Best of 15 fast food restaurants in Jersey City
Fast food restaurants in Jersey City serve up an exciting mix of quick bites and global flavors, perfect for locals and visitors hungry for variety. Whether it’s burgers, tacos, or fried chicken, fast food restaurants in Jersey City cater to every craving with speed, convenience, and plenty of delicious options on every corner.
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1. White Castle
The classic spot for hot, fresh sliders with a cult following, day or night.
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Finally ticking White Castle off the bucket list felt surreal after years of hype. The sliders delivered exactly what the name promises—simple, nostalgic flavor in each bite. While the food checked the expected boxes and satisfied a craving inspired by pop culture, some aspects of the experience fell short, particularly with special orders; for example, a request for a crispy waffle egg and cheese wasn't quite met.
Despite the minor letdown, the staff in NJ made up for it. Every team member seemed genuinely busy, yet no one sacrificed warmth or efficiency. The hustle and courteous attitude set White Castle apart from other chains, ensuring that even if the food didn’t become a new favorite, the service made the visit worthwhile.
Finally ticking White Castle off the bucket list felt surreal after years of hype. The sliders delivered exactly what the name promises—simple, nostalgic flavor in each bite. While the food checked the expected boxes and satisfied a craving inspired by pop culture, some aspects of the experience fell short, particularly with special orders; for example, a request for a crispy waffle egg and cheese wasn't quite met.
Despite the minor letdown, the staff in NJ made up for it. Every team member seemed genuinely busy, yet no one sacrificed warmth or efficiency. The hustle and courteous attitude set White Castle apart from other chains, ensuring that even if the food didn’t become a new favorite, the service made the visit worthwhile.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
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2. Five Guys
Over 250,000 burger combos and 1,000+ milkshake options make meals truly yours.
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The order of French fries from this spot left much to be desired—the fries arrived limp and visually unappealing, and the ketchup from the pump raised concerns about freshness. An hour after eating, symptoms of illness began and escalated to vomiting within two hours, suggesting possible issues with food safety or handling.
This Five Guys stands out for its fresh, fast service and convenient location near the Exchange Place PATH station. The friendly staff and cleaner environment offer a solid fast food experience, and lower prices compared to Manhattan add extra appeal. The hamburgers get high marks for flavor, although the Dr. Pepper was noticeably diluted.
The order of French fries from this spot left much to be desired—the fries arrived limp and visually unappealing, and the ketchup from the pump raised concerns about freshness. An hour after eating, symptoms of illness began and escalated to vomiting within two hours, suggesting possible issues with food safety or handling.
This Five Guys stands out for its fresh, fast service and convenient location near the Exchange Place PATH station. The friendly staff and cleaner environment offer a solid fast food experience, and lower prices compared to Manhattan add extra appeal. The hamburgers get high marks for flavor, although the Dr. Pepper was noticeably diluted.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
3. Jollibee
Home to the famous Chickenjoy, serving Filipino comfort food with a smile.
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Jollibee’s newest location impresses with its spotless facilities and attentive staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The highlight from the menu is the chicken sandwich, combining a perfectly crisp exterior with tender, juicy chicken, delivering satisfying flavors in every bite. Staff members, including Milagros, stand out for their friendliness and prompt service, enhancing the overall experience.
Dishes like the 2-piece Chickenjoy, adobo rice, and palabok arrive fresh and hot, with thoughtful extras such as lemon juice, ketchup, and flavorful gravy accompanying the meal. The establishment maintains a high standard of cleanliness, extending even to the restrooms. Ample parking contributes to an easy and enjoyable visit, making this spot a standout choice for fans of Filipino cuisine.
Jollibee’s newest location impresses with its spotless facilities and attentive staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The highlight from the menu is the chicken sandwich, combining a perfectly crisp exterior with tender, juicy chicken, delivering satisfying flavors in every bite. Staff members, including Milagros, stand out for their friendliness and prompt service, enhancing the overall experience.
