Fast food in Garland can be many things: the quick drive-thru fix when hunger strikes mid-errand, the nostalgic craving for a specific burger, or the affordable feast that fuels a family’s busy day. Here are the top spots for every fast-food need, from classic chains to local gems, all delivering satisfaction in minutes.
Dairy Queen
$ | (972) 840-0779 | WEBSITE
With a $5.99 lunch special that includes a main and sides, Dairy Queen has the greatest mid-day deal in town, apart from the regular menu. The only hard part is picking which option to get. Our go-tos are the whole wheat bread with fresh fruit that tastes garden-fresh, and the sea salt fries with a seasoning so savory and crispy that you’ll be glad the special comes with both.
Each portion is generous enough to satisfy and has a quality so consistent and fresh that you’ll understand why customers keep returning.
Arby’s
$ | (972) 379-9810 | WEBSITE
We firmly believe any neighborhood is made better by a solid fast-food spot, and Arby’s doesn’t just check the box for Garland—it sets the fast-food standard for the area. Yes, this restaurant is known for its sandwiches (the Classic Cheesesteak and dip sandwiches are where it’s at), but they also make some of our favorite sides in town. That would be the cheese sticks paired with curly fries that have the power to wipe away any semblance of a bad day.
No matter what mood you’re in, grab a seat inside or take it to go, and get those curly fries—or just dip crispy cheese sticks into a combo of marinara and ranch.
Burger King
$ | (972) 468-8020 | WEBSITE
The fast food at Burger King has something for every quick meal craving. Whether that’s seeking out the best burger and fry combo (it’s the Whopper with crispy fries, by the way), a simple order of cheesy tots made fresh to order, or a full meal that includes a main, sides, and a drink. Our favorite move includes the perfectly cooked Whopper, those consistently flavorful fries, and the hot, satisfying cheesy tots.
The atmosphere and its warm smiles work for a solo lunch at the counter or an afternoon with a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with for a while. No matter what, don’t skip the well-prepared meals and the awesome service from the friendly, courteous staff who go above and beyond.
Wendy’s
$ | (972) 805-4463 | WEBSITE
Breakfast at Wendy’s keeps it fast and friendly. The counter makes up the front of the bright, clean space, where Garland families and lunch-break workers eagerly grab cheeseburgers off the hot line and load up on orders of fries. In fact, some of the employees who have worked at the restaurant for years are still serving customers—staff members like Marilu go above and beyond to help. It’s great for a quick, casual, kid-friendly meal.
If you’ve got a bit more time, you should order from the drive-thru—you’ll be rewarded with accurate service, efficient pickup, and a satisfying cheeseburger and fries combo that hits the spot.
Famous O’s Catfish and Shrimp (food truck)
$ | (318) 346-8187 | WEBSITE
Dinner at Famous O’s Catfish and Shrimp keeps it authentic. The food truck sets up on the right side of the parking lot, where Garland locals and seafood enthusiasts eagerly grab catfish off the hot line and load up on plates of stuffed shrimp. In fact, the owner who started the truck years ago is still manning the fryer. It’s great for a quick, casual, no-fuss meal.
If you’ve got a bit more time, you should order from the preparation menu—you’ll be rewarded with blackened catfish, grilled shrimp, and broiled fillets swimming in homemade tartar sauce.
Taco Bell
$ | (972) 240-6039 | WEBSITE
A strawberry lemonade and a perfectly made taco or burrito from a fast food joint is tough to beat. Taco Bell has all of the above, wrapped up in consistent, friendly service and a clean environment. Not to mention that the drive-through is fast, the staff repeats orders back accurately, and the food generally tastes great. The only thing missing is a guarantee that every burrito will be neatly constructed.
Captain D’s
$ | (469) 914-6968 | WEBSITE
Once you try some of the spicy fried fish from Captain D’s, you won’t be able to resist skipping your evening plans to swing by for dinner. Tear off pieces of the crispy batter, scoop up the well-prepared corn that comes alongside, and savor the whole thing with a side of coleslaw. Order the shrimp meal to share and a baked potato for a heartier option, too. Most people grab and go during the dinner rush—there’s easy parking available right next to the building.
But if you can, enjoy your meal in the welcoming dining area where the staff will make you feel right at home.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (972) 698-7777 | WEBSITE
With a $9 lunch combo that includes a sandwich, chips, and a drink, Jimmy John’s has the best quick lunch option in Garland, apart from the usual fast-food suspects. The only tricky part is choosing which sandwich to order. Our favorites are the Italian Night Club with its perfect balance of meats and cheeses, and the Turkey Tom with crisp veggies that taste garden-fresh.
Each sandwich is made so quickly and with such fresh ingredients that you’ll appreciate the combo even more when you’re in a hurry.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (972) 279-1950 | WEBSITE
Once you get a taste of those chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal. Tear off a piece of that perfectly crispy chicken, dip it generously in the famous Cane’s sauce that makes everything better, and savor the whole combination. Grab some crinkle-cut fries to dunk in that same addictive sauce and a slice of buttery Texas toast to round things out, too.
Most people zip through the drive-thru during the lunch rush—the line can stretch around the building when it’s busy. But if you’ve got a few extra minutes, enjoy your meal in the clean, bright dining area where the friendly staff like Michael A. and manager Joey will make you feel right at home.
Golden Chick
$ | (972) 905-5160 | WEBSITE
We firmly believe any neighborhood is made better by a reliable fast-food spot, and Golden Chick doesn’t just check the box for Garland—it sets the fried chicken standard for North Texas. Yes, this restaurant is known for its friendly service (the drive-thru staff and Cameron’s team are where it’s at), but they also make one of our favorite meals in town. That would be the 2-piece fried chicken meal with Zing Seasoning that has the power to wipe away any semblance of a bad day.
No matter what mood you’re in, grab it to go or dine in, and get that chicken—or just let the helpful staff guide you through their other fresh, awesome menu suggestions.
McDonald’s
$ | (972) 278-1150 | WEBSITE
When you visit McDonald’s, bring the kids if you can, since the playground is essential. Start with the salads—a crisp, fresh option that arrives looking vibrant. Pair it with the wraps for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Among them, the city’s most reliable fast food. The fresh burgers and fries are more than enough for one person, but a family should definitely go in on the Happy Meal that comes with a toy, drink, fries, and burger for $6.99.
Firehouse Subs Firewheel
$ | (972) 496-3000 | WEBSITE
The subs at Firehouse Subs Firewheel have something for every lunchtime craving. Whether that’s grabbing a quick Engineer with its satisfying combination of meats and cheeses, a hearty Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar that hits all the right notes, or a vegetarian option like the veggie sub for those looking for something lighter. Our go-to move includes the consistently well-made Engineer, the flavorful Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar, and a side of chips for that perfect quick lunch.
The space and its welcoming atmosphere works for solo dining at a booth or an afternoon catch-up with a coworker you’ve been meaning to connect with. No matter what, don’t skip adding extra toppings to make your sub truly your own, though be prepared for the occasional wait during peak hours and televisions that can get a bit loud for a peaceful meal.