Where To Get the Best Fast Food in Austin, TX in 2024
Austin is the state capital of Texas and is known as the live music capital of the world. Aside from the many various activities in the city, there is also a thriving food scene with many amazing restaurants and Austin fast food joints to try. However, finding the best spots to sample first can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a list of the 17 best fast foods in Austin for you to try.
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Find The Best Fast Food Restaurants in Austin
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The 17 Best Fast Food Restaurants in Austin, TX
1. Torchy's Tacos
Starting as a small trailer on South First, Torchy’s Tacos has grown into its own taco empire with locations all over Austin and 14 other states across the United States, making it one of the top Austin fast food joints.
The Vibe
Each Torchy is slightly different but generally, the chain sticks to the same aesthetic across all stores. Each spot has a cozy interior with multiple tables and counters. The atmosphere is lively and inviting.
What to Order
Depending on the location you’re likely to find a slightly varied menu with different monthly tacos available. The most popular item at this Austin fast food spot is the Trailer Park Taco. If you want something unique, order from Torchy’s secret menu.
Torchy’s Tacos | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Chi’Lantro BBQ
If you are looking for delicious Korean fast food in Austin, look no further than Chi’Lantro, home of the famous kimchi fries. This Korean barbecue joint was opened in 2010 by owner Jae Kim.
The Vibe
Like most other Austin fast food establishments, Chi’Lantro started as a food truck but is now a popular and recognizable fast-casual restaurant that even appeared on Shark Tank!
What to Order
Order some of the best BBQ food in Austin from Chi’Lantro. From its famous kimchi fries to the Korean-style fried chicken wings, you are bound to find something you’ll love here.
Chi’Lantro | Multiple Locations | $$
3. Chuy’s
Chuy’s is one of the most recognizable and prolific Austin food joints for fast food. Opening way back in 1982, Chuy’s has grown into a beloved Austin fast food spot.
The Vibe
Each restaurant is decorated with various bright colors, along with dangling wooden fish, hubcaps and various car parts. The popular place for fast food in Austin also has a shrine dedicated to the king of rock, Elvis Presley.
What to Order
This Tex-Mex fast food joint in Austin features various Tex-Mex staples, such as fajitas, tacos, margaritas, burritos and enchiladas.
Chuy’s | Multiple Locations | $$
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4. Dos Batos
Opened in 2010 by owner Javier G, Dos Batos brings the amazing taste of fresh wood-fired carne asada and delicious homemade tacos to Austin residents and visitors.
The Vibe
This Austin fast food joint is simply decorated with a beautiful, large hand-painted mural spanning across a section of walls. The aroma of the wood fire from the kitchen gives it a striking atmosphere.
What to Order
The menu at this Taco-based Austin fast food spot offers guests delicious homemade tortilla-based dishes and high-quality wood-fired chicken, beef and veggie tacos. One of the most popular orders is the pirata taco.
Dos Batos | 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Building 1., Ste. 175 Austin, TX 78757 | $
5. Tacodeli
Tacodeli is another beloved tortilla-based spot for fast food in Austin. Since its opening in 1999, Tacodeli has grown to include six locations across Austin and boasts a menu with a whopping 30 tacos.
The Vibe
Tacodeli offers a laid-back, casual vibe and atmosphere. The walls are painted yellow and one wall is decorated with postcards from all over the world and a wooden board along with a map of all the Texan farms that supply the fast food chain.
What to Order
This Austin fast food joint offers many different creative tacos, such as the Shrimposito (Texas Gulf shrimp, chipotle-sesame adobo, queso fresco and avocado) and the Frontera Fundido Sirloin (grilled sirloin, jack cheese glaze and sautéed poblano-onion rajas).
Tacodeli | Multiple Locations | $$
6. Cabo Bob's Burritos
Established in 2008, Cabo Bob’s Burritos is an Austin fast food establishment that offers build-your-own burritos, tacos, bowls and more. According to the owners, Cabo Bob is the general term for a person who has life and their general surroundings figured out.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at this Austin fast food joint is very relaxed and honors the spirit of Cabo Bob. It is always bustling with young professionals and working-class people.
