Mention “Midland” in a conversation, and oil rigs, West Texas sunsets, and Friday night football probably come to mind. But this Permian Basin hub—deceptively rich in culinary hustle—is packed with local lifers who swear by drive-thru traditions and transplants who’ve perfected the quick bite. Here, you’ll find brisket tacos that defy the clock, burgers with cult followings, and crispy chicken that keeps us rolling through.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (432) 695-6883 | WEBSITE
This spot is part of the Carl’s Jr. chain, and is a solid choice for quick cravings, drive-thru convenience, and some seriously satisfying burgers. Go for the bacon chez burger with guacamole, California cheese burger or steak burrito, or try the fresh ingredients that make everything pop. You’ll definitely appreciate the friendly staff who keep things moving with no wait, and don’t skip the helpful service that makes the whole experience enjoyable.
Mexico on Wheels
$ | (432) 853-3106 | WEBSITE
Mexico on Wheels gets a lot of love from locals, and once you try the birria street tacos and peruse the menu, it’s easy to see why. The food truck setup with its bright colors and bustling energy feels more suited for a quick lunch stop than a leisurely meal, but the food more than makes up for any ambiance limitations. Mexico on Wheels makes dishes that are familiar without being boring, yet pushes expectations where they can.
The Birria ramen is a great example—it’s served steaming hot with generous portions, which varies in heat level, and the rich broth seasoning lives up to the hype. Opt for the hotdog street tacos with their signature toppings that are memorable in the best way possible.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (432) 695-9990 | WEBSITE
If sandwiches are your game, Jersey Mike’s Subs is the arena, with fresh ingredients and fast service in one spot. It’s clean and the staff is friendly, but get ready to eat. Start your meal with the Philly cheese steak, hot and served in reasonable time, before grabbing another sandwich to go. Or, you can enjoy the high-quality ingredients in any sub, eat an excellent meal for lunch, grab a quick bite for dinner, and have a satisfying experience overall.
Clearly, you can make this your easy go-to, and if you’re tired of waiting there’s efficient service and a pleasant atmosphere, as well as a consistently delicious meal.
Texas Burger
$ | (432) 620-9838 | WEBSITE
Midland’s fast food scene has really come into its own lately, and Texas Burger is one of our top picks in town. Whether you grab a booth inside or take your meal to go, this is one of the friendliest spots around, especially if you snag a seat by the window. Burgers are the main event here, and it’s hard to leave without trying a few. Even if you’re not a chili fan, start with the cheeseburger, before adding onion rings, a chili cheese dog, and spicy fries.
There’s a great selection of milkshakes to wash it all down.
Five Guys
$ | (432) 699-2036 | WEBSITE
Five Guys makes some of the best burgers in Midland. They use fresh ingredients to create flavors you might expect from a premium burger joint, all in a casual counter-service setting that feels like an elevated fast-food spot. The burgers are consistently prepared, but whatever you get will be something you’ll crave next week. Order a classic cheeseburger, or savor the generous portion of fries before heading out the door.
Before you do, grab some extra peanuts from the complimentary bin for a snack on the go, or consider taking home a milkshake for later. You can watch your food being prepared fresh right in front of you, with the staff always friendly and accommodating, ensuring everything comes out hot and delicious.
Jack ‘N’Jill Donut’s
$ | (432) 699-2080 | WEBSITE
This beloved donut shop sits in a convenient Midland location, and has one of the best parking setups around, with easy access and plenty of spaces that make the whole experience stress-free. Beyond the practicality, the real reason we’ve been coming here for years is the donuts: every selection is a winner, especially the warm apple fritters, all of the Koloches, and fresh glazed varieties.
This place is always buzzing, so it’s best to arrive early or plan on chatting with the friendly staff while you wait.
Firehouse Subs Midland Northpark
$ | (432) 689-6500 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Midland Northpark makes a great place to stop for a quick and satisfying meal if you’re headed through Midland for shopping or errands, or looking for a reliable option for lunch on the go. Like all Firehouse Subs locations, people come here for the food, service, and efficient experience, and this spot delivers on all fronts.
