It’s no secret that Dublin, Ohio is a town on the move. You can grab a quick lunch on a Tuesday and by Friday, that same spot has already been replaced by another promising newcomer. With new tech campuses sprouting up and families flocking to the suburbs, there are plenty of opportunities to convince your friends that fast food here isn’t just convenient—it’s worth seeking out.
Five Guys
$ | (614) 726-9888 | WEBSITE
Even though it’s one of the best fast food spots in Dublin, Five Guys feels like a straightforward burger joint you’d feel comfortable swinging by for any quick meal. The menu consistently features American favorites like burgers and fries, and even though the prices can be a bit high, they still keep the atmosphere pleasant and the service excellent. Plus, they make the best cheeseburger in town, especially with toppings like grilled onions and fresh jalapeños.
McDonald’s
$ | (614) 763-6860 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for reliable fast food in Dublin, check out our updated guide to the 10 Best Fast Food Restaurants. McDonald’s stands out with its quick service and attentive staff who are always hustling and super nice. The location is wheelchair accessible with free parking, and recent improvements show the quality gradually climbing again. Quarterpounders now use fresh beef instead of frozen, making them much better than before, though some sandwiches still use older patties.
The overall experience remains positive in a clean environment where staff go above and beyond.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
$ | (614) 689-0555 | WEBSITE
It might not be the first place you think of, but having a reliable burrito spot in your neighborhood is about as essential as remembering to charge your phone. If you have a friend checking out places in Dublin, take them to Bubbakoo’s for some of the best fast food around. Remind them they could swing by here every day for lunch or whenever they realize the only thing in the fridge is that questionable leftover takeout.
The welcoming atmosphere and personable staff make it feel like a second home, and with those great portion sizes and affordable prices, it’s easy to see why it’s become a favorite. Other spots might do solid work if you’re exploring different areas, but for consistent quality and friendly service, Bubbakoo’s is hard to beat.
Arby’s
$ | (614) 336-0937 | WEBSITE
Your cousin from out of town wants you to show her around while she’s visiting. She’s all about fancy dining, but you can’t do that every night – dropping fifty bucks on tiny plates and artisanal cocktails adds up fast – and living here means finding more budget-friendly ways to eat well. Plus, upscale spots can feel kind of the same everywhere. If you still want a solid meal out, take her to Arby’s in Dublin.
Grab a few roast beef sandwiches, snag a booth by the spider plants, and enjoy being somewhere that feels genuinely cozy despite being fast food.
Steak ‘n Shake
$ | (614) 889-0203 | WEBSITE
After someone moves here, the ‘let’s go try every new spot’ phase fades because time passes, budgets tighten, and someone can only ingest so many artisanal burgers and gourmet fries before they feel like they need to go back to eating normal, boring fast food. If you take them to Steak ‘n Shake when they visit, you can show them that that ubiquitous burger and shake can actually be enjoyable. Go for the steak burger or the chili.
Auntie Anne’s
$ | (614) 798-1828 | WEBSITE
You and your best high school friend miss each other, and they’re considering moving to Dublin. But they know you won’t be able to hang out with them every day, so it’s important to show them spots you can catch up from time to time on a random weeknight when you’re both miraculously not working late. If they test you with showing them how you would actually be living, bring them to Auntie Anne’s at Tuttle Crossing.
It has the feel of a casual weeknight treat, but the pretzels are fresh and delicious, and an original pretzel with caramel will only run you $4.
Swensons Drive-In
$ | (614) 490-1934 | WEBSITE
Your cousin Alex is from a small town and moving to a “big city” seems daunting to him, especially after he saw the endless strip malls and chain restaurants. You need to show him that Dublin can feel familiar, too. Take him to Swensons Drive-In. Everyone is there for a quick, satisfying meal, there are no pretentious menus around, and you can chat with the friendly staff at the drive-in window, easy.
Grab a Galley Boy burger with crispy onion rings and settle in for an afternoon of letting him change his own mind.
Dos Hermanos Bridge Park
$ | (614) 683-8786 | WEBSITE
You and your friend are both tired of the same old fast food chains. One of you is going to have to suggest something different, and since you just discovered this spot at Bridge Park North Market, it’s not going to be you. Get your friend to come for a quick lunch and start off by walking into Dos Hermanos. It’s one of the best fast food restaurants in Dublin and it shows them how, unlike other places, the service doesn’t feel rushed or impersonal.
Javier and the staff are extremely nice and welcoming from the moment you arrive, taking time to interact with all guests and accommodating dietary restrictions while offering customized dishes that impress. The menu features delicious Mexican dishes like the popular chicken fajitas and tasty quesadillas with marinated chicken—a great twist on a classic. The food is fresh and flavorful, making it a must-visit spot that many will want to return to.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (614) 568-4057 | WEBSITE
Getting your pickiest eater to actually enjoy fast food would be amazing, so you need to pull out all the stops. Chick-fil-A is not an everyday indulgence, but if you want to do it right, bringing someone here could change their mind. It’s one of the friendliest spots in town and can show them that no matter how busy it gets, the drive-thru – and basically every part of the operation – is pretty smooth and efficient.
Subway
$ | (614) 389-0014 | WEBSITE
After another long day of errands, your neighbor from the suburbs is thinking about grabbing fast food, but is hesitant to settle for the usual greasy options. Take them to this Subway for fresh sandwiches and a genuinely pleasant experience. Then see if they really want to go back to those other drive-thrus.