In Bastrop, any day that calls for a quick, satisfying meal is a day that demands a drive-thru. So save the sit-down restaurants for special occasions and use this guide. It has all our favorite fast food spots in town, including crispy chicken, juicy burgers, loaded tacos, and more.
McDonald’s
$ | (512) 321-1591 | WEBSITE
On the spectrum of gourmet burger joints and places that serve drive-thru meals under $10, you’ll find McDonald’s just about in the middle, tilted slightly towards the convenient side of the scale. This spot serves quick burgers (and a decent play area you should bring the kids to) inside a bright, modern fast-food building. It’s a good option for a family-friendly meal in Bastrop. We really like the computerized ordering system with pictures, which is the move when you’re in a hurry.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand
$ | (512) 409-3212 | WEBSITE
P. Terry’s Burger Stand is one of the absolute best fast food spots in Bastrop. The menu has about three classic burger options, and each one feels like a final draft, edited to near perfection without so much as one superfluous pickle on the bun (the shakes are a must-order too). This place used to be a small drive-thru restaurant, but they debuted some new walk-up window service during the pandemic, taking over the space next door.
It’s not only a very convenient ordering situation, but has made grabbing a meal here a lot easier. Plus, it’s (mostly) covered in case of random rain showers.
Jack in the Box
$ | (512) 308-9561 | WEBSITE
Jack in the Box serves really solid tacos, shakes, and fast food in a typical, convenient location. We really like this place because it’s reliable yet satisfying, quick but not cutting corners, and (for the late-night hours it keeps) reasonably priced. The service is a drive-thru experience, but if that’s not convenient enough for you, head inside during the evening, where the staff responds quicker, the shake machine works better than elsewhere, and there’s no long wait in sight.
Arby’s
$ | (737) 881-8009 | WEBSITE
Arby’s is a fast food restaurant in Bastrop, TX. And not only is it worth pulling off the highway for, but it’s one of our favorite spots for a quick, satisfying meal. The space—modern and clean throughout—is exactly the kind of spot where you can grab a reliably good sandwich and enjoy a straightforward, no-fuss lunch. They don’t have a huge dining area, but they do maintain a consistently welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.
Just be sure to double-check your bag for the Arby’s sauce.
Taco Bell
$ | (512) 303-6003 | WEBSITE
There is no fine dining or white tablecloths or fancy decor at Taco Bell, only a drive-thru lane you can wait in. So we’re counting it as a fast food joint. Plus, this place is a staple. It’s hard not to find yourself at this familiar taco spot eventually. Maybe it’ll be for some 3am late-night cravings after drinks downtown, or 3pm after a long, hot Texas day.
But you will end up here at some point, and when you do, get the Supreme Chalupa, locate the hot sauce packets, and douse your food in sauce until you can’t see the tortilla anymore.
Chicken Express
$ | (512) 321-6800 | WEBSITE
Chicken Express is a fast-food spot right in Bastrop—but far enough from the main drag to feel relatively convenient. They have a decent amount of indoor seating in their clean, bright dining area. This is a lunch/dinner spot. They have chicken and a menu of tenders, sandwiches, the popular Snack Pack, and some sides. It’s drive-thru friendly, so there’s also no need to get out of your car. It’s also a good place to grab a quick bite and get on with your day.
Wendy’s
$ | (737) 274-2891 | WEBSITE
Wendy’s is a fast food restaurant located in Bastrop, TX. The drive-thru experience (not the dining room) is definitely the main attraction here. Stick to classic items that are hard to mess up, like burgers or chicken nuggets. But it is worth putting up with average, affordable fast food for this convenience. And if we’re judging by speed alone, it’s one of the best quick-service spots in town. They also have a Frosty machine that’s always running, with $1 small sizes and combo meals from $8-12.
Dairy Queen
$ | (512) 321-3945 | WEBSITE
This Dairy Queen is one of the best options in Bastrop when you’re looking for something between fast food and fast-food-fancy, which is a narrow lane for this town. But Dairy Queen is classic enough to remind you that you are, in fact, in Texas, and the parking lot with its wheelchair accessibility is about as convenient as you want for a quick family stop.
They have some nostalgic treats like excellent Blizzards, but you’re coming here for a hearty meal like the steak finger basket prepared with love. They also have very good ice cream treats that are worth ordering. When the staff is on, the service brings laughter and care, which makes every visit feel like a welcoming experience.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (512) 332-2000 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A does the trick if you’re looking for a quick chicken sandwich and some waffle fries. This place also has a drive-thru that wraps around the building, which is why it sometimes creates a chicken traffic jam when entering and leaving. If you’re just there for breakfast, walk past the drive-thru line, go inside, and find the counter straight ahead. Eat at one of the tables inside and enjoy some surprisingly friendly service from staff who have a great attitude regardless of the weather.
