There’s something undeniably satisfying about a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t require reservations or a dress code. But what truly defines great fast food? Do drive-thrus count? (Yes, they do). Do food trucks count? (Absolutely). Santa Barbara is fortunate, because nearly every crave-worthy fast food category thrives here, from classic burgers and tacos to acai bowls and gourmet hot dogs. Here are the spots we’d happily detour for.
Jack In The Box
$ | (805) 965-7714 | WEBSITE
The two-for-one Jumbo Jack deal at Jack In The Box is substantial. Each burger measures about one fast-food combo meal in heft. It’s like two burgers in one package. It’s layered with slightly tangy special sauce and pickle-speckled beef patties. While it already comes with a side of curly fries, given how filling the meal is, you might want to order extra napkins on the side.
McDonald’s
$ | (805) 965-7875 | WEBSITE
As with any reliable fast food spot in this city, the crew at McDonald’s on Milpas Avenue serves up a solid Big Mac. Every burger made here comes between three sesame seed buns and is loaded with two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions. But the Quarter Pounder with Cheese here puts other basic burgers around town to shame.
Order the meal with perfectly cooked beef patties filling up every bit of space in the box, and there will likely be enough fries left over to share with a friend or save for later.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (805) 966-0051 | WEBSITE
Often, the burger makes a meal memorable, but here, it’s the service. While the Western double bacon cheeseburger at Carl’s Jr. might look like it’s just another fast food option, that’s not quite correct. This isn’t just a burger. This is a perfectly grilled patty with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all nestled in a soft bun that holds everything together without falling apart. If heaven exists for fast food, this one’s at the top of the list.
Taco Bell
$ | (805) 965-7611 | WEBSITE
According to fast food 101, a Crunchwrap is a breakfast sandwich, because it’s food surrounded by a tortilla (in this case toasted). And the breakfast Crunchwrap from Taco Bell is incredible. The scrambled eggs get folded into a warm tortilla, layered with melted cheese, and smothered in Diablo sauce until well-saturated. And thanks to the foil wrap, you won’t get sauce all over your hands, but you should get some extra sauce on the side, too, just in case.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (805) 259-3482 | WEBSITE
Jersey Mike’s Subs is a popular sandwich shop known for its friendly staff and fresh bread—and their tuna sandwich has the same legendary reputation. This sandwich starts with the perfect bread-to-filling ratio, with the soft, fresh bread holding the perfectly seasoned tuna salad. Add the crisp lettuce and tomato, then take bites between the creamy texture and bright flavors to elevate the simple ingredients.
Even if your group orders the fresh salads or other sandwich options, feel confident that the right move is ordering this sandwich (regular size) for yourself.
Char West
$ | (805) 962-5631 | WEBSITE
The standout fish and chips from Char West will reach into your daydreams like a saltwater breeze. Watching a staffer hand over a basket of golden-fried fish feels like a beautiful moment, especially when that basket comes with a side of crisp fries and a generous cup of tartar sauce. It’s the best casual meal on the wharf, and it’s hard to believe it only costs $14.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (805) 687-0450 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A serves up a killer chicken sandwich for a fast food joint. The Santa Barbara spot prepares their signature chicken breast fresh daily then sandwiches it between two buttered buns with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato. The sandwich gets finished with a generous drizzle of their signature sauce. Order the combo meal to either fuel up for a busy day or have one of the tastiest fast food meals around to enjoy on the go.