8 California Fast-Food Chains Worth Trying And 8 Burger Joints That Truly Deliver
California’s fast-food scene is full of choices, but not all burgers and quick bites are created equal.
Some chains hit the mark with flavor, freshness, and inventive twists, while others go beyond expectations, delivering meals that feel special every time.
From classic patties to bold, crave-worthy creations, exploring these spots shows where California fast food shines.
Each bite proves that even quick meals can be memorable, satisfying, and totally worth seeking out.
1. Del Taco: Fresher Than You’d Expect
Forget what you know about fast-food Mexican joints! Del Taco makes everything fresh daily, from their hand-grated cheese to their slow-cooked beans.
Founded in 1964, this SoCal staple serves up both Mexican favorites and American classics like burgers and fries.
Their secret weapon? The Del Carbon Taco with grilled carne asada that rivals sit-down restaurants.
2. El Pollo Loco: Flame-Grilled Perfection
Watching chicken sizzle on an open flame is the first clue you’re in for something special at El Pollo Loco.
Their signature citrus-marinated birds cook slowly over fire, creating that unmistakable charred flavor. Family meal deals include warm tortillas and sides like creamy pinto beans and fluffy Spanish rice.
Health-conscious eaters love their under-500-calorie bowls packed with veggies and that amazing chicken.
3. Panda Express: Chinese-American Fast Food Royalty
Orange chicken fanatics, unite! This California-born chain has been satisfying sweet-and-tangy cravings since 1983, when Andrew and Peggy Cherng opened their first location in Glendale.
Beyond the famous orange chicken, their honey walnut shrimp offers a delightful texture contrast.
Mix and match proteins with chow mein, fried rice, or super greens for a customized plate that beats standard fast food any day.
4. Wienerschnitzel: Hot Dog Heaven Since 1961
Nothing says California road trip quite like spotting that distinctive A-frame roof.
Founded in Southern California, Wienerschnitzel claims the title of world’s largest hot dog chain despite the German-sounding name.
Their chili cheese dogs have a cult following, smothered in their secret-recipe chili that’s been unchanged for decades.
Don’t miss their Tastee-Freez soft serve for dessert – a perfect sweet finish after those savory dogs.
5. Farmer Boys: Farm-to-Table Fast Food
Started by five farm-raised brothers in Perris, California, Farmer Boys bridges the gap between fast food convenience and farm-fresh quality.
Their burgers feature 100% USDA beef patties cooked-to-order on an open flame grill. Breakfast shines especially bright here with farm-fresh eggs and award-winning bacon.
The Farmer’s Burger with avocado and bacon has converted many In-N-Out loyalists who want more topping options without sacrificing quality.
6. Foster’s Freeze: Nostalgic Soft-Serve Since 1946
Blue roofs dotting California highways signal one thing to locals: creamy soft-serve heaven is near!
Foster’s Freeze has been a Golden State institution since the post-WWII boom, when founder George Foster brought soft-serve to California.
Their signature “Twisters” blend ice cream with candy and cookies before Blizzards made it cool.
Beyond desserts, their charbroiled burgers and crispy onion rings make this a complete meal stop rather than just a sweet treat destination.
7. Yoshinoya: Beef Bowl Pioneers
Long before bowl food became trendy, Yoshinoya was serving their signature gyudon (beef bowls) to hungry Californians.
This Japanese chain found a devoted American following after opening in LA’s Little Tokyo in 1979.
Thinly-sliced beef and onions simmered in a sweet-savory sauce top steaming rice for a meal that’s both filling and affordable.
Their portions satisfy even the hungriest customers, and the streamlined menu means your food arrives lightning-fast compared to other quick-service spots.
8. Baja Fresh: Mexican Food Without the Guilt
Founded in Newbury Park in 1990, Baja Fresh sparked California’s obsession with fish tacos and healthier Mexican food.
Their “No microwaves, no can openers, no freezers” philosophy means everything arrives at your table genuinely fresh. Salsa bars let you customize your heat level from mild pico de gallo to fiery habanero.
