The Best Fast Food in Washington DC: A Comprehensive Guide

Washington DC is known for its rich history, stunning monuments, and delicious food. While the city offers a variety of dining options, sometimes all you need is a quick and tasty meal on the go. That’s where fast food comes in! Here, we’ve rounded up the best fast food options in Washington DC. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’re sure to find something on this list that will satisfy your cravings.

Why Fast Food?

Fast food has become a staple in American culture. It’s quick, easy, and often affordable. Plus, there’s something for everyone – from burgers to tacos to sandwiches. Fast food restaurants are also conveniently located throughout the city, making them the perfect choice for busy individuals.

What Makes a Great Fast Food Restaurant?

When it comes to fast food, there are a few key factors that make a restaurant stand out:

Quality ingredients
Efficient service
A variety of menu options
A welcoming atmosphere

With these factors in mind, here are our top picks for the best fast food in Washington DC:

Top Fast Food Restaurants in Washington DC

1. Shake Shack 🍔

Shake Shack is a popular fast food chain known for its delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The chain started in New York City and has since expanded to locations all over the world, including Washington DC. Shake Shack prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, including 100% all-natural Angus beef and cage-free chicken. Plus, their crinkle-cut fries and creamy milkshakes are the perfect complement to any meal.

2. Cava 🌯

Cava is a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant that’s perfect for those looking for a healthier fast food option. The chain offers a variety of customizable bowls, salads, and wraps made with fresh ingredients like grilled chicken, quinoa, and hummus. The restaurant also has a welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and a modern interior design.

3. Sweetgreen 🥗

Sweetgreen is another healthy fast food option that’s perfect for those on the go. The chain offers a variety of salads, grain bowls, and soups made with local and organic ingredients. Sweetgreen also has a unique ordering system that allows customers to choose their own salad ingredients and toppings using an interactive touchscreen.

4. &pizza 🍕

&pizza is a fast-casual pizza chain that’s perfect for those looking for a quick and tasty meal. The chain offers a variety of customizable pizzas made with fresh ingredients like homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings. &pizza also has a unique design, with each location featuring local murals and artwork.

5. Chick-fil-A 🍗

Chick-fil-A is a popular fast food chain known for its delicious chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. The chain prides itself on using fresh ingredients, including 100% all-natural chicken and hand-cut potatoes. Chick-fil-A is also known for its excellent customer service, with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.

6. Five Guys 🍔

Five Guys is a fast food chain known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, and fries. The chain uses fresh, never frozen beef and hand-cut potatoes for its fries. Five Guys also offers a variety of toppings and sauces, allowing customers to customize their meals to their liking.

7. Potbelly Sandwich Shop 🥪

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual restaurant known for its delicious toasted sandwiches and hand-dipped milkshakes. The chain offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, and sides made with fresh ingredients like roasted turkey, Angus roast beef, and cheddar cheese. Potbelly Sandwich Shop also has a unique atmosphere, with each location featuring local live music performances.

8. Nando’s PERi-PERi 🍗

Nando’s PERi-PERi is a fast-casual restaurant known for its delicious flame-grilled chicken and PERi-PERi sauce. The chain offers a variety of chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and sides made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Nando’s PERi-PERi also has a unique design, with each location featuring colorful artwork and decor inspired by the brand’s South African roots.

9. District Taco 🌮

District Taco is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its delicious tacos, burritos, and bowls. The chain offers a variety of fillings, including grilled chicken, steak, and pork, as well as vegetarian options like roasted vegetables and black beans. District Taco also has a salsa bar, allowing customers to customize their meals with a variety of sauces and toppings.

10. Buredo 🍣

Buredo is a fast-casual restaurant that offers a unique take on sushi. The chain offers a variety of sushi rolls that are wrapped in a large sheet of nori and filled with delicious ingredients like salmon, tuna, and avocado. Buredo also offers vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a variety of sides and drinks.

11. Jollibee 🍗

Jollibee is a Filipino fast food chain that’s a favorite among locals. The chain offers a variety of fried chicken, burgers, and spaghetti dishes, as well as unique items like peach mango pies and halo-halo. Jollibee also has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a quick and delicious meal.

12. Good Stuff Eatery 🍔

Good Stuff Eatery is a fast food chain known for its delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The chain uses high-quality ingredients like 100% Angus beef and hand-cut potatoes for its fries. Good Stuff Eatery also offers a variety of unique burger options, like the Prez Obama Burger and the Spike Mendelsohn Burger.

13. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken 🍩🍗

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant that offers a unique combination of sweet and savory dishes. The chain offers a variety of doughnuts and fried chicken dishes, as well as sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken also has a unique atmosphere, with each location featuring a modern and colorful design.

FAQs

1. What is the best fast food restaurant in Washington DC?

It’s hard to choose just one, but our top picks include Shake Shack, Cava, and Sweetgreen.

2. What is the healthiest fast food option in Washington DC?

Some of the healthiest fast food options in Washington DC include Cava, Sweetgreen, and District Taco.

3. What is the most unique fast food restaurant in Washington DC?

Buredo and Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken are two of the most unique fast food restaurants in Washington DC.

4. What is the most affordable fast food restaurant in Washington DC?

Many fast food restaurants in Washington DC are affordable, but some of the most budget-friendly options include Five Guys and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

5. What is the most popular fast food chain in Washington DC?

Chick-fil-A and Shake Shack are two of the most popular fast food chains in Washington DC.

6. What is the most kid-friendly fast food restaurant in Washington DC?

Many fast food restaurants in Washington DC are kid-friendly, but some of the best options include Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

7. What fast food restaurant has the best fries in Washington DC?

Many fast food restaurants in Washington DC have delicious fries, but some of the best options include Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Chick-fil-A.

8. What fast food restaurant has the best chicken sandwich in Washington DC?

Chick-fil-A is known for its delicious chicken sandwich, but other great options include Shake Shack and Nando’s PERi-PERi.

9. What fast food restaurant has the best vegetarian options in Washington DC?

Cava and Sweetgreen are two of the best fast food restaurants in Washington DC for vegetarians.

10. What fast food restaurant has the best milkshakes in Washington DC?

Good Stuff Eatery and Shake Shack are two of the best fast food restaurants in Washington DC for milkshakes.

11. What fast food restaurant has the best tacos in Washington DC?

District Taco is known for its delicious tacos, but other great options include Cava and Bure