Springfield is the fast-food town that progress forgot. While Kansas City to the west got all the artisanal burgers and St. Louis to the east got everything else, Springfield slipped happily through the cracks. Not to be confused with the chain-heavy suburbs, this is a true American relic where classic drive-thrus still reign supreme.
Charleys Cheesesteaks
$ | (417) 886-2575 | WEBSITE
One thing you don’t immediately assume about Springfield is that it must be home to some good cheesesteaks. Let alone good cheesesteaks in a fast food setting. But it is. Charleys Cheesesteaks is a popular spot that offers a variety of delicious menu items. It’s not going to jump out at you, so we advise seeking it out, because this is as good of a cheesesteak as you’re going to find in Missouri – seriously. The Philly Cheesesteak is a standout, with customers praising its delicious taste.
And the limited edition kimchi cheese steak is a game-changer. The fries are also well-liked, being hot and tasty. Meals are very filling and worth the price, with most sandwiches running around $8-10. Order from the counter and then go enjoy the bright, casual seating area. The staff are always with amazing smiles on their faces and absolutely the nicest ever, and the manager, Pat, was great. The restaurant also has kid menu options, making it a solid family choice.
McDonald’s
$ | (417) 869-9970 | WEBSITE
McDonald’s? In Springfield? The standard is set people. You might not come to the bustling city craving fast food, but if you do, this McDonald’s is your spot. Their breakfast items are the perfect morning fuel, but their burgers and fries aren’t anything to scoff at either. The Sausage and Cheese McMuffin is excellent, and as a plus it won’t break the bank either. MUST ORDER: Hash Browns.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (417) 866-4232 | WEBSITE
It’s been a long morning at the office, everybody’s kind of hungry, and you need chicken. Make it Chick-fil-A. This convenient fast food spot has some of the best sandwiches in Springfield, let alone the Midwest. The service is quick, with either online ordering or in-person pickup available, and there’s really not a bad chicken item on the menu. They even do catering if you’re in the mood to feed a crowd. Just be sure to check their app for rewards because you can always find something good.
It’s like other fast food, only way, way better.
Firehouse Subs Sunshine Street
$ | (417) 350-1994 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a solid sub in Springfield, you’re heading to Firehouse Subs Sunshine Street to get it. The welcoming spot has won over customers with dietary restrictions by going out of its way to accommodate special needs, high-quality ingredients, and consistently satisfying flavor. There’s also the Cajun Chicken sub with its nicely toasted bread and the New York Steamer that’s highly praised, plus the sweet and spicy meatball sub if you want something different.
Just don’t miss their overall reputation for making a mean sub—clean establishment, easy online orders, and generally adequate portions even if they occasionally vary. While the staff might have an off day now and then, and experiences can differ with some orders being cold or missing items, it’s still a great option for a satisfying meal.
Firehouse Subs Twin Oaks
$ | (417) 887-4848 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Twin Oaks is a fast-casual sandwich spot that Springfield, MO has no business even having. But thank goodness they do, because this place is excellent. You come to Firehouse Subs when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying or on a busy day to grab a perfectly made Italian sandwich and some phenomenal food. The service is excellent and the friendly, low-key dining room right next to plenty of parking is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Fazoli’s
$ | (417) 882-0073 | WEBSITE
Fazoli’s is where you go when you’re craving some serious Italian comfort food. Fazoli’s has been serving the local community for over 20 years now and while nothing on the menu is revolutionary, it’s all exactly what you need. And with everything from ravioli plates to chicken parmesan with pepperoni and Italian meatballs to the classic sampler meal, you’re going to find what satisfies that craving.
The portions are generous with plenty of cheese and meat, and those complimentary breadsticks are always a welcome touch. It’s the kind of place that delivers exactly what it promises: good food, attentive table service, and solid value for your money.
Long John Silver’s
$ | (417) 368-0547 | WEBSITE
Springfield’s fast food scene is a crowded one, but seafood-focused chains? Not so much. And that’s why Long John Silver’s has proved to be such a reliable option. The somewhat dated exterior gives way to a clean dining room that’s kept tidy for families. The fish and chicken dishes remain popular choices and they are satisfying. The friendly staff gives it a welcoming, casual feel and everyone here seems serious about their seafood eating.
Kids’ meals available for young children don’t hurt either.
Steak ‘n Shake
$ | (417) 866-6109 | WEBSITE
Steak ‘n Shake has been around the Springfield fast food scene for ages, but we can confidently say this is the best smash burger you can get in town. The classic spot is cranking out both burgers and shakes that will fulfill all your lunchtime cravings, and that fresh patty with cheese and a chocolate shake on the side is our go-to move. Just don’t forget about the friendly service either. They’ve got a surprisingly efficient staff situation even during the busiest hours.
Arby’s
$ | (417) 865-9779 | WEBSITE
You could easily dismiss Arby’s as just another fast food chain. And that would be a serious error on your part. Because this unassuming spot on Kearney Street is serving up some genuinely satisfying sandwiches. Stop by for lunch and grab a Reuben or Gyro, hot and fresh, or try the Beef n Cheddar with that special sauce everyone raves about. And if you’re curious about those famous curly fries, just order a side and you’ll see why they’re such a hit.
Wendy’s
$ | (417) 881-2550 | WEBSITE
While McDonald’s and Burger King will always be the major players in Springfield’s fast food scene, it’s Wendy’s that’s perhaps most iconic. This drive-through spot is busier than most people’s lunch breaks, there’s a sign out front that reads “Fresh, Never Frozen!”, and the friendly staff inside have probably been serving burgers since before you discovered fast food. This is all-around excellence.
Wendy’s is where you go when you want nothing more than a consistently delicious, well-made burger and to remember a time when that was the purpose of most fast food joints.
Burger King
$ | (417) 501-2791 | WEBSITE
This classic fast-food chain is not just a reliable Springfield staple, it is one of our favorite quick-service spots in the entire area. Known for its consistent quality and friendly employees, Burger King is excellent, and has remained true to its straightforward approach despite all the trendy fast-casual options popping up around town. Think flame-grilled burgers, crispy fries, and the best Canadian Bacon Whopper you’ve had in a while.
The pleasant, well-maintained dining area is perfect for anything from a quick lunch break to a casual meal with the family after soccer practice.
Five Guys
$ | (417) 233-4794 | WEBSITE
Meet the best fast food in Springfield. Five Guys is a solid Springfield staple – swing by on a Friday night and you’ll see everyone from the office crowd grabbing burgers to go. The simple restaurant serves high-quality, straightforward burgers at premium prices. We’re extremely partial to the Cajun fries, but honestly everything at Five Guys is good. There isn’t a better way to end your week than grabbing a strawberry milkshake (and complimentary peanuts) from its counter.
