4 Fast Food Chains Celebrity Chefs Can't Stand And 11 They Love

In-N-Out. McDonald's. Burger King. Five Guys. Shake Shack. Chick-fil-A. The list of fast-food chains goes on and on. Many diners have their favorites –– or at least the most convenient option to hit up on their way home. They vary by region, and what's popular on the West Coast may be a complete unknown on the East. Burgers, French fries, tacos, or chicken fingers, there's something greasy, salty, and satisfying for everyone to enjoy. Even, it appears, celebrity chefs.

Despite often being lauded as the pinnacle of culinary achievement, with multiple cookbooks, Michelin stars, and successful restaurants all their own, the siren call of fast food leaves no one immune. While quality eats are the usual way of things for celebrity chefs, sometimes they like to hit up a drive-thru when that craving arises. Tucking into a greasy burger or scarfing down some salty fries is for everyone, after all. These celebrity chefs count certain chains to be among their favorites, while other fast food joints earn less than stellar reviews.

Renowned TV celeb and Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay may be known for yelling expletives to cooks-in-training, leaving them shaking in their chef's whites, but one restaurant he won't raise his voice in is In-N-Out. "In-N-Out Burgers were extraordinary," the foul-mouthed chef stated in a 2008 interview with the Sunday Mail. "I sat in the restaurant, had my double cheeseburger, then minutes later I drove back 'round and got the same thing again to take away."

The Double-Double Burger offers hungry diners a double order of the good stuff, naturally: two beef patties, two slices of cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and their special sauce. Ramsay orders his animal-style, which gets him extra spread and grilled onions. "... it's an In-N-Out Burger, all the way," the chef stated in another interview for Thrillist in 2022. "Especially when it's freshly cooked and served animal-style. Nothing better." For a fitness fanatic like Ramsay, the beefy order –– served with a side of fries –– probably helps fuel his workout routine, which includes running, biking, swimming, and strength training.

Jacques Torres is the French chocolatier who might be best known to the public for his gentle judging on the hit Netflix show "Nailed It!" He is a fan of the classic burger at Shake Shack. In a 2022 interview with Mashed, the affable chef known to fans as "Mr. Chocolate" said about the fast food joint "it's good and it's fast". Hey, what more could you want from a fast food restaurant?

Unfortunately for Torres, his children (aged 3 and 5 at the time of the interview) were bigger fans of McDonald's –– particularly the McNuggets. In the battles of the fast-food cravings, it was the kiddos who won out: "Sometimes it's okay to go to a fast food [place] that I don't enjoy, but I know that the time that I spend with them is important and sharing whatever food we buy." We're not surprised the answer is as sweet as this chef's sugary creations.

Anthony Bourdain was famed for trekking to "parts unknown" in pursuit of culinary excellence and adventure, but he didn't have to travel far when it came to satisfying his fast food cravings. In a 2015 interview with Eater, the late chef declared that In-N-Out was "[the] only fast food chain I like." Bourdain preferred his burger "animal-style," which includes double patties, extra special sauce, and pickles, making it a gloriously messy and indulgent bite of food. "This cheese-like substance is just perfect," Bourdain enthused, with his trademark bluntness. "A perfectly designed protein delivery system."

In fact, the "Kitchen Confidential" author went so far as to declare In-N-Out his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles –– a city, he admitted, that has many exemplary eateries to its name. Now that's high praise!

Many chefs have high standards, and one of those uncompromising standards is freshness. That's one of the reasons why chef Andrew Zimmern preferred Wisconsin-based chain Culver's. On the YouTube show "Hot Ones," Zimmern explained why he's such a fan of the fast food joint: "It's all fresh. Tomatoes come in there and they are cut by someone. Lettuce comes in there whole and it is cut by someone. It's a smash patty of decent beef that comes on a buttered bun."

Even the dessert is a standout for the famed chef. "Their custard is incredible," he stated in the same interview, before reiterating that the freshness of the entire restaurant –– and the fact that nothing is saved overnight to be used the next day –– is the biggest factor for him. Hey, if Dunkin' can have Ben Affleck espousing the merits of the chain, perhaps Culver's should give Zimmern a call to be their next spokesman.

