8 Underrated Fast-Food Menu Items Worth Trying in 2026
Everybody knows what to order at McDonald’s, Taco Bell, or Five Guys, right? Maybe not. Some of the most interesting fast-food menu items aren’t the burgers, tacos, or sandwiches plastered across advertisements.
Sometimes, the real surprise is hiding in the breakfast section, among the sides, or at the bottom of the dessert menu.
Food reviewers and chefs have highlighted several overlooked fast-food picks in 2026, including a surprisingly impressive fish sandwich and a pizza-chain dessert worth sharing. Here are eight menu items worth a closer look, including two you’ll want to check for availability before making a special trip.
Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
When you think of Culver’s, ButterBurgers probably come to mind before fish sandwiches. But the North Atlantic Cod Sandwich deserves attention, especially if you want something beyond the usual burger order.
Culver’s uses hand-filleted cod, coats it in batter, and fries it after an order comes in. The sandwich includes lettuce, shredded Wisconsin cheddar, tartar sauce, and a lightly toasted hoagie roll.
In an August 2026 review for The Takeout, Rachel Sobel praised the crisp exterior and flaky fish. She said she paid $8.29 for the sandwich at a Culver’s in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Not everybody agrees about the flavor, though. Some customers have complained about inconsistency, so experiences may vary by location. Still, this is an interesting alternative when you’re ready to give the ButterBurger a break.
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Del Taco’s Real Strawberry Shake
Here’s something you might not expect from a chain best known for tacos and burritos: a strawberry shake with actual strawberry pieces.
Del Taco’s Real Strawberry Shake combines its creamy shake base with real strawberry ingredients, giving it a different character from a dessert that relies on strawberry flavor alone.
In a January 2026 Tasting Table roundup, Carmen Varner highlighted the shake’s noticeable fruit pieces and thick texture. Another October 2026 article revisited the dessert as an underappreciated Del Taco choice.
If you enjoy a completely smooth milkshake, the fruit pieces might not be your favorite feature. But if you like a little texture, it’s worth considering.
Five Guys’ Hot Dog
Five Guys built its reputation on customizable burgers, but its hot dog gives customers another reason to explore the menu.
The chain uses an all-beef frank, splits it lengthwise, grills it, and serves it in a toasted bun. You can also customize the toppings, making it easy to build something that suits your taste.
In a November 2025 comparison of hot dogs from ten chains, Tasting Table reviewer Megan Hageman ranked Five Guys second. She particularly liked the grilled flavor and toasted qualities. That result received renewed attention in a January 2026 hidden-gems roundup.
The biggest consideration is price. Online customer discussions show mixed opinions on whether Five Guys hot dogs justify the price. It’s probably not the first choice for someone hunting the cheapest lunch, but it offers a change from the usual cheeseburger.
Papa John’s Chocolate Chip Cookie
Ordering pizza and forgetting dessert is practically a tradition. But Papa John’s Chocolate Chip Cookie deserves a spot on your radar.
This isn’t just one ordinary handheld cookie. It’s a family-sized dessert, baked and cut into eight slices for easy sharing. Papa John’s also serves it warm and lets customers order desserts without buying pizza.
Tasting Table’s January 2026 roundup highlighted an earlier staff tasting that placed the cookie second among the varieties tested. Reviewers liked the contrast between its crisp edges and softer middle, along with the chocolate-chip distribution.
It’s a practical option for a casual movie night or a shared dessert after dinner. Just remember that a current nationwide price wasn’t established, so check your local menu before ordering.
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Taco Bell’s Hash Brown
Taco Bell might not be the first restaurant that comes to mind when you’re craving a crispy hash brown. However, its breakfast offering has received some impressive praise.
In a November 2024 Tasting Table taste test, Melissa Cabey compared hash browns from six chains, including McDonald’s, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A. Taco Bell ranked highest in her personal ranking.
She particularly appreciated the rectangular potato patty’s crunch and mild, buttery flavor. The result was highlighted again in January 2026.
There’s one catch: not every Taco Bell restaurant serves breakfast. Check your nearest participating location before heading out specifically for a hash brown.
Hardee’s Biscuit ’N’ Gravy
Sometimes, a satisfying breakfast doesn’t need a complicated combination of ingredients. Hardee’s Biscuit ’N’ Gravy keeps things straightforward: one freshly baked, made-from-scratch biscuit covered in sausage gravy.
Unlike the typical handheld breakfast sandwich, this is the kind of meal you sit down to enjoy.
In a June 2026 Reddit discussion about underrated fast-food orders, one customer recommended pairing Hardee’s biscuits and gravy with its breakfast potato side, officially called Hash Rounds.
That’s one customer’s recommendation, not a broad consensus, but the menu item offers something different from the familiar egg-and-cheese sandwich. Hardee’s also sells separate single- and double-biscuit options, so check which portion you’re selecting.
Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider
Arby’s is best known for roast beef, but its Buffalo Chicken Slider offers a different flavor profile.
The slider features a crispy chicken tender, spicy Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. It’s a compact option for anyone who wants a little heat without ordering a full-sized sandwich.
Chef Dominic Iannarelli recommended the slider in a June 2026 Allrecipes feature, praising its seasoning and the balance between Buffalo sauce and ranch.
However, there’s an important catch. Although Arby’s value-menu listing included the slider, its product page displayed an out-of-stock message during the October research. Its current availability remains unconfirmed, so check with your local restaurant before counting on finding it.
Taco John’s Mexi Rolls
Some hidden gems aren’t necessarily new. They’re returning favorites that deserve another look.
Taco John’s brought back its Mexi Rolls in May 2026, featuring seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheddar wrapped inside a flour tortilla and fried until crispy.
The chain says it prepares them in-house daily, with dipping sauces available for customers to choose from.
Chef Dominic Iannarelli also recommended them in June, highlighting the contrast between their crunchy exterior and soft filling.
When the company announced their return on May 11, it advertised two rolls for $3.99, four for $5.99, and six for $7.99. Those were launch-period prices, not confirmed October prices.
Most importantly, Taco John’s identifies Mexi Rolls as a limited-time offering. They’re still listed on its official website, but that doesn’t guarantee they’re available at your nearest location.
Next time you visit a familiar fast-food chain, look beyond your regular order. You might discover that the most interesting thing on the menu isn’t the item everyone talks about.
