend managed the place and he would ring us up “managers special” = free
Make sure to have a pork tenderloin sandwich. Do your research and get one from a good diner or place that’s known for it. The tenderloin should be the size of a dinner plate. 😉 Please stay away from fast food if you want to experience America food culture!
Don’t go to a national chain. Go to a regional thing for the part of the country you are in.
If you go downtown I highly recommend seeing the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. It’s HUGE, and best of all free. You can even walk inside and go up to the top for nice views of the city. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance and even a mall too. I know it’s not food, but that was my favorite thing about Indy. After looking on Google, you could try Chick-fil-A. It’s close by, and an American favorite.
For snacks, if you have a rental car, just drive to a Walmart Supercenter and check out the candy isle or the whole store while you’re at it. Idk what snacks y’all do or don’t have. So I’d say do that and pick out whatever you’re curious about. Or even a gas station or something.
Also ignore all the people shitting on what you want to try. It’s your trip, do whatever you wanna do. Indianapolis is a decent sized city. They’ll have most everything you’re looking for. From fast food to local shops. Google Maps is your friend too, can see what’s around you without driving or walking.
In Indianapolis, try the Pizza King chain for pizza — this regional style (sometimes called St. Louis style pizza) is unique to the midwestern U.S. and my favorite!
Another local classic is the State Fair pork tenderloin sandwich. It is an enormous breaded pork tenderloin, like a schnitzel as big as a plate , served on a tiny hamburger bun with toppings; you can find it on the menu in several local chains. Do not skip the giant onion rings usually served alongside.
There are some good BBQ joints in Indy, I like the 317 in Broad Ripple or the City BBQ chain. I am told there are other good choices too. The Broad Ripple area is a good foodie destination, lots of great local eateries all within a few blocks.
I dunno about any special candies, though….
I’ll probably get downvoted for these suggestions because there are so many fast food haters here, but here are a couple things I love:
– McDonalds: Sausage breakfast burrito with hot sauce, unsweetened iced tea w/lemon. Their buffalo dipping sauce is really good too. Makes the nuggets taste decent.
– Taco Bell: These are hit or miss, but I love this cheap, crappy spicy potato taco they have.
– If you can go to a place with the fancy soda machines that give you all kinds of options, I love Diet Caffiene-free Coke with ginger lime.
– Jamaican Jerk Turkey sandwich at Firehouse Subs.
– A Whopper with cheese from Burger King is really good when it’s good but absolutely sucks if anything about is wrong. Like I’m talking the stars have to align. It has to be arranged correctly, with all of the veggies dispersed, with a good, heaping amount of mayo. There’s only one BK near me that I trust to get it right.
– Classic Roast Beef with curly fries from Arbys.
Ok, I think I’m done. There are other things I love but I’d be here all day.
Try a Zero bar if you can find one, it’s a white chocolate almond candy bar. So good if you like those things.
I will never understand the obsession with foreigners coming here and having fast food.
Culver’s Indianapolis, Kentucky Avenue. https://www.culvers.com/restaurants/indianapolis-kentucky
If you’re going to be in Indy, may I suggest St. Elmo’s Steakhouse? The absolute best. Even their hamburgers are wonderful. Plus, they have an outstanding cocktail sauce for the shrimp cocktail! Also, pork tenderloin sandwiches are a thing. If you want to try Cincinnati chili, there are three Skyline Chili places in Indy. Other good restaurants in the area are 101 Beer Kitchen (seasonal local menu) and Primante Brothers (Pittsburg sandwiches). How old are you? If over 21, try bourbon. Especially St. Elmo’s Cherry Vanilla Bourbon.
Things to get if you see them on a menu:
Biscuits and gravy
Fried biscuits
Sweet corn
Roast beef Manhattan
Hot Brown sandwich (This is more of a Kentucky thing, but it is an open face ham or turkey sandwich with mornay sauce, tomatoes, bacon,and cheese first made in Louisville, KY, across the river from Indiana.)