Dishes like the 2-piece Chickenjoy, adobo rice, and palabok arrive fresh and hot, with thoughtful extras such as lemon juice, ketchup, and flavorful gravy accompanying the meal. The establishment maintains a high standard of cleanliness, extending even to the restrooms. Ample parking contributes to an easy and enjoyable visit, making this spot a standout choice for fans of Filipino cuisine.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
- Lunch
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4. Jollibee
Taste the Filipino fast food favorite: crispy Chickenjoy, sweet spaghetti, and iconic pies.
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Service at Jollibee tends to be attentive, with staff making a genuine effort to accommodate customers. Notably, crew members like Julieta demonstrate friendliness and efficiency, leaving a positive impression. However, order accuracy appears to be inconsistent, so it’s wise for customers to double check their bags before leaving. Portion sizes, particularly with fried chicken buckets, have noticeably decreased over repeated visits, leading to some frustration among regulars.
The meals themselves divide opinion; the chicken is reliably tender and cooked well, though the distinctive flavor doesn’t appeal to every palate. Other menu staples such as palabok and gravy could benefit from more generous servings, especially when customers make specific requests. While the experience can be rewarding thanks to certain staff and classic offerings, overall satisfaction depends heavily on accurate orders and portion consistency.
Service at Jollibee tends to be attentive, with staff making a genuine effort to accommodate customers. Notably, crew members like Julieta demonstrate friendliness and efficiency, leaving a positive impression. However, order accuracy appears to be inconsistent, so it’s wise for customers to double check their bags before leaving. Portion sizes, particularly with fried chicken buckets, have noticeably decreased over repeated visits, leading to some frustration among regulars.
The meals themselves divide opinion; the chicken is reliably tender and cooked well, though the distinctive flavor doesn’t appeal to every palate. Other menu staples such as palabok and gravy could benefit from more generous servings, especially when customers make specific requests. While the experience can be rewarding thanks to certain staff and classic offerings, overall satisfaction depends heavily on accurate orders and portion consistency.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
5. Diesel & Duke
Unapologetically crave-worthy burgers and signature fried Oreos in a laid-back, local joint.
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The burgers impress with both classic and plant-based options, highlighting juicy patties and fresh toppings. Sides like crunchy onion rings and fire-seasoned fries stand out, though overcooked fries occasionally show up. Fried Oreos provide an unexpected treat, earning high praise for their flavor and texture.
Ordering is convenient through delivery apps, and prices stay reasonable for the quality. Staff receive consistently positive comments for their attitude and service. While accuracy sometimes slips—missing bacon gets a mention—most experiences reflect a reliable, satisfying spot for a quick downtown burger fix.
The burgers impress with both classic and plant-based options, highlighting juicy patties and fresh toppings. Sides like crunchy onion rings and fire-seasoned fries stand out, though overcooked fries occasionally show up. Fried Oreos provide an unexpected treat, earning high praise for their flavor and texture.
Ordering is convenient through delivery apps, and prices stay reasonable for the quality. Staff receive consistently positive comments for their attitude and service. While accuracy sometimes slips—missing bacon gets a mention—most experiences reflect a reliable, satisfying spot for a quick downtown burger fix.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. BANANA KING
Open all day, vibrant vibes, Latin fast food, fresh fruit bowls, and famous shakes.
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Banana King in Jersey City consistently delivers with speedy, friendly service and food that never disappoints. The menu features flavorful arepas, customizable salads, and well-seasoned grilled chicken, all served fresh. Their bowls allow flexibility with toppings, making lunchtime visits enjoyable. Alongside their food, Banana King also draws customers with vibrant music and an upbeat atmosphere, enhancing the overall vibe.
This spot holds strong appeal for those who value variety—smoothies, shakes, hot meals, and new fruit bowl options are available at any hour, thanks to its 24/7 schedule. The ambiance brings a lively Latin fast-food feel, complemented by generous hospitality from staff who go out of their way to accommodate. While portions might seem slightly overpriced, the reliable quality, inviting setting, and energetic playlist complete the experience.
