16 Forgotten Fast Food Menus That Defined the ’80s
These long-lost fast food items from the 1980s were once mealtime staples but are now just delicious memories.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The 80s were a wild ride for fast food innovation. Chains rolled out new menu items to stand out in a competitive market. From pizza experiments to deep-fried novelties, these meals had their moment before vanishing into the fryer of history. Here are 16 unforgettable fast food offerings from the ’80s that you’ll wish were still around.
1. McDonald’s Onion Nuggets
Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Before Chicken McNuggets stole the spotlight, McDonald’s tested these battered onion chunks. They were somewhere between onion rings and popcorn chicken. Despite a small cult following, they didn’t survive the decade.
2. Burger King’s Yumbo Sandwich
theimpulsivebuy on Wikimedia Commons
This hot ham and cheese melt debuted in the ’60s but returned briefly in the ’80s. It came stacked with deli meat on a sesame bun, wrapped like royalty.
3. Wendy’s Superbar
Beatlefan97 on Wikimedia Commons
Wendy’s took a gamble with an all-you-can-eat salad, pasta, and Mexican bar. It was wildly popular but hard to maintain. Cleanliness issues and cost sunk it by the late ’80s.
4. McDLT (McDonald’s)
Jim Ellwanger on Flickr
“Keep the hot side hot and the cool side cool” was its tagline. The packaging was revolutionary, with two separate compartments. But the bulky styrofoam container raised environmental concerns.
5. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer
Rob on Flickr
Imagine a Sloppy Joe with taco meat — this was Taco Bell’s answer to burgers. Served on a hamburger bun with shredded lettuce and sauce, it was messy but beloved.
6. Pizza Hut’s Priazzo
Mishaal Zahed on Unsplash
A deep-dish, pie-like creation filled with layers of meat, cheese, and sauce. The Priazzo was more like lasagna in a crust than a traditional pizza. Delicious but incredibly time-consuming to make.
7. McDonald’s Cheddar Melt
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
Grilled onions, cheddar cheese sauce, and a beef patty on a rye bun made this unique. It had a rich, savory flavor unlike anything else on the menu.
8. Arby’s 5 for $5 Deal
Mike Mozart on Flickr
You could get five roast beef sandwiches for five bucks — an insane deal by today’s standards. It was a budget-friendly favorite that fed families on the cheap.
9. Hardee’s Fried Chicken
T.Tseng on Wikimedia Commons
Hardee’s went all in on fried chicken, trying to rival KFC. For a time, it worked — many swore it was better. But logistical issues and high prep costs led to its demise.
10. Domino’s Oreo Dessert Pizza
pietro lambert on Flickr
This sugary treat was introduced to sweeten the pizza experience. With crushed Oreos, icing, and a dough base, it was a sugar bomb.
11. McDonald’s Pizza
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
Yes, McDonald’s once served pizza — made to order and surprisingly decent. However, it took too long to cook, which slowed down service. Customers weren’t used to the wait.
12. Dairy Queen Breeze
Nicholas Eckhart on Flickr
A healthier alternative to the Blizzard, the Breeze used frozen yogurt instead of soft serve. You could mix in fruit, granola, or candy.
13. Jack in the Box Frings
Billy Hathorn on Wikimedia Commons
A half-fries, half-onion rings combo — because why choose? Frings catered to indecisive eaters with a clever blend of textures. Fun, but hard to portion and prep.
14. KFC Chicken Littles (Original Version)
Kim Wine on Unsplash
These mini sandwiches were a huge hit thanks to their low price and tasty simplicity. Just a chicken strip on a bun with mayo and pickle. They returned in the 2010s, but fans insist they’re not quite the same.
15. A&W Whistle Dog
Erik Mclean on Pexels
A hot dog topped with bacon and cheese, served in a toasted bun. It was indulgent, flavorful, and messy in the best way. Popular in Canada, it also made waves in U.S. markets.
16. Long John Silver’s Batter-Dipped Fish Bites
BrokenSphere on Wikimedia Commons
Bite-sized and extra crispy, these golden nuggets were packed with fried goodness. Great for dipping and snacking, they offered a seafood twist on chicken nuggets.