Where To Get the Best Fast Food in Boston, MA in 2024
The heart of Massachusetts beckons with its rich history and cultural mix, making it a grab-and-go paradise for those seeking the best fast food in Boston. The city boasts diverse, quick and tasty dining options, from classic sandwich shops to internationally renowned treats.
Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to uncover the 21 top places to find fast food in Boston, each offering its own unique flavors and specialties. Whether you're a busy student, a tourist on the move or a local foodie, Boston's fast food scene has something delicious to offer.
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Find The Best Fast Food Restaurants in Boston
Knowing where to start when exploring the city’s fast food joints can be a daunting task, but a food tour in Boston can make it an exciting adventure. These immersive experiences are tailored to help you unearth the finest dining establishments in the city, including top spots serving burgers, pizza, sushi and other fast food favorites.
Guided tours offer an insider's perspective, steering you towards hidden gems and culinary hotspots that might otherwise go unnoticed. This way you'll gain invaluable insights into the must-visit places to satisfy your future fast food cravings.
The 21 Best Fast Food Restaurants in Boston
1. Charlie’s Kitchen
For over 40 years, Charlies’ Kitchen has been serving up quintessential comfort fast food near Boston, perfect for a late night.
The Vibe
Set up like a classic dive bar with quick service and decent food.
What to Order
The lobster melt sandwich will make seafood lovers more than happy. Order it with French fries and you’re good to go.
Charlie’s Kitchen | 10 Eliot St., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$
2. Bova’s Bakery
Offering both hot and cold food, Bova’s Bakery is a family-owned bakeshop serving fast food in Boston since 1932.
The Vibe
This cozy, compact space often has a line, so it's wise to arrive early.
What to Order
Order the meatball and cheese calzone for a hot on-the-go meal. If you’re craving something sweet, then the crème brûlée cannoli is a great choice.
Bova’s Bakery | 134 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113 | $
3. Lemon Thai Cuisine
Fast food near Boston isn’t complete without mouth-watering Thai cuisine. Luckily, Lemon Thai Cuisine is here to serve.
The Vibe
The interior is simple with a handful of seating, embracing a true takeout style.
What to Order
The pad Thai is a must. It's available with chicken, tofu, vegetables, shrimp, squid or crispy chicken.
Lemon Thai Cuisine | 215 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143 | $$
4. Regina Pizzeria
If you’re looking for fast food in Boston to satisfy your pizza cravings, Regina Pizzeria is the spot for you. Serving authentic handmade pizza since 1926, the chefs pride themselves on their pizzas made in a brick oven.
The Vibe
It exudes a warm and inviting vibe that captures the essence of an old-school Italian pizzeria. The atmosphere is bustling with a lively energy that makes you feel right at home.
What to Order
This restaurant has been serving some of the best pizza in Boston for years, so which pizza should you order? Give the Giambotta a try; diners describe it as excellent flavorwise.
Regina Pizzeria | Multiple Locations | $$
5. Bon Me
Asian-inspired eats with a modern twist make Bon Me a delicious choice when you need fast food in Boston. With multiple locations, this food truck and restaurant company is far from new to the fast food game.
The Vibe
Regardless of which location you go to, the décor maintains a similar theme: modern, spacious and vibrant, with wooden fixtures and counter seating available.
What to Order
The Korean-style sandwich will make sandwich lovers jump for joy. It’s filled with pickled carrots, red onions, spicy mayo and roast chicken glazed in gochujang sauce.
Bon Me | Multiple Locations | $$
6. Pita Cambridge
If you’re craving mouth-watering Mediterranean fast food in Boston, look no further than Pita Cambridge, which serves dishes from this popular culinary region daily.
The Vibe
The inside is quaint with simple and somewhat rustic décor. Staff are friendly and attentive, adding to the experience.
What to Order
Order the falafel pita roll with traditional Mediterranean flavors, from the fresh pita bread with hummus, to the chopped parsley, pickles and tahini sauce.
