Chicago is a city known for its diverse food scene. From deep-dish pizza to hot dogs, this city is a foodie's paradise.
But sometimes, life gets busy, and we don't have the time or energy to sit down for a full meal. That's where fast food comes in.
Fast food restaurants are a staple in American culture, and Chicago has no shortage of them.
Whether you're in the mood for a burger, chicken sandwich, or tacos, there's a fast food joint for you. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.
That's why we've compiled a list of the best fast food restaurants in Chicago. We've scoured the city to find the tastiest and most satisfying options.
We've taken into account factors like quality of ingredients, variety of menu items, and overall customer experience. So whether you're a local or just visiting, this guide will help you navigate the fast food scene in Chicago.
1. Jacky's Hot Dogs
Jacky's Hot Dogs is a fast food restaurant that serves up classic Chicago-style food at affordable prices.
The menu includes hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, pizza puffs, and more. The service is fast and efficient, with friendly staff who make customers feel welcome.
The restaurant is open late, making it a great spot for a late-night snack. The food is always hot and fresh, and the portions are generous.
Jacky's Hot Dogs is a great option for those looking for a quick and tasty meal.
2. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a popular fast food restaurant known for its delicious chicken sandwiches and nuggets.
The restaurant's menu also includes salads and sides. The staff are friendly and efficient, ensuring quick service even during busy times.
The restaurant is always clean and the ambiance is welcoming. The food is fresh and tasty, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Chick-fil-A is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a delicious fast food experience.
3. Express Grill
Express Grill is a popular fast food restaurant that serves up classic Chicago-style dishes such as hot dogs, burgers, and Polish sausages.
Open 24 hours a day, it's a great spot for a late-night bite or a quick meal on the go. While the location may not be the most glamorous, the food is what keeps customers coming back.
Prices are affordable and portions are generous. The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring that customers receive their orders quickly.
If you're looking for a no-frills, tasty meal, Express Grill is definitely worth checking out.
4. Maxwell Street Depot
Maxwell Street Depot is a no-frills fast-food joint that serves up tasty Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and Polish sausages 24 hours a day.
The food is consistently good and reasonably priced, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
The friendly and professional staff ensure that orders are made fresh and ready quickly.
This Bridgeport staple may not have the fanciest decor, but it's the perfect spot to grab a satisfying bite on the go.
5. Jimmy's Gyros & Grill
Looking for a quick and delicious bite to eat in the city that never sleeps, look no further than Jimmy's Gyros & Grill.
This hole-in-the-wall fast food joint offers classic grill and gyro favorites that are freshly made to order.
The menu is simple but the food is full of flavor and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly and efficient, making for a quick and hassle-free dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some late-night grub, Jimmy's Gyros & Grill is open late and ready to serve you.
6. SALT burgers + fries
SALT burgers + fries is a fast food restaurant that serves delicious burgers and fries.
The burgers are made with freshly smashed patties and the fries are well-seasoned.
The menu is simple, but the food is of high quality. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is clean and inviting.
It's a great place to grab a quick and satisfying meal.
7. Pockets Restaurant
Pockets Restaurant is a casual counter-service fast food restaurant that specializes in pita sandwiches and salads.
Their menu offers a wide range of tasty and healthy options, including fresh vegetables and made-to-order food.
The restaurant's service is quick, helpful, and friendly, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or takeout meal.
The prices are fair for the quality of food, and the restaurant is always clean and well-maintained. Pockets Restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy fast food option.
8. Philly's Best
Philly's Best is a fast food restaurant that serves up some of the best Philly cheesesteaks around.
Their sandwiches are overstuffed and the bread and vegetables are always fresh.
The portions are generous and the staff is accommodating and helpful. While the food can be messy during delivery, it's worth it for the authentic taste of Philly.
If you're in the mood for a delicious and filling sandwich, Philly's Best is the place to go.
9. Janson's Drive-In
Janson's Drive-In is a classic fast food restaurant that serves up quality food at a good price. Their menu has a great variety of burgers, hot dogs, and sides, and their desserts are delicious.
The staff is friendly and the service is fast. The establishment has a 60's flare and is clean with a small indoor dining area and outdoor seating.
Although it's mainly a takeout place, the dining area has a large flat screen to watch while waiting for your order.
The food is typical hamburgers and hotdogs, but the fries are perfectly seasoned and fried. Janson's Drive-In is a great spot for shakes, burgers, and awesome cheese fries.
10. Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's is a fast-food restaurant that specializes in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast. The food is cooked to perfection and served hot and fresh.
The staff is friendly and provides excellent service. The dining area is large and clean, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
The dipping sauce is a must-try and adds a burst of flavor to the already tasty chicken fingers.
Although a bit pricey, the quality of the food and service make it worth the cost. Raising Cane's is a great option for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
11. McDonald's
McDonald's is a classic fast food chain that needs no introduction. It's known for its burgers, fries, and affordable prices.
The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring that customers receive their orders quickly. The restaurant is always clean and well-maintained, providing a comfortable dining experience.
While the menu may not be the healthiest, it's a great place to grab a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
Whether you're craving a Big Mac or a simple cheeseburger, McDonald's is a reliable option that won't disappoint.
12. Mangi's Fast Foods
Mangi's Fast Foods is a classic fast-food joint serving up good old-fashioned Chicago-style hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches.
The prices are reasonable, and the service is fast and friendly.
The restaurant has a clean and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
With a decent selection of menu items and cold beer on tap, Mangi's is a solid choice for anyone looking for a no-frills fast-food experience.