The Baja-style fish tacos with crispy beer-battered cod, cabbage, and creamy avocado sauce capture Southern California’s coastal vibe perfectly.
9. In-N-Out Burger: California’s Cult Burger Classic
No California burger list would be complete without the chain that invented the drive-thru speaker system.
In-N-Out’s simple menu hides a world of “secret” options like Animal Style burgers with grilled onions and extra spread.
French fries cut fresh before your eyes and real ice cream shakes complement their never-frozen patties.
Family-owned since 1948, they’ve resisted franchising, maintaining quality control that keeps lines wrapped around buildings even after 70+ years.
10. The Habit Burger Grill: Charburgers That Changed the Game
Born in Santa Barbara in 1969, The Habit earned a loyal following long before being named “Best Burger in America” by Consumer Reports in 2014.
Their signature Charburgers are cooked over an open flame, giving them a distinctive smoky flavor. Tempura green beans offer a unique alternative to standard fries.
The Santa Barbara Char, topped with avocado and cheese on grilled sourdough, showcases California cuisine’s fresh approach to fast food classics.
11. Fatburger: Hollywood’s Favorite Since 1947
Lovie Yancey’s hamburger stand, originally called “Mr. Fatburger,” quickly became a late-night favorite for Hollywood celebrities.
These burgers live up to their name – the original Fatburger is hefty, but true challengers opt for the Triple King or XXXL varieties.
Made-from-scratch onion rings and hand-scooped real ice cream milkshakes complete the indulgent experience.
Their walls feature photos of celebrity fans who’ve helped spread Fatburger’s fame beyond California to international locations.
12. Super Duper Burgers: San Francisco’s Sustainable Burger Champion
Locally-sourced ingredients make Super Duper stand out in San Francisco’s competitive food scene.
Their grass-fed beef comes from family farms, and their packaging is compostable – guilt-free burgers for environmentally conscious eaters!
Free house-made pickles greet you while you wait. Their garlic fries, inspired by SF Giants stadium’s famous version, pair perfectly with organic shakes made with local Straus Family Creamery ice cream.
13. Burger Lounge: The Grass-Fed Revolution
San Diego-born Burger Lounge pioneered the grass-fed burger movement in California before it was trendy.
Their commitment to single-source American grass-fed beef results in burgers that are flavorful, lean, and better for the planet.
Quinoa veggie burgers satisfy plant-based eaters without feeling like an afterthought.
The simple menu focuses on doing few items exceptionally well, including fresh-cut fries with house aioli and hand-dipped onion rings that maintain their crunch.
14. Gott’s Roadside: Napa Valley’s Gourmet Drive-In
Wine country credentials meet classic roadside fare at Gott’s, where you can pair a California-raised Angus beef burger with a glass of local Cabernet.
Originally called Taylor’s Refresher in St. Helena, they’ve expanded while maintaining farm-to-table quality. Seasonal specials showcase local ingredients like heirloom tomatoes or fresh Dungeness crab.
Their Ahi tuna burger with ginger-wasabi mayo proves that roadside stands can serve sophisticated flavors without pretension.
15. The Apple Pan: LA’s Time Capsule Burger Counter
Stepping into The Apple Pan is like traveling back to 1947 – the horseshoe-shaped counter, paper-wrapped burgers, and cash-only policy haven’t changed since opening day.
This West LA institution has survived by doing one thing perfectly: simple, delicious hamburgers. The Hickoryburger with its smoky sauce has a devoted following.
Save room for a slice of their namesake apple pie with vanilla ice cream, served by waiters who’ve worked there for decades and remember regular customers’ orders by heart.
16. Hodad’s: Ocean Beach’s Surfer Burger Institution
License plates cover the walls and surfboards hang from the ceiling at this legendary San Diego burger joint where the motto is “No shirt, no shoes, no problem!” Hodad’s massive burgers come wrapped in paper and require two hands and plenty of napkins.
The bacon cheeseburger features a unique bacon patty – strips woven together and grilled before topping the burger.
Guy Fieri’s visit on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives cemented Hodad’s national reputation, but locals have been lining up since 1969.