You’re craving fast food. OK, maybe “craving” is putting it mildly. More likely, sometime in the last five minutes, you decided you needed something quick, greasy, and glorious in Pleasanton. So get those napkins ready—whether you want burgers, tacos, or maybe just some fries or a milkshake, here are 13 spots to satisfy your next fast food fix.
Pho Queen
$ | (925) 425-0025 | WEBSITE
A Vietnamese spot in Pleasanton, Pho Queen has been serving authentic comfort food for years, and they’re continuing to do so with consistent quality. Their menu covers all kinds of cravings: From classic pho to grilled chicken options, from chicken to vegetarian dishes, and from $12 bowls to $18 platters. They’ve also got some standout banh mi that they serve with fresh ingredients, like the tofu version that’s out of this world, and the chicken noodle soup that’s pure heartwarming goodness.
Bandiwala
$ | (925) 750-7149 | WEBSITE
A fantastic spot in Pleasanton, Bandiwala serves up a variety of delicious Indian street food. From their regular offerings, the pani puri is our top pick, but they’ve also got standout items that are truly memorable – particularly the muntha masala, packed with spices and bursting with flavor. It’s an exceptional dish that will stick with you long after you’ve finished eating.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (925) 425-0865 | WEBSITE
It’s hard to walk into Jersey Mike’s Subs in Pleasanton without getting hungry. Team leader “mister Sushi” will probably be behind the counter—and he’s always ready to welcome you with a free cookie. Order a cheese steak prepared Mike’s Way, and watch the staff slice the meat fresh for your sandwich, too. It’s a quick stop for a satisfying meal, or grab your sub to enjoy on their sunny patio.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (925) 233-3323 | WEBSITE
A modern pizza chain with locations across California, Blaze Pizza offers a solid dining experience in Pleasanton. And along with crisp, well-crafted, and flavorful pizzas, they also provide a clean, industrial-style space with ample seating. Most of the ingredients come from their build-your-own station, so you can count on it being fresh. It’s all good, but the personal pizza with your choice of meats, cheeses, and vegetables – if you customize it right – is really on another level.
You can find Blaze Pizza in Pleasanton (or check their website for other locations).
Wetzel’s Pretzels
$ | (925) 463-7378 | WEBSITE
Not many spots have a better overall selection of pretzels, toppings, and dipping sauces than Wetzel’s Pretzels in Pleasanton. They’ve got a ton of pretzels baked fresh daily, along with every kind of topping you can think of (plus a few you can’t). They also put together custom creations, and have all kinds of dipping sauces that are ideal for enjoying on a quick break – for example, some warm cheese sauce and a soft pretzel makes a damn good afternoon snack.
Pick up a cream cheese cup while you’re here, too.
Teriyaki City Grill Pleasanton
$ | (925) 425-7300 | WEBSITE
Another solid Pleasanton choice (there are multiple locations in the Bay Area), Teriyaki City Grill has got fast food favorites like ribeye steak, salmon bowls, and teriyaki chicken plates. They all pair well with a side of fresh salad with miso dressing. And don’t even think about skipping the Lion King sushi roll, packed with flavor until it’s satisfying from the first bite to the last.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (925) 331-8384 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A at Vallejo by Auto Mall Parkway is a fast-food haven for families and enthusiasts alike. Per the team’s friendly advice, you should try the breakfast items when they’re fresh – but in a pinch, you’ll never go wrong with the mac and cheese.
In-N-Out Burger
$ | (800) 786-1000 | WEBSITE
A classic burger joint named for its signature service, In-N-Out Burger is a great spot to grab burgers to-go. Pick up a double double animal style, or the protein style hamburger, then drive down the freeway until you find a quiet place to pull over and eat it. Preferably, alongside some fries from the same bag.
Jack In The Box
$ | (925) 462-3880 | WEBSITE
A Pleasanton favorite, this Jack in the Box is a reliable spot for quick, satisfying fast food. What you’re after here are the value deals: For $3 through the app, you get two bacon breakfast jacks. As far as those menu items go, you can’t go wrong with the Munchies meal. The employees, including Jimmy, provide exceptional service with friendly attitudes, making customers willing to go out of their way to visit.
The location offers ample parking, though the front spaces are angled, while the back area provides a more quiet dining space with shrubs and trees. Overall, it’s a pleasant experience with excellent customer service and diverse options at reasonable prices.
UMe Tea Express
$ | (510) 573-3479 | WEBSITE
UMe Tea Express is known for their bubble tea, but on this occasion, you’re here for their drive-thru special: Taro milk tea with boba. It’s wonderfully creamy, sweet, and full of flavor, and comes with chewy tapioca pearls that you’re going to end up slurping up through the oversized straw. Order the tea as a combo, and it comes with a fun promotional toy: A cute plush character, colorful keychain, or limited-edition sticker.
Add on some mango green tea, classic milk tea, and Thai tea, while you’re at it.
Pocket Sushi
$ | (925) 271-6473 | WEBSITE
Pocket Sushi is a Pleasanton spot that has all kinds of tasty and filling meals, featuring their signature rice ball design that’s ideal for quick lunches. But what you absolutely can’t leave without are the sushi pockets. You should mix and match whichever look good, but our favorites are the salmon pocket, the trio, and the custom pocket with double salmon.
Taco Bell
$ | (925) 425-7393 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell is a convenient and efficient fast-food chain with a cantina experience in Pleasanton. Their Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme is among our favorite vegetarian options in the whole area, and their other meatless choices (like the Black Bean Chalupa or Cheesy Bean And Rice Burrito) are solid. And if you don’t feel like ordering a full meal (what’s wrong with you?), they’ve got smaller items, too, like the Potato Soft Taco or Bean Burrito.
McDonald’s
$ | (925) 463-1955 | WEBSITE
One of the best spots in Pleasanton for a quick bite, McDonald’s has done a great job maintaining reliable (and speedy) drive-thru service. Their menu leans heavily towards classic fast food territory, making it ideal for commuters on the go (or at least families grabbing dinner after practice). Our favorite is the McFlurry with Oreo cookies, a creamy dessert with vanilla soft serve, cookie pieces, and chocolate syrup.
Their fries are also solid, though they can sometimes be cold, depending on the time of day.