Pita Cambridge | 12 Springfield St., Cambridge, MA 02139 | $$
7. Life Alive
You’ll find healthy and delicious fast food in Boston to refuel you at Life Alive. This organic café has a food promise whereby the chefs celebrate positive eating by preparing organic meals from scratch.
The Vibe
The restaurant’s commitment to organic food resonates in the interior design. Each location exudes a positive and vibrant charm with colorful and bright décor that’s unmissable.
What to Order
Pick an açaí bowl, any açaí bowl! Whether it's the super berry açaí, the PB Cup açaí or the tropical mango açaí, you're in for a real treat. No other place selling fast food in Boston does açaí quite like this.
Life Alive | Multiple Locations | $$
8. Greco
For authentic Greek fast food in Boston, visit Greco. This fast-casual restaurant offers vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, featuring dishes like pitas and souvlaki.
The Vibe
Contemporary décor fills the interiors of most, if not all, the locations, from high ceilings with wooden accents to modern finishings and bar stool dining.
What to Order
Skip the main and go straight for dessert. The loukoumades are Greek-style doughnuts that are impossibly delicious. Try the classic flavor with Greek honey, walnuts and cinnamon.
Greco | Multiple Locations | $$
9. Bess’s Café
Another favorite for fast food near Boston is Bess’s Café, known for its authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine.
The Vibe
This cozy restaurant has a warm and inviting feel. It almost feels like dining in someone's home as a welcomed guest.
What to Order
For the foodie adventurers among us looking to try some unique fast food near Boston, the crispy scallion pancake provides an incredible flavor experience.
Bess’s Café | 224 Cypress St., Brookline, MA 02445 | $$
10. Jimmy Johns
This modern sandwich shop offers a variety of delicious sandwich styles, combinations and more. If you’re in the mood for quality sandwiches in your search for fast food in Boston, then look no further than Jimmy Johns.
The Vibe
You're greeted with bustling energy that resembles that of the city outside. Service is fast and servers are friendly.
What to Order
The spicy East Coast Italian includes double salami, double capocollo, provolone, Jimmy peppers, onions, lettuce and mayo. For a vegetarian option, opt for The Veggie.
Jimmy John’s | 413 D St., Boston, MA 02210 | $$
11. Anna’s Taqueria
Since 1995, Anna's Taqueria has been a beloved spot for authentic Mexican fast food in Boston.
The Vibe
Each location shares a similar interior design, featuring tiled serving counters with wooden tables and fixtures for a rustic feel.
What to Order
When looking for things to do in Boston, you must visit the home of the city's most beloved burrito. Try the Super al pastor burrito; it’s packed with flavor and high-quality, delicious ingredients.
Anna’s Taqueria | Multiple Location | $$$
12. The Dubliner
Boasting a traditional Irish menu, The Dubliner is a unique find among places selling fast food in Boston. From Sunday roasts to shepherd’s pie, it has it all.
The Vibe
This lively Irish pub offers diners a taste of European pub life in the middle of Boston. It’s warm and the atmosphere is cozy, with stone walls and wooden fixtures giving off a rustic charm.
What to Order
The beef and Guinness pie is a must-try, blending the rich flavor of beer into a pie for a unique taste sensation.
The Dubliners | 2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108 | $$
13. Eventide
When you need fast food in Boston of the seafood variety, Eventide is the perfect spot. Known for its fresh and flavorful offerings, it delivers an exceptional seafood dining experience.
The Vibe
With high ceilings and a light, crisp, airy atmosphere, this seafood restaurant has a wonderfully modern interior and plenty of seating.
What to Order
The Eventide brown butter lobster roll is a favorite among diners, described as impeccable and delicious.
Eventide | Multiple Locations | $$$
14. The Real Deal
For a fun local experience with fast food in Boston, check out The Real Deal. It offers classics and specialty sandwiches, along with pizza and burgers if that’s your preference.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is upbeat and fun. Diners can enjoy casual eats while surrounded by attentive staff and vending machines. It’s recommended for anybody seeking fun restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Give the meatball sub a try, with homemade meatballs, marinara and sharp provolone cheese served on a sub roll. You’re guaranteed to leave satisfied and full.