What to Order
Try one of the most trusted choices for delicious Mexican fast food in Austin at Cabo Bob’s Burritos, from deluxe fish tacos to possibly the best steak burrito you’ve ever had.
Cabo Bob’s Burritos | Multiple Locations | $
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7. Fresa’s
Offering delicious and filling Mexican fast food in Austin is Fresa’s. One of its locations is a drive-through, making it extra convenient for a quick bite to eat before a road trip or on the way to work.
The Vibe
This cute and cozy Austin fast food restaurant has an enjoyable atmosphere, both inside and out. The gentle pastel colors on the mostly white interior give this Mexican fast food restaurant in Austin a welcoming, childlike feel.
What to Order
A no-brainer from this popular Mexican fast food joint in Austin is its famous chicken al carbon or exceptional sides, such as Mexican street corn, grilled beets or cauliflower.
Fresa’s | Multiple Locations | $$
8. P. Terry's Burger Stand
Just as In-N-Out is beloved in California, so is P. Terry’s Burger Stand is just as loved in Austin. This popular greasy burger fast food spot in Austin offers sit-ins or drive-throughs at all its locations dotted around the city.
The Vibe
When driving around Austin, it is hard to miss the teal and red vintage-style buildings. This look gives the place an old-school diner feel with a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere
What to Order
Offering food made using all-natural beef and chicken, canola-oil fried fries from fresh potatoes and freshly squeezed orange juice, you can feel good while eating at this Austin-based fast food burger joint.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand | Multiple Locations | $
9. Sandy’s Hamburgers
An icon of the Austin fast food scene, Sandy’s Hamburgers was established in 1946 by then-owners Andy Harris and Glen Teter. To this day, it is best known for its old-fashioned burgers and frozen custard treats.
The Vibe
Step back in time to the 1960s with Sandy’s old-school neon sign advertising frozen custard and root beer floats and enjoy a meal in this old-school building.
What to Order
Enjoy classic fast food in Austin at Sandy’s Hamburgers. The restaurant serves delicious frozen custard sundaes, root beer floats, milkshakes and mouth-watering hamburgers, such as the double meat cheeseburger.
Sandy’s Hamburgers | 603 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704 | $
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10. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
For possibly the best burger served at any fast food joint in Austin, head to Hopdoddy Burger Bar, the king of burgers in Texas. For people living outside of Austin, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is an attraction to visit.
The Vibe
This popular fast food spot in Austin is usually busy and a line can often be seen going out the door as people queue for the burger of the month.
What to Order
There is a variety of mouthwatering creations made with freshly baked bread, daily ground meat, hand-made sauces and fresh veggies, including the Thunderbird. You can also try the meat-free burger made with Hopdoddy’s own house-made veggie patties.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar | Multiple Locations | $$
11. Bird Bird Biscuit
Owners Ryan and Brian opened Bird Bird Biscuit back in 2018 with the goal of creating a space where people feel welcomed and loved while providing breakfasts and comforting fast foods in Austin.
The Vibe
Winner of Austin’s fast-casual Restaurant of the Year award, this simple and quaint spot offers a laid-back and comfortable environment for its guests to enjoy a fast food sandwich with no fuss.
What to Order
The breakfast sandwich at this Austin fast food place offers delicious, sturdy biscuits with various fillings, such as eggs, bacon, cheese, sausage and breaded chicken. Other popular dishes include the Bird Bird Bacon, which comes with a mouth-watering chipotle-infused mayo.
Bird Bird Biscuit | Multiple Locations | $$
12. Flyrite Chicken
Flyrite Chicken is popular and well-known as a classic Austin fast food spot. It offers possibly some of the best chicken sandwiches available in Austin, which are consistently tasty and served quickly.
