Where To Get the Best Fast Food in San Diego, CA in 2024
As the price of chain fast food continues to skyrocket, it can be challenging to find the best fast food in San Diego that is both satisfying and affordable. Locally owned fast-casual restaurants offer a better bang for your buck without sacrificing convenience or quality.
San Diego is a bustling coastal town in California renowned for its pristine beaches and idyllic climate. Home to hundreds of family-friendly activities, this city attracts droves of tourists every year. Whether you're a local looking for a refreshing new spot or a traveler needing a quick bite on the go, there is sure to be a fast food restaurant in San Diego that meets your needs.
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The 25 Best Fast Food Restaurants in San Diego, CA
1. The Crack Shack
An outdoor restaurant serving up fresh fried chicken and loaded French fries, at The Crack Shack, all the ingredients are locally sourced from organic farms to ensure the highest quality. This local hotspot also has a full bar serving local beers and hand-shaken craft cocktails for a boozy twist on fast food in San Diego.
The Vibe
Offering some of the best fast food in San Diego, The Crab Shack also takes advantage of the region's wonderful climate and is completely open-air. Enjoy exciting lawn games and wash your San Diego fast food choice down with your favorite craft cocktails.
What to Order
Order the spicy Firebird sandwich with cool ranch, crispy onion and pickles on a housemade potato bun — this is fast food in San Diego at its finest!
The Crack Shack | 2266 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
2. Oscars Mexican Seafood
Taste the freshest seafood in California at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. This San Diego fast food joint offers gourmet seafood at cheap prices, showcasing many authentic San Diego foods.
The Vibe
This San Diego fast food restaurant nestles by the sea, a local that's reflected in a laid-back, coastal theme.
What to Order
You have to try the grilled octopus taco, a favorite among locals. Don’t miss out on the fresh ceviche with many different flavors.
Oscars Mexican Seafood | 646 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 | $$
3. In-N-Out Burger
This burger chain started as a California-only fast-food restaurant but has since expanded across the country. In-N-Out Burger is famous for its fresh-cut fries and juicy burgers served hot.
The Vibe
In-N-Out Burger has a nostalgic retro interior that harkens back to a simpler era of fast food in San Diego. This restaurant is a typical fast-food joint with counter service, indoor seating and a drive-through available.
What to Order
Get a classic cheeseburger, animal-style. Check out the In-N-Out secret menu for an insider's guide to ordering like a local.
In-N-Out Burger | Multiple Locations | $$
4. Tender Greens
One of the best fast-food restaurants in San Diego for healthy eaters is Tender Greens. This calorie-conscious eatery specializes in nourishing bowls packed with essential nutrients.
The Vibe
This healthy eatery is a great place to grab an invigorating meal without sacrificing convenience, offering healthy fast food in San Diego
What to Order
Build your own plate with your choice of protein, greens and sides, or enjoy a premade salad or hearty power bowl.
Tender Greens | Multiple Locations | $$
5. Evolution
Explore plant-based fast food at Evolution. This innovative fast food in San Diego serves vegan and vegetarian cuisine sourced from local farmers.
The Vibe
This local eatery is casual and laid back with a welcoming earth-friendly aesthetic.
What to Order
If you like French fries, you are going to love the loaded Buffalo Chick’n fries, an excellent choice for fast food in San Diego.
Evolution | 2965 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 | $$
6. Carnitas Snack Shack
This fast food in San Diego is famous for its pork-centric menu. Carnitas Snack Shack offers a variety of indulgent snacks, craft beers and a beautiful ocean view.
The Vibe
This casual eatery boasts an expansive waterfront view and vivid neon décor. The atmosphere is cheery, fun and welcoming.
What to Order
Try the famous carnitas tacos or indulge in the carnitas fries smothered in spicy queso cheese, juicy carnitas and pico de gallo. This restaurant offers daily specials so check your location for exciting new offerings.
Carnitas Snack Shack | 1004 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101| $
7. True Food Kitchen
Founded on the anti-inflammatory diet popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil, True Food Kitchen prides itself on only serving whole foods that are sustainably sourced and organic. This restaurant also takes food allergies very seriously and is a great choice for diners with ingredient sensitivities looking for fast food in San Diego.
The Vibe
This fast-food restaurant in San Diego is light, bright and airy with a refreshing earthy atmosphere.
What to Order
Order the Bougie Blanco sourdough pizza topped with Parmesan cream, black truffle, organic arugula and housemade hot honey. The bar also offers fresh pressed juices and craft matcha beverages.
True Food Kitchen | Multiple Locations| $$
8. Lemonade
This bright and sunny fast-casual eatery raises the standard for fast food in San Diego. Lemonade is a cafeteria-style restaurant serving healthy California-inspired fare.
The Vibe
Lemonade is quick, healthy and convenient, with fast ticket times and efficient service.