The Real Deal | Multiple Locations | $$
15. Saus
Offering a vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu, Saus serves fresh fast food in Boston in a fast-casual, counter style.
The Vibe
With graffiti-style menu boards and eye-catching décor, the vibe is care-free and fun. Diners will definitely enjoy the spacious and colorful interiors.
What to Order
Classic poutine is the way to go. Wash it down with a refreshing root beer.
Saus | Multiple Locations | $$
16. Dado Tea
This quaint café serves wonderfully fresh fast food in Boston, providing healthy, organic and wholesome foods such as sandwiches, salads, noodles and of course, a wide selection of tea. Dado Tea offers fast food in Boston that is both quick and nutritious.
The Vibe
Quaint, quiet, cute and wholesome, the cozy atmosphere is charming. It puts diners at ease as they tuck into their nutritious meals.
What to Order
Order the Greek wrap and pair it with the Indian chai bubble tea for a well-rounded meal.
Dado Tea | 955 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139 | $$
17. Clover Food Lab
Another place serving fast food in Boston that's good for you is Clover Food Lab. The organic menu is locally sourced, health-conscious and delicious.
The Vibe
With several locations spread around Boston, the vibe is universally hip and upbeat. Each location is spacious, clean, neat and impossibly minimalist.
What to Order
Clover Food Lab's take on a pushpir sandwich is a crowd favorite — a chickpea fritter with falafel balls, cucumber-tomato salad, pickled veggies and tahini sauce.
Clover Food Lab | Multiple Locations | $$
18. Avana Sushi
There are a number of fast food spots in Boston that serve sushi, but none compare to Avana Sushi.
The Vibe
Very cozy and unassuming with friendly staff, seating at both locations is limited, so it might be best to order to-go if you can to beat the lunchtime rush.
What to Order
Order the mouthwatering spicy tuna avocado roll. For those with a sweet tooth who can’t order fast food in Boston without dessert, try the mochi ice cream.
Avana Sushi | Multiple Locations | $$
19. Roxy’s Grilled Cheese
Lovers of all things grilled cheese will have a blast at Roxy’s Grilled Cheese — serving comforting fast food near Boston, one grilled cheese sandwich at a time.
The Vibe
Fun and inviting with arcade machines, concert posters and framed art lining the walls, the vibe is relaxed and inviting. The service is also fast and competent, so you don't have to worry about waiting too long.
What to Order
You can’t visit this restaurant without trying the Green Muenster with mouthwatering applewood-smoked bacon and guacamole made in-house.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese | 485 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134 | $$
20. Al’s Café
Proclaimed as the best subs in the city, Al’s Café might be what you need in your quest to find quality fast food in Boston. For over 16 years, this family-run business has been serving gourmet subs, soups and more.
The Vibe
Al's Café has an inviting atmosphere with a friendly neighborhood feel. Seating is limited in true takeout fashion.
What to Order
You can’t say you’ve had fast food in Boston without trying Al’s Cafe’s Italian’s Italian cold sub, made with mortadella, Genoa salami, sweet capicola and provolone cheese.
Al’s Café | Multiple Locations | $$
21. South Street Diner
If you're craving something to eat at 2 a.m., then look no further, as South Street Diner is one of the few places serving fast food in Boston 24/7.
The Vibe
South Street Diner has a classic, retro vibe, reminiscent of traditional American diners. It’s lively and welcoming, perfect for any time of day or night.
What to Order
Whether you're stopping by for a hearty breakfast or a late-night treat, the traditional eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon is a standout dish.
South Street Diner | 178 Kneeland St., Boston, MA 02111 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
From burgers to international delights, Boston’s fast food scene has it all. These 21 standout spots represent the finest fast food in Boston. If you find yourself lost in the city, hungry after a night out or simply looking to indulge your fast food cravings, be sure to check out these top places and experience the flavors that make Boston’s fast food so great.
For even more ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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