When it comes to quick bites, Woburn does it all. This Boston suburb is home to some of the area’s slickest drive-thrus with modern conveniences and classic joints that are destinations for fast food. While the commercial strips feature most of the national chains, sneakers are the preferred footwear for grabbing a quick meal in smaller plazas. And in parking lots across town, you’ll find some of the city’s best burgers and fries served right through a window.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
$ | (781) 933-5402 | WEBSITE
What happens when a fast-casual Mexican chain decides to focus on fresh ingredients and customization? You get a build-your-own experience that outshines the competition. Think the spiciest queso you’ve ever had, creamy with just enough kick to keep you dipping, and a burrito bowl loaded with more toppings than you’d expect (consider it Chipotle meets a loaded nacho platter). And, yes, while we love quick-service tacos in Massachusetts, don’t miss their version.
They have all the standard proteins, including chicken and steak, but the must-try is the spicy queso that graces every chip you scoop.
Bill & Bob’s Roast Beef
$ | (781) 935-9842 | WEBSITE
For over 40 years, Bill & Bob’s has been a mainstay in Woburn. The part-dive, part-fast-food joint has a menu of classic New England roast beef sandwiches that includes the Super Roast Beef with BBQ sauce and cheese, onion rings, and black raspberry shakes—that’s Massachusetts for you. Recent renovations have spiffed up the space slightly by adding fresh paint and cleaning the worn-down dining area, though they kept the no-frills counter service and simple tables.
Get the classic Super Roast Beef sandwich, the optional pizza egg roll for a crispy twist, and the black raspberry shake that floods your mouth with sweet, creamy nostalgia—all for about $12–$15 a person.
Taco Bell
$ | (781) 935-4430 | WEBSITE
Inside a busy Woburn strip mall is Taco Bell, a fast-food staple for Mexican-inspired classics in convenient form, like the fantastic onion burrito or the 6-piece meal with mash and gravy.
This alone makes Taco Bell stand out in an area with many chain options, but they don’t limit themselves to basics: you might find the drive-thru and online ordering with DoorDash and Uber Eats; professional and attentive staff who are impressive and efficient; and a solid experience despite recent price increases. No matter what you get, check the menu availability for the chalupas, as it may vary across platforms, but the service remains consistently good.
Breakers Ice Cream
$ | (781) 305-3936 | WEBSITE
At Breakers Ice Cream in Woburn, prepare to experience portion envy. You’ll see mountains of ice cream towering in the hands of customers around you and want it all. It’s best to bring a group so you can sample multiple flavors (though, you’ll risk spoon battles over the last scoop of chocolate fudge brownie or strawberry cheesecake).
While Breakers offers a wide selection of classic and creative flavors, stick to their creamy specialties, like rich vanilla bean, decadent chocolate, and salted caramel swirl, the golden ribbons swirled through each generous serving. Finish with a small order, an exuberant bowl of ice cream piled high with toppings, and big enough for two—all for around $6.
McDonald’s
$ | (781) 933-9799 | WEBSITE
If you spent the morning running errands and shuttling kids around Woburn, then what you really did was spend the morning thinking about when you could swing by McDonald’s. This classic fast-food chain that’s conveniently located throughout town offers mobile ordering and table service. The main draw is the customizable menu, with options like burgers, fries, and nuggets that you can tailor to your liking.
Make sure you finish with a soft-serve cone or an apple pie, a familiar treat that hits the spot every time.
Giovanni’s Restaurant – Woburn
$ | (781) 932-1331 | WEBSITE
Giovanni’s Restaurant used to be a small pizza joint tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, but it’s now conveniently located in Woburn’s bustling Main Street area, which means you can get some of the best pizza slices in Massachusetts without the long wait at more crowded spots. Savor your cheesy slice slowly to balance the rich flavors, or pair one of their giant calzones with a local craft beer.
There are also daily specials that rotate through Italian, Mexican, and seafood dishes, and combo salads that are perfect for sharing. Stop in for a lively sit-down lunch or dinner, or grab your food to go and enjoy it while you relax at the nearby Horn Pond just minutes away.
Shake Shack Woburn
$ | (781) 208-6166 | WEBSITE
There are many fast food joints in Woburn, but none have the cheerful efficiency of Shake Shack. Named after the classic roadside stands it evokes, this restaurant feels like you’re in a modern burger haven instead of just another chain in a busy shopping area. There are only a few tables and seats at the counter, not necessarily a constraint of the space, but because the kiosk ordering system keeps things moving quickly.
You’re not likely to find any rare ingredients or wild combinations, just carefully crafted burgers and shakes. Start with the crinkle-cut fries that hold ketchup perfectly, and get the classic burger and shake combo for the best experience. Make sure to use online ordering to avoid the parking challenges among the regulars who know the manager Michele by name.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (781) 305-4093 | WEBSITE
At lunch hour, the entire dining area at this popular fast food spot in Woburn—one of many locations across the country—fills up quickly, spilling into the parking lot for the time-honored fast food tradition: grabbing a quick, satisfying meal between errands. And then the customers return to their food, which is as deserving of the attention as the convenience.
You can’t go wrong with their classics, like the crispy chicken sandwich, but we prefer the signature chicken with its unique mash and gravy. One day it might be tender tenders with a side of creamy mac n’ cheese, or spicy wings with crispy fries on another.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (781) 939-3177 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A is like a well-oiled machine that still remembers to smile. The tidy space in Woburn has a clean, welcoming environment for a quick bite, but there’s also the efficient drive-through for those on the go. It’s also easy to find something to satisfy the craving, like the delicious chicken sandwiches and those crispy fries. The best bet on the menu, though—and what we see regulars grabbing—are the Nuggets with sauces that are favorites for a reason.
At lunchtime, come for the fresh and tasty options that Chick-fil-A built its reputation on. You can also find this friendly service at the mobile order pickup, with wait times of less than 4 minutes, making it a smooth, quick process.
