50 Best Fast Food Restaurants in San Diego

“Bale French Sandwiches in Mira Mesa is a small restaurant located in a shopping center with a line often out the door. They offer a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including their famous banh mi sandwiches, sesame balls, and fruit smoothies. The Vietnamese coffee is particularly strong, so customers should be prepared for a caffeine boost. The restaurant is take-out only, but the staff is friendly and helpful. The food is highly praised for its authentic flavors and generous portions, all at a great price. The restaurant is a popular lunch spot for locals, including offices in the area.“

“Plant Power Fast Food is a vegan fast food restaurant located near a transit stop. The restaurant offers a variety of all-vegan options, including condiments, with fast and friendly service. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, with a chair lift and ramp leading to the entrance and accessible bathrooms. While the men's bathroom could use deep cleaning, the restaurant's outdoor covered seating area and child chairs make it a great spot for families. The staff is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the food is delicious, with popular items including wraps and the ranch dressing. Parking can be a challenge, but the restaurant is worth a visit for its tasty and satisfying offerings.“

“Elote offers a delightful dining experience with its authentic Mexican cuisine. The street corn, or "elotes," is a standout dish, praised for its amazing flavors. The restaurant also serves tasty snacks and refreshing drinks, including a black model michelada and a perfectly crafted michelada. The vibrant atmosphere, with dotty music and friendly staff, completes the overall superior experience.“

“Shake Shack Little Italy is a cozy spot known for its fresh, flavorful burgers. The Korean BBQ burger and Shack Stack with portabella shrooms are must-tries. The roadside onions add extra flavor to the burgers, making them stand out. The oreo milkshake, especially as a malt, is a highlight. For bacon lovers, the smokeshack burger and bacon cheesey fries are highly recommended. Despite parking challenges, the food is worth the hassle, with quick delivery options available.“

“Mirch Masala 2 Go is a popular Indian restaurant in San Diego that offers a diverse menu of both South and North Indian dishes. The restaurant is known for its high-quality, fresh, and delicious food, with many customers praising the flavorful Dal Makhani, perfectly cooked naan, and refreshing mango lassi. While the dinner experience may vary, with some customers reporting slower service and a slightly confusing menu, the restaurant shines during its weekend Chaat Buffet, which features an impressive array of vegetarian options that cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Overall, Mirch Masala 2 Go is a recommended destination for those seeking authentic and satisfying Indian cuisine, particularly during the daytime and on weekends when the restaurant is at its best.“

“Cluck N' Sip is a restaurant in Hillcrest that offers certified halal fried chicken. Customers can enjoy crispy chicken with tender and flavorful meat, available in original or spicy party wings. The Cluckin' Classic chicken sandwich is a popular choice, with juicy chicken tenders and plenty of sauce. The restaurant also offers specials on certain days, making it an affordable option compared to chain fast food restaurants. Sides include spicy mac & cheese and potato wedges. Customers appreciate the reusable bags for take-out orders and the overall bargain prices for quality chicken.“

“Raising Cane's is a restaurant known for its fried chicken tenders, which are praised for being fresh. The signature Cane's sauce is also a highlight. There are ample parking spots available. However, some customers have noted smaller portion sizes and inconsistent quality. Service can be unfriendly and the environment can be quite loud. The food, while deemed okay, has been criticized for lacking seasoning, although it is noted for being juicy. Despite some shortcomings, some customers are open to giving the restaurant another chance at a different location.“

“Plant Power Fast Food is a popular spot for those seeking a quick and healthy meal. The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options, including a chicken sandwich that is surprisingly similar to its meat-based counterpart. The food is always fresh and consistently good, with no surprises. The service is fast and friendly, with a cool vibe and music to match. The menu may be basic, but the options are equivalent to those found at In&Out, just vegan. Shakes are also available, including oat milk-based options and a horchata shake. The restaurant is great for a small bite or a filling meal, and is even kid-friendly. Overall, Plant Power Fast Food is a great choice for those looking for a healthier, vegan fast food option.“

“Shake Shack Del Mar offers a high-tech ordering experience but comes at a higher price than expected. While some find the food good and worth it, others feel it's overpriced for the taste offered. The burgers are described as small and flavorless, leaving some disappointed and unlikely to return. The lack of personal service and tipping option add to the negative experience for some customers.“

