Top 10 Iconic Fast Food Items From the 1980s

McDonald’s
Your personal memories of the McPizza probably all come down to your age. This is because McDonald’s has actually been rolling out versions of the McPizza since back in the late 70s. This largely discontinued food item probably gained its strongest traction with consumers during the 80s, however, thanks largely to small, personal size. The first iteration of the McPizza was sort of a hand-held, pocket-pizza affair, while the strongest selling 80s version was basically a “pizza for one.” The McPizza had its devoted fans, but the item was mostly phased out in the 90s. Only one McDonald’s location, in Orlando, Florida, still offers the McPizza up for sale.

Arby’s
Our money certainly doesn’t stretch the way it used to, but this 5 for $5 deal from Arby’s was a ridiculous value, even back in the 80s. Today, the idea of FIVE roast beef sandwiches for a buck each seems incredible, but hey – Arby’s was trying to compete in a crowded market! This promotion certainly seemed to work, especially since the chain was offering freshly-sliced roast beef, as opposed to burgers. Arby’s is, of course, still around today, and we absolutely LOVE the fact that the chain has occasionally brought this deal back to the market … if only for the sake of nostalgia.

Taco Bell
There’s a laundry list of Taco Bell menu favorites that many fans of the chain would like to see make a full-time return. The Bell Beefer is certainly one of those. But the Enchirito has actually made headlines during its occasional menu reappearances. These modern Enchiritos are not quite the same as the ones that first won over Taco Bell customers back in the 1970s and 80s. This big, beefy bonanza of indulgence was basically all that its name implied: a burrito mixed with an enchilada. You needed a fork – or rather a spork – to eat this bad boy, even if it was only used to pick off the olives. However you consumed the Enchirito, you were guaranteed a yummy, messy time.

KFC
It was the best of times, it was the tastiest of times. It was the time of the Chicken Little, in an age before sliders caused fast food aficionados to forget this humbly delicious KFC concoction. There wasn’t anything particularly fancy about the Chicken Little. It was more the fact that Colonel Sanders and his eleven herbs and spices nailed the ratio of fried chicken, bun, and sauce. That little mayo tang was absolutely perfect, while the bun was slightly sweet and oh-so-fluffy. We can still remember digging into our bag of 80s KFC in the backseats of our parents’ station wagon, unable to wait to get to the dinner table for our Kentucky Fried treat.

Pizza Hut
You might have headed to Pizza Hut after a Little League baseball game. Or maybe you earned a trip thanks to a solid report card. Whatever the occasion, Pizza Hut dining today isn’t the same without the “sit down” aspect of the franchise’s heyday. The decor of Pizza Huts just hit different back during this decade, from the lighting and booth set-up to that amazing salad bar. Personal Pan Pizzas were among the very best rewards for us as 80s kids, perhaps second only to a Meat Lovers shared with our folks. Sure, The Hut is still making pizza today, but these Personal Pans made every sit-down visit an event.

McDonald’s
The McNugget was fully rolled out by the McDonald’s Corporation back in 1983. The fast food landscape was never the same again. This wasn’t the only chicken nugget game in town, of course, but it certainly felt that way back in the 80s. How else could we justify consuming an entire 20-piece on our own? We also remember how the McNugget revolutionized the sauce game, embracing everything from holiday cranberries to teriyaki. The Chicken McNuggets even managed to become a beloved part of the McDonaldland family, thanks to some absolutely adorable appearances for Halloween.

Wendy’s
This may have been intended for sides, but with salad, Mexican food, and pasta on offer, the Superbar was the main course for plenty of families. On the surface, it was there to supplement your Wendy’s experience, but it quickly grew to become the Wendy’s experience for many fans. Because there was always SO much more than salad at the Superbar. It was also a Tex-Mex destination, a soup haven, and a place for chili fixin’s, because EVERYBODY loved that Wendy’s chili. Plus, it was all-you-can-eat. Is there anything more American?

Dairy Queen
We’ve touched on a lot of savory options thus far, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the love for Dairy Queen’s iconic frozen treat, the Blizzard. There’s just so many options for toppings when the DQ staff whip your frozen soft-serve snack into a work of sugary-sweet art. It didn’t really matter if you were ordering a Blizzard after a meal of burgers and fries or hitting up your local Dairy Queen just for a Blizzard. You were probably already reciting that perfect recipe in your head prior to walking up to the counter. Oreos? Reese’s pieces? Chopped nuts or Heath bar bits? What was your Blizzard go-to?

Burger King
This beloved sandwich may have originated by accident way back in 1963, but that doesn’t mean that 80s kids didn’t feel a certain sense of ownership over the BK classic. This decade, after all, was a period when many fast food companies were ramping up their competitive streaks. The Whopper Jr. felt like the ultimate reward after a long day at school or work. This franchise has always leaned into their flame-broiled pedigree, and no fast food burger quite has the same taste as a Whopper. What can we say? This one is a no-brainer.

McDonald’s
Every now and then, McDonald’s achieves a perfect storm of fast food form and function. The McRib has certainly earned its culinary legacy. Meanwhile, the advertising for the McDLT said it all with its catchy jingle. The McDLT kept the hot side hot and the cold side cold via its very specific packaging. No longer would any Mickey Dee’s customers grumble about soggy lettuce. The McDLT was designed so that those cold and crisp veggies hit your hot ‘n juicy patty at the PERFECT time. This ensured maximum flavor impact on that first bite, and for every bite thereafter, until the McDLT was devoured.

Which discontinued menu item do you want to bring back? Let us know in the comments!




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