20 Florida Fast Food Spots Ready To Crush Your Cravings

Florida’s food scene goes way beyond fancy beachside restaurants. Hidden across the Sunshine State are fast food gems that locals swear by when hunger strikes. From Detroit-style pizza squares to authentic Cuban sandwiches, these quick-serve spots deliver big flavors without the wait. Grab your appetite and join me as we tour the tastiest fast food destinations Florida has to offer!

1. JAM Hot Chicken

My taste buds still tingle when I remember my first JAM Hot Chicken sandwich! This Winter Park hotspot has mastered the Nashville-style hot chicken game with crispy, juicy perfection. Their heat levels range from mild to ‘call the fire department,’ so spice novices and heat seekers alike find their happy place. The sides aren’t afterthoughts either; their mac and cheese might be the creamiest in Florida. Pro tip: Their chicken and waffles make for an epic weekend brunch that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your first bite.

2. SoDough Square

Forget what you thought you knew about pizza! SoDough Square has brought authentic Detroit-style pizza to Florida, and trust me, those caramelized cheese edges will haunt your dreams. The thick, airy crust cradles generous toppings while staying impossibly light. Their signature ‘Red Top’ places the sauce on top of the cheese, creating a flavor balance that’s simply magical. With multiple locations across Florida, SoDough has mastered consistency without sacrificing quality. The pepperoni cups that crisp up and hold tiny pools of deliciousness are worth the visit alone!

3. North South Grill

Hidden in Pembroke Pines, North South Grill serves up a cultural fusion that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Their signature dish combines Caribbean jerk seasoning with all-American burger traditions! Family-owned and obsessed with quality, this spot makes everything from scratch daily. The plantain fries dusted with cinnamon sugar will change your side-dish expectations forever. What keeps me coming back isn’t just the food; it’s watching the owners greet regulars by name. There’s something heartwarming about a place where the chef might pop out to ask how you’re enjoying your meal.

4. What The Fish Rolls

Tucked away in Tavernier, What The Fish Rolls has revolutionized how the Florida Keys does sushi. Fresh-caught local fish transformed into creative rolls you can grab on the go? Yes, please! Their signature ‘Keys Roll’ features the catch of the day with tropical fruit and a spicy-sweet sauce that perfectly captures Florida’s flavor profile. The dining area might be tiny, but the explosion of flavors makes up for any lack of elbow room. Watching the sushi chefs work their magic at lightning speed is half the fun. Who knew fast food could include sushi this fresh and beautifully crafted?

5. BRGR STOP

BRGR STOP isn’t just another burger joint; it’s a creative playground for carnivores! Their ‘Mac Attack’ burger topped with fried mac and cheese had me questioning all my life choices in the best possible way. The restaurant’s industrial-chic vibe provides the perfect backdrop for their over-the-top creations. Hand-cut fries arrive in miniature shopping carts, which my inner child absolutely adores. Beyond burgers, their craft beer selection rivals dedicated taprooms. Pairing a local Florida brew with their signature burgers creates a match made in comfort food heaven that elevates the entire experience.

6. Back Yard Burgers

Remember those perfect backyard cookouts from childhood? Back Yard Burgers in Altamonte Springs captures that exact flame-grilled magic without you having to man the grill yourself. Their char-grilled patties deliver that distinctive smoky flavor that frozen fast food chains can only dream about. The blackened chicken sandwich deserves special mention: juicy, perfectly seasoned, and substantial enough to satisfy serious hunger. Unlike many quick-service spots, their veggie burger isn’t an afterthought. Made with actual vegetables you can see and taste, it’s a refreshing change that even this dedicated carnivore can appreciate.

7. MOOYAH

Control freaks, rejoice! MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes in Winter Park puts you in the driver’s seat with a build-your-own concept that’ll make your inner picky eater sing with joy. The potato bun option deserves its own fan club; pillowy soft yet sturdy enough to hold whatever mountain of toppings you choose. Their hand-cut fries come in both regular and sweet potato varieties, the latter being absolutely divine when dipped in their house-made honey mustard. Kids go wild for the milkshake options, with mix-ins ranging from classic Oreo to unexpected additions like real pie pieces.

