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The 16 Best Fast Food Places in New York

When it comes to finding a quick and delicious meal in the bustling city of New York, there are plenty of fast food places to choose from. Whether you're looking for a classic burger and fries or a unique culinary experience, the city that never sleeps has something for everyone.

From iconic chains to hidden gems, New York offers a diverse array of fast food options that are sure to satisfy any craving. So, if you're in the mood for a quick bite on the go, look no further than the list below to help you find the perfect spot.

With so many great options to choose from, you're sure to find the best fast food place in New York that meets all your criteria. Take a look at the list below to discover The 16 Best Fast Food Places in New York and start planning your next meal today!

How this guide is ordered

Chosen by our New York editors from places across the five boroughs, giving weight to a long track record with locals, current opening details and how well each one delivers on what it promises. Lists are revisited often; tell us when a spot closes or moves.

Featured businesses may pay for a more visible position within the guide.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

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#1
Shake Shack Herald Square
4.510,235 reviews
#2
Five Guys
4.45,051 reviews
#3
Shake Shack Midtown East
4.43,643 reviews

Full list

Compare 16 local options

Shake Shack Herald Square#1
What stands out

  • The food was served relatively quickly, and the taste didn't disappoint.

  • For the price and expectations, the food was of great value.

  • The burgers and cheese fries are worth trying, with exceptional customer service.

  • While some customers had negative experiences with staff behavior, overall, the food and service received positive feedback.

Shake Shack Herald Square

4.510,235 reviews
1333 Broadway, New York, NY 10018, United States

Shake Shack Herald Square is a renowned hamburger restaurant located in New York City. With a stellar rating of 4.5 stars from 10235 reviews, this spot is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Some of the key service options include delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The restaurant is known for its fast service and is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. Customers praise the convenience and satisfying dishes that make this spot a go-to for a quick meal.

Customer reviews highlight the restaurant's prompt service, enjoyable food, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional customer service. Here are a few key points summarizing the reviews:

Experience the flavors and warmth of Shake Shack Herald Square for yourself!

Five Guys#2
What stands out

  • Impressive service catering to allergies, ensuring no cross-contamination.

  • Delicious food served generously, especially Cajun fries and a variety of milkshakes.

  • Quickly prepared custom burgers, though fries not always crispy.

  • Busy atmosphere with friendly but sometimes loud staff.

Five Guys

4.45,051 reviews
253 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located in New York, offering a variety of services and features for a satisfying dining experience. Customers can enjoy no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, takeaway, or dine-in options. The restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. Additionally, Five Guys provides wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilets for improved accessibility and comfort.

With a remarkable rating of 4.4, Five Guys has garnered over 5000 reviews from satisfied customers. Here are a few key points from customer feedback:

The restaurant stands out for its juicy burgers, fresh toppings, and perfectly seasoned fries, offering a quintessential burger experience like no other.

Shake Shack Midtown East#3
What stands out

  • Enjoyed a wonderful dinner with delicious Chicken Shack Burger and Spicy Korean BBQ Cheese Fries

  • Disappointed with the Korean style chicken sandwich, dry chicken and lack of toppings

  • Decent burger with fair pricing, but felt like a typical franchise option

  • Best fast food chain burgers with unique flavors and delicious fries, though slightly expensive

Shake Shack Midtown East

4.43,643 reviews
600 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Shake Shack Midtown East is a popular Hamburger restaurant located in New York City. The establishment offers a variety of services to cater to their customers' needs. With options for Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, patrons can enjoy their meals in a way that suits them best.

One of the highlights of this venue is its fast service, making it a great spot for those looking for a quick and delicious meal. Known for being popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining, Shake Shack Midtown East has earned a solid reputation among diners.

Customer reviews praise the restaurant for its delightful food and pleasant atmosphere. Here are some key points summarizing the reviews:

If you're looking for a place that offers tasty burgers and a welcoming atmosphere, Shake Shack Midtown East is a must-visit spot in the city.