Another fan of In-N-Out (noticing a pattern here?) is Momofuku's David Chang. While burgers seem to be the most common order among the celebrity chef set, Chang deviates from the norm by opting for a grilled cheese sandwich –– served animal-style, of course. The grilled cheese is part of In-N-Out's not-so-secret menu, and includes lettuce, tomato, two slices of American cheese, and their famous spread. (Diners can choose to add onions as well, if they wish, which Chang does.)

However, in an interview with Vulture, Chang was critical of the chain's French fries, calling them "total garbage." His theory is that In-N-Out, in an effort to extol the virtues of freshness to their customers, cuts potatoes on-site in view of hungry diners. However, this has the drawback of using potatoes that are perhaps not at their peak, since they may be harvested during the off-season. We're not entirely sure we agree, but it is an interesting theory.

A native of Texas, Chef Aarón Sánchez likes to keep it local when it comes to his fast food chain of choice. Whataburger is the burger the "Masterchef" judge reaches for, a chain that's based in the Lone Star State and has locations throughout the Southern United States. "I'm a huge Whataburger fan," he stated in an interview with Mashed. For Sánchez, the deciding factor that makes this fast food chain the winner is their sauce. "Most of the other places have that special sauce, which is basically ketchup and mayo with relish in it." The difference for Whataburger, however, is that their sauce uses a mustard base. As a chef who regularly champions the value of spice and flavor, this is a huge difference.

Also on the Whataburger menu (and likely appealing to Sánchez's love of heat) are more unique topping options like jalapeños, green chiles, and grilled peppers and onions.

Anthony Bourdain appears on this list not once but twice, so passionate was he about his love of fast food (well, certain fast food). The "No Reservations" host was a huge fan of Popeye's, particularly their macaroni and cheese. In a 2018 interview with People, Bourdain was documented as visiting the chicken chain three times in three days during the filming of his show "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown." His go-to order? Spicy fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, a fountain Dr. Pepper and, of course, macaroni and cheese.

In a 2016 Reddit AMA, Bourdain admitted, "I have an unholy and guilty attraction to fast-food macaroni and cheese. During the morning I get these horrendous cravings for Popeye's mac and cheese and, uh, I will often disguise myself to try to slip into Popeye's." Bourdain admitted that when he would get caught –– and inevitably posted on social media with the cheesy "evidence" in hand –– he would be extremely embarrassed.

Julia Child built much of her career on making fine cuisine more accessible to the general public, and she appeared to take that to heart as well, allowing herself to indulge in popular fast food every now and then.

While Child made a name for herself as The French Chef who crafted such culinary delights as beef bourguignon and cassoulet, she also appreciated a simple burger and fries. In a 2002 appearance on "Larry King Live," Child expressed an equal appreciation for Burger King, McDonald's, and In-N-Out. In the same interview, Child alleged that she knew every In-N-Out location between San Francisco and Santa Barbara, which shows us which fast food chain just edges ahead of the other two.

The Barefoot Contessa will have to don a pair of shoes (or stick to the iconic drive-thru) if she's hitting up her preferred fast-food chain. While Ina Garten admits she rarely indulges in fast food, she does make an exception for In-N-Out while on book tours in California, where the beloved burger chain is based.

Of course, her preference for the fast food chain isn't just because of its burgers and fries. In a 2017 interview with NBC's "Today," the TV chef and cookbook author explained that her choice is owed to Julia Child. "It's so good and I know it was Julia Child's favorite too, so it's okay." Since Child was one of Garten's inspirations and role models that influenced her career path, it makes sense she would turn to the "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" chef for guidance on where to dine when it comes to fast food.

Richard Blais has no qualms about paying extra for guac, so long as it's coming from his favorite fast food chain. The chef and restaurateur has a long-standing appreciation for fast food, having worked in a McDonald's restaurant at the age of 14. However, it's not the golden arches that have won over the Food Network regular.