Google “What to eat in Indiana” and choose the Food Network’s website.
Also, try Ale-8-one (meant to look like “a late one”.) It is a ginger ale out of Kentucky.
I just want to say, as much as people are going to nag about not visiting fast food, Id argue it’s still part of the American experience. And this is coming from someone who tends to avoid fast food and leans heavy on locally sourced foods and restaurants that focus on that. That said, Waffle House, I’d argue, is a must. It’s not the best, by any means, but you’ll get an authentic diner experience, while eating with a diverse group of diners. And it’s like halfway between real restaraunt and fast food.
I’d recommend asking the same question in the Indianapolis or Indiana subreddit. There’s a lot of regional differences in food options, and the locals are gonna give you the best recommendations for an authenic American experience. Some states have some really unique food options that you wont find anywhere else in the world.
You may like Texas Roadhouse
American desserts to try: apple pie
Don’t eat fast food please.
Fast food in America really isn’t a culinary experience, it’s just mainly an addiction. So since that is the case, I would suggest you go to Wendy’s and get the triple bacon cheeseburger.
lol no, go get something good. A local bbq or
taco placemaybe not tacos between jfk and Indianapolis.Happy to recommend some good bbq if you’re passing through Pittsburgh. You also might have a tough time finding a Waffle House this far north.
I guess if you’re committed to fast food I’d recommend Popeyes. They have good biscuits and their chicken is alright
Culver’s is pretty good for fast food and being in Indy, it’s a pretty sold “local” choice (as much as a fast food chain can be). But like anyone else, I’d recommend just checking out some of our restaurants instead. Most people I know just get fast food every once in a while out of necessity. When I’m thinking “I want to go out to eat tonight, where should I go?” I NEVER think of fast food. That’s a whole different category
Taco truck.
Whatever you try, I hope you have a good time.
Food from Chains
Wendy’s – Baconator
McDonald’s – Big Mac
Hardee’s – Frisco
Taco Bell – Whatever cravings box they have
Culver’s – ButterBurger
Jack in the Box – JumboJack Cheeseburger
White Castle – 1921 Slider
Cookout – Any flavor of Milkshake
Chilis – Triple Dipper
Chick-fil-A – Originial Sanwich
Jimmy John’s – Anything
Panda Express – Anything (build your own style)
Chipotle – Anything (build your own style)
Texas Roadhouse – Anything
Cracker Barrel – Maple Chicken/ Country Fried Steak
Raisin Cane – Anything
Zaxbys – Anything
IHOP – Cinnastack
Krispy Kreme – Anything
Arby’s – Curly Fries
Candy
Reese’s – Outrageous
Zero Bar
Payday
M&Ms – Any flavor
Snickers – Any flavor
3 Musketeers
Whatchamacallit
Twizzlers – Any flavor
Drinks (Non-Alcoholic)
Coke – Any flavor
Pepsi – Any flavor
Dr. Pepper – Any flavor
Root beer – Any brand
Drinks (Alcoholic)
Bold Rock – Any flavor
PBR
Corona
Sam Adams
Coors
Stop going for the worst food this country has to offer that’s why everyone thinks we can’t cook
Fast food is regarded as bad by all Americans. It’s just convenient and can be tasty enough. I have zero idea why anyone would travel here and eat at one. I mean unless you want just the experience of a greasy fast food joint! Then I’d go to McDonald’s as a classic fast food. Fried Chicken fast food is probably the best food–KFC, Church’s, whatever they have in Indianopolis.
But seriously, I’m begging you–just eat good food. Avoid ALL chains. We have a LOT of good food. It seems like we export all our worst food! Go to local food. BBQ, Southern, ethnic, steak, good hamburger places. Indianapolis is land locked; otherwise I’d advise you to go to fish/seafood too. Our local breweries are excellent too–excellent beers. In NJ, where I live, you can’t eat at them but you can take in food. But in a lot of states, you can eat there too. Also lots of bars have very good food – ask around. Bar-restaurants are a good local thing.That would be closer to ‘fast food’. Diners are also good. But again, ask around.
