Where To Get the Best Fast Food in NYC in 2024
Searching for the best fast food in NYC? With nearly 3,000 fast food spots across the city, it can be tough to know where to start. Not all of them serve up the quality you're looking for, so narrowing down the top choices is key.
Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you. We've compiled a list of the best fast food restaurants in NYC that should be on every food lover's bucket list. Whether you're craving a classic burger or something more unique, these spots deliver the best quick bites in the city.
Jump to Section
Find the Best Fast Food Restaurants in NYC
New York City is a sprawling metropolis and with more than 2,000 fast-food restaurants scattered across the boroughs, trying to visit them all would take considerable time and effort. If you're eager to dive into the fast food scene without the hassle of endless searching, joining food tours in NYC is one of the best ways to experience the top fast food NYC has to offer.
These tours are designed to guide you to the hidden gems and iconic spots where locals go for their favorite fast food fixes. You'll learn where to eat NYC food like a local, find the best NYC burger and get a true taste of the city's vibrant food culture.
The 21 Best Fast Food Restaurants in NYC
1. Shake Shack
We’re starting this list with a fast food in NYC favorite: Shake Shack. Since the first location of this American classic restaurant opened in 2004, it has become a firm favorite for made-to-order Angus beef burgers and delicious milkshakes.
The Vibe
For a fast food restaurant, Shake Shack is a classy affair with lots of open windows to let in natural light and dark modern furniture.
What to Order
You simply cannot visit this fast food chain in NYC without trying the classic cheeseburger with crinkle-cut fries.
Shake Shack | Multiple Locations | $
2. Nathan’s Famous
There are some things you just have to do when visiting New York City and one of those is visit one of the best NYC fast food restaurants, Nathan’s Famous. This international institution has been around for more than a century and is a must-visit.
The Vibe
You can’t miss the huge yellow sign above the door beckoning you in. While it may not look like much from the outside, this NYC fast food joint packs each meal with flavor and history.
What to Order
Nathan’s is famous for its hotdogs, so you’ve got to try one for yourself. Spice things up with the chili and cheese hot dog.
Nathan’s Famous | Multiple Locations | $
3. Jollibee
If you’re looking for some of the best fast food in NYC in burger form, then you need to visit Jollibee. This fast-food restaurant is well-known for its high-quality food.
The Vibe
Jollibee sticks with the popular style of fast food décor that is crisp, clean and modern. Say "Hi" to the Jollibee mascot as you enter.
What to Order
The Aloha Yumburger is a delicious combo of Langham-scrap patty, pineapple, bacon and a unique Aloha dressing.
Jollibee | Multiple Locations | $
4. Five Guys
Since 1986, the team at Five Guys has been cooking up some delicious burgers and fries. What makes this NYC fast food spot so popular is that everything is made fresh — so fresh that there are no freezers inside!
The Vibe
Simple red booths line the dining area with red and white checkered murals running along the walls giving this restaurant an American diner feel.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong ordering the American cheeseburger with your choice of toppings and a refreshing banana milkshake.
Five Guys | Multiple Locations | $
5. Burger By Day
There’s certainly no shortage of burger restaurants in NYC, but Burger By Day stands out as an NYC fast food must-visit. Locally owned and operated, Burger By Day is a kid-friendly option for families.
The Vibe
The white floors and subway tile walls are modern and bright, with a large menu on display that makes ordering easy.
What to Order
Voted as one of the best burgers in New York City, you have to order the double bacon smash burger with a side of fries.
Burger By Day | 242 Grand St., New York, NY 10002 | $
6. Fat Boys Burgers
The last burger fast food in NYC restaurant on our list is Fat Boys Burgers. This burger restaurant is the brainchild of two brothers, Alla and Nz, along with their brother-in-law, Ahmed Mohsen.
The Vibe
Fat Boy’s keeps it simple inside with clean white walls and subway tiles to emphasize the takeaway food.
What to Order
We highly recommend the Fat Boy burger, comprising two beef patties with a special sauce. Add a side of chopped chicken fries and cheese sticks and thank us later.
