New York City’s 5 Best Fast Food Joints

by Mike Simonson
Below are our 5 choices for New York City's best fast food destinations!

New York City is the epicenter for food regardless of the style.

Looking for a red sauce restaurant? New York has an infinite number.

Likewise for Japanese, French, Seafood, Delis, Bakeries, etc., etc., etc.

New York City is the epicenter for food regardless of the style. Looking for a red sauce restaurant? New York has an infinite number. Likewise for Japanese, French, Seafood, Delis, Bakeries, etc., etc., etc. Fast food is included in the Big Apple’s amazing selections. New York is the home of Grey’s Papaya, Shake Shack, and a limitless amount of other eateries that will make you an deeply satisfying meal quickly, so you don’t need to give up hours of your day to enjoy world class food. Here are our 5 choices for New York City’s best fast food destinations:


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Carnegie Deli

Midtown West – Website

Known for their smoked and cured meats that are layered to impressive levels on each sandwich, Carnegie Deli has been a landmark in the city since 1937. The restaurant is a hotspot among celebrities for their brisket, corned beef, and flavorful pastrami. The establishment is also known for their homemade cheesecake, which is always served fresh for a moist and flavorful dessert option that can include fresh strawberries, blueberries, and cherries. Those who come in the morning can enjoy purchasing a traditional New York bagel or egg sandwich to go for the perfect way to start the day.

Grimaldi’s

Flatiron – Website

This location is a favorite among pizza snobs for the establishment’s authentic slices that will melt in your mouth. There’s not too many frills or fuss to the restaurant, but the authentic cheeses used on each slice are fresh and require a minimal amount of toppings. Each pie is cooked in a coal-fired brick oven for a smoky flavor that is impeccable. The crust is handmade and perfectly crisp on the outside with a fluffy interior that makes for an incredible texture.

Patrons are welcome to take slices to go or take a seat and enjoy staring at the blended collage of celebrity photos that are framed on the walls.

The Burger Garage

Long Island City – Website

For a traditional hamburger that you can sink your teeth into, The Burger Garage is a step up from traditional fast food fare with their juicy Black Angus patties and fresh Martin’s potato roll. Customers can enjoy feeling like they’re in a roadside diner with the gas station theme that is found inside. The establishment is also known for their authentic dogs that come with unique toppings that include chili, pickle slices, and buttermilk ranch. Many customers also come for the extensive gluten-free menu that is available.

Each patty at The Burger Garage is ground fresh daily for an eatery that was voted the “Best Burger in Queens” in 2012 by the The Queens Courier. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a classic handmade shake that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

For those who are in a rush, online ordering is available for a great way to build your meal in a matter of seconds and pick it up while you’re on the run.

Shake Shack

Various Locations – Website

For New Yorkers who can appreciate a good roadside burger, Shake Shack is a trendy and modern establishment to stop by when you need to grab lunch. Known as the best burger in the city, Shake Shack makes patties that contain 100 percent Angus beef without any hormones or antibiotics. They also offer a meatless burger that includes a slow-roasted mushroom that is jam-packed with flavor. The restaurant also offers convenient counter-service and a simple menu with choices that include hot dogs, frozen custard, and unique menu items for pet dogs.

Customers seem to return to the Shake Shack for their simple menu choices that all come with fresh ingredients. The trendy atmosphere will allow you to enjoy food that you don’t have to feel too guilty about while heading back to the office.

Essen Fast Slow Food

Various Locations  – Website

Essen Fast Slow Food opens its doors to hundreds of customers each day for both locals who frequent the joint and tourists who have heard rave reviews about the establishment. They have something for everyone with a salad bar, fresh buffet, deli, sushi, and sandwich bar. In the morning, customers come for the hot breakfast buffet and self-serve coffee station.

The most difficult challenge when visiting Essen Fast Slow Food is deciding between the flatbreads, ramen, hot meats, fresh fruit, and thin-crust pizza slices for options that are impressive enough to write home about. Customers can even order online before arriving to ensure that they’re in and out of the eatery in a matter of minutes.

If you’re in the mood for food a bit more sophisticated than fast food, and hundreds of wines to boot, you won’t want to miss the 6th Annual NYC Winter Wine Festival on February 7th



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