Escondido’s fast food scene isn’t just about drive-thrus and value menus. You’ve got your classic burger joints flipping patties with decades-old precision, taco stands serving carne asada that’s been marinating since sunrise, and newer spots putting gourmet twists on chicken sandwiches. Some are perfect for a quick bite between errands; others deserve a proper sit-down meal. Here’s how to navigate the options, broken down by what you’re craving.
Arby’s
$ | (760) 747-1290 | WEBSITE
Arby’s is a regular destination for Escondido families, where parents in minivans pull up to the drive-thru window for those hot and crispy fries. Not only is Arby’s conveniently located with solid atmosphere and great smells, but it serves a surprisingly good gyro. That’s why you’ll still find a few regulars sharing the two for $6 deal with roast beef and classic chicken sandwiches after soccer games. After all, it’s been part of their weekly routine for years.
Del Taco
$ | (760) 580-7179 | WEBSITE
Del Taco is a fast-food spot in Escondido that proudly claims to have “the freshest tacos in town.” That’s because they’re loading all of their tacos with generous portions and an abundance of cheese, which only makes each bite more satisfying. While it’s an approach that lacks restraint, it does make an incredible taco with the right ingredients. Luckily, Del Taco has pros manning the station, like the friendly manager, Celestino, who has been there for over 20 years.
With just a few indoor tables and an outdoor patio (they’re basically operating from a tidy dining space), there’s no room to linger. So do like the regulars do: grab a Snack Taco and run.
McDonald’s
$ | (760) 489-0230 | WEBSITE
Suffering from a case of fast-food fatigue? Maybe it’s just us. But if you’re ever in need of a quick, reliable meal, McDonald’s in Escondido is the place to go. This restaurant feels alive with family-friendly energy. And also food. Their menu offers classic burgers, fries, and the highly praised Friday Fish and cheese slice, with plenty of parking and a clean, new location. It’s a great spot to grab a bite, relax with kids, or refuel while you’re on the go.
Plus, the service is generally good with friendly employees, so you won’t get frustrated.
Taco Bell
$ | (760) 747-9497 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell is a popular spot for many—but if you’re not interested in a sit-down meal, it’s also a solid choice to grab a crunch wrap supreme, a fiesta veggie burrito, and satisfy that craving. There are some booths in the dining area and a handful of tables. Thankfully, we’ve rarely seen this place get too crowded for us to find a clean spot to take advantage of their quick service.
Except during peak hours, when the drive-through line can get a bit long with folks picking up their supreme deluxe boxes.
Raising Cane’s
$ | (760) 480-2800 | WEBSITE
The cramped driveway and neighboring strip mall make this Escondido chicken spot feel like a place where you’d get a parking ticket instead of a Caniac combo. But at least the hours run late, the staff is efficient, and the Texas toast comes buttery and toasted just right.
The chicken tenders aren’t substantial enough to justify the price hike, but they do the trick for a late-night craving or a quick dinner you forgot you promised the kids—especially since Escondido has almost no good fast-food options after midnight.
Farmer Boys
$$ | (760) 738-6188 | WEBSITE
“Fast” and “cozy” are words that apply to fast food about as well as “high-quality” and “home-style.” However, Farmer Boys, a restaurant in Escondido with a friendly outdoor patio, is actually both those things (at least by fast food standards). The restaurant is probably the area’s best option if you want a quick meal in a relatively clean and comfortable space that’s not overflowing with people rushing through drive-thrus.
If you come early on weekends, there’s also an above-average chance of finding a table on the patio where pets are welcome.
George Burgers
$ | (760) 747-5951 | WEBSITE
While George Burgers doesn’t have the best burgers in Escondido (their claim to fame is Mediterranean food), the typical diner aesthetic feels like a classic mom and pop shop, and the huge $3 pizza slice deserves a standing ovation. You can sit inside at one of many cozy booths and enjoy a thick onion rings basket while you chat with friends. Or relax outside on the nice shady patio—where dogs are surprisingly welcome—and wait for that addictive pita bread to arrive at your table.
Burger King
$ | (760) 743-8444 | WEBSITE
This Burger King makes a great cheeseburger, as it should. But we like them even more for their flame-broiled Whopper and chicken nuggets (you can see the kiosk they use to order it). It’s cooked patty by patty with that signature flame-broiling method and produces a juicier, more flavorful burger. Burger King is also a fast food restaurant, which means you’ll have staff who take your order at the register.
But it also has a front kiosk where you can just order a quick meal and dipping sauces for lunch.
Pieology Pizzeria Escondido, CA
$ | (760) 489-9889 | WEBSITE
Ordering pizza at Pieology Pizzeria is very personalized. The only choice you don’t have at this Escondido pizza spot is whether those ingredients are fresh: they always are. Everything else is up to you. Cauliflower crust, vegan toppings, special sauces, and extra cheeses are all options. If you go the custom route, you can pick which crust you prefer (we like the cauliflower) and then choose from tomato sauce, white sauce, or no sauce at all.
These pizzas take time, so it’s not a fast-paced spot. Luckily, that gives you plenty of time to enjoy the 2 for 20 deal.
Fasia Buffet
$ | (760) 735-3378 | WEBSITE
This buffet is located in a shopping center (don’t mistake it for a fine dining spot or a health-focused eatery). Even if it’s busy, one of the family tables will probably become available before you’ve finished loading up your first plate. The food here is good, but Fasia’s value comes from the fact that it’s located in an area that’s a bit of a buffet desert.
