Fast food fans know there's more to quick-service restaurants than just bland burgers from the big chains. In Florida, anyone in need of a fast food fix can choose from sensational seafood, fantastic fried chicken, and, yes, juicy burgers that'll put the big boys to shame. But which of the Sunshine State's fabulous fast food joints are the best of the best?

Read on for our ultimate list of Florida's greatest fast food spots, counting down to the best of all.

We've based our ranking on the reviews, awards, and accolades of each restaurant, and on the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

Just steps from the surf, Mangia & Bevi fits right in with the easygoing spirit of Cocoa Beach. This colorful, family-run spot keeps things casual with relaxed indoor and outdoor seating, making it a favorite for beachgoers and families alike. The real draw, though, is the pizza – authentic Neapolitan-style pies that are fired in a wood-burning oven. One standout is the Boscaiola, a savory blend of mushrooms, Italian sausage, onions, and Parmesan that locals swear rivals anything in Italy. Come as you are, grab a seat, and dig into some of the best slices on the coast. 

PDQ Chicken first opened in 2011 in Tampa, Florida, and it's since expanded into more than 50 outlets all over the state – not to mention a handful of locations in New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina. As you'd expect from its name, the menu is all about fried chicken, hand-breaded and seasoned to perfection. Chicken tenders and nuggets are the main events, but you can get sandwiches, salads, and shakes here, too.

Sushi, bento boxes, and noodle and rice bowls are the name of the game at Bento, a local chain that promises to offer an elevated Asian dining experience. It's certainly not your typical fast food joint (there's not a French fry in sight), but the food is good, the price is right, and even the kids will leave happy. Fans can find Bento's 17 locations all over the Sunshine State, although Central Florida has more than anywhere else.

When it comes to Mexican-inspired fast food, Taco Bell might be the national go-to – but in Florida, Gringos Locos offers a flavorful local alternative. With a menu full of crave-worthy Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, quesadillas, and chimichangas, there’s no shortage of variety. Queso and salsas are all made in-house, adding a homemade touch to every bite. The meats are also delicious: there's fresh, never-frozen beef, hand-cut chicken, and pork that’s slow-roasted for 10 hours to achieve tender, juicy perfection. Gringos Locos has four locations in Orlando.

Reviews of Tortas El Rey rave about the authenticity of its Mexican flavors and the speed of its service, especially considering how busy the joint gets. That's no doubt music to the ears of the owners of this independent gem, because a passion for good food is the driving force behind the entire business. Can't decide what to order? Go for the popular Four Tacos option, which includes the joint's signature chicken and pork tacos, plus a soft drink.

Tampa’s Daily Eats delivers a fresh twist on classic diner fare, blending nostalgic comfort food with modern, health-conscious touches. This vibrant, always-bustling spot has clearly won over the locals, who flock in for the generous breakfasts and warm, welcoming service. A standout on the menu is the Cap’N Crunch French Toast – crispy, cinnamon kissed, and delightfully indulgent, it’s a playful take on a morning favorite that keeps guests coming back. 

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes may not be a local chain (with locations in 23 states), but its Orlando outpost has earned a loyal following among Floridians. Behind the playful vibe is a surprisingly serious commitment to quality: the fries are crafted through a meticulous day-long process, sides are made from scratch, and the buns are baked fresh daily. The burgers feature certified Angus beef, and the milkshakes are blended with real ice cream, rounding out a fast food experience that feels anything but ordinary. 

Moonlight Drive-In delivers the full retro carhop experience, from the nostalgic neon sign out front to the oversized basket meals served inside. Since opening in 1964, this classic diner has stayed true to its roots, with a menu anchored by timeless favorites – think juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, and indulgent sundaes. Still, a few modern updates have made their way in, like sweet potato waffle fries and a creamy orange crème milkshake, giving this vintage gem just the right touch of today. 

Dino’s Drive-In might fly under the digital radar with little online presence, but it more than makes up for it with a loyal local following and undeniable retro charm. Family owned and operated since 1968, this beloved spot has been serving up diner staples for generations. Alongside classic burgers and hot dogs, the menu surprises with a few unexpected gems – think gyros, flounder, and catfish sandwiches – adding variety to its time-tested appeal.

Beef N’ Buns in Orlando was born from its owner’s childhood frustration at the lack of quality halal burgers in fast food – and a determination to change that. The restaurant's mission is simple: to serve the best halal burgers in town. And it delivers, too! The burgers are hand-cut fresh daily, and the Nashville hot chicken brings serious heat. It’s bold, flavorful, and seriously delicious.