Fat Boys Burger | 853 9th Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $
7. Raising Cane’s
It’s not just burgers that fast food in NYC is known for, but also crispy fried chicken and Raising Cane’s is one of the best spots to find it.
The Vibe
It’s bright, bold and funky inside one of this chain's NYC fast food restaurants, thanks to bold graffiti-inspired murals and bright art.
What to Order
Enjoy a variety of delicious foods by ordering the box combo that comes with chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and a drink.
Raising Cane’s | Multiple Locations | $
8. John’s Fried Chicken
When it comes to fast food in NYC, you cannot go wrong with John’s Fried Chicken. This Dominican restaurant is beloved by locals for its rotisserie chicken.
The Vibe
John’s is an unassuming restaurant with a bright yellow banner that beckons you into a friendly atmosphere.
What to Order
The fried chicken combo with a leg, thigh and wing is a great deal. You can add potato salad and plantains on the side.
John’s Fried Chicken | 512 W. 207th St., New York, NY 10034| $
9. Melt Shop
While there is plenty of fast food in NYC, what about comfort food? That’s where the Melt Shop comes in. This fast food restaurant serves food that reminds us of comfortable times.
The Vibe
Melt Shop is modern and minimalist, with black walls and white tiled floors.
What to Order
An all-time favorite, the Biggie Melts — a toasted sandwich with delicious, oozy and bubbly cheese.
Melt Shop | Multiple Locations | $
10. Toasties
This family-owned gourmet delicatessen is a staple NYC fast food spot that serves fresh sandwiches and salads as an alternative to fried fast food. Toasties is located close to the Radio City Music Hall.
The Vibe
The open glass display counters are packed with the makings of a delicious sandwich. All you’ve got to do is decide what you want.
What to Order
Choose from any one of the signature sandwiches served either on bread or in a wrap or pita. Our favorite is the turkey breast with brie option.
Toasties | Multiple Locations | $
11. Gray’s Papaya
You can’t visit the Big Apple without enjoying a legendary hot dog and Gray’s Papaya only has one location left to try the iconic hot dog — available 24/7. You’ve likely seen this hotdog on the popular TV series, “Sex and the City.”
The Vibe
Follow the bright and bold yellow sign into a yellow–tiled room with fruit hanging from the ceiling.
What to Order
The classic Frank is a winner. You can choose the toppings!
Gray’s Papaya | 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 | $
12. Wolfnights - The Gourmet Wrap
Who said fast food in NYC had to be burgers? At Wolfnights - The Gourmet Wrap, the order of the day is delicious and wholesome gourmet wraps. Whether you’re craving sweet, spicy or crunchy, this place for NYC fast food has it all.
The Vibe
Wolfnight’s all-black setting is funky and modern.
What to Order
You’ve got to order the Pink Moon wrap — a beetroot and chia seed wrap with grilled asparagus, green papaya slaw and pickled jalapeños with a sweet coconut vanilla sauce.
Wolfnights - The Gourmet Wrap | Multiple Locations | $
13. Sweetgreen
Another healthy NYC fast food option can be found at Sweetgreen. In 2007, the idea of reimagining fast food was born and since then, Sweetgreen has been serving sustainable and organic food.
The Vibe
Warm natural woods, concrete floss and large display fridges keep this fast food joint bright and modern.
What to Order
The protein plate is a popular choice among diners. You can enjoy a plate of caramelized garlic steak with sweet potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes on a bed of wild rice.
Sweetgreen | Multiple Locations | $
14. Ray’s Pizza
If there’s one thing New York City is known for besides hot dogs is having some of the world's best pizza, and the Italian dish from Ray’s Pizza does not disappoint. Since its establishment in 1964 by Rosolino "Ray" Mangano, this pizza joint has become a staple spot for fast food in NYC.
The Vibe
The bright red canopy calls patrons inside to the simple dining area, where good food can be enjoyed at ease with friends.
What to Order
You’ve got your pick of delicious pizza flavors with something for every palate, whether you prefer a classic cheese or like your slices sprinkled with pineapple.
