Top 7 fast food restaurants in The Waterfront
Craving a quick bite with a harbor view? Fast food restaurants in The Waterfront serve up familiar favorites, from burgers to fried chicken, making it easy to refuel while exploring the area. Whether you want a speedy lunch or a late-night snack, fast food restaurants in The Waterfront offer something to satisfy every craving.
1. City Diner
Retro diner feel meets modern buzz; classic comfort food, cocktails, and big brunch energy.

This restaurant impresses on all fronts, delivering generous portions and top-tier flavor in every dish. Standouts include the inventive hangover burrito omelette and exceptionally fluffy ricotta lemon pancake, while coffee selections like the mocha hit the spot. Service consistently exceeds expectations, making the overall atmosphere welcoming for both travelers and regulars. Crowd favorites, such as the Denver omelet and shrimp quesadilla, demonstrate real attention to detail and quality.
Return visits seem inevitable after experiencing the menu’s highlights. The strawberry and banana pancakes gain special mention for their perfect texture, and savory options like the Cobb salad and sweet potato fries leave a lasting impression. Consistency across multiple visits builds strong loyalty, and the variety ensures everyone finds something to enjoy. This spot quickly becomes a go-to choice, living up to—and often surpassing—local hype.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
2. Five Guys
Over 250,000 ways to build your burger and 1,000+ milkshake combos—your cravings sorted.

The recent experience with the French fries left much to be desired. The fries, lacking crispiness and visual appeal, fell short of expectations, and the post-meal discomfort raised serious concerns about food quality, especially since the ketchup dispensed from the pump may not have been fresh. The subpar product, combined with the adverse physical reaction, overshadowed any potential enjoyment.
However, Five Guys generally maintains a reputation for fresh and speedy service that feels straightforward and enjoyable. The location near Exchange Place Path station stands out for its convenience, friendly staff, lower prices compared to Manhattan, and well-kept spaces. While the burgers consistently impress, there was disappointment with the diluted taste of Dr. Pepper. Despite minor issues, the venue remains a worthwhile stop for quality fast food in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
3. Burger King
Right by the Holland Tunnel, perfect for a fast meal before heading into NYC.

Speedy service and value for money stand out at this Burger King near the Holland Tunnel. Orders placed via the app arrive fast, guaranteeing a convenient experience and satisfaction with item pricing. The smooth pickup and consistent preparation encourage return visits from those seeking quick and reliable fast food.
However, inconsistent order fulfillment and subpar customer service significantly diminish the experience for others. Reports mention missing items, careless packaging, and unprofessional staff behavior, such as rude or unfriendly interactions at the counter. These recurring issues suggest a need for improved training and quality control at this location.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
4. McDonald's
Classic American fast food chain known for iconic burgers, fries, and all-day value.

The McDonald's fries at this location stand out as some of the best in recent memory, delivering that quintessential crispy texture and flavorful coating that fans have come to love. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, a delightful contrast to the soft interior. This consistency elevates the experience, ensuring that customers can rely on the quality time and again.
The staff demonstrates a commendable level of friendliness and efficiency, contributing positively to the dining atmosphere. Despite varying opinions about service at fast-food chains, this team's dedication to maintaining a quick and pleasant experience is notable. Such attributes make this McDonald's location a reliable choice for those craving both taste and service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
5. Wendy's
Square burgers, late-night eats, and classic Frosty shakes served every day—open 24 hours.

The burger arrived completely soaked in mayonnaise, making it nearly impossible to handle without it falling apart in a soggy mess. Accompanying treats from Cinnabon were exceptionally hard, rendering them nearly inedible. Despite repeated visits, this location struggles with order consistency and basic food preparation.
Service issues compound the frustration, with long waits consistently experienced even when ordering through the app. Food is often left behind the counter getting cold, while staff appears indifferent or inattentive. Overall, both the food quality and customer service at this location fall far below reasonable expectations.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
6. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Build your own Mexican classics with fresh ingredients in minutes—Swift, simple, satisfying.

Portion sizes at this location consistently fall short of expectations, with recent orders arriving noticeably smaller than at other branches. Missing standard accompaniments like lettuce, forks, and napkins further detracts from the experience, especially when other locations routinely provide them.
Significant quality issues surfaced during recent visits, including incorrect ingredients—such as unwanted meat in a veggie bowl—and poorly packaged items that leaked into the delivery bag. Staff behavior leaves much to be desired, with frequent reports of rudeness, reluctance to fulfill requests, and an overall lack of attentiveness to customer satisfaction.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
7. New York Fries Newport Centre
Famous for hand-cut fries, free samples, and friendly staff that brighten your day.

Staff members continuously impress with their friendliness and attentiveness, making the dining experience pleasant from start to finish. The food truly stands out—flavorful seasonings, perfectly cooked fries, and a variety of creative toppings keep things interesting for both regular and new customers. Whichever dish is chosen, the quality is high and portions leave a lasting impression.
Special mentions go to standout employees like Samad, Malika, and Kaia, who provide outstanding service by offering samples, sharing recommendations, and taking extra care with each order. The loaded and nacho fries are crowd favorites for good reason. This spot easily becomes a go-to for anyone seeking great food and welcoming service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch