Where To Get the Best Fast Food in San Francisco, CA in 2024
There are many places to grab fast food in San Francisco as you navigate this energetic city’s sights and culture. Popular for the arts and technology, it only makes sense that you’ll find some of the most progressive and best fast food on San Francisco’s bustling streets. For innovative creations and variety, San Francisco has it all, along with lively entertainment and splendid sightseeing.
Are you looking for a great spot to grab a bite? Then look no further — these 27 restaurants cook up some of the best fast food in San Francisco.
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- Find The Best Fast Food Restaurants in San Francisco
- The 27 Best Fast Food Restaurants in San Francisco, CA
Find The Best Fast Food Restaurants in San Francisco
San Fran offers many opportunities to experience its rich culinary scene in a variety of ways. Food tours in San Francisco are gaining a ton of popularity. These tours take enable you to explore some of the city’s most popular restaurants. Relax while your professional guide finds you the best fast food in San Francisco and the most unique flavors from around the globe.
The 27 Best Fast Food Restaurants in San Francisco, CA
1. Blue Barn Gourmet
Dedicated to local, fresh ingredients and a quick turnaround, Blue Barn is a top choice. This neighborhood deli redefines fast food in San Francisco with its commitment to quality and sustainability.
The Vibe
With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Blue Barn offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The rustic décor and friendly staff make it a welcoming spot for a quick, yet satisfying spot of San Francisco fast food.
What to Order
The kale Caesar salad and spicy tuna salad are crowd favorites. Don’t miss out on the tomato basil soup and delicious sandwiches, either.
Blue Barn Gourmet | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Basa Seafood Express
A seafood market serving up some of the best oceanic fast food in San Francisco is Basa Seafood Express. It offers incredible value and a unique selection of dishes.
The Vibe
People go for the delicious, affordably priced seafood but as far as dining in, you’ll only find a couple of tables inside. It’s a great place to grab a unique meal on the go when you’re exploring the city.
What to Order
For a hearty meal, try the clam chowder inside a fresh bread bowl. You’ll also love the tasty salmon burgers.
Basa Seafood Express | 3064 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$
3. Super Duper Burgers
This burger joint is committed to using locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Super Duper Burgers is a place for fast food in San Francisco that caters to health and eco-conscious individuals.
The Vibe
When you walk into this spot for fast food in San Francisco, you’ll notice how committed to sustainability it is. The space is fresh and open with plenty of seating, it only has compostable and recyclable receptacles, and all packaging is 100% compostable.
What to Order
Try the not-so-mini mini burger. Customers say that the garlic fries are incredible, too, so add a portion of these to your order.
Super Duper Burgers | Multiple Locations | $$
4. In-N-Out Burger
One of the most popular burger chains, In-N-Out Burger is well known for mouthwatering fast food in San Francisco, with burgers stacked high and delivered in a diner-style setting. It recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.
The Vibe
This hot spot for fast food in San Francisco is nicely presented, clean and typically busy with lines moving quickly. It has a courtyard to the right with outdoor seating available.
What to Order
The Double-Double Burger is popular, which comes with two patties and your choice of toppings. Did you know that you can also get creative with your meal choices with the In-N-Out secret menu?
5. La Taqueria
If you’re looking for Mexican fast food in San Francisco, visit La Taqueria. Here, you order your food at the counter and sit at a table to wait for your meal.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is lively, resembling an authentic Mexican restaurant with wooden furnishings and colorful décor.
What to Order
Try the carnitas burrito or the Cajun shrimp tacos topped with chipotle mayo and salsa verde for true Mexican flavors.
La Taqueria | 2889 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$
6. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Discover the best sandwich you’ll ever devour at Ike’s. This fast food place in San Francisco has crave-able secret ingredients and a mind-blowing number of sandwich variations.
The Vibe
Presenting more as a place to grab and go, Ike’s offers fast and friendly service but limited seating. It operates on a first come, first served, counter-order basis.
What to Order
One popular sandwich to try is the Ménage à Trois which comes loaded with Halal chicken, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, real honey and three cheeses.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches | Multiple Locations | $$
7. Chowders
Clam chowder is among one of the most favored fast food in San Francisco and Chowders capitalizes on this with its famous bread bowl filled with warm and savory chowder, fish and chips and hearty soups.
The Vibe
Clean and fresh with diner vibes — simply walk in and order at the counter. It has indoor and outdoor seating and service is fast and friendly.
What to Order
Indulge in unique fast food in San Francisco when you try Chowder’s famous clam chowder, a favorite among San Francisco foods and served inside a sourdough bread bowl. The restaurant is also well known for its crispy fish and chips.
Chowders | Second Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133, USA | $$
8. Buckhorn BBQ & Grill
For steakhouse-style fast food in San Francisco, check out Buckhorn BBQ & Grill and indulge in a juicy and flavorful steak.
The Vibe
The tantalizing aroma of the food draws people in. You order at the counter and can find seating inside the food court.
What to Order
One bite into the Roadhouse Buck sandwich and your tastebuds will explode with delight. It’s made with tender, juicy tri-tip steak, onions, red ranch sauce and blue cheese — a truly hearty San Francisco fast food feast!
