Chains

Bob Lowden, left, Anne Small and Jay Velykis display their winning menu items at the Front Street and Oregon Avenue McDonald’s.

The Golden Arches rule

It’s clear residents have been having their break today. Locals are flocking to McDonald’s, where ­– according to readers — people on the go, those with a car full of hungry youngsters and early birds can find the best quick-service salad, kids’ menu-fast food and breakfast sandwich.

"Satisfying our valued customers’ evolving tastes and changing needs has been a priority for McDonald’s Philadelphia Region restaurants since we first opened our doors in the area in 1957," Pam Simonelli, Philadelphia Region marketing manager for the eatery, said.

The salads, which can contain up to 16 different types of greens, are a hit with those keeping an eye on their waistlines or want something fresh and tasty while they dole out the Happy Meals to smiling kids. The offerings come with crispy or grilled chicken, and the pre-packaged dressings make calorie counting a cinch.

Enjoying healthy bites is made easier while little mouths are being filled with chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers and fries made specially for the tykes. Picky parents can choose to pair a kids’ meal with a choice of beverage — including low-fat milk and orange juice — or an apple dessert.

Those looking to grab a quick meal during the early-morning rush have plenty of choices when it comes to breakfast sandwiches. Beyond the classic McMuffin, the more adventurous can choose from the McGriddle or McSkillet Burrito, a tortilla brimming with eggs, sausages, peppers, onions, potatoes, cheese and salsa.

It seems day or night, young or old, the Golden Arches has South Philly saying, "I’m lovin’ it!"

Neck-in-neck for tastiest leafy greens saw Saladworks eke out a silver with Wendy’s in a close third.

Also tight were the votes that placed Burger King as second heir to best kids’ menu and Wendy’s in the second runner-up slot.

Giving the red-and-gold powerhouse a run for breakfast sandwich, Dunkin’ Donuts took a not-too-distant backseat with Burger King serving up third.

Photo provided by Chick-fil-A

Fowl-weather friends

When residents get a hankering for good ol’ fashioned chicken, there is one place they like to swing by.

Chick-fil-A, this year’s winner for best chicken sandwich, will chargrill or fry tasty poultry, layer in dill pickles and pile on lettuce and tomato, if desired. With the specially seasoned-and-grilled version served on a wheat bun and the pressure-cooked-in-peanut-oil version laid on a toasted butter bun, patrons can choose which way to go — or add provolone and smoked applewood bacon to make the grilled sandwich a club.

"I think it’s a great honor for us to be chosen the favorite fast-food or quick-service chicken sandwich," Ryan Ripper, four-year unit manager at the 2204 S. Columbus Blvd. site, said. "But actually, to me, it’s no surprise. We have the best chicken sandwich of all our competitors. I don’t think there is anyone out there that can match what we do."

The beef-free eatery gets creative, serving up a chicken salad sandwich on wheatberry toast. Round out the meal with waffle-cut fries or a hand-spun shake topped with "one crucial cherry" and this is one bite locals don’t want to pass up.

McDonald’s threw its hat in the chicken sandwich ring, bringing a second-place win. Dave Thomas put in his two cents and brought Wendy’s home a No. 3 finish.

Mouse powerhouse Chuck E. Cheese greets fans at the Snyder Avenue location at a recent dinner outing.

Mouse’s house

If the little ones are using the living room like a jungle gym, residents recommend packing up the car and heading to 9 Snyder Ave., where Chuck E. Cheese’s keeps kids happy — and parents happier. The games and adventure playground/restaurant occupies kids’ bodies, minds and mouths. The rambunctious, friendly space features simulator rides for the older bunch along with toddler-safe offerings.

Though winning hearts for best kids’ sit-down menu, it’s unlikely many will be glued to their chairs long, even with the pizzas, a salad bar, mozzarella sticks and wings on offer.

"How exciting is that!," Brenda Holloway, the national chain’s spokeswoman declared when she got news of South Philly’s love of Chuck E. Cheese’s. "We appreciate the honor and hope to stay in first place. Everything about Chuck E. Cheese’s is really geared toward the family, toward kids, and I think everything is kid-friendly and that makes the biggest difference. It’s where a kid can be a kid!"

Things were clearly in the mouse’s favor in this category, but Chili’s, Champps and International House of Pancakes all tied for second best place to keep the kiddos content.