46th & 6th In-Line#4
What stands out

  • Food quality didn't meet expectations, fell short, and lacked flavor.

  • Fries were cold, chicken sandwich was soggy, and sauces were missing, making the experience disappointing.

  • Delicious chicken burgers and fries, friendly staff, though some wait time was noted.

  • Chicken dishes are tender, juicy, and better tasting compared to other fast food restaurants.

46th & 6th In-Line

4.34,692 reviews
1180 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States

46th & 6th In-Line is a popular fast food restaurant located in New York. They offer various services like outdoor seating, delivery, and takeaway. Customers can enjoy their delicious coffee, late-night food, and quick bite options. It's known for its tasty chicken burgers and fries with vegetarian options available.

Shake Shack Fulton Transit CTR - Manhattan#5
What stands out

  • Impressed by the quality of food, now a favorite over other fast-food burger restaurants.

  • Renowned for its burgers and delicious frozen custard, excellent shakes, and great staff.

  • Atmospheric location, although the food can get pricey, with good food quality and service.

Shake Shack Fulton Transit CTR - Manhattan

4.34,625 reviews
200 Broadway, Space LL2010 #2010, New York, NY 10038, United States

Shake Shack Fulton Transit CTR - Manhattan is a popular hamburger restaurant located in New York. They offer various service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The restaurant is known for its fast service and is a great spot for lunch and dinner, as well as solo dining.

Customers have left positive reviews about Shake Shack Fulton Transit CTR - Manhattan. Some key points from the reviews include:

Overall, customers enjoy the delicious food, great service, and pleasant atmosphere at Shake Shack Fulton Transit CTR - Manhattan.

Five Guys#6
What stands out

  • The cashier's behavior and service quality left something to be desired, but the food was decent. (3 stars)

  • Quick and tasty food, with very generous portions – be careful with the large fries! (4 stars)

  • Outstanding burgers, with a huge serving of fries. Best in NYC! (5 stars)

  • Great food quality and a fun atmosphere, perfect for families. (5 stars)

Five Guys

4.32,941 reviews
43 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located in New York City. Known for its delicious burgers, huge portions of fries, and tasty milkshakes, Five Guys offers a variety of services to its customers. These services include no-contact delivery, regular delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Customers have left numerous reviews praising Five Guys. Some key points from the reviews include:

If you are looking for a casual dining experience with delicious burgers and ample seating, make sure to visit Five Guys!

Five Guys#7
What stands out

  • The hamburger and the fries are a really good combination.

  • The place is prepared for fast food so the atmosphere is not too fancy.

  • Orders are prepared very quickly compared to other places.

  • If you’re from another state, this 5 guys will feel like coming home.

  • Delicious milkshakes and a soda fountain that is hard to come by in NYC.

  • Bathroom available but requires a code to use.

  • Initially enjoyed the tasty burgers and substantial fries with good service.

  • Recent experiences have shown a decline in quality and service, with price increases and shortchanging issues.

  • Loss of trust due to dishonest practices led to discontinuation of patronage.

  • Horrible food quality with wilted potatoes, withered hamburgers, and liquid milkshakes.

  • Bad experience overall and not recommended.

  • Disappointing food and service from attendants.

Five Guys

4.31,834 reviews
343 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located on 343 7th Ave, New York, NY. They offer a variety of services and features, including no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Known for being popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, Five Guys ensures a pleasant dining experience for all.

Five Guys#8
What stands out

  • Ricas hamburguesas with fast service and slightly high prices.

  • Excellent services and perfect burgers even near closing time.

  • Delicious burgers and fries with common, but not outstanding service.

  • Good food, slower service compared to other branches, but overall acceptable.

Five Guys

4.31,747 reviews
1008 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018, United States

Five Guys is a popular fast food restaurant in New York City known for its delicious burgers and fast service. Customers can enjoy a variety of service options including no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, offering late-night food and a quick bite for those on the go.

With a rating of 4.3 based on 1747 reviews, Five Guys continues to attract customers looking for a tasty burger experience. So, stop by for a casual and satisfying meal at Five Guys!