Banana King in Jersey City consistently delivers with speedy, friendly service and food that never disappoints. The menu features flavorful arepas, customizable salads, and well-seasoned grilled chicken, all served fresh. Their bowls allow flexibility with toppings, making lunchtime visits enjoyable. Alongside their food, Banana King also draws customers with vibrant music and an upbeat atmosphere, enhancing the overall vibe.
This spot holds strong appeal for those who value variety—smoothies, shakes, hot meals, and new fruit bowl options are available at any hour, thanks to its 24/7 schedule. The ambiance brings a lively Latin fast-food feel, complemented by generous hospitality from staff who go out of their way to accommodate. While portions might seem slightly overpriced, the reliable quality, inviting setting, and energetic playlist complete the experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
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7. Shake Shack Newport Centre
Classic American fast food with a modern twist, using quality ingredients and bold flavors.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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8. McDonald's
Classic McDonald’s experience: familiar favorites, quick bites, and always open for late-night cravings.
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A recent visit to this McDonald’s revealed concerning lapses in hygiene and service. After ordering two Big Mac meals, a black nail was found amongst the fries, raising serious questions about food handling practices—particularly around proper use of gloves and staff grooming. The interior maintained a standard semblance of cleanliness but was far from spotless, with sticky floors and a noticeable fly problem detracting from the overall environment.
Service at this location seems consistently unreliable whether dining in, picking up, or ordering through delivery apps. Orders arriving incomplete and food often lacking freshness have been recurring issues. The presence of multiple delivery drivers waiting inside further clutters the limited space, adding to a sense of disorder. Altogether, this branch struggles to deliver even basic expectations for quality or cleanliness.
A recent visit to this McDonald’s revealed concerning lapses in hygiene and service. After ordering two Big Mac meals, a black nail was found amongst the fries, raising serious questions about food handling practices—particularly around proper use of gloves and staff grooming. The interior maintained a standard semblance of cleanliness but was far from spotless, with sticky floors and a noticeable fly problem detracting from the overall environment.
Service at this location seems consistently unreliable whether dining in, picking up, or ordering through delivery apps. Orders arriving incomplete and food often lacking freshness have been recurring issues. The presence of multiple delivery drivers waiting inside further clutters the limited space, adding to a sense of disorder. Altogether, this branch struggles to deliver even basic expectations for quality or cleanliness.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
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9. Checkers
Open until 2 AM daily, known for bold flavors and unbeatable fries.
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Checkers offers an energetic atmosphere and staff who appear genuinely attentive, creating a welcoming spot for late-night cravings. Friendly service stands out, with management taking extra steps to ensure guests feel comfortable. The environment encourages groups to relax, making it easy to enjoy a casual meal together.
Experiences with menu availability can be hit or miss, especially close to closing. Substitute options are sometimes lacking, leading to disappointment when favorites run out. Food quality, too, seems inconsistent; while some locations satisfy, others deliver meals that fall far short of expectations, raising concerns about reliability across branches.
Checkers offers an energetic atmosphere and staff who appear genuinely attentive, creating a welcoming spot for late-night cravings. Friendly service stands out, with management taking extra steps to ensure guests feel comfortable. The environment encourages groups to relax, making it easy to enjoy a casual meal together.
Experiences with menu availability can be hit or miss, especially close to closing. Substitute options are sometimes lacking, leading to disappointment when favorites run out. Food quality, too, seems inconsistent; while some locations satisfy, others deliver meals that fall far short of expectations, raising concerns about reliability across branches.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
- Late Night
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10. Rock Street Eatery
Small, trendy eatery known for unforgettable fries, flavorful wings, and fresh-baked desserts.