What to Order
The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. Check out the fresh salads and vegan and vegetarian sides, entrées and desserts.
Lemonade | Multiple Locations| $$
9. The Farmer & The Seahorse
A place that combines farm-fresh fare with seaside air for an enjoyable fast food experience in San Diego. The Farmer & The Seahorse serves breakfast, brunch and lunch seven days a week and has a full-service espresso bar for a satisfying fast food breakfast in San Diego. The Farmer & The Seahorse is located inside the Alexandria building across from the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
The Vibe
This fast-casual restaurant has an upscale atmosphere, without the price tag. It offers ample indoor and outdoor dining spaces to suit every guest's needs.
What to Order
Try the chilled lobster sandwich with chives, brioche and crispy shallots, served with fries.
The Farmer & The Seahorse | 10996 Torreyana Road, Ste. 240, San Diego, CA 92121 | $$
10. Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill
Experience fresh local seafood at Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill. This San Diego fast food joint was featured on Food Networks Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dives and is a local favorite.
The Vibe
The modern coastal décor and welcoming service make this restaurant a great stop for lunch or dinner.
What to Order
You don’t want to miss out on the fresh sashimi or try a specialty sandwich such as the hearty tuna melt.
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill | 5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ste. 1B, San Diego, CA 92107 | $$
11. Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina
This fast-casual pizza joint offers authentic Italian dishes and great service. Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina is a family-friendly dining establishment. Explore Italian fast food in San Diego at Tavola Pizzeria E Cucina.
The Vibe
Tavola Nostra brings old-world Italian charm to the West Coast with hand-tossed pizzas and hearty pasta dishes.
What to Order
Try out the housemade arancini or one of the many pinsa Romana-style specialty pizzas for great fast food in San Diego.
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina | 1040 University Ave. Ste., B101, San Diego, CA 92103 | $$
12. Luna Grill
Dive into fresh Mediterranean flavors at Luna Grill. This fast-food restaurant in San Diego serves classic Mediterranean fare such as kabobs, gourmet salads, hummus, falafel and homemade pita wraps. Everything at Luna Grill contains no hormones, no GMOs and no preservatives to ensure high-quality dishes.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at Luna Grill is casual with a great dog-friendly patio available. Enjoy fast food in San Diego with your best friend by your side at Luna Grill.
What to Order
Order the crispy falafel signature plate or the popular chicken kabob and koobideh kabob plate.
Luna Grill | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Barrio Star
Explore authentic Mexican comfort food with a twist at Barrio Star. This fast food in San Diego offers bold Latin flavors with an Asian twist.
The Vibe
The colorful interior is charming and welcoming. With great service and award-winning margaritas, Barrio Starr is a staple among fast-food restaurants in San Diego.
What to Order
Snack on the surf and turf taco. It combines blackened shrimp, marinated steak, Monterey Jack cheese, chipotle cream, avocado sauce and pico de gallo. Wash it all down with a margarita flight for a great time. This San Diego fast food joint offers it all.
Barrio Star | 2706 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103| $$
14. Urban Plates
Fast food in San Diego is made healthy and accessible at Urban Plates, with meals made from scratch and ready in a flash.
The Vibe
This San Diego fast food restaurant has a casual modern atmosphere with sit-down dining or to-go options available.
What to Order
Order the beets and avocado plant-based bowl piled high with quinoa, avocado, roasted red beets, walnuts, pickled red onions, hemp seeds, shaved cabbage and tossed with a miso-lemongrass dressing.
Urban Plates | Multiple Locations | $$
15. Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza
Indulge in hand-tossed pizza topped with fresh local ingredients at Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza. This local spot for fast food in San Diego offers upscale pizza with quick casual service.
The Vibe
Crack open a beer and relax at this welcoming pizzeria. Enjoy Italian-inspired décor with exposed brick and wood-fired pizza ovens.
What to Order
Order the Staff's Favorite pizza with tomato sauce, heavy cream, Italian sausage, Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh basil topping. Don’t skip dessert, either — try the famous Blue Ribbon butterscotch pudding with sea salt and fresh whipped cream.
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza | 897 S. Coast Highway 101, Ste. F102, Encinitas, CA 92024| $$
16. The Plot
Give fast-casual vegan food a try at The Plot. Explore irresistible plant-based cuisine at this award-winning fast food restaurant in San Diego.
The Vibe
Intriguing modern décor with earthy green tones makes The Plot a serene space to dine in.
What to Order
Struggling to choose from the menu's vegan takes on San Diego fast food classics? Order the comforting shepherd's pie with hearty meatless gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
The Plot | Multiple Locations | $$
17. Plant Power Fast Foods
This quirky vegan eatery is operated out of local food co-ops and grocery stores around San Diego. Plant Power Fast Foods offers innovative fast food in San Diego, selling only vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
The Vibe
Plant Power Fast Foods is a community-driven eatery with a welcoming atmosphere.