The Vibe
Outdoor and indoor seating is available at Flyrite Chicken, as well as a drive-through. Flyrite Chicken is a simplistic and modern fast food spot in Austin with a relaxed and chill vibe for patrons to sit and enjoy their mouthwatering chicken sandwiches.
What to Order
Whether you order one of the popular chicken sandwiches or just something small from Flyrite’s side menu, you are sure to find your food delectable and thoughtfully sourced with no MSG, antibiotics or hormones in the ingredients.
Flyrite Chicken | Multiple Locations | $
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13. Sour Duck Market
Established in 2018 by the owner of Odd Duck and Barley Swine, Sour Duck Market takes the casual concept of everyday foods to new heights. It offers a little bit of everything, with a menu inspired by local farmers.
The Vibe
A casual, welcoming vibe and an enchanting backyard with seating available for those who choose to dine in at this Austin fast food joint.
What to Order
From coffee and pastry to smoked meats and beer, the menu at this Austin fast food spot has something for everyone. Enjoy the Texas farm salad or a soft pretzel and queso.
Sour Duck Market | 1814 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
14. Fareground
Fareground is not just one fast food spot in Austin, but is the culmination of multiple smaller food joints, from Henbit to Taco Pegaso, each stall offering different and unique food and drink options.
The Vibe
Fareground has a stunning wooded interior that sets a casual, but elegant tone. Seating is spread across the large hall, while various food and drink stalls are dotted around the room.
What to Order
Indulge in a variety of different fast foods in Austin at Fareground. Try delicious sushi from Ni-Kome or fresh corn tortilla tacos at Dai Due Taqueria. There is something for everyone here.
Fareground | 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 | $$
15. Ramen Tatsu-ya
Ramen Tatsu-ya specializes in Japanese curry and ramen-based fast food in Austin, opened by local chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto.
The Vibe
The ambiance at Ramen Tatsu-ya is laid back and relaxing, offering a lovely escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Austin.
What to Order
Ramen Tatsuya offers a variety of ramen-based fast foods in Austin with different flavor profiles, from spicy edamame to miso ramen. Each dish is delicious and unique.
Ramen Tatsu-ya | Multiple Locations | $$
16. Blenders and Bowls
Blenders and Bowls originally opened as a health food truck in 2011. Since then, it has expanded into its own café and opened multiple locations for healthy fast food in Austin.
The Vibe
It has a cute and relaxing environment where patrons can enjoy a nutritious take on fast food in Austin. The staff at Blenders and Bowls are friendly and happy to help explain any of the foods available if needed.
What to Order
Blenders and Bowls offers healthy foods made with authentic açaí, the superfruit from Brazil that is packed with antioxidants. With various healthy smoothies and açaí bowls, from the beach bowl to the pitaya bowl, you’re sure to find a healthy dish that you’ll love at this unique Austin fast food spot.
Blenders and Bowls | Multiple Locations | $$
17. MezzeMe
MezzeMe was opened in 2017 by Mahmud Ugar when he returned from Turkey. Offering locals and visitors alike unique and exciting Mediterranean fast food in Austin using farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, MezzeMe has become a popular spot in the city.
The Vibe
Bask in the comfortable and enjoyable ambiance while indulging in authentically prepared Mediterranean cuisine. This makes for an extraordinary dining experience, even for an Austin fast food joint.
What to Order
Enjoy various authentic Mediterranean meals, from red pepper hummus to delicious beef lamb doner, all made with locally sourced ingredients and authentic Turkish spices.
MezzeMe | 4700 W. Guadalupe St., Ste. 9, Austin, TX 78751 | $$
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The Austin fast food scene is brimming with unique and flavorful restaurants, each with its own unique style and menu. It also has a vast number of historical and cultural museums and locations to explore and learn from, as well as endless outdoor and indoor activities to try out. No matter what you plan to do in the city, be sure to check out some of these fast food spots in Austin to get a real taste of the local cuisine.
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