Stuck in traffic on 465 and starving? Or maybe you’re catching a show downtown and need a quick bite before curtain call. Indianapolis boasts a plethora of fast food options, from nationally recognized chains to local gems. But with so much to choose from, which establishments truly offer the best combination of speed, taste, value, and overall satisfaction? Finding the perfect place that offers a satisfying experience can be a challenge, but with a little research, you’re well on your way to find your new favorite restaurant.
Indianapolis’s fast food scene is a diverse culinary landscape, reflecting the city’s vibrant culture and on-the-go lifestyle. Beyond the familiar golden arches and familiar mascots, you’ll discover local eateries and regional favorites that add unique flavors to the mix. This guide is designed to navigate you through the most tempting options, shining a spotlight on those that stand out for their quality, efficiency, and the overall dining experience.
From classic burger joints to globally-inspired quick eats, Indianapolis offers a diverse fast food scene, and this guide will highlight the best places to grab a quick and satisfying meal. We’ve considered flavor, speed of service, quality of ingredients, and value for money in our assessment, ensuring this is a guide for those seeking the very best. Prepare your taste buds for a whirlwind tour of the best fast food Indianapolis has to offer.
The Burger Bonanza: Indianapolis’s Best Burger Joints
The quintessential American fast food experience often begins with a burger. Indianapolis offers a wide range of burger options, from classic, no-frills patties to gourmet creations with inventive toppings. Finding a burger that offers a unique flavor can be difficult, that’s why these establishments made the cut.
First on our list is Working Man’s Friend. This Indianapolis institution is a local treasure, serving up no-nonsense, perfectly cooked burgers since the early nineteen hundreds. What makes Working Man’s Friend stand out? It’s their commitment to simple ingredients and time-honored techniques. Their burgers are cooked on a flat-top grill, ensuring a crispy crust and juicy interior. Don’t miss their signature burger, topped with grilled onions and your choice of cheese. Expect to pay under ten dollars for a burger and fries here, making it an exceptional value. You can find Working Man’s Friend on the near west side of Indianapolis.
Next, we venture to a fast-casual favorite that has taken the nation by storm: Five Guys. Known for their generous portions of fries, customizable burgers, and peanuts in the shell, Five Guys offers a satisfying and customizable experience. What makes Five Guys great in Indianapolis? The consistent quality and fresh ingredients. Their patties are always cooked to order, and you can pile on as many toppings as you like, all for one price. A burger, fries, and a drink will typically cost around fifteen dollars. You can find multiple locations around Indianapolis.
For a more upscale burger experience without sacrificing speed, check out Bru Burger Bar. While technically a “fast casual” restaurant, the speed of service is impressive, and the burgers are undeniably top-notch. With a focus on craft burgers featuring unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients, Bru Burger Bar elevates the fast food burger. The prices are a little higher, with a burger, fries, and drink costing around twenty dollars, but the quality justifies the splurge. There are a couple of locations throughout the city.
Chicken Champions: Fried, Grilled, and Everything In Between
Beyond burgers, chicken reigns supreme in the fast food world. Whether you crave crispy fried chicken, flavorful grilled chicken sandwiches, or spicy chicken tenders, Indianapolis has a wide range of options to satisfy your chicken craving.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, the undisputed king of spicy fried chicken, has made a significant impact on Indianapolis’s fast food scene. Their chicken is known for its bold flavors, crispy batter, and juicy meat. The chicken sandwich is a must-try, but don’t overlook their signature bone-in chicken and flavorful sides like Cajun fries and mashed potatoes. A meal here typically costs around ten to fifteen dollars. Several Popeyes locations can be found in and around Indianapolis.
Another popular chicken chain that has earned a loyal following in Indianapolis is Raising Cane’s. Known for its simple menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane’s sauce, Raising Cane’s focuses on quality and consistency. The chicken fingers are always fresh, juicy, and perfectly breaded, and the Cane’s sauce is a tangy and addictive complement. Expect to pay around ten dollars for a meal. Various locations can be found in Indianapolis.