What to Order
Try the juicy plant-based burgers or the vegan chicken wraps.
Plant Power Fast Foods | Multiple Locations | $$
18. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
A no-nonsense pizzeria serving up authentic Italian cuisine, at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto you can indulge in Italian fast food in San Diego with a family-friendly flare.
The Vibe
This family-friendly pizzeria offers a taste of home with nostalgic décor and Italian-inspired décorations.
What to Order
Order the Filippi’s Special, a New York-style pizza topped with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, bell pepper, black olive, onion and meatballs.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto | Multiple Locations | $$
19. The Butcher N Cheese
A hidden gem for fast food in San Diego is The Butcher N Cheese, a local eatery that sells juicy craft burgers and tap beers.
The Vibe
This restaurant is a laid-back bar and grill perfect for relaxing with friends over a satisfying burger.
What to Order
Try the Philly cheesesteak sandwich with a side of Parmesan truffle fries.
The Butcher N Cheese | 4705 Clairemont Drive, Ste. C, San Diego, CA 92117 | $$
20. Rubio’s Coastal Grill
Experience some of the best burritos in California at Rubio’s Coastal Grill. This coastal grill offers fresh California-style burritos and tacos for quick and ready fast food in San Diego.
The Vibe
Live your best Baja life at Rubio’s. This casual California eatery has a sense of laid-back surfer cool.
What to Order
Chow down on the classic shrimp burrito with beans, cheese, Mexican rice, salsa fresca and creamy chipotle sauce. Enjoy fresh hand-held fast food in San Diego at Rubio’s.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill | Multiple Locations | $$
21. Robertos Taco Shop
If you’re looking for fresh and affordable fast food in San Diego then Roberto’s Taco Shop is your stop. What started as a walk-up taco stand in San Diego is now a multi-store operation across multiple states.
The Vibe
This no-frills taco shop is no fuss and all flavor. It offers truly fast food with a quick drive-through and speedy counter service.
What to Order
Don’t miss out on the carne asada fries topped with beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa Mexicana and cheddar cheese.
Roberto’s Taco Shop | Multiple Locations | $$
22. Healthy Choice Club
Want quick and refreshing fast food in San Diego that doesn’t blow your diet? Healthy Choice Club is a local smoothie bar offering juices, smoothies and snacks.
The Vibe
This restaurant is located inside a health food store and is a great place to grab a drink while running errands around town.
What to Order
The menu changes seasonally so try the shake of the month for a fun surprise.
Healthy Choice Club | 4020 43rd St., San Diego, CA 92105 | $
23. Lucha Libre Taco Shop
Jump into the ring with flavor at Lucha Libre Taco Shop. This fun and feisty San Diego fast food joint puts a silly spin on classic taco shop fare. Lucha Libre Taco Shop is one of many creative and fun restaurants in San Diego.
The Vibe
Inspired by the luchadores of Mexico, Lucha Libre Taco shop encourages patrons to embrace their inner wrestlers while bodying a gigantic burrito. The colorful interiors make for a great Instagram-worthy food post.
What to Order
You have to try the extra juicy birria Cali filled with fries, jack cheese, onions, cilantro, sour cream and spicy salsa muerta. This burrito can also be made with vegan birria for plant-based luchadores.
Lucha Libre Taco Shop | Multiple Locations | $$
24. La Playa Taco Shop
Dine by the beach at La Playa Taco Shop. Located just a block from the shore, this San Diego fast food spot is a local favorite for fresh tacos on the go.
The Vibe
This straightforward taco shop offers fresh cuisine right by the beach. Enjoy scenic outdoor dining and fast service at La Playa Taco Shop.
What to Order
The menu is seasonal and changes occasionally. Try the fish tacos plate or the hefty breakfast burrito.
La Playa Taco Shop | 3973 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109| $$
25. Burger Lounge
If you are craving a straightforward burger made from fresh, organic ingredients then Burger Lounge is the San Diego fast food spot for you.
The Vibe
Burger Lounge is where hip modern design meets gourmet flavors. This establishment is quick and casual with great quality fare.
What to Order
Try the signature wild Alaskan cod sandwich made with longline caught, pan-fried cod fillet, lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce.
Burger Lounge | Multiple Locations | $$
Try Cooking San Diego Foods
While grabbing fast food in San Diego can be convenient it can also be fun to make great food at home. Check out cooking classes in San Diego and explore a wide range of available cuisines. Learn to make the classic California burrito from a five-star professional chef or take an upscale class featuring fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean.
Fast food in San Diego comes in a broad range of cuisines. From anti-inflammatory health food eateries to rough and rowdy taco shops packed with character and flavor, there is sure to be the perfect fast food in San Diego for every type of diner.
For even more ways to explore San Diego and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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