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A charming and inviting spot, this shop impresses with both its sweets and savory selection. The biscoff cheesecake stands out for its moist texture and rich flavor, complemented by a menu full of tempting options—from Cajun corn to garlic fries. Service is consistently welcoming and informative, with staff who take the time to explain details and ensure each visit is smooth and pleasant.
The shop’s cozy atmosphere and consistently tasty offerings make it an easy choice for weekend takeout or spontaneous dessert cravings. Whether grabbing a quick treat or ordering a full meal, customers are met with fast service and thoughtful touches, like generous extras and helpful recommendations from the team. For those seeking a convenient and friendly spot for late-night bites, this place delivers both quality and comfort.
A charming and inviting spot, this shop impresses with both its sweets and savory selection. The biscoff cheesecake stands out for its moist texture and rich flavor, complemented by a menu full of tempting options—from Cajun corn to garlic fries. Service is consistently welcoming and informative, with staff who take the time to explain details and ensure each visit is smooth and pleasant.
The shop’s cozy atmosphere and consistently tasty offerings make it an easy choice for weekend takeout or spontaneous dessert cravings. Whether grabbing a quick treat or ordering a full meal, customers are met with fast service and thoughtful touches, like generous extras and helpful recommendations from the team. For those seeking a convenient and friendly spot for late-night bites, this place delivers both quality and comfort.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
11. Desi Adda - Indian Fast Food
Live pani puri stall with unique flavored waters – like being on an Indian street corner.
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This lively spot dazzles with its authentic Indian street food, offering a standout variety of pani puri waters, including unique flavors like garlic and mango. The atmosphere envelops visitors in vibrant Indian décor and music, creating an immersive experience that sets this eatery apart from others. Exceptional customer service is a highlight, as staff members cater to individual preferences with genuine friendliness and attention.
Traditional favorites such as dahi puri and sugarcane juice emerge as crowd-pleasers, winning praise for their freshness and flavor. The menu’s breadth captures the essence of Indian street fare, making it a go-to destination for those seeking a genuine culinary trip to India. Well-suited for both repeat visits and newcomers, the restaurant earns high marks as a hidden gem in the heart of India Square.
This lively spot dazzles with its authentic Indian street food, offering a standout variety of pani puri waters, including unique flavors like garlic and mango. The atmosphere envelops visitors in vibrant Indian décor and music, creating an immersive experience that sets this eatery apart from others. Exceptional customer service is a highlight, as staff members cater to individual preferences with genuine friendliness and attention.
Traditional favorites such as dahi puri and sugarcane juice emerge as crowd-pleasers, winning praise for their freshness and flavor. The menu’s breadth captures the essence of Indian street fare, making it a go-to destination for those seeking a genuine culinary trip to India. Well-suited for both repeat visits and newcomers, the restaurant earns high marks as a hidden gem in the heart of India Square.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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12. Wendy's
Go-to for crave-worthy burgers and spicy chicken sandwiches late into the night.
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The food was consistently hot and fresh, with items like the Spicy Chicken S’Awesome sandwich and fries standing out for their quality. Certain staff members provided friendly and efficient service. Additionally, the freshly renovated restaurant created a pleasant environment for some guests.
However, other experiences indicate lapses in hospitality. Some staff members appeared curt and inattentive, failing to acknowledge specific requests and basic courtesies. Issues like broken ketchup dispensers and unsettling television content further detracted from comfort, making the atmosphere less inviting.
The food was consistently hot and fresh, with items like the Spicy Chicken S’Awesome sandwich and fries standing out for their quality. Certain staff members provided friendly and efficient service. Additionally, the freshly renovated restaurant created a pleasant environment for some guests.
However, other experiences indicate lapses in hospitality. Some staff members appeared curt and inattentive, failing to acknowledge specific requests and basic courtesies. Issues like broken ketchup dispensers and unsettling television content further detracted from comfort, making the atmosphere less inviting.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
- Lunch
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13. Burger King
Late-night hours, always flame-grilled, and plenty of parking right outside.