"I'm a big fan of Chipotle from every which way," Blais told Mashed in a 2022 interview. "We eat a lot of Chipotle in my house." While most customers would stick to a cuisine they know and count it among their favorites, part of the appeal of Chipotle for the "Top Chef" alum is that it differs from the fare he's usually making at home. Known for his classic take on American cuisine, the casual Tex-Mex style of Chipotle is different –– but still delicious –– from what Blais is usually whipping up in the kitchen.

If there's one thing chef Kristen Kish can appreciate, it's fast food. As the host of "Fast Foodies," which sees beloved fast food items reimagined, Kish isn't shy about singing the praises of some of her favorite fast food items. While other celebrity chefs might scoff at deep-fried, greasy eats, Kish is much more honest with her audience.

In an interview with Mashed from 2021, the "Top Chef" winner proclaimed, "My favorite fast food is always Arby's." While the restaurant chain is known for its roast beef sandwiches and disdain for vegetables, for Kish, it's the chicken fingers and curly fries that have won her heart. "Chicken fingers and curly fries are by far the greatest fast food I think that is out there ... it's just chicken fingers all day, every day, no matter what fast food place I go to." We can all relate to that, no matter how old we are.

While chef Andrew Zimmern is more than willing to talk about his love of Culver's, he is less than enthusiastic about McDonald's. Since freshness is the key to this chef's heart, the golden arches were already at a major disadvantage.

In a video recorded on the TV host's Instagram, Zimmern is given a McRib to try for the first time. The beloved McDonald's sandwich is only available for a limited time at most restaurant locations, but the chain consistently brings it back to their menu due to popular demand. Alas, Zimmern is not one of those people who will be banging on McDonald's glass doors in search of a McRib. After taking a bite, Zimmern declared that it was bad and it had an aftertaste that shouldn't be there. He said that because it was so unpleasant, he wouldn't eat the rest of it. Hey, more McRibs for everyone else, we guess?

Another celebrity chef who wasn't a fan of Ronald McDonald? Anthony Bourdain. While the travel TV host, author, and chef was more that enthusiastic about his love of In-N-Out and Popeye's (and would even foray to KFC to get his mac and cheese fix), he was not nearly so effusive when it came to McDonald's.

Despite his travels around the globe sampling interesting foods from other cultures, the one he refused to return to was McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. In an interview with the A.V. Club, Bourdain was asked if, given the chance to eat the warthog rectum he'd had on a trip to Namibia or a McNugget, he would choose the latter, but barely. "Given the choice between reliving the warthog experience and eating a McNugget, I'm surely eating the McNugget. But at least I knew what the warthog was. Whereas with the McNugget, I think that's still an open question. Scientists are still wondering."

Unlike many other celebrity chefs on our list, Andrew Zimmern is actually not a fan of In-N-Out. While plenty of chefs are all too willing to indulge in the chain's delicacies done "animal-style," Zimmern is more reluctant to heap praise on the fast food joint (unlike his beloved Culver's).

In his appearance on "Hot Ones," Zimmern didn't mince words. "I think the burgers are flavorless," he said. "I think things like Double-Double Animal Style literally were invented, all those off the menu hacks, just to make the burger a little bit better." Calling In-N-Out itself "the most overrated of all the fast food hamburgers," the TV host also had some strong opinions on the fries, as well, describing them as "easily the worst fries in the business" and "flavorless." We can probably count him as one celebrity chef we won't see at an In-N-Out drive-thru.

Let's take one more swing at McDonald's, which has proven itself to be the least popular of all fast food chains among the celebrity chef set. While the product may be reliable to those craving a salty, greasy fix, and the sense of nostalgia is strong, it's fair to say that of all the fast food players, the quality of the product falls short, according to the celeb chefs on this list.

While TV host and author Alton Brown describes Arby's roast beef sandwiches as "magical," he's not quite so kind toward McDonald's. Admitting that he no longer eats fast food, Brown states that the McDonald's he loved as a kid no longer tastes the same, anyway. "I cannot have McDonald's in my mouth because ... Everything tastes like it's made out of sugar," he said in an interview with Chowhound. "That stuff doesn't taste the same anymore." Whether it's a change in the recipe or a maturing of taste buds, you won't spot Brown in a McDonald's line-up anytime soon.