8. The Habit Burger Grill

The first bite of a Habit Burger transported me straight to California beaches, even while sitting in their Boca Raton location. Their signature Charburger has a distinct smoky flavor that separates it from the fast-food pack. Don’t sleep on their tempura green beans; a crunchy, light alternative to fries that somehow makes vegetables feel indulgent. The restaurant’s bright, airy design mirrors the fresh approach they take with ingredients. Service here moves at lightning speed without sacrificing quality. Even during rush hour, I’ve never waited more than a few minutes for food that tastes like it should take much longer to prepare.

9. Burger 21

Born in Tampa and now blessing multiple Florida locations, Burger 21 elevates the humble patty to gourmet status without the gourmet price tag. Their signature sauce collection alone is worth writing home about! The ’21 Sauce’ has a tangy, slightly sweet profile that complements their Black Angus beef perfectly. Health-conscious friends appreciate their turkey and veggie options that don’t feel like sad compromises. Their shake bar deserves special recognition; hand-spun creations with mix-ins prepared before your eyes. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake has been known to cause spontaneous happy dances in the middle of their dining room (not that I’d know from personal experience or anything).

10. Mickey’s Subs

Mickey’s Subs in Tampa isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; they’re just making the best darn wheel in town! Their Italian sub stacked high with premium meats and cheeses makes chain sandwich shops hang their heads in shame. The bread deserves its own appreciation post: crusty outside, soft inside, and sturdy enough for their generous fillings. Family-owned for decades, Mickey’s has that magical quality where staff remember regulars’ orders before they even reach the counter. For the full experience, try their signature ‘Mickey Special’ with a side of their homemade pasta salad. You’ll understand why locals willingly form lines out the door during lunch rush.

11. Tacos 19

Miami’s Tacos 19 delivers authentic Mexican street food faster than you can say ‘más por favor!’ Their al pastor taco, with pork shaved directly from a traditional trompo, will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico City. The salsa bar features six homemade options ranging from mild to ‘I might need medical attention.’ Their corn tortillas are made fresh throughout the day, creating that perfect chewy-soft texture that store-bought versions can never achieve. Space is limited to just a few tables, but watching the cooks work their magic at lightning speed while you wait is part of the experience. The horchata here is perfectly balanced; not too sweet and wonderfully cinnamon-forward.

12. Tampa Bay Empanadas

Flaky, golden-brown pockets of joy await at Tampa Bay Empanadas! These hand-held delights come stuffed with everything from traditional beef picadillo to creative Cuban sandwich fillings that honor Florida’s cultural heritage. The owners, a husband-wife team from Argentina, bring authentic recipes passed down through generations. Each empanada is crimped by hand, creating that distinctive pattern that marks both authenticity and which filling lies inside. Their chimichurri sauce should be bottled and sold nationwide; herby, garlicky perfection that elevates their already incredible empanadas. Four empanadas make a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank, perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners.

13. Mediterranean Deli

Mediterranean Deli in Orlando proves that fast food can be both lightning-quick AND healthy. Their falafel wrap: crispy on the outside, herb-packed and fluffy inside, puts all other versions to shame. The family recipes shine in their housemade hummus, which achieves that perfect balance of lemon brightness and tahini richness. While the space might be modest, the flavors are bold, authentic, and transportive. Don’t miss their baklava; each piece is hand-layered with dozens of sheets of paper-thin phyllo dough. The owner often throws in an extra piece for first-timers, knowing you’ll be back once you’ve experienced that honey-soaked, pistachio-studded perfection.