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Fast, efficient service can be a rare find, but this location managed to deliver promptly on a complex order placed through the app. Every item arrived as requested, providing a satisfying sense of value and convenience. For those seeking a quick, reliable meal near the Holland Tunnel, this Burger King can be a pleasantly straightforward choice.
However, consistency appears to be an issue. Some customers find the staff inattentive, describing rushed service and errors, such as receiving a Whopper Jr. instead of a Whopper, or a measly portion of fries. Unfriendly interactions and visible frustration from employees further detract from the experience. Quality control and customer service improvements could make all the difference here.
Fast, efficient service can be a rare find, but this location managed to deliver promptly on a complex order placed through the app. Every item arrived as requested, providing a satisfying sense of value and convenience. For those seeking a quick, reliable meal near the Holland Tunnel, this Burger King can be a pleasantly straightforward choice.
However, consistency appears to be an issue. Some customers find the staff inattentive, describing rushed service and errors, such as receiving a Whopper Jr. instead of a Whopper, or a measly portion of fries. Unfriendly interactions and visible frustration from employees further detract from the experience. Quality control and customer service improvements could make all the difference here.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
14. Chicken And Burger Halal Food
One of Jersey City's go-to halal fast food spots, famous for late-night bites.
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For those seeking halal comfort food, this restaurant stands out as a reliable late-night spot. The menu caters to fast-food cravings with a solid range of offerings, and the chicken dishes are especially noteworthy for their flavor and tenderness. Staff members are friendly, making the ordering process smooth and pleasant, which adds to the appeal for anyone looking for an easy dining option when most other places are closed.
Despite the convenient hours and welcoming atmosphere, the culinary experience can be inconsistent. While some visits impress with excellent food quality, others might fall short—leaving flavors lacking and prices feeling a touch high considering the standard of meals served. Overall, diners may enjoy the ambiance and service, but those with high expectations for taste and value should keep these mixed experiences in mind.
For those seeking halal comfort food, this restaurant stands out as a reliable late-night spot. The menu caters to fast-food cravings with a solid range of offerings, and the chicken dishes are especially noteworthy for their flavor and tenderness. Staff members are friendly, making the ordering process smooth and pleasant, which adds to the appeal for anyone looking for an easy dining option when most other places are closed.
Despite the convenient hours and welcoming atmosphere, the culinary experience can be inconsistent. While some visits impress with excellent food quality, others might fall short—leaving flavors lacking and prices feeling a touch high considering the standard of meals served. Overall, diners may enjoy the ambiance and service, but those with high expectations for taste and value should keep these mixed experiences in mind.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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15. McDonald's
Classic American fast food with quick service and an easy spot for families and commuters.
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Food preparation often falls short, with sandwiches frequently arriving in disarray and lacking attention to detail. The pricing feels excessive—$32 for a couple Big Mac meals and an additional Quarter Pounder meal—especially considering only medium and large options are available. Despite renovations, the higher prices and emptier dining area make it hard to justify repeat visits.
On a positive note, staff members display genuine helpfulness, notably resolving issues with the self-order machine quickly and efficiently. The restaurant attracts many families with kids, keeping the atmosphere lively. Ultimately, the food meets typical McDonald’s expectations: quick and reliably unhealthy, but convenience and service stand out when technology falters.
Food preparation often falls short, with sandwiches frequently arriving in disarray and lacking attention to detail. The pricing feels excessive—$32 for a couple Big Mac meals and an additional Quarter Pounder meal—especially considering only medium and large options are available. Despite renovations, the higher prices and emptier dining area make it hard to justify repeat visits.
On a positive note, staff members display genuine helpfulness, notably resolving issues with the self-order machine quickly and efficiently. The restaurant attracts many families with kids, keeping the atmosphere lively. Ultimately, the food meets typical McDonald’s expectations: quick and reliably unhealthy, but convenience and service stand out when technology falters.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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