Make sure you have a really good Reuben sandwich! The best!
Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Do they still make the KFC Double Down? That thing was ridiculous.
If you can get to a Soul Food restaurant, order some mac n cheese, candied yams, collard greens, string beans, BBQ chicken, fried chicken, Smothered Turkey Wings over mashed potatoes with some cabbage… YUMMMMMY. Soul Food is the best American food. Also get some Soul Food desserts: Peach Cobbler, Red Velvet Cake, etc.
American pies: lemon meringue pie, apple pie, sweet potato pie…
GO to one of these places: The 25 Essential Eats Of Indy – Indianapolis
DON”T got to waffle house or any fast food chains. In terms of candy, go to a store and buy some shit you’ve never seen. Most American candy that is decent is already available in the UK.
Not from Indiana and not familiar with their foods. But go to the subreddit of that state and/or the city and ask this question. I am sure there are great places that will be delicious at any price point. I would try to eat a mixture of chains and local. Talk with people when you are out and about. I am sure they will share their favorites.
Have fun on your trip!!
Cracker Barrel is a good representation of Southern food.
What cities?
Culvers for fast food, you can’t really go wrong there. Cheese curds are overrated and I am sure there are better in Indy somewhere, but their burgers and concrete mixers are decent. Try some of their root beer. All UK people I have interacted with detest root beer, but if you like DR Pepper, its worth a shot.
Waffle House is good for cheap, basic food. You can step up your breakfast with a trip to First Watch. Beyond that, try some place local.
If you see a gas station selling BBQ or Tacos from a truck or trailer outside, absolutely stop and try some. Food trucks, same thing. Whatever they are selling, try it.
Every city in the country has its own food scene. Ask the Indianapolis sub about theirs specifically and you will get many more local answers.
You need to find a local place to get a pork tenderloin sandwich, which is a very Hoosier thing. The Steer In is great, but maybe not the best option depending on where you’re staying.
You should also try Shapiro’s, the local Jewish deli that’s been around for about a century.
Go to a strip mall Mexican restaurant and get a fat margarita and some enchiladas. It won’t be the most authentic, but it’ll be good.
A lot of non-Americans seem to really enjoy the snacks at Trader Joe’s. Long’s Donuts has excellent donuts if that’s something that would interest you.
Not food related, but if you have time to venture a little west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is beautiful. There’s lots of fresh air and hiking trails to enjoy. We used to go every summer growing up and were always pleasantly surprised by the amount of international tourists that were enjoying the park.
Have a great trip!
Oh just skip the chains.
Corned beef on rye at Shapiro’s, Yats, or Bazbeaux Pizza.
Where you going to be Indy?
I can give a million recommendations.
If you really must do fast food then find a Culver’s.
Get Dr. Pepper if they have it.
Find a place with good pork tenderloin sandwiches.
Also if you are downtown go to the Eiteljorg or the State Museum and if you like art Newfields.
But seriously fuck the chains.
ask for extra crispy hash browns. Fast food is crap. Eat local.
Drive around at about 11:30am- 1:30pm and see where the parking lot is full of beat up trucks, new expensive cars, and police cars. Eat lunch there. This is good advice everywhere in the US except the very few cities where people don’t drive.
taco or fried chicken sandwich
bbq or shrimp grits in south
Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich
I’d suggest avoiding Steak and Shake, they’re definitely all over Indianapolis but have gone absolutely full 100% Trump.
Try a Waffle House because I’m told that this an anomally where you’re from.
Stop at a Chick Fila.
For your travel path, avoid fish or Mexican joints. It’s possible there is a decent BBQ joint around Indy but I wouldn’t count on it.
Culver’s is a good bet! Looks like there are a few around Indy. Save room for a concrete mixer
As far as candy goes, it’s what I bring back when I visit other countries! Even Canada has better chocolate.
