Budget-minded families and travelers make a run for America's leading taco chain.

In Short
A pink and blue color scheme, white tile floors and hacienda-like arched windows combine for a subtle Southwestern motif at this fast-food chain. Founded in Southern California in 1962 by Glen Bell (who invented the pre-fab hard taco shell), this casual order-at-the-counter Mexican restaurant features classics like tacos, nachos, quesadillas and burritos. In recent years, menu offerings have expanded to include specialty items like gorditas, chalupas and cinnamon twists.

This national chain is a household name, thanks to its deep-dish and stuffed-crust pies.

In Short
Kid-friendly eat-in restaurants and small takeout shops alike sport interiors done in the signature red and white with a touch of yellow. Orders are placed at the counter--whether customers choose to stay or go--and pies are baked per request. Pizzas--from the hand-tossed to the twisted crust--dominate the menu, but the restaurant also offers chicken wings, salads and cinnamon bread sticks.