For Fort Lauderdale, ‘fast food’ used to mean just another drive-thru rumor. But now we’re in the thick of 2026, and it’s easy to taste the difference when you have crispy Cuban sandwiches, beachside burger shacks, and roadside empanada stands among the year-round flavor rush. We’ve updated this guide for the new year—just before the next food trend hits the strip.
Arby’s
$ | (954) 763-2348 | WEBSITE
Grabbing fast food may not be your first thought for a quick lunch—but a thick double roast beef sandwich at Fort Lauderdale’s reliable Arby’s should be. Sink your teeth into the hearty layers of meat as you crunch through the crinkle fries, and don’t forget a sip of the cool mint chocolate shake. It’s satisfying, and much better than waiting in a long drive-thru line at some other spot.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (888) 582-8121 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A is your break-glass-in-case-of-emergency plan if a craving for a chicken sandwich has the audacity to strike. There’s enough friendly staff to furnish a small-town diner, tons of well-maintained dining space, and squeaky-clean chicken wraps you can savor between mouthfuls of $12 combos. If that doesn’t inspire you to flip a middle finger to hunger, all hope is lost.
Lola´s Venezuelan Fast Food
$ | (786) 819-4703 | WEBSITE
Wait, Fort Lauderdale? Stay with us. Lunch at this Venezuelan fast food joint is your savior for a post-beach victory bite—or a pitstop after losing steam 35 minutes into driving around town. Prioritize the queen arepa stuffed with massive, flavorful fillings, or cheese empanadas zapped with Lola Sauce and friendly service.
Hot Dog Heaven
$ | (954) 523-7100 | WEBSITE
At Hot Dog Heaven this winter, the “Florida chill” takes on new meaning. Stop by between lunch and dinner, pull up a stool at the counter, make eye contact with the owner who’s working the grill (to break some of that sunny Florida friendliness), and order a few decadent little dogs. Varieties include things like the Chicago dog and Polish sausage—all of which you can eat at the communal tables with strangers.
Chicken Kitchen
No need to settle for some bland chain chicken spot. Instead, head to Fort Lauderdale’s Chicken Kitchen for their Mexican chop chop that regularly draws regulars and rave reviews. The fresh chicken is juicy and succulent, paired with vegetables that look crisp and vibrant, and generous portions that deliver great value. The incredible smell and cleanliness add to the pleasant experience. Two thumbs up.
La Granja
$ | (954) 321-8667 | WEBSITE
This Latin eatery has the makings of a flavor fiesta powered by moist chicken with crispy skin and a generous salsa bar. Thing is, the service could be more welcoming. Consider that a minor hurdle—the delicious cuisine is all yours. Anyone in your circle who’s been called “a real foodie” at some point? Fill up this comfortable space with them so nobody has to enjoy those family meals in silence.
Firehouse Subs Sunrise Blvd.
$ | (954) 522-8294 | WEBSITE
What’s that, you say? A fast-food sandwich worth getting excited over? Heck yeah. Fort Lauderdale’s go-to sub shop Firehouse Subs serves the Steak and Cheese—a straightforward-yet-satisfying combo of tender beef, melted cheese, and other great stuff piled on delicious bread. Pair it with the restaurant’s 4-inch small option and toast to the fact that there’s nary a skimpy portion in sight.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (954) 869-1989 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing worse than getting a bland, dry sandwich from your typical sub shop. That’s why we gravitate to the deli meat rotation at this Fort Lauderdale sandwich spot that includes a fresh Turkey and Provolone stacked with premium cuts and careful assembly to get the right meat-to-cheese-to-bread ratio. We fully support such craftsmanship.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (954) 828-2022 | WEBSITE
This new addition to the North Beach shopping area offers a convenient delivery service and easy-to-use app for customizing pizza orders. And while there’s plenty of pizza in Fort Lauderdale that won’t cost you more than $15, the sausage and mushroom pizza with fresh dough is absolutely worth downloading their app. And don’t skip the wings, either—they taste freshly made and come with friendly service from staff like Terry and London who make sure orders are delivered on time.
Manager Chris takes the time to explain about the quality ingredients, and Cheazan in particular is highly recommended for his kindness. The restaurant is very clean and consistently good, making it a favorite alternative to nearby franchise-style options.
Burger King
$ | (954) 522-0179 | WEBSITE
Fort Lauderdale’s fast food classic is open every day until late, but you can still find a reason to wear something casual while grabbing a quick bite. Burger King’s dining area is bright with clean tables, the hashbrowns are a morning favorite, and the Impossible Burger almost makes up for this city’s lack of fine dining options. Almost.
Taco Bell
$ | (954) 779-1161 | WEBSITE
It’s that time of night again when late-night cravings hit hard and nothing else will do. Instead of settling for whatever’s in the fridge, head to this reliable Fort Lauderdale spot that feels like a well-worn local hangout, only with generous tacos, burritos, and cheesy nachos. Taco Bell also works for any quick bite where you just want to grab a satisfying meal in peace and enjoy those creative limited-time offerings without breaking the bank.
Pollo Tropical
$ | (954) 764-2141 | WEBSITE
Getting Caribbean food in Fort Lauderdale usually means you’re settling for bland jerk seasoning or soggy plantains, which is why drive-thrus come in handy. The one at Pollo Tropical is perfect for grabbing a meal packed with authentic flavor, like their signature chicken with that addictive green sauce and perfectly seasoned black beans and rice.
Wendy’s
$ | (954) 485-9942 | WEBSITE
Who needs a sit-down restaurant? This Fort Lauderdale Wendy’s has a tidy, welcoming setting which feels like its own little neighborhood hub every afternoon. The scent of fresh fries fills the air as hands reach for perfectly seasoned, crispy fries alongside juicy, fresh burgers. And the friendly, efficient service is perfect for grabbing a quick, satisfying meal on a busy day.
Shake Shack Ft. Lauderdale
$ | (754) 216-4398 | WEBSITE
Lunch at this fast-food joint is the most fun you’ll have in a nondescript strip mall. Sure, the bar was low, but still—go in on a lazy mix-and-match meal involving crispy cheese fries, the perfectly grilled burger of the moment, and ice-cold milkshakes. If you time the trip just right, you can catch a glimpse of those happy kids in highchairs by the window.
Las Carnitas Food Truck
$ | (954) 309-0145 | WEBSITE
Las Carnitas Food Truck’s made-from-scratch tacos are a delicious reminder that authentic flavor doesn’t need fancy plating. Instead, dive into their generous portions of tender carnitas slow-cooked with Honduran spices. A crispy, golden tortilla cradles the juicy meat, and trusty sides of sweet plantains and black beans complete the experience. Biggerisbetter.