14. Viet Nomz

Orlando’s Viet Nomz has cracked the code on serving authentic Vietnamese flavors at fast-food speed. Their pho broth simmers for hours before service, creating depth of flavor that belies how quickly your order arrives at your table. Bánh mì sandwiches come on perfectly crusty bread with house-pickled vegetables that provide that signature tangy crunch. The modern, minimalist space feels worlds away from traditional Vietnamese restaurants, yet the flavors remain authentically rooted. For a refreshing treat, their Vietnamese iced coffee delivers a perfect balance of strong brew and sweetened condensed milk. It’s potent enough to fuel a shopping marathon at nearby Winter Park boutiques.

15. La Teresita

La Teresita isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Tampa landmark serving Cuban comfort food at prices that seem frozen in time. Their Cuban sandwich, pressed to crispy perfection, might be the best $7 you’ll ever spend. The counter service moves at impressive speed, with veteran servers who can take multiple orders simultaneously without missing a beat. Portions are generous enough that most locals leave with tomorrow’s lunch boxed up alongside today’s dinner. Beyond the famous sandwich, their picadillo (seasoned ground beef) served with yellow rice, black beans, and sweet plantains delivers homestyle Cuban cooking at its finest. The café con leche provides the perfect sweet finish.

16. Pollo Tropical

Pollo Tropical might be a chain, but this Florida-born favorite delivers Caribbean-inspired fast food that puts national chains to shame. Their citrus-marinated grilled chicken has a distinctive flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else. The tropical sides deserve their own spotlight; yuca with garlic sauce, sweet plantains, and Caribbean corn souffle all transport your taste buds to island time. Their signature TropiChop bowls let you customize a complete meal with your choice of protein, base, and toppings. The self-serve sauce bar is a flavor adventure, with options ranging from mild cilantro garlic to fiery pineapple rum that adds tropical heat to everything it touches.

17. Beefy King

Since 1968, Beefy King has been serving Orlando the kind of roast beef sandwiches that create lifelong loyalists. The meat is roasted in-house daily, steamed to juicy perfection, and piled on a soft bun that soaks up all that beefy goodness. The retro interior hasn’t changed much in decades, and frankly, that’s part of the charm. Their crinkle-cut fries have the perfect crisp-to-fluffy ratio, especially when dipped in their horseradish sauce. Generations of Orlando families have celebrated milestones here, and the walls decorated with local sports memorabilia tell stories of the community they’ve served for over half a century.

18. Dino’s Drive-In

Pulling up to Dino’s Drive-In in Winter Haven feels like time-traveling to the 1950s, complete with carhop service that brings your burger right to your window! Their signature Dino Burger comes with a special sauce that locals have been trying to replicate for decades. The hand-spun milkshakes are served old-school style; the metal mixing cup alongside your glass gives you that bonus shake experience. Their onion rings are the stuff of local legend: thick-cut, sweet onions in a crispy batter that shatters perfectly with each bite. Summer evenings bring classic car enthusiasts who gather in the parking lot, creating an impromptu show while everyone enjoys their meal.

19. BurgerRobs

Just minutes from Kennedy Space Center, Titusville’s BurgerRobs launches taste buds into orbit with their creative burger combinations. The ‘Rocket Fuel’ burger with jalapeños, pepper jack, and their signature spicy sauce lives up to its name; prepare for liftoff! The space-themed restaurant decorations create a fun atmosphere that honors the area’s NASA heritage. Their hand-cut fries come in generous portions perfect for sharing, though you might not want to after tasting them. Owner Rob often works the grill himself, chatting with customers and taking suggestions for new burger creations. This personal touch makes every visit feel like you’re part of the BurgerRobs family rather than just another customer.

20. Beef N’ Buns

Beef N’ Buns might look like a simple roadside stand, but this Orlando institution serves up Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches that transport Midwest transplants straight back home. The Italian beef comes properly dipped, with that magical soggy-yet-sturdy bread holding giardiniera and tender, seasoned meat. Don’t let the casual appearance fool you; everything here is made with meticulous attention to authenticity. The Chicago dog arrives with all seven traditional toppings, never ketchup (don’t even ask!). Cash only and worth every penny, this spot proves that sometimes the most unassuming places hide the most spectacular flavors.