Buckhorn BBQ | Multiple Locations | $$
9. Mr. Charlie’s
Offering delicious plant-based fast food in San Francisco, if you’re vegan, Mr. Charlie’s is perfect for those days when you feel like a burger.
The Vibe
If you’re looking for fun restaurants in San Francisco, those who love this restaurant claim it’s a pro-animal parody of McDonald’s, with higher quality food. The restaurant is immaculately clean and bright with cute booths to sit at.
What to Order
Try the Big Chuck burger and order a side of nuggets, tender on the inside, crispy on the outside and 100% plant-based.
Mr. Charlie’s | 432 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94108 | $$
10. Taqueria El Farolito
Another restaurant that brings tasty Mexican fast food to San Francisco is Taqueria El Farolito. Replicating the authentic flavors of Mexico in every bite, it has been catering to both vegetarian and meat lovers since 1986.
The Vibe
It resembles a real Mexican taqueria with picnic tables and wooden paneling overhead, décorated with a string of golden lights. Be aware that it operates on cash only.
What to Order
Some of the most delightful items on the menu to try are the al pastor burrito, carne asada and chicken burrito.
El Farolito | Multiple Locations | $$
11. Pollo Campero
Combining the irresistible flavors of Latin America with fast food in San Francisco, Pollo Campero is inspired by South American-infused chicken, salads and a selection of tasty sides.
The Vibe
This restaurant provides table-side service but still qualifies as fast food in San Francisco because many people order it to go. It’s typically busy and the staff mostly speak Spanish.
What to Order
The chicken sandwich is very popular! Guests pair it with a delicious horchata drink and fries.
Pollo Campero | Multiple Locations | $$
12. The Bird
This fast food in San Francisco cooks up the best chicken. The Bird is the go-to chicken shop for fried chicken sandwiches made with integrity at the lowest price.
The Vibe
When you walk into this San Francisco fast food spot, you’ll find that it’s quite popular. It has indoor and outdoor seating and a super-efficient QR code ordering system.
What to Order
The famous fried chicken sandwich is a must-try. For dessert, get the tasty apple fritters.
The Bird | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Crêpe Café
Are you dreaming of taking your tastebuds to France? The Crêpe Café offers sweet and savory fast food in San Francisco in the form of delectable and desirable crêpes.
The Vibe
You can watch them make your crêpes in front of you! But be aware, there is limited seating and it’s typically quite busy.
What to Order
If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth during your search for fast food in San Francisco, a popular item here is the strawberry, banana Nutella crêpe. If you prefer something savory, the turkey pesto crêpe is another customer favorite.
Crêpe Café | The Embarcadero Building D, Level 1 San Francisco, CA 94133 | $$
14. Shake Shack
Another great place to grab fast food in San Francisco, Shake Shack began as a hot dog stand in New York and quickly grew globally as a beloved shake and burger joint focused on community, sustainability and locally sourced food.
The Vibe
This San Francisco fast food spot is bursting with good vibes as people get their burger fix. It’s clean and modern inside.
What to Order
You’ll never go wrong with the famous Shackburger, but if you’re feeling extra hungry, go for the Shack Stack — a cheeseburger topped with a portobello mushroom burger.
Shake Shack | Multiple Locations | $$
15. Lemonade
This modern marketplace redefines fast food in San Francisco with its creative, seasonal California cuisine. Offering a diverse menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, Lemonade delivers high-quality, affordable meals.
The Vibe
Lemonade features a bright, modern atmosphere with clean lines and cheerful décor, perfectly embodying the essence of California cuisine in a relaxed, inviting setting.
What to Order
Try the mango chicken bowl paired with a signature lemonade for a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Lemonade | 81 Mission St., San Francisco, CA, 94013 | $$
16. Bite
Creating fresh sandwiches and salads with the finest ingredients, at Bite you can enjoy healthy fast food in San Francisco made with love.
The Vibe
This fast food place in San Francisco is grab-and-go style with pleasant staff. It’s open late if you want to enjoy a late-night gourmet sandwich experience.
What to Order
The Caribbean on sourdough is heavenly, or go for the Gobbler — another popular choice.
Bite | 912 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94104 | $$
17. Freshroll
For healthy fast food in San Francisco, stop at Freshroll. This exclusive, family-owned restaurant offers scrumptious Vietnamese cuisine and specializes in Asian rolls and the “create your own bowl” concept.
The Vibe
Freshroll is located conveniently so it's usually bustling with hungry lunch-goers or after-work commuters. There are a couple of tablets stationed inside to place your order and a few tables to sit at.
What to Order
The Freshroll with grilled honey chicken and peanut sauce is a refreshing wrap that’s big enough to be a full meal and packed with vegetables and flavor.
Freshroll | Multiple Locations | $$
18. The Halal Guys
This is the spot for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fast food in San Francisco. The Halal Guys promises to craft a flavor profile that can't be replicated in any other cuisine format.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is relaxed with plenty of seating. The service is fast and friendly and on Saturdays, this location is open until 5 a.m., making it a popular place to grab a bite after a night on the town.
