Today's teens are rebellious, searching - and hungry.
And with limited cash, many young people in the Bay Area choose going out to eat as a social activity.
Here are four restaurants that attract teens with quality food and value in the bustling, pricey Bay Area.
In-N-Out Burger
Why it's a hot spot for teens: In-N-Out's late hours, honest atmosphere and friendly employees make for the ideal locale for teens looking for late-night food.
Location: Various locations in the South Bay, including San Jose, Milpitas, Mountain View and Santa Clara.
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Price range: Most menu items are under $3. Value meals range from $4-$6.
Web site: www.in-n-out.com
What they serve: The regular menu consists of burgers, fries, milkshakes and soft drinks. What sets In-N-Out apart is its freshness. The burgers are served on buns delivered each day with hand-leafed lettuce. French fries are hand cut every day - not cooked frozen out of a bag. The well-known secret menu lets customers order burgers "animal style" - a mustard-cooked beef patty, with pickles, grilled onions and extra spread. Or, go beyond the traditional "Double Double" (double-meat, double-cheese) with a 3x3 (three patties) or a 4x4 (four patties). The protein style burger (wrapped in lettuce instead of on a bun) is popular with people on low-carb diets. For vegetarians, In-N-Out offers grilled cheese and veggie burgers.
What teens say about it: Harker School graduate Ravi Mishra, 18,says "The burgers, fries, and shakes taste better" than those at other places.
Panda Express
Why it's a hot spot for teens: It's got a great location at the food court of Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair and young people are drawn to the inexpensive chance to try many foods -including peppers, broccoli and egg rolls - which aren't on the regular menus of a lot of American fast-food restaurants.
Location: Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair on Stevens Creek Boulevard; Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge on Blossom Hill Road.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. 9:45 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
Price range: For $5.52 (plus tax), you can purchase a two-entree plate with rice or chow mein . Another entree is $1.40 more.
Web site: www.pandaexpress.com
What they serve: Traditional Chinese food such as kung pao chicken, beef broccoli, potstickers, shrimp and orange chicken. Most entrees include rice (steamed or fried) or chow mein.
What teens say about it: "You can smell Chinese food from all over the food court," teenage shopper Abri Nelson said at Valley Fair.
Little Caesar's Pizza
Why it's a hot spot for teens: For those countless teens who find themselves hungry with little money, Little Caesar's fits their situation perfectly.
Location: Various locations around the Bay Area.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Web site: www.littlecaesars.com
Price range: It's only 99 cents for Crazy Bread (bread sticks) and $5 for a large pepperoni or cheese pizza.
What they serve: Little Caesar's is known for its pizza and Crazy Bread, but the menu also includes chicken wings, sandwiches and salads.
What teens say about it: "I think it's cool for friends to get together and each put in $5 and get four pizzas," said Anthony Paramo, 17, of San Jose.
Taco Bell
Why it's a hot spot for teens: Similar to Little Caesar's, Taco Bell is popular with students because of its low prices and convenience. "They have good food and it's cheap," Mission San Jose Senior Ritu Ghai said.
Location: Located throughout the Bay Area.
Hours: Opens at 9 a.m. daily. On the weekends, it is open until 1:30 a.m., and until 1 a.m. Sundays-Thusdays.
Web site: www.tacobell.com
Price range: Regular tacos and burritos cost less than $1, but a great value is the "grande meal'' - a combination of 10 tacos and burritos for $7.47 that's great for two.
What they serve: In addition to tacos and burritos, other items with a Mexican twist include quesadillas, Mexican pizza, gorditas and nachos.
What teens say about it: "Whenever I go to Taco Bell, I get a taco because it's only $1," said Fischer Middle School student Hilary Humphries.