I’ve got a confession to make: I love fast food.
I try not to eat too much of it, but Southern California has a lot of great options. If you’re looking to enjoy a quick meal, you’ll find plenty go great options without needing to go to far.
Of course, your culinary offerings are not limited to fast food. Many of the best places to eat are simple mom and pop shops. On this list, I will be focusing on the chain restaurants. They don’t need to be huge chain, and they certainly don’t need representation in all fifty states, but I won’t be comparing a local taco joint to Taco Bell.
Starbucks
There’s something very west coast about Starbucks. Granted, it was founded in Seattle, but they’re all over the place in California. If you find yourself in a pinch and want a quick coffee, Starbuck is a great option.
Normally I would recommend checking out a local coffee shop, but I’ll never tell you Starbucks is bad. You can get the same beverage in LA as you can in NYC. The sheer volume of Starbucks is the reason it’s so important to California culture, so you might as well make one of your coffee trips a trip to Starbucks.
Jollibee
The name Jollibee’s might be a new one for you unless you’re from The Philippines. Over there, Jollibee’s is a massively popular fast food chain. Now, they’re expanding overseas to the USA.
Being from a different country, you’ll find some unique combinations. Rather than burgers and fries, you’ll find more rice and noodles to accompany your burgers. You can also get fried chicken or a hot dog if that’s what you’re feeling today. Either way, Southern California is part of Jollibee’s US expansion; perhaps its first stop before dominating the US fast food market.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
I was never a huge seafood fan, but I was always a big fan of Mexican. So, I was hesitant when I first tried Rubio’s Coastal Grill, but was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The chain is a great option if you want a simple fish taco or shrimp burrito and don’t have a local option nearby.
This chain was founded in San Diego, so you can find it all over the place in Southern California. Beyond that, their presence is mostly in western states like Utah, Nevada, or Arizona. So if you’re in one of these locations you can visit a Rubio’s for a flavorful seafood taco.
Fatburger
Many of the places on this list have earned their reputations for different reasons. Fatburger earned it the old-fashioned way: their food just tastes good. Based on the name, it might not be the best place for the health-conscious or vegetarians. It is a great place if you want to indulge and have some great burgers.
Fatburger lets you know how much meat is in your sandwich, so you can order by weight or by your hunger level. The fries and milkshakes are also incredible, giving customers a reason to cheat on their diet. The burgers are seriously good, and there’s a reason the chain got a shoutout in Ice Cube’s It Was a Good Day.
Mendocino Farms
For anyone that’s looking for some seriously fresh food, Mendocino Farms is a place you must visit. Mostly found in LA, Orange County, and San Diego the chain has a few locations in the Bay Area and a couple in Texas.
This restaurant is mostly a sandwich shop, but there are some salads and other offerings. Of course, quality is king. Mendocino Farms customers are looking to avoid heavily processed food and opting for ingredients they can trust. The chain is known for their “Not-So-Fried” chicken, but any item on the menu is going to delight. Best prepared to be impressed, and expect you’ll want a second visit.
Del Taco
The other taco chain, Del Taco seems to thrive in locations with the strongest competition from Mexican food. If you’re looking for a meal on $5 or less, this might be the spot to go. Of course, they have taco and burritos, but their menu is a little more diverse than Taco Bell. Surprisingly, they offer burgers. And surprisingly, they’re generally well received.
There are a few hundred Del Taco locations in California. Other West Coast states like Utah, Nevada and Arizona have a few dozen locations. Beyond that, there are few Taco Tacos in the US. The restaurant in a California staple, but a rarity in other states.
Umami Burger
If you’re not familiar with the word umami, it’s one of the five basic human tastes. It’s synonymous with savoriness, and Umami Burger has crafted some of the most savory burgers you can find. Each burger is designed to be seriously tasty, but customizable enough that they can fit into different diets.
Most of the Southern California locations are in the Los Angeles area. They also have locations in The Bay Area, New York, Chicago, Japan, and the Bahamas. The chain is trying to expand, but if you want a specially designed burger in SoCal, you’ll need to find Unami Burger in LA.
Tender Greens
Trying to eat a little healthier? Tender Greens is probably a good option for your. Serving a menu of homestyle options and healthy innovations, quality is the focus here. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, fish, or salad, Tender Greens will craft a plate to your heart’s desire.
Keep in mind, this is more of a fast casual restaurant. You might not be able to get in and out of the door as quickly as some other places. If you do wait, it will be worth it. There’s a reason Tender Greens has so many fans.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Perhaps poultry is more your style. If you’re looking some something uniquely California, but inspired by Nashville, Dave’s Hot Chicken might be a good option. The menu is similar to Raising Cane’s in the sense that it’s quite small, but the flavors here are enough to inspire lines out the door.
As the name implies, this place can get seriously spicy. Fortunately, you are able to choose your level of spice. Whether you opt for none, medium, or reaper, you’re going to get a good meal and some of the most popular fried chicken in all of SoCal.
In-N-Out Burger
Let’s be honest, there is one fast food chain that’s synonymous with Southern California. Whether or not you’re a fan of In-N-Out, you know it’s insanely. Likely, you’d call yourself a fan because the burgers here are pretty great.
If you’re in the California area, In-N-Out is definitely worth the experience. It’s still fast food, but it’s fast food done right. The menu is small, meaning all of the items can be prepared fresh by the employees. One visit can get you an idea of every flavor on the menu, but it’s unlikely one visit will be enough.