Kevin Alexander

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Too Fast Too Casual

Too Fast Too Casual: Reviewing the Best Fast Casual Restaurants

Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

Cole Saladino/Thrillist

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Too Fast Too Casual, a new review series where our National Writer-at-Large Kevin Alexander takes a close look at both classic and up-and-coming fast-casual chains.

What to Order at Noodles & Company

Monique Carraton/Unsplash
  

The Essential Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box Cheat Sheet

Amidst the orgiastic celebration of plant-based foodstuffs and the farm-to-table sophistry dripping off the lips of nearly every rising restaurant chain currently operating in America today, a place like Wingstop isn’t supposed to work.

Wingstop Is Simplified Fast Casual Done Right

As oyster farming has exploded over the last decade, oysters have evolved from seafood house specific snacks into a common bar fare.

How to Order Oysters Like a Pro

Courtesy of Five Guys

Five Guys Might Just Be the Best Place for a Fast-Casual Burger

Jason Hoffman/Thrillist

News

Since the turn of the century, anthropologists, sociologists, and people weirdly invested in the quick service industry have argued over a central question: What separates a fast food joint from a so-called fast casual spot?

What's the Difference Between Fast Food & Fast Casual?

20 for 20

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

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If there was ever a time to push your chips in on Vegas, that time is now.

The Most Interesting Things in Vegas Are Happening off the Strip

Photo: Courtesy of Chili's; Illustration: Emily Carpenter/Thrillist

In Greek mythology, the Olympian gods consumed ambrosia as a way to stay immortal.

Is Chili’s Skillet Queso Actually... Queso?

Photos: Cole Saladino; Design: Maggie Rossetti

Where does Atlantic City sit in your consciousness?

Atlantic City's Unsung Food Scene Is Its Greatest Draw

With a long and storied history as America’s original beach playground and one of the few legal gambling destinations, Atlantic City has seen more than its share of boom and bust in the last century.

The Best Places to Eat in Atlantic City

Drink

Like most mysteries, this one started in South Boston, at a bar called Stat’s.

Fireball Whiskey: Why This OG Spirit Is Secretly Hot

Spirit Free

The non-alcoholic beverage resource for the sober curious, mindful drinker, or those wanting a spirit-free drink where the booze is optional, but flavor is not.

Spirit Free: Ultimate Non-Alcoholic Drink Guide - Thrillist

In Minneapolis, there is a very good cocktail bar called Marvel Bar.

Kevin Alexander’s Recent Articles

What to Order at Noodles & Company

The fast casual joint specializes in noodles of all shapes and flavors.

The Essential Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box Cheat Sheet

Which treats should you dig into first and which ones should you avoid entirely?

Wingstop Is Simplified Fast Casual Done Right

The specialty chicken wings chain serves the basics with little flair but lots of flavor.

How to Order Oysters Like a Pro

Impress your friends and order those oysters like an expert.

Five Guys Might Just Be the Best Place for a Fast-Casual Burger

The secret menu has a hidden treasure.