The restaurant is clean with a bright and welcoming feel to it, spacious counters, and a simple dining area with comfortable seats that overlook the bustling Northpark center. Three pieces of advice on the menu: make sure the Meatball Sub is in your order, the Turkey Bacon Ranch sandwich is one of the main attractions, and you should always get your sub with the fresh ingredients that come standard.
Burger King
$ | (866) 394-2493 | WEBSITE
This place is a fixture along the main drag in Midland, and was one of the first in town to nail the classic fast-food burger, which are still some of the best in town. We also come here for the crispy fries (always hot and generously portioned), kid-friendly play area, and the consistently clean dining space. Always go for the Whopper that’s piled high with fresh veggies and flame-grilled patty, a side of those ample fries, and the classic chicken sandwich.
Leaving with a soft-serve cone with an extra swirl of chocolate syrup is pretty much a family tradition.
Wienerschnitzel
$ | (432) 704-5538 | WEBSITE
If a classic American roadside stand and a modern drive-thru had a love child, the result would be Wienerschnitzel. Just off the main road, in a spot you might breeze past, you’ll find a comfortable, parking-friendly joint serving up chili cheese dogs with that perfect snap, crispy golden french fries, and one of the best corn dogs in Midland.
It’s dangerously easy to fill an entire car with everything you need (including a Tastee-Freeze treat) for a family snack attack or a casual solo meal in under five minutes. Everything is hot and ready to go, but there’s plenty of space in the casual building if you want to stick around. We like to grab a quick bite at the counter and share some jalapeño poppers and bacon chili cheese ranch fries, if they haven’t run out for the afternoon.
Golden Chick
$ | (432) 247-1206 | WEBSITE
Don’t let the drive-thru and fast-food setup fool you, there’s plenty of flavor at Golden Chick. The Midland location of this fried chicken chain is a lesson in combining crispy, spicy, and savory elements to create comfort classics like excellent fried fish and superb roasted chicken. Even sides like the jalapeños get an extra kick from their preparation.
It’s easy to get lost in the main dishes, and you should—the spicy tenders are worth the calories, and the value meals will have you planning your next visit before you even finish. Pair it all with a courteous interaction from staff like Steven, who checks inventory and holds orders with genuine care.
Fazoli’s
$ | (432) 520-4260 | WEBSITE
This fast-food Italian joint feels more like a family-friendly hub than a typical chain, and is known for consistently hot meals, unlimited breadsticks, and great value. Fazoli’s is usually efficient, so either grab your order to go or settle into the clean dining area for a quick bite. The variety of options is always a solid choice, along with the fresh dishes or whatever calls to you from the wide selection. The service is reliable and pays equal attention to accuracy and friendliness.
TACOS WEY
$ | (432) 897-4765 | WEBSITE
This fast food spot, and a standout in Midland’s taco scene, combines the lively energy of a Mexican street market with authentic street-style tacos that are worth speeding up for. This vibrant place strikes a perfect balance between quick-service and flavorful, with a compact dining area flanked by colorful murals, fun decorations, and many sayings on the walls.
There’s additional warmth inside if you’d rather eat the 5 street taco plate and an entire order of brisket loaded fries to yourself with more atmosphere (so we’ve found). Wherever you stand, it’s fine to get salsa on your hands, double dip into the variety of salsitas, and push past the point of fullness for the birria tacos and quesadillas. Just don’t miss the alpastor chicken and alpastor mix, and the spicy-kick perfection that is the birria ramen.
Tarzan Grill – Greenwood
$ | (432) 256-4062 | WEBSITE
Midland has quite a few blink-and-you-could-be-in-a-classic-diner kinds of fast food spots, like Tarzan Grill, which gets solid marks. They deliver a straightforward American setting in Greenwood—complete with a no-fuss interior, kid-friendly seating, and ample parking—without any pretension. The affordable menu complements the space, highlighting dishes like the famous $10 burger and fries, along with daily specials that keep things interesting.
Whatever you order, add a side from H Tea O, which is conveniently available on-site. Tarzan Grill is an excellent spot for a quick meal with family when things get busy and a reliable stop when you need something satisfying.