The Burger Inn is an old-fashioned roadside spot that offers the kind of charm and nostalgia that sleeker, more modern fast food joints couldn't hope to replicate. Most importantly, though, the Burger Inn delivers quality food that has customers returning time and again. One part of its menu is dedicated to its 'Famous Burgers' – including the popular John Wayne Burger, featuring bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce.

Beefy King has been serving its iconic roast beef sandwich since 1968, when Freeman and Margaret Smith opened the no-frills Orlando joint. The star of the show is tender, slow-roasted beef stacked on a soft, steamed kaiser roll – simple, satisfying, and best served with melted Swiss cheese and a hit of house-made horseradish sauce. Still family owned today, Beefy King proudly claims the title of Florida’s original roast beef spot. While the menu includes other tempting sammies, most newcomers stick with the classic that’s kept this local favorite thriving for over five decades. 

Since opening in Jupiter in 1994, Dune Dog Café has become a beloved local staple, with a laid-back vibe and a menu that goes far beyond hot dogs. While the signature dogs are a must-try, the real surprise is in the variety – favorites like crispy fish and chips, hearty crab cake dinners, and rotating daily specials keep regulars coming back. Can’t make it to Jupiter? You’re in luck – Dune Dog also has a second outpost in Stuart, serving up the same casual charm and coastal comfort food. 

When a fast food burger or a box of chicken nuggets isn't going to cut it, King Bao delivers the fast food upgrade you didn’t know you needed. This Asian fusion hotspot turns out sensational bao buns that are fluffy, flavorful, and consistently craveable. Fan favorites like Kickin’ Chicken and Firecracker Shrimp baos bring serious flavor, while the loaded tots are a worthy sidekick. And there’s something for everyone, with plenty of non-spicy and vegan options rounding out the menu.

Chicken Fire keeps its menu short and sizzling, with every item delivering bold, unforgettable flavor. The go-to order? The Big Box – four jumbo tenders piled high with crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, pickles, bread, and a generous drizzle of signature fire sauce. It’s a full-on flavor experience in one tray. Heat seekers can crank up the spice all the way to the fiery Hot X, while those who prefer a gentler kick can stick with the no-heat Soulful.

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is the kind of hidden gem locals might prefer to keep secret. Family owned and refreshingly affordable, this laid-back mini-chain with three locations serves up fresh, flavorful seafood that hits the mark every time. Shrimp, oysters, and calamari come as dinners, sandwiches, salads, or tacos, giving you plenty of ways to dig in. And don’t skip the Shanty Pie – a creamy take on Key lime pie that’s as beloved as the joint's seafood.

For a taste of Hawaii in the Sunshine State, look no further than Aloha Hawaiian Kitchen. The fresh and authentic food coming out of the kitchen includes poke bowls, sandwiches, and Hawaiian favorites such as SPAM musubi. You can choose from a generous selection of poke bowls on the menu or go on a build-your-own adventure by mixing and matching your preferred toppings, protein, and sauce. Either way, it'll be so good you'll want to tell your friends about it.

Detroit-style pizza comes to Florida in style at SoDough Square, which has four locations in the Sunshine State. These craveable pies are made with high-hydration dough that’s cold fermented for over 24 hours, then topped with house-made red sauce and a signature blend of brick cheeses. Baked in authentic blue steel pans sourced straight from Michigan, each pizza boasts that classic crispy-edged, airy crust Detroit is famous for. It’s a meticulous process – and one bite proves it’s worth every step.

Since opening in 2021, North South Grill has been serving up delicious subs, gyros, burgers, and chicken tenders to the lucky locals of Pembroke Pines. The menu might read like classic fast food, but the quality is anything but ordinary – think all-natural chicken, American Wagyu beef free from antibiotics and hormones, and hand-cut russet potatoes prepped fresh each day. It’s this commitment to premium ingredients that gives every meal its bold, satisfying flavor.

What The Fish Rolls has been redefining fast food since 2016, earning its spot as one of Florida’s top-rated fast food joints thanks to its commitment to ocean-to-table freshness and bold, ever-evolving flavors. The menu highlights seasonal specialties like lobster rolls and crab cakes alongside standout options like crispy calamari and rotating catch-of-the-day rolls. Not in the mood for a sandwich? You’ll also find expertly grilled or steamed fish, tacos, hot dogs, and a raw bar here. This is fast food at its freshest and most exciting.

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