Definitely Panda Express. The orange chicken, honey sesame chicken, with fried rice and chow mein. It slaps 💯
Also you NEED to try a good mexican restaurants. Not taco bell. Mexican food in the USA is much better compared to the UK.
There are Trader Joe’s in Indy, they have some cool snacks.
>What’s a must try fast food item
Compare your local McDonalds’ menu to the American menu and pick an item or two that you know well (fries, coke, quarter pounder, etc) and an item you don’t have at home (if there is one).
>chain
Culvers. Get whatever to eat, but get the frozen custard.
>candy
I recommend getting one of something you’re familiar with and one of somethimg you’ve never heard of. I’ve heard Smarties are a totally different thing
Popeyes – you’ve got to experience a mega wal-mart at least once – stop into any convenience store and get whatever candy suits your fancy
but also what others have said – get on the reddit sub for whatever city you’re going to and ask for their favorite local spot
Why are you guys so obsessed with our fast food?
Go eat at a local diner or a restaurant that is owned by a family who cares and makes good food.
American peanut butter is always a hit with europeans if you haven’t tried it before.
No clue what’s local to where you’re headed, but find a local BBQ place.
Also just look on Google maps in the area you’re staying and sort by top rated. Or ask an indy subreddit the same question. Definitely go for local vs chains.
If you insist on fast food, try McDonald’s. Not because it’s new or good, but our McDonald’s here tastes different than McDonald’s in UK/Europe due to food regulations… and it’s pretty awful by comparison. Funny little taste of perspective to make you appreciate home.
Someone noted chicfila and thats actually a good recommendation for fast food.
For the real American experience, only go to Waffle House if it’s past 1am.
Honestly, the best food I’ve had in Indy is Half-litre bbq. There is not a bad dish on the menu either. Every side is amazing. And the price is ridiculous for that quality.
If you want amazing Mexican food, there’s a place on Michigan Ave called Antojitos Domis. Best Burrito I’ve had in my life. There’s a mexican grocery store over there too called El Rey Supermercado with a nice sit down restaurant in the back to the left by the deli with more traditional Mexican dishes that are also very good.
Honestly find any hole-in-the-wall mexican joint and you’ll have the best mexican food you’ve ever had in your life.
All of these can be in and out in 30 minutes or less, too, if you eat fast.
If you really need a chain restaurant, try Red Lobster on 82nd Street for some American seafood. The Cheddar biscuits are to die for.
Do not go to Juicy seafood. Do not. Place smells like feet and tastes even worse. They can’t even make a bloody fuckin Mary
Depends on where you’re visiting for fast food, but if you’re coming to the West Coast, go to In&Out and get your burger and fries “animal style” and a milk shake.
For candy, my favorites are Whatchamacallit, Payday and Reese’s Take5. Available in the candy isle of most gas stations.
THC gummies.
For a chain burgers I’d recommend 5 Guys with the fries and a shake. Chic-fil-a is popular as well.
If you insist on Fast Food, you’ll be in Culver’s territory, as well as White Castle.
Seriously though, once you get your fast food fix, there’s almost unlimited little mom and pop shops, food trucks, etc. with really good, often unique things to eat. Take half an hour each day you’re here just planning where you’d like to eat, what kind of cuisine appeals to you that day, etc.
If you’re dead set on trying some fast food, instead of a chain you’re unfamiliar with, you should try a chain you have locally in UK so you can experience the differences… for instance, KFC and McDonalds in Singapore are very different than they are in the US. KFC in Jamaica is a completely different taste and experience. Experiencing and realizing the differences in something you have an expected familiarity with will give you an interesting perspective.
Having said that, fast food is pretty much the worst culinary experience you can find. I would really recommend you find a good restaurant recommended by locals that serves fare the area you’re visiting is well known for.
Definitely hit up an independent diner. How far you planning or willing to travel from Indianapolis, within that region? Bc I have an idea or two for you but they’d involve getting into Ohio