For a healthier chicken option, try Chick-fil-A. The grilled chicken sandwich is a popular choice, offering a flavorful and protein-packed meal without the added calories of fried chicken. While Chick-fil-A is no stranger to popularity, some argue that this popularity can lead to longer wait times, so keep that in mind.
Taco Time: Indianapolis’s Mexican Fast Food Delights
When the craving for south-of-the-border flavors hits, Indianapolis offers a variety of Mexican fast food options. From classic tacos to innovative burritos, these restaurants deliver quick and delicious Mexican-inspired fare.
While some might scoff at including it, Taco Bell remains a fast food staple in Indianapolis for its affordability and late-night availability. Certain Taco Bell locations in Indianapolis stand out for their cleanliness, friendly service, and consistent quality. A meal at Taco Bell rarely exceeds ten dollars.
For a more authentic Mexican fast food experience, explore local taquerias such as Carniceria Guanajuato. While more of a grocery store with a restaurant inside, they offer tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties at incredibly affordable prices. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are authentic, and the portions are generous. Two tacos can cost around six dollars. Carniceria Guanajuato has a few locations throughout Indianapolis.
Sandwich Sensations: Indianapolis’s Quick and Tasty Sandwiches
From classic deli sandwiches to creative creations, Indianapolis’s fast food sandwich scene offers something for everyone. Quick, easy, and satisfying, sandwiches are a go-to option for a fast and flavorful meal.
Jimmy John’s, known for its “freaky fast” delivery and simple yet satisfying sandwiches, is a popular choice in Indianapolis. Their sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and served on freshly baked bread. The Vito, featuring salami, capocollo, and provolone cheese, is a crowd favorite. A sandwich, chips, and a drink will cost around ten dollars. Jimmy John’s has numerous locations around Indianapolis.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers a more unique sandwich experience with its toasted sandwiches and cozy atmosphere. Their sandwiches are known for their flavorful ingredients and crispy bread. The Wreck, with roast beef, turkey, ham, salami, and Swiss cheese, is a popular choice. Expect to pay around twelve dollars for a sandwich, chips, and a drink. There are several Potbelly locations in Indianapolis.
Pizza Perfection: Indianapolis’s Fast Food Pizza Paradises
When the craving for pizza strikes, Indianapolis offers a range of fast food pizza options, from classic slices to customizable pies. Quick, convenient, and always satisfying, pizza is a perennial favorite for a fast meal.
HotBox Pizza, an Indianapolis-based chain, offers a unique and customizable pizza experience. Known for their creative toppings, quirky names, and delicious crust, HotBox Pizza has become a local favorite. The prices are reasonable, with a large pizza costing around twenty dollars. Several HotBox Pizza locations can be found throughout Indianapolis.
Some prefer the classic big brands for their pizza fix, such as Papa John’s or Pizza Hut. Both establishments offer a wide variety of pizzas and other food items for a group, as well as individual slices for a quick treat.
Honorable Mentions
Indianapolis boasts many more fast food options that deserve a mention. These establishments are solid choices for a quick and satisfying meal, depending on your specific cravings and location. These include:
- Culver’s: Known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, Culver’s is a Midwestern favorite that has gained popularity in Indianapolis.
- Penn Station East Coast Subs: Offers freshly grilled subs with a variety of toppings and sauces.
- Rally’s: Offers quick, affordable, and tasty burgers, fries, and shakes.
Sweet Endings: Don’t Forget Dessert!
- BRICS: Located in Broad Ripple, offers house-made ice cream with seasonal ingredients.
- Jakes Crossroads Ice Cream: Located in Camby, is a local favorite, family-owned and operated ice cream shop.
Conclusion
Indianapolis’s fast food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every taste and budget. From classic burger joints and chicken shacks to authentic Mexican eateries and innovative sandwich shops, the city boasts a range of options for a quick and satisfying meal. By exploring the establishments highlighted in this guide, you can discover your new favorite fast food spot in Indianapolis and satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
No matter your craving, Indianapolis has a fast food option to satisfy it. So, next time you’re short on time, skip the cooking and explore these delicious spots! What’s your go-to fast food order in Indy? Let us know in the comments below!