“Chick'nCone serves crispy chicken sandwiches with brioche buns, pickles, and a variety of sauces, including Kickn Ranch. Their chicken tenders and fries are a highlight, with unique options like Cinnamaple sauce that tastes like chicken and waffles. With amazing service, this cool spot is a must-visit, especially after events, but be prepared for limited parking.“

“Grubz is a popular spot that serves freshly cooked meals. The crispy tots are a fan favorite, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The menu offers unique options, including craft sodas. The California burger is a standout, with a soft and buttery bun, crispy bacon, and overall 110% satisfaction. The veggie tots are also a hit, even for those who don't typically like mushrooms. The plain Jane Burger is another winner, with perfectly cooked meat, fresh lettuce and tomato, and hot fries with just the right amount of salt.“

“In-N-Out Burger offers a unique dining experience with a great ambience and a flair of its own. The food is good, with many customers raving about their meals. The #2 is a popular choice, although some recommend adding the "animal style" option for an enhanced flavor. The staff is friendly, the restaurant is clean, and the food is served quickly. Customers praise the quality and price of the food, considering it a wholesome burger with fresh ingredients. The menu is customizable, allowing for a wide range of options without extra costs. While seating may be limited during peak hours, the interior is kept clean. Overall, In-N-Out Burger is a top choice among fast food franchises, offering great value and a delicious meal.“

“Shake Shack Westfield UTC offers a delightful dining experience with its extensive menu, including the popular Shack Stack and a delicious vegetarian Mushroom Burger. The restaurant boasts ample indoor and outdoor seating, and customers praise the friendly staff and efficient service. With its convenient location at Westfield UTC, Shake Shack provides a satisfying and enjoyable dining option.“

“Big Cheech’s Chicken, Waffles and Sliders is a welcoming and affordable restaurant with a variety of menu options and generous portions. Popular items include the chicken waffle slider, chicken club sandwich with coleslaw, and mac and cheese. Customers appreciate the freshly made food, monthly specials, and fun atmosphere with music. Despite being slow at times, diners hope it gains popularity for its delicious offerings.“

“The Food Box, located on the main strip in Pacific Beach, is a popular spot for burgers. The restaurant offers unique flavors and quality food, with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Their burgers, such as the Billy Cheeseburger and Spurgeon Infit Burger, are delicious and filling. The menu also features chicken tenders with tasty dipping sauces and incredible milkshakes like the mazepan milkshake. While parking can be a challenge, the short walk to the restaurant makes it worthwhile. The restaurant offers a warm welcome and comfortable seating, both indoors and outdoors.“

“El Pollo Loco offers amazing service with quick food delivery. The location is great, even with a long line, it moves fast. The staff like Ericka and Ricardo are friendly and attentive. The food tastes fresh and not dry, with a clean interior. The employees, including Spanish-speaking Ericka, make ordering easy. Fast service and delicious food make customers want to return.“

“In-N-Out Burger offers fresh burgers at generous prices. Some customers love the fries, while others find them lacking. The thousand Island-like dressing is a point of contention. Despite a long wait time, the sweet employees and satisfactory food make it a decent choice. The hot interior and neglected restroom are downsides, but the delicious burgers and quick service make up for it.“

“In-N-Out Burger is a restaurant known for its drive-thru service and delicious burgers. The ingredients used are of great quality, and the staff is friendly. It offers quick and efficient service, with made-to-order food. However, some customers have mentioned that the fries can be a bit disappointing, as they may taste like cardboard once they cool down slightly. The location and parking can be a bit challenging due to its small parking lot and the long line of customers. On rare occasions, there may be issues with food quality, such as cold fries with unwilted cheese. Despite these occasional issues, In-N-Out Burger generally offers a great value meal for its customers.“

“Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain, offers a diverse menu with mixed reviews. The 6PC Chickenjoy, a signature dish, is praised for its excellent breading, though the spicy version can be overpowering, causing some stomach discomfort. The adobo rice, however, has faced inconsistencies, with customers reporting incorrect orders and additional charges. Despite these issues, the pineapple quencher and the 2PC chicken joy with fries are well-received, with the fries praised for their crispy exterior and soft interior. While the chicken itself may lack strong flavor, the overall experience is generally positive, with ample seating both indoors and outdoors. Despite some service challenges during peak hours, Jollibee remains a popular destination for those seeking a taste of Filipino-inspired fast food.“

“Corner House Cafe Acai, Smoothie is a popular family-owned restaurant in San Diego that has been around for over 20 years. Known for their delicious food like the Ironman sandwich with jalapenos, bacon, and red onions, as well as incredible fries, both regular and seasoned. The menu also offers options like the chicken tequila pasta and a variety of smoothies like the Summer Breeze. The outdoor seating in a succulent garden creates a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for families and kids. Despite the need for some bathroom improvements, the restaurant's wide sandwich selection and tasty food make it a great spot for a post-hike meal.“

“Contodo Fresh Mexican Eats is a clean and welcoming spot in the heart of Bay Terraces, serving amazing food at great value. Must-try items include the roll tacos, carne asada fries, breakfast burritos, and delicious salsas, including the spicy red salsa. Friendly customer service completes the excellent dining experience.“

“In-N-Out Burger is a popular spot with friendly and fun staff serving excellent burgers, including options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant has ample seating, nice views, and special tables for the disabled. Parking can be a challenge, especially during busy times, but it's usually easy to find a spot. Be prepared for a wait, but the line moves quickly. Enjoy their delicious burgers and shakes!“

“In-N-Out Burger is a classic California restaurant known for its delicious cheeseburgers and friendly service. The food is consistently hot and fresh, with options for dietary restrictions such as gluten-free burgers wrapped in lettuce. Customers can special order their fries, and kids will enjoy the fun game provided. The restaurant has a small parking lot and can get busy, but there is also street parking available. The staff is happy to accommodate special orders and provide service with a smile. One time, there was a mistake with onions, but it was quickly resolved. The fries, when ordered extra crispy, are a customer favorite.“

“In-N-Out Burger offers delicious burgers, potatoes, and lemonade. Friendly cashiers, like Lilian, provide excellent service, making customers feel welcomed and unhurried. The restaurant has a convenient location, with handicap accessibility and parking, although parking spots can be scarce due to high demand.“

“The Halal Shack offers delicious middle eastern street food, considered by some to be the best in San Diego. With kind staff and efficient service, it stands out among other food vendors. Located on a university campus, it is a popular choice for students and visitors alike.“

“Que Sazón! is a small, cozy Mexican restaurant perfect for takeaways or quick snacks. Their menu features a variety of delicious options, including the Fresca, Mexican Hotdog, Torta, and Mango Tostada with fish. The staff is friendly, and prices are fair. The food is fresh, tasty, and made with high-quality ingredients like fresh hibiscus flowers. Be prepared for a spicy kick in some dishes, but the refreshing Agua Fresca can help counter the heat.“

“WaBa Grill is the go-to spot for lunch with friendly staff, clean environment, and phenomenal service. The delicious, hot, fresh food with perfect flavors makes it an excellent restaurant. Johanna, the hard-working employee, provides top-notch customer service with a smile. The fast and friendly service, along with the impeccable presentation of dishes, keeps customers coming back for more.“

“Tandoori Guys - Indian Restaurant & Catering offers delicious and flavorful Indian/Pakistani cuisine, including Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, Gobi Manchurian, and Garlic Naan. They provide Halal food, vegetarian options, and a clean dining atmosphere. Located in San Diego, it is praised for its friendly staff and reasonable prices, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal.“

“Arby's is a fast-food chain known for roast beef and chicken sandwiches. The location is clean, wheelchair-friendly, and has excellent service. Customers recommend trying the honey dijon mustard sauce with fries. Parking is a bit confusing due to a one-way lot. Overall, the food quality is excellent, and the dining area is consistently spotless. A must-stop for those in the area.“

“Wienerschnitzel is a popular spot for a quick and affordable meal. The $7.99 chili cheese deal is a standout value, offering a tasty and filling option at a lower price than other menu items. The service is great, with friendly and attentive staff. The dining area is an open patio on a busy street, providing shade but no outdoor seating. The owner takes pride in her spot, often seen working or cleaning up around the restaurant. The menu offers a variety of options, including a Monday special Chicago dog and combos. The food is fresh and well-made, and the staff is happy to accommodate special requests, such as a dipped cone in a cup. Overall, Wienerschnitzel is a welcoming spot with great value and friendly service.“

“Botanas Locas is a niche place that offers tostilocos on a weight-based system, similar to froyo. They provide a variety of chips, candies, and fruits/veggies to add to your creation, which is then weighed and charged accordingly. Customers have found the prices to be reasonable, with fresh fruit and great customer service. Some have noted the importance of hygiene practices, suggesting that the employee handling money and food should wear gloves and practice proper handwashing to ensure a clean environment. Despite this concern, many customers enjoy the concept and plan to return for more delicious treats.“

“Main Chick Hot Chicken serves up mouthwatering hot chicken sandwiches, with juicy and crispy chicken, perfectly seasoned with a medium spice level. The addition of coleslaw adds a delightful crunch. Fries are crispy and well-seasoned, with a sweet and salty flavor. The service is top-notch, with friendly staff and quick meal delivery. The restaurant offers a satisfying combo with a generous portion of food, making it one of the top hot chicken spots in San Diego.“

“McDonald's is a restaurant known for its delicious food and kind staff. Despite having a lot of foot traffic, the restaurant is kept clean and the workers are hardworking. The food's flavor is a highlight, but some customers find the price-portion ratio to be unsatisfactory. The cleanliness and accountability of the kitchen are important factors for some customers, with some expressing a preference for an open kitchen concept. However, the kitchen in this McDonald's is not visible to customers. Despite these comments, the restaurant is considered to be one of the better McDonald's locations by some customers.“

“El Pollo Loco offers delicious and fresh food, with friendly and attentive service. The Manager and staff are welcoming and efficient, making customers feel comfortable. While the portion sizes may be small, the prices are a drawback for some. Parking is ample, and the overall experience is satisfying, making it a recommended spot.“

“Sandwich Stop Deli is a hidden gem with a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches to choose from. The sandwiches are delicious, with fresh meat and cheese on great bread. The service is friendly and fast, with a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of old-school sandwich shops. Although prices may be a bit steep, the quality and taste make it worth a visit. The deli also offers a great selection of grab-and-go drinks and snacks. Try their popular sandwiches like the chicken club, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the owners and staff.“

“In-N-Out Burger is a popular eatery known for its friendly staff and speedy service. The food is consistently superb, with a wide range of options to suit various tastes. The menu includes classic burgers, such as the mustard fried burger, as well as vegetarian options like grilled cheese sandwiches. Customers can customize their orders to accommodate dietary restrictions, including substituting buns with lettuce, tomatoes, or onions. The kid-friendly atmosphere and courteous servers make it an enjoyable dining experience for all.“

“Side Chick - Chicken & Fries offers a delightful dining experience with its mouthwatering menu options. The Cali chicken fries and the regular Side Chick sandwich are customer favorites, praised for their outstanding flavor and generous portions. The restaurant's affordable prices, ranging from $10 to $13, make it an excellent value proposition. Customers recommend trying the different sandwich options and tenders, as well as the tasty onion rings. With a cozy outdoor seating area, Side Chick - Chicken & Fries is a great place for family and friends to share a satisfying meal.“

“WaBa Grill offers a pleasant dining experience with friendly and attentive service. Customers appreciate the good taste of the food, reasonable prices, and the variety of vegetarian options such as steamed cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and brown rice. The restaurant is a reliable choice for both pickup and dine-in meals.“

“Sara's Mexican Food is a hidden gem for delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine. Visitors from Canada were impressed by the friendly owners, ample portions, and reasonable prices. The crispy beef chimichanga and flavorful diablito with huge shrimp were highlights. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, including the highly recommended Al Pastor fries. The quesatacos de Birria and consomé were described as incredible, with perfect ratios of meat and cheese. The beach loaded fries with carne asada were also a hit with customers. With tasty sauces and great hospitality, Sara's Mexican Food is a must-visit spot for Mexican food enthusiasts.“

“Wendy's offers a smooth drive-thru experience with friendly and efficient staff. The hamburgers are delicious, although more toppings could be provided. French fries were reported as extremely cold, but the restaurant was accommodating in exchanging them. It is noted that there may be a time limit on food. Despite some minor issues, the overall service and food quality are commendable.“

“El Gordo Mexican Food is a restaurant that offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes, with generous portions and affordable prices. The salsa bar is a highlight, featuring around 7 different salsas ranging from mild to very spicy. The restaurant stands out with its homemade-tasting food, made with handmade tortillas. It is a family-friendly establishment, with a relaxed atmosphere and options for kids. The parking lot can be smaller, but there is additional parking behind the building. The service is quick, and the staff is friendly, especially to what seem to be regular customers. The menu has various options, such as rolled tacos, carnitas burrito, and surf & turf burrito. The hot Cheetos burrito is a unique offering, and it can be customized by swapping fries for rice and adding extra chipotle sauce. Overall, the restaurant is a great addition to the area, offering authentic and delicious Mexican food in a kid-friendly environment.“

“Ortiz's Taco Shop is a popular spot for delicious food, open late into the night. Known for their California burrito, you can add shrimp for a surf and turf twist. Their skinny cut, well-seasoned fries are a standout feature. The Al Pastor is highly recommended, while the carne asada and fish tacos are also available. Don't forget to try their mini tacos, especially the mini tacos de adobada. For dessert, indulge in their handmade flan. Overall, Ortiz's Taco Shop is a must-visit in the Point Loma area.“

“In-N-Out Burger is a highly-regarded establishment. Consistently serving excellent food, the restaurant boasts second-to-none employees who provide exceptional service. A popular destination, this location offers ample seating, short wait times, and courteous staff. The menu features a variety of options, including the Double-Double Animal Style with well-done fries and pink lemonade. Known for its kid-friendly atmosphere and wheelchair accessibility, In-N-Out Burger is a beloved spot for families and individuals alike.“

“Bonehead Burger Co. serves mouth-watering burgers, including the Impossible Burger for vegetarians, and a delicious chicken sandwich option. Their signature Bonehead sauce is a must-try. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, is wheelchair accessible, and is a great spot for families with kids. While their burgers are a hit, their fries could use improvement. Overall, Bonehead Burger Co. is a great spot for a tasty meal in a clean and welcoming environment.“

“Carl's Jr. is a reliable restaurant with plenty of seating and parking. The staff is polite and helpful, ensuring accurate orders. This kid-friendly and wheelchair-accessible restaurant is a great spot for families to enjoy a meal comfortably. The drive-through service is also efficient, with quick and accurate orders. Carl's Jr. serves its signature menu items, including the Famous Star with Cheese, consistently meeting customer expectations.“

“San Diego Sandwich Company has been serving delicious sandwiches in America's greatest city since 1975. Their menu offers a variety of tasty options, and their customer service is generally outstanding. One customer recently visited the restaurant and had the Number 35 sandwich, describing it as "absolutely amazing." The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were well-balanced. This customer has been a regular at the sandwich shop for many years and says it consistently delivers great-tasting sandwiches, highly recommending it. Another customer, however, had a slightly different experience. They found the staff to be friendly, but felt the French roll used in the sandwiches could be improved, suggesting the use of "some nice crusty proper Italian bread" instead. This customer also noted that the sandwich prices, ranging from $15 to $20, can be a bit steep, but acknowledged that "you can swing it." Despite the mixed reviews, San Diego Sandwich Company seems to be a popular destination for those seeking delicious and fresh sandwiches in the San Diego area. With a wide selection of options, including the Chicken Salad Sandwich, Ham & Cheese Sandwich, and The Club with Avocado, there is likely something to suit most tastes. The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it a convenient choice for a midday meal.“

“CEVICHES AND BEERS is a rustic little place located a block from the beach and Belmont Park. The restaurant offers fantastic fish tacos, with two large tacos priced at $10.40, and they are served quickly. The food quality and flavor are very good, and the prices are inexpensive for the area. The server and what appears to be the manager are described as amazing and very friendly. The micheladas are also mentioned as good. While parking can be a bit challenging, the restaurant is highly recommended.“

“Chick-fil-A offers a varied menu, including their signature Grilled Nuggets, burgers, and fries. The food is generally well-received, with the burgers and fries praised as "amazing." However, the Grilled Nuggets are considered overpriced, and the strawberry shake is reported to be too thick to drink easily through the straw. The service is efficient, and the overall atmosphere is described as great. The restaurant also appears to be wheelchair accessible.“

“Gaglione Bros Famous Steaks & Subs is a popular local eatery known for its great sandwiches, friendly staff, and fast service. The restaurant offers a variety of subs and fries, including the popular chicken tenders for kids and the delicious chicken philly. Customers praise the well-seasoned food, soft buns, and reasonable pricing, making it a go-to spot for both families and individuals.“

“Arby's offers a delicious turkey bacon ranch sandwich and brisket with crispy fried onions. The wait time is around 5 minutes per customer, with a potential 10-15 minute wait for those ahead in line. The newly remodeled building has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Some customers have praised the staff's friendliness and accommodating service. However, parking is limited. It's important to note that a customer reported getting food poisoning after visiting this location. Despite this, the food is generally described as hot and tasty.“