From drive-thru classics to bold new concepts, Peoria’s fast food scene delivers more than just convenience. With crave-worthy innovation and quality that defies expectations, we’ve sampled every fry and shake so you can savor the best. Here are the top spots to satisfy your hunger in a hurry.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (623) 877-2078 | WEBSITE
You might assume that ’24-Hour Fast Food’ means soggy fries and lukewarm burgers, but that’s definitely not the case at Carl’s Jr. This location serves up consistently hot fries and well-prepared burgers that make it worth stopping by even at 2am.
With friendly staff who ensure orders are correct down to the condiments and napkins, plus a clean dining area that feels welcoming despite the late hour, it’s officially the best fast-food spot you can find when craving something satisfying at any time of day.
In-N-Out Burger
$ | (800) 786-1000 | WEBSITE
In-N-Out Burger’s Double Double is a prime example of ‘less is more.’ Here you have an incredibly juicy patty, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and raw onion with some spread on the side. Add in some of the accompanying pickled peppers between the buns if you want to amp up the heat.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
$ | (623) 566-0517 | WEBSITE
We can feel you wondering, “Wait, Freddy’s has a burger?” Yes—hidden among the cheese curds, onion rings, and custard at this classic fast-food joint is a steakburger of ethereal quality that eats dinky drive-thru patties for breakfast. Each bite into this perfectly cooked burger reveals juicy drippings that soak through the bun like a french dip. But the real crown jewel here is the vanilla custard, which tastes sweeter than a strawberry milkshake and smoother than a California sunset.
You’ll find us in the corner booth actively ignoring the tots for this amazing thing. It tastes better than the fries anyway.
Whataburger
$ | (623) 933-3998 | WEBSITE
Every morning at Whataburger means two things: breakfast burgers, and really good honey chicken sandwiches under the fast-food banner. The chicken is a crispy number, juicy and flavorful with honey BBQ-like sweetness—and the onion rings do a nice job complementing the heft of grease and batter. The sandwich tastes especially satisfying with a side of boneless wings (and nabbing that final onion ring for your morning win).
Wendy’s
$ | (623) 566-7296 | WEBSITE
The classic burgers coming from this efficient drive-thru possess serious value-for-money energy. Each perfectly wrapped meal has a neat presentation that holds together well, fresh ingredients, and a satisfying taste that delivers without making a total mess. There’s also a friendly service from standout employee Catherine, who moves with impressive speed, helping to satisfy any fast food craving without leaving you waiting long.
We recommend going with the dollar burger deal, but if you enjoy sweet treats, the free birthday frosty through their app has great creamy texture and refreshing coolness.
Del Taco
$ | (623) 979-9203 | WEBSITE
Ask a Peoria local whether this fast-food chain is called Del Taco or Del’s, and get ready for a friendly debate that could rival any town hall discussion. No matter what you call it, come here for the Epic Grilled Chicken Guacamole Burrito. Things start out normal enough with grilled chicken and guacamole wrapped in a warm tortilla—but then they go and add beans. The unexpected ingredient is tucked inside, makes the burrito taste like a budget-friendly meal, especially at that $8 price point.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (623) 486-3361 | WEBSITE
The classic American majesty at this Peoria spot is coming for all of the fast-food trophies. Its grilled edges are so beefy-rich that the burgers taste like backyard barbecue—and that signature sauce amplifies the effect. The toasted bun, melted cheese, and fresh patty together become one singular essence of comfort that all others should look up to. Slow down, however, and you’ll catch the hit of seasoned tenders, salty swipe of fries, or ice cream bit soaked in Blizzard magic.
Seasonal items and new menu additions brighten through the routine without getting in the way of what’s important, which is everything else.
Burger King
$ | (623) 572-7747 | WEBSITE
Typically, we champion the flame-grilled approach to a burger—the more charred, the better, isn’t that the idea? At this Burger King, that notion gets flipped entirely. Between the fresh beef with its signature lighter flame-kiss, the classic toppings, and the well-made sauces, all the savory, satisfying components blend effortlessly, and yet it still delivers that satisfying crisp from the fresh vegetables and toasted sesame seed bun.
Salad and Go
$ | (480) 591-7116 | WEBSITE
Our first bite of the Buffalo chicken wrap at Salad and Go immediately made us put down our fork and say, “Oh yeah.” That’s how good it is. While the build-your-own salads are fresh here, skip the overripe produce and move directly toward the wrap for lunch. The well-seasoned chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing all in one bite is way better than an afternoon of munching on greens.
Tacos Calafia
$ | (602) 935-5419 | WEBSITE
In a bustling corner of Peoria, there’s a Phoenix chain that smells like sizzling carne asada, looks like it hasn’t changed its simple setup since it first opened, and serves the best Tacos Pastor in the metro area. These are juicy and taste terrific with grilled pineapple and fresh salsa on one of those warm corn tortillas. Also, this isn’t a bean guide, but we can officially advise you to scoop some of those delicate beans onto your taco for a good time.
Jack In The Box
$ | (623) 566-7988 | WEBSITE
This Peoria fast food joint knows its way around a drive-thru like a veteran knows their way around a morning commute. And while you would have a decent meal here any time of day, Jack In The Box’s made-to-order sourdough burger is something to approach with cautious optimism. With a properly toasted bun and a fresh patty, the burger by itself has us seriously contemplating a return visit.
The clean restaurant managed by attentive staff like Yolanda, who goes above and beyond to make customers feel welcome, complements the experience without overshadowing the inconsistencies. Note that service can be hit-or-miss, but if you catch the right shift, they’ll make you feel like a valued regular.
McDonald’s
$ | (623) 376-8934 | WEBSITE
At first, you might think that McDonald’s is a typical fast-food chain. And it is. But every time you walk in, this Peoria location transforms into a surprisingly pleasant experience, complete with the familiar scent of fresh fries and the cheerful sounds from the children’s playground. And the custom burgers are consistently satisfying.
Even during busy hours, the patties maintain their proper texture, the fries stay hot and crisp, and the generous sauces meld perfectly with the fresh ingredients. If you want the best value, try ordering through the app until a discount like 30% off McNuggets appears.
Arby’s
$ | (623) 334-9423 | WEBSITE
Arby’s specializes in fast-food sandwiches, and while the service isn’t always perfectly efficient, this is simply a great meal to begin with. Thoroughly fresh ingredients are backed by perfectly prepared meats, crisp vegetables, and sauces binding everything together.
But the two highlights are what make this experience stand out—a chocolate shake that’s just as rich as it is smooth, especially when ordered without whipped cream, and a user-friendly app that is somehow more satisfying than standard ordering.
Five Guys
$ | (623) 486-6867 | WEBSITE
The fresh and high-quality ingredients at Five Guys are just one of the reasons why they belong on this list. This flavorful beef mixes with well-prepared condiments, tangy pickles, and crisp lettuce in a way that pairs very well with their perfectly cooked fries and vegetarian options. Plus, the combination of friendly staff and clean tables gives you both welcoming service and a comfortable atmosphere.