What to Order
Try the falafel or the chicken gyro.
The Halal Guys | 336 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94102 | $$
19. Asian Box
No round up of fast food in San Francisco would be complete without delicious Asian fare, more specifically, that which comes in an iconic take-out box with chopsticks. Sound good? Then Asian Box is the place to go, offering fresh and flavorful bento boxes and Asian fusion meals.
The Vibe
This top spot for fast food San Francisco is clean and casual with super helpful staff who provide speedy service. It has indoor and outdoor patio seating for your preference.
What to Order
Try the Vietnamese hot chicken box or some delicious pho to go!
Asian Box | 2031 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123 | $$
20. DragonEats
Vietnamese fast food in San Francisco that receives rave reviews for its tasty sandwiches and bowls. DragonEats is a top favorite among locals.
The Vibe
The ambiance is simple and minimalistic with enough space to eat in. The parking can be tricky and it closes at 6 p.m. so get your fill before that.
What to Order
Across the board, the pork banh mi is the most popular dish.
DragonEats | Multiple Locations | $$
21. Panda Express
A timeless beloved option for Chinese fast food in San Francisco is Panda Express, serving some of the best orange chicken in the world!
The Vibe
Bright, welcoming and buzzing with energy, Panda Express is a San Francisco fast food joint designed to provide a casual, yet efficient dining experience.
What to Order
The Beijing beef and orange chicken are popular protein choices with chow mein on the side.
Panda Express | Multiple Locations | $
22. Popeye’s
Enjoy juicy and crispy Louisiana-style chicken at Popeye’s. This fast food in San Francisco always hits the spot, especially for those who love Southern flavor.
The Vibe
With its lively and inviting atmosphere combined with vibrant colors, the irresistible aroma of fried chicken and quick, friendly service, it's a perfect spot for a flavorful meal.
What to Order
The Creole red bean sandwich is perfect for those looking for plant-based food, while the spicy chicken sandwich will hit the spot for omnivores with a hunger for heat.
Popeye’s | Multiple Locations | $
23. Jamba
Though it is a juice and smoothie bar, Jamba also prepares healthy fast food in San Francisco with fresh bowls, snacks and meal replacements. It’s a popular chain with 900 locations worldwide.
The Vibe
Jamba offers a bright and energetic atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing and healthy meal.
What to Order
Try the famous Acai Primo Bowl, served with acai-grape juice blend concentrate, blueberries, vanilla soymilk, strawberries, bananas, organic granola and honey.
Jamba | Multiple Locations | $
24. Uncle Boy’s
Another great spot to grab fast food in San Francisco is Uncle Boy’s. It’s a family-owned, simple, no-frills burger joint that focuses on crafting the best and the biggest burgers.
The Vibe
This fast food place in San Francisco is a small burger joint with only a counter, a few chairs and some seating outside.
What to Order
Huge kudos to the Cowboy burger, which everyone loves at Uncle Boy’s. The El Jefe and the mozzarella sticks are also a big hit.
Uncle Boy’s | 245 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94118 | $$
25. Oz Pizza
Famous for its exotic fast food in San Francisco, Oz Pizza pushes the boundaries of traditional pizza and house-made dough.
The Vibe
Oz is another fast food restaurant in San Francisco that’s open late, with indoor seating and a patio. It’s energetic and pleasant with great staff and efficient service.
What to Order
The meat combo pizza is among the top choices but if you want to explore something more exotic, try the ostrich meat pizza.
Oz Pizza | 508 Castro St., San Francisco, CA 94114 | $
26. Roam Artisan Burgers
An upscale establishment for fast food in San Francisco, Roam Artisan Burgers offers a California twist with customizable burgers made from a variety of meats, alongside seasonal salads and gourmet sides. Committed to sustainability, Roam uses energy-efficient appliances and composts food scraps to support eco-friendly practices.
The Vibe
The chain combines a relaxed, upscale atmosphere with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
What to Order
Enjoy the French n' Fries burger with truffle Parmesan fries, brie, avocado, caramelized onions, greens and piquant sauce. Wash it down with a bruléed marshmallow milkshake.
Roam Artisan Burgers | Multiple Locations | $$
27. Mixt Greens
Last but not least, Mixt Greens is another healthy fast food in San Francisco focused on organic and sustainable ingredients, letting you choose from a wide variety of lettuces, mix-ins and dressings.
The Vibe
Mixt Greens provides a sleek and modern atmosphere, perfect for a quick, yet health-conscious lunch.
What to Order
Create your own salad or try the Napa sandwich, featuring grilled chicken, sliced apples, sharp cheddar, basil pesto, arugula and aioli, on a torpedo roll.
Mixt Greens | Multiple Locations | $$
With San Francisco being a global hub for technology, it tends to attract thousands of tourists and foodies who appreciate good food and creative dishes. Because it’s such a vibrant, lively and energetic city, fast food in San Francisco is increasingly becoming more popular. There’s so much to do in this city now, and if you’re out and about exploring, you can be sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings as you go with these fantastic fast food joints in San Francisco.
For even more ways to explore San Francisco and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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