Zaxby's, Cookout: 4 restaurants you want to see in Michigan

Emma Keith
Detroit Free Press

If there's anything we've learned this week, it's that our readers have strong opinions on fast food. 

While many of you agreed with the fast food picks on our "6 of the biggest restaurant chains we're missing in Michigan" list, some of you went a step further and added your own. 

We combed through your comments and replies to create a second list, this time with four of the most-requested spots you want to see come to your state. (For anyone who was craving a Del Taco, fear not: There are now nine in the Detroit area).

The Kickin' Chicken Sandwich is one of Zaxby's most popular meals.

Zaxby’s

Often compared to Cane’s, the southern fried chicken stop offers a far more extensive menu than its competitor. The verdict is still out on whether Zaxby's chicken is better than Cane's, but in the meantime, Zaxby's has wings, sandwiches and salads (Zalads, for the uninitiated). 

Zaxby's is finding its way north – you can find one as close as Indianapolis

What you're missing: Homemade "Tater Chips," the House Zalad (with Texas Toast on the side, fried chicken on top and plenty of dressing).

Cookout has taken out permits to renovate a former Applebee's location on Hendersonville Road for one of its stores.

Cookout

Beloved by college kids for its cheap prices and late hours, the South Carolina-based chain offers a menu full of foods you might find (fittingly) at a family cookout but is perhaps best known for its shake selection.

Seriously: They've got more than 40 shake flavors.

You'll have to travel to Tennessee to get to the closest taste of the strictly southern summer staple.

What you're missing: The watermelon shake, a Cookout Tray combo meal that offers you the chance to eat a burger, chicken nuggets, a quesadilla and a shake (or any combination of entree/side options) for $5, a Cheerwine float.

Kosmic Karma Pizza from Mellow Mushroom.

Mellow Mushroom

This psychedelic pizza joint is popular, of course, for its delicious pies and calzones. But Mellow Mushroom is also known for each location's uniquely trippy decor and color schemes (one Iowa location has a disco ball in the shape of a cow rotating in the middle of the restaurant).

You’ll have to head to Lima, Indiana or Rocky River, Ohio for a sweet taste of ‘shroom (the Lima location is "Yellow Submarine"-themed).

What you're missing: Cheesy calzones, hummus and pita chips, (actually good) gluten-free pizza, vegan-friendly pizza or options like tempeh hoagies. 

Taco Cabana is a San Antonio, Texas-based chain known for its fresh tortillas, bright interiors and all-night hours.

Taco Cabana

Like Taco Bell, Taco Cabana is a greasy — but beloved — 24/7 Mexican chain that veers more toward Tex-Mex. You can find lunch for under $5 at Taco Cabana, but you can't find a Taco Cabana anywhere outside Texas or New Mexico.

What you're missing: The Cabana Bowl (a hard tortilla bowl filled with rice, beans and taco fixings), ordering extra fresh-made tortillas, a salsa/onion/cilantro/lime/pico bar inside the restaurant that you won't get at the drive-thru.

More on freep.com: 

Here are the 8 essential Michigan craft beers

Dairy Queen to give out free ice cream on Friday