Pizza Hut
$ | (432) 683-2240 | WEBSITE
Midland has plenty of pizza joints, but few deliver the consistent quality and service of this local staple—it’s a dine-in, takeout, and delivery powerhouse in one. You’ll find classic favorites like pepperoni pizza, reliable standouts like the Meat Lover’s, piping-hot pies that arrive perfectly cooked, and a straightforward menu that covers all the basics. Service is available all day (until closing), which can make it easy to choose between a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night snack.
We recommend ordering online for prompt delivery, and trusting the staff to handle any issues that come up. All good things usually have a catch, and for Pizza Hut, that’s a busy dining room during peak hours, and the occasional wait for a table.
Taco Villa
$ | (432) 699-1131 | WEBSITE
Taco Villa is shaking up Midland’s mostly Tex-Mex fast food scene. That means hot, tasty tacos, cheesy Taco Burgers, and friendly service that makes customers feel special. But the quick food is only part of the draw to this fast food oasis in Midland, whether you’re just passing through or make it a regular stop. Their staff, like TJ, Anthony, and Chris with his clear order-repeating skills, are stars, and the uplifting messages on drink lids never disappoint.
This place is popular with a positive atmosphere and has thoughtful touches after you order at the counter, meaning it’s where to grab a satisfying meal and enjoy the experience.
Bob’s Better Burger
$ | (432) 694-1561 | WEBSITE
Bob’s Better Burger is a long-standing drive-up that scratches any itch for a classic homemade-style burger, with a nostalgic 1950s presentation that includes crinkled fries served in red-checkered paper boats. The covered parking area feels like Midland’s version of a retro drive-in and gets just as lively as a carhop joint when busy.
You can easily rack up a satisfying meal for under $15 with a bacon cheeseburger and a milkshake on a quick lunch break, or keep it simpler (and even cheaper) by taking advantage of the cash discount. The jalapeño cheeseburger and onion rings are practically mandatory, but there are plenty of other tasty options sprinkled in as well, like the single patty cheeseburger and sweet tea.
Dairy Queen
$ | (432) 684-9854 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen is a classic fast-food spot and one of the more convenient restaurants in Midland. You’ll always get a reliable bite, no matter the craving. Pull up to the drive-thru for one of their old-fashioned burgers to satisfy a quick hunger, or drop in on a whim for a Blizzard treat to beat the heat. While you’re here for the burgers, don’t skip the desserts.
They make an incredible, creamy Blizzard that somehow tastes even better when you’re taking a break from waiting at the nearby Walgreen’s. If you ask, they’ll gladly accommodate with respectful service, so you don’t have to stress over the slow pace.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (432) 272-8034 | WEBSITE
There’s a big fast-food scene in Midland, so you’ll find plenty of quality chicken spots, including the incredible Louisiana-style fingers from Raising Cane’s, permanently parked in various convenient locations around town. There are a few booths and tables inside, but let’s face it, you’re probably just going to eat your chicken in your car or at one of the quick-service counters.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the menu items, from the classic chicken fingers to the satisfying sandwiches, served with signature Cane’s sauce and Texas toast by default—just know they’re consistently hot and crispy and if you’re hungry, it’s easy to eat a full combo. If you’re looking for something bigger, ask for the very popular Box Combo.
You’ll be handed a generous meal filled with chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, and that addictive sauce—we go for the extra crispy or the classic original.
Long John Silver’s
$ | (432) 694-8134 | WEBSITE
This fast food spot with a straightforward exterior and consistent quality delivers exactly what you want. The space is clean and functional, almost like a well-organized cafeteria without any fuss. The classic fish and chips combo, a reliable go-to meal, is around $9 per person, but worth the price, especially if you’re looking for a quick lunch break or family dinner.
The best spot is at the counter, and from there you can watch the staff while they efficiently prepare orders ahead and hand out extra tartar sauce with genuine smiles. Unsurprisingly, the freshness and flavor of the fried fish and crispy fries are satisfying. As an extra touch, the veteran gentleman provides exceptional service that makes you feel appreciated, which pairs well with the overall pleasant experience.