Five Guys#9
What stands out

  • The patty is super fresh and flavorful

  • Love the variety of drink choices

  • Great quality, taste, and portion size

Five Guys

4.22,526 reviews
36 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located in the heart of New York City. Known for their delicious burgers and fries, they offer a variety of dining options such as counter service and seating, making it a great spot for both solo dining and group gatherings.

Customers have praised Five Guys for its speedy service, allowing them to quickly enjoy their fresh and flavorful burgers. The ability to build your own burger by customizing each topping ensures that every visit is a unique and satisfying experience.

With a solid rating of 4.2 stars and over 2500 reviews, Five Guys continues to impress locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a late-night meal, Five Guys is the place to be!

Five Guys#10
What stands out

  • One customer enjoyed the burgers but found the prices to be higher than expected.

  • Another customer appreciated the pleasant cashier and the good food, while suggesting more frequent table cleaning.

  • A different customer raved about the chips and the generous portions, expressing love for the place.

  • One visitor found the burgers overpriced but enjoyed the fries and hot dogs, praising the friendly service and nostalgic music.

Five Guys

4.31,448 reviews
56 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States

Five Guys is a popular fast food restaurant located in New York, offering a variety of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for being popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, this establishment provides a casual atmosphere suitable for groups.

Customer reviews highlight some key points:

With a rating of 4.3, Five Guys continues to attract customers with its delicious burgers, fries, and hot dogs, quick service, and friendly staff. Visit their website for more information and enjoy a satisfying meal at Five Guys.

Five Guys#11
What stands out

  • Little size burger and love the fries

  • Juicy and delicious burgers, well-seasoned fries

  • Great customer service, fantastic double patty burger

  • Tasty homemade burgers, abundant fries

Five Guys

4.21,879 reviews
316 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located in New York, NY. Known for their juicy burgers and delicious fries, they offer various service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers appreciate their popular lunch and dinner options, as well as their solo dining experience.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

If you are looking for a classic American burger experience, Five Guys is the place to be!

Five Guys#12
What stands out

  • Tasty burgers with lots of combinations

  • Helpful staff providing a great experience

  • Delicious burgers and hot dogs with reasonable prices

  • Quick service and great food

Five Guys

4.21,461 reviews
690 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located in New York City, offering a variety of delicious burgers and fries. The restaurant provides various service options such as no-contact delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, making it convenient for all customers. It is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, as well as for solo dining.

The atmosphere at Five Guys is described as casual, making it an ideal place to grab a quick bite with friends or family. Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff who ensure a pleasant dining experience. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Whether you are looking for a quick meal on-the-go or a casual dining experience, Five Guys is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for flavorful burgers and fries in New York City.

Wendy's#13

Wendy's

3.93,448 reviews
938 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Wendy's is a popular fast food restaurant located in New York, known for its variety of offerings and quick service. Customers have left a total of 3448 reviews, resulting in an overall rating of 3.9 stars. Here are a few key points from recent reviews:

With features like delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options, Wendy's caters to a variety of customer needs. The restaurant also offers amenities like free parking lot and paid street parking for convenience. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, late-night food, or vegetarian options, Wendy's has something for everyone. Visit their website for more information and stop by Wendy's for a satisfying meal.

Five Guys#14
What stands out

  • "The burgers are quite juicy and the service is polite and with a smile."

  • "Consistently delicious Five Guys standard, not greasy or overcooked, just right every time."

  • "Soooo delicious! A hamburger you need to try with 15 topping options to choose from."

  • "Burgers are great with the option to add toppings that you like. Great place for take out."

Five Guys

4.2536 reviews
148 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Five Guys is a renowned fast food restaurant located on Madison Ave in New York. They offer a variety of service options including no-contact delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Popular for lunch and dinner, this spot is perfect for solo dining. The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible and provides a casual atmosphere with amenities like toilets available.

Customers have left 536 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Here are some key points from their feedback:

Five Guys has made a name for itself by providing high-quality, customizable burgers and fast service. Visit their website for more information and to place your order today!