Ray’s Pizza | 831 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019 | $
15. 2 Bros Pizza
Known for the $1.50 pizza slice, 2 Bros Pizza is a popular spot for fast food in NYC that is open 24/7 to curb those carb cravings.
The Vibe
From graffiti-covered doors to classic subway tile walls, this is a hip and trendy spot for NYC fast food.
What to Order
We highly recommend the spicy Buffalo chicken pizza or the classic pepperoni with cheese.
2 Bros Pizza | multiple Locations | $
16. Joe’s Pizza
Looking for the best pizza in NYC? Look no further than Joe’s Pizza. Established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, who still owns and runs the business, this pizza joint is an iconic spot that serves an authentic New York street slice.
The Vibe
Joe’s Pizza is cozy and full of history on the inside, with walls covered in photos of the past.
What to Order
You can’t visit this fast food in NYC without trying a slice of authentic New York street pizza.
Joe’s Pizza | Multiple Locations | $
17. La Bagel Delight
Skip the pizza and enjoy a classic New York bagel from La Bagel Delight, the best-known bagel store in Brooklyn.
The Vibe
This small NYC fast food joint features a wrap-around deli counter with all the delicious bagel makings on display.
What to Order
Start your morning off with a bacon, egg and cheese bagel. For something sweet, opt for the cinnamon raisin bagel.
La Bagel Delight | Multiple Locations | $
18. Dos Toros
Owned by two brothers who wanted to share their love for this cuisine, Dos Toros is an NYC fast food joint serving some of the best Mexican food in NYC.
The Vibe
Rustic leather chairs and warm wood furniture give this NYC fast food joint a rustic and cozy vibe.
What to Order
This popular NYC fast food joint offers a “build it yourself” kind of menu with options ranging from nachos to burritos. Choose your protein — perhaps some slow-cooked pork carnitas — and add toppings like rice, black beans and corn salsa.
Dos Toros | Multiple Locations | $$
19. Los Tacos No.1
Experience authentic Mexican culture and cuisine at Los Tacos No.1 for your next NYC fast-food feast. Los Tacos No. 1 focuses on using family recipes with fresh ingredients.
The Vibe
The restaurant keeps it simple with an emphasis on the food and plenty of space for lines of hungry customers.
What to Order
The Abobada tacos with marinated pork, a side of chips and guacamole.
Los Tacos No.1 | Multiple Locations | $
20. Beyond Sushi
You don’t have to look any further than Beyond Sushi if you're looking for the best NYC sushi. This spot for vegan fast food in NYC is the brainchild of renowned vegan Chef Guy Vaknin and is known for serving healthy and wholesome meals.
The Vibe
The natural wood, brick walls and indoor plants make this a modern and vibrant place to enjoy fast food in NYC.
What to Order
Enjoy a plate of colorful, vegan-friendly rainbow rolls or the spicy jackfruit crab roll.
Beyond Sushi | Multiple Locations | $
21. Taïm
The final NYC fast food place you need to visit on our list is Taïm, a Mediterranean kitchen that uses time-honored cooking techniques and flavors from this cuisine.
The Vibe
Much like the food, Taïm is bright and colorful inside with bright green walls and a large deli counter with bright ingredients on display. As NYC fast food goes, few places live up to the phrase "eating with your eyes" like Taïm.
What to Order
Choose your base of either a bowl or pita and add your mains like chicken or falafel. Throw in some exciting toppings with a drizzle of your chosen sauce and discover what makes this NYC fast food spot so popular.
Taïm | Multiple Locations | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
There are many reasons why New York City draws visitors from around the globe. It's a city rich with history, heritage and culture, not to mention one of the financial capitals of the world, but as with all cities of its size, one of its key draws is the food. It almost goes without saying that those in search of fine dining will be well served in the Big Apple, but for those on the go — as many who find themselves in New York will be — NYC's fast food scene has options to suit every palate. Whether you want a classic burger and fries, a slice of New York's finest pizza or a zingy bowl packed with Mediterranean flavor, fast food in NYC has something to tickle the fancy of even the most discerning palate.
For even more ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.