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Best of Pasadena

Fast food lunch spots

A quick meal is the only way to get through a busy day without sacrificing the lunch hour.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
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Fast food restaurant

Old school diner with a retro feel and small indoor seating blends with a few outdoor tables and a walk-up order system. Atmosphere stays friendly and comfortable, often drawing lines for its legendary sandwiches and classic fast food staples.

Offers a huge selection of fast food options with fresh, nicer food than typical fast food. Includes great sandwiches and delicious shakes and malts for a quick bite.

Lunch offers avocado burger, Roast Beef Grinder, and fries. Meals come quickly and taste great.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be great and a nice balance."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and fresh."

"The turkey grinder sandwich was done right and simple."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a dedicated, free lot behind the restaurant.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The menu features a variety of sandwiches, including hot and cold options.

02
The Original Tops image 1

Diner with 1950s nostalgia and 1980s theme offers a friendly, bustling atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Bold character shines through Route 66 history and a classic soda fountain serving orange whips. Small drive-thru and lively vibe make it a familiar spot for casual meals.

Offers affordable and convenient meals with fast food that tastes better than typical options. The chipotle turkey sandwich features high-quality ingredients, and the chili cheese fries stand out for flavor and value.

Offers a wide menu covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a standout Pastrami Burger. Drive-thru is available and recommended to avoid busy lunch hours.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best in town."

"The pastrami burger here is stacked high and perfectly done."

"I found the fast food here to be excellent and a great value."

Good to know

1

Parking can be an issue, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a drive-thru for quick service.

03
Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken - Pasadena image 1

Small indoor space with a rockabilly punk aesthetic and a shaded outdoor patio creates a lively setting. Staff provide umbrellas and misters to ease waiting in line under the sun. Loud music and an electric vibe fill the air, making the atmosphere energetic and welcoming.

Execution stands out with fast food fries that are notably well done. Tables require reservations, which is unusual for a fast food spot.

Great spot for family lunch with attentive customer service that makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"This American food, especially the fried chicken, is the best I've ever had."

"This fast food is the best fried chicken I've ever eaten."

"The fried chicken sandwich here is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Parking availability is limited; consider street parking.

3

Seating is limited, so arrive early if possible.

04
The Hat image 1
Sandwich shop

Old-school diner with classic, authentic charm and nostalgic atmosphere offers a casual, lively vibe filled with families and friends. Large, clean dining room features old-fashioned decor that preserves history. Known for massive portions and best pastrami sandwiches in the region.

Fast food here features massive portions served in a spotless restaurant with a nostalgic, old-school vibe. The setup is straightforward with quick, efficient service and a focus on pastrami.

Busy crowds show this spot's popularity for lunch. Casual setting fits well for midday meals or a late-night bite.

People are saying

"The chili cheese fries are delicious and enormous."

"This fast food place piles on the smoky, tender pastrami."

"This lunch spot's pastrami is smoky, tender, and piled high."

Good to know

1

Customers must stand in line to place orders or use the app for ordering.

2

Restrooms are exceptionally clean, enhancing the overall experience.

3

Portions are very large, often enough to share among multiple people.

05
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Fast casual seafood spot with quick service and a clean, modern setting. Atmosphere feels bare and cold, lacking cozy or lively vibes, but outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with heating. Offers healthy, hearty fish portions with fair prices and consistent quality.

Seafood-focused fast food offers a quick bite with a menu centered on fish. Prices lean toward the expensive side compared to typical fast food spots.

Very good atmosphere makes it a nice spot for lunch. The place gets crowded during lunch hours, especially around noon and early afternoon.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be fresh and tasty."

"The fish & chips lunch spot had a spot-on batter to fish ratio."

"It's a great spot for a quick bite."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses a kiosk ordering system for faster service.

2

Expect crowded conditions during lunchtime, especially on weekdays.

3

Parking is usually available in the plaza, making access easy.

06
Tops image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small, old school burger shop with a mom and pop feel and casual, easygoing atmosphere. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating and serves notable chili cheese fries and breakfast burritos. Feels like a diner sanctuary amid fast food giants.

Small diner vibe stands out among fast food giants. Menu offers a mix of American and Mexican foods with a relaxed atmosphere. Coca-Cola serves as a notable drink choice.

A quick lunch option near the freeway with a drive-thru that often gets packed on weekdays. Portions like the pastrami are large enough to last into the next day.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great, especially the American classics."

"The pastrami at this Lunch Spot is huge and so satisfying."

"The avocado bacon burger was so flavorful and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging once the lot is full.

2

The portions are massive, with small chili cheese fries enough for four people.

3

The drive-thru is often busy during weekday lunch hours.

07
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with an old-school interior and a mom and pop feel offers a generally peaceful and calming atmosphere. It stays clean and nice inside, attracting those looking for late night food options.

Quick service matches typical fast food standards with food quality on par with many fast food spots. Customer service can be notably good, but order accuracy and food quality sometimes fall short.

Lunch offers a reliable spot with friendly staff handling orders smoothly. Frequent visits show it serves as a consistent choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and always warm."

"I found the burgers here to be really tasty."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was amazing and hassle-free."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices for meals, with some items costing over $20.

2

The restaurant is generally clean and well-maintained.

3

Drive-thru wait times can be lengthy during peak hours.

08
Chick-fil-A image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a clean and quiet atmosphere during breakfast. The drive-thru operates efficiently despite occasional wait times. Food features include crispy chicken sandwiches and appealing salads.

Service feels more like a restaurant than typical fast food. The place stays immaculate and sets a high bar for fast food takeout.

Lunch service runs until closing with a drive-thru option available. Stores close on Sunday, limiting lunch availability that day.

People are saying

"I thought the spicy chicken sandwich was pretty good and tasted fresh."

"The fast food service here is amazing; the staff is so friendly."

"The staff here makes this Lunch Spot so accommodating and friendly."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 6am to 10:30am, with lunch and dinner until closing.

2

All stores are closed on Sundays for employee rest and worship.

3

The drive-thru is organized and efficient, with minimal wait times.

09
King Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast food Mexican restaurant with a spacious dining area and bright, clean interior. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and inviting despite occasional sketchy moments. Known for affordable prices and authentic flavors in tacos and burritos.

Offers Mexican-American fast food with decent flavor and quick service. Food quality ranges from mediocre to good depending on taste preferences.

Offers good value for work lunch with filling options. Requires planning ahead due to potential wait times during short lunch breaks.

People are saying

"I always come back for the consistent Mexican food here."

"The salsas here are flavorful with a delightful kick."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking at King Taco is difficult and often inconvenient.

2

You can only order online after they open at 10am.

3

They charge $1 for an extra hot sauce.

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