Wendy's#15
What stands out

  • This location is a reliable go-to for a fast and satisfying meal, with fresh and delicious burgers at reasonable prices.

  • Love the food at Wendy's, especially the juicier burgers compared to other big burger brands. However, the cleanliness and order accuracy can sometimes be an issue.

  • First-time visitors were not disappointed, with excellent burgers and good fries. However, there were issues with the drink fountain and overall functionality.

  • While the service may be slow at times, the food is good and the place is decent for a quick lunch, especially for those in the area.

Wendy's

3.91,795 reviews
714 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States

Wendy's is a popular fast food restaurant known for its fresh and delicious burgers. Customers rave about the quick and efficient service, reasonable prices, and overall satisfaction with their meals. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

With service options like delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, as well as popular offerings such as coffee and late-night food, Wendy's is a versatile choice for a quick and tasty meal. So, if you're looking for a no-frills burger joint with great options, Wendy's could be the perfect spot for you.

Wendy's#16
What stands out

  • Customers enjoy a diverse menu with juicy burgers, crispy fries, and fresh salads

  • The fresh beef, natural-cut fries, and famous chili set Wendy's apart from other fast-food chains

  • Some customers appreciate the casual and welcoming atmosphere for a hassle-free dining experience

  • While acknowledging the importance of moderation, Wendy's remains a convenient and tasty choice for meals on the go

Wendy's

3.71,974 reviews
650 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, United States

Wendy's is a well-known fast food restaurant located in the heart of New York, United States. The restaurant offers a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers praise Wendy's for its great coffee and popular menu items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is known for its casual and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for quick and delicious meals.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Shake Shack Herald Square 4.510,235
#2Five Guys 4.45,051
#3Shake Shack Midtown East 4.43,643
#446th & 6th In-Line 4.34,692
#5Shake Shack Fulton Transit CTR - Manhattan 4.34,625
#6Five Guys 4.32,941
#7Five Guys 4.31,834
#8Five Guys 4.31,747
#9Five Guys 4.22,526
#10Five Guys 4.31,448
#11Five Guys 4.21,879
#12Five Guys 4.21,461
#13Wendy's 3.93,448
#14Five Guys 4.2536
#15Wendy's 3.91,795
#16Wendy's 3.71,974

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Map of Fast Food Places in New York

New York City is a bustling hub of culinary diversity, offering a plethora of fast food options for residents and tourists alike. Whether you're in the mood for a classic burger and fries from a well-known chain or a unique ethnic dish from a local hotspot, this map will guide you to all the best fast food places in the city.

How to choose Fast Food Places in New York City

  1. Convenient location.
  2. Quality of ingredients.
  3. Menu variety.
  4. Speed of service.
  5. Price range.

Frequently asked questions

What are some popular fast food places in New York?

New York City is home to a wide variety of popular fast food chains. Some of the most well-known ones include McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Wendy's, and Taco Bell. Additionally, there are many local favorites such as Shake Shack and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

Are there any healthy fast food options in New York?

Despite its reputation for indulgent food, New York also offers a range of healthy fast food options. Several chains such as Sweetgreen and Chopt Creative Salad Co. specialize in fresh salads and bowls made with high-quality ingredients. Additionally, you can find healthier menu items at larger chains like Chipotle and Starbucks.

Is it possible to find vegetarian or vegan fast food in New York?

New York is a very vegan and vegetarian-friendly city, and this extends to fast food options. Chains like By Chloe and Le Pain Quotidien offer plant-based burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Nearly all fast food restaurants in the city also offer vegetarian options, such as bean burritos, veggie burgers, and vegetable stir-fries.

What are some unique fast food options in New York?

For those looking to try something different, New York has a plethora of unique fast food offerings. Restaurants like Mighty Quinn's Barbeque and Katz's Delicatessen serve up mouthwatering BBQ and deli sandwiches, respectively. Food trucks and pop-up stalls in the city also offer a diverse array of international cuisine, from Japanese takoyaki to Mexican street food.

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