We all have ways of dealing with hunger pangs, but some are downright regrettable. Like settling for soggy fries. Or driving past Westminster’s culinary gems only to end up at that drive-thru where the ‘special sauce’ tastes suspiciously like regret. Let’s skip the fast food faux pas—here are the 16 spots actually worth pulling over for.
Bob’s Burgers
$ | (714) 895-4211 | WEBSITE
We all need a “break glass in case of emergency” diner – a really reliable spot to go when we need comfort – and if you don’t have one yet, consider Bob’s Burgers. This is a classic neighborhood joint, but it feels more like a cozy living room, with a casual atmosphere and friendly faces everywhere. Come with your appetite so you can enjoy the best avocado cheeseburger around, made with simple ingredients and served with their in-house ranch dressing.
Don’t forget the fried zucchini, which is perfectly crispy and comes with even more ranch. Dip the onion rings in the extra ranch, too, because you’ve got nothing to lose at this point. While you’re at it, finish that vanilla shake and order another one.
Del Taco
$ | (714) 898-8364 | WEBSITE
If you’re having one of those days where everything goes wrong, like your car won’t start or you realize you left your wallet at home, you’ll want to pull into Del Taco right away. It’s a cheerful spot where simple bean and cheese burritos and chicken del carbon tacos are waiting for you – and they’re as satisfying as they sound. Add the fish taco combo and a side of fries (though sometimes they’re a bit underdone) to fully cheer yourself up.
Mr Baguette Sandwiches
$ | (714) 839-8098 | WEBSITE
A modest strip mall spot in Little Saigon where nobody will bother you, so you can devote your full attention to the fresh bánh mì sandwiches. Which is exactly what you’ll want to do, because they are excellent. So when you’re craving something quick but still want to salvage some dignity, grab a special or lemongrass chicken banh mi with fresh-squeezed orange juice and superb ice coffee. It’s also a great solo lunch spot when you need a quiet escape.
Flame Broiler
$ | (714) 891-8170 | WEBSITE
You tried eating nothing but convenience store snacks for every meal to save time. That didn’t work. The good news is, you have nothing but better options. One of which is Flame Broiler, a fast-casual spot with clean surroundings and ample parking (practical, yes, but weirdly satisfying). It’s open for lunch and dinner, so by all means, load your bowl up with chicken and rice, generous portions, and a variety of sauces. Or just get a big bowl of whatever Mario’s cooking that day.
Inviting your friends for some group therapy in the form of a quick, consistent meal is also very much encouraged.
Taco Bell
$ | (714) 893-0996 | WEBSITE
The $7.00 box here is outstanding, and comes with enough food you should share with a friend – like the crunchy tacos, cheesy bean and rice burrito, and cinnamon twists. Taco Bell is the kind of place where you can lean back in the booth, sip a Baja Blast, and end your meal with a huge order of Cinnabon Delights. If you’re still hungry after all that, get the Crunchwrap Supreme. That’ll work.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (714) 843-9911 | WEBSITE
If you were craving a satisfying sub somewhere in Westminster, you might consider a Philly cheesesteak, or a classic Italian, or really any sandwich made with care. Head to Jersey Mike’s instead – it takes less time to get there. This is a spot with subs, friendly service, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere. Go for the Philly cheesesteak with fresh ingredients or try one of their other subs, all prepared with top-shelf components and served by a courteous, knowledgeable team.
Thailan Be Happy
$ | (562) 410-0375 | WEBSITE
At Thailan Be Happy, the shrimp pad thai is stir-fried fresh to order and served in generous portions. Enjoy that with the (also generous) shrimp fried rice, then round things out with shrimp salad, tom yum soup, and/or tom kha with coconut milk. Not to mention some large-sized Thai iced coffees with boba. Come with friends – this place is ideal for groups.
Asian Garden Fast Food
$ | (714) 894-3854 | WEBSITE
We’re not telling you you can’t come here and devour a whole platter of egg rolls meant for at least four people by yourself. But it’s a particularly good place to come with family. If you need something so sweet it makes your teeth tingle, the Nuoc Mia sugarcane juice is a solid pick – and we also like the much less sugary pandan waffles. But the Banh Bao steamed buns (trust us) are actually the sleeper star.
No matter what, a make-your-own snow cone and some crispy egg rolls can really turn things around for you.
Kao Binh
$$ | WEBSITE
The lemongrass beef at Kao Binh would probably make you feel better on your deathbed, let alone cheer you up after that minor mixup with the reply-all button at work. The email error still feels pretty fresh right now, though, so have at it. This place is a tiny operation in the Garden Grove Asian mall food court, so plan to park nearby and grab your piping hot pho to-go.
Wow Spaghetti
$ | (714) 248-9652 | WEBSITE
The pasta at Wow Spaghetti is definitely not fancy date-night food. It’s meant to be eaten at a clean, well-kept table with generous portions of Mild Creamy Rosé fettuccine, flavorful garlic toast, and corn cheese that comes highly recommended. But if you’ve spent your afternoon sampling sauces and waiting for fresh-made pasta that takes some extra time, this is absolutely an appropriate feast for afterwards.
McDonald’s
$ | (714) 894-4608 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of good fast food spots in Westminster, but when you need something quick and reliable, you need the best. You need McDonald’s. The deluxe McCrispy sandwich and quarter pounder are our favorites here, but it’s hard to go wrong. Get some fries, too.
Wienerschnitzel
$ | (714) 891-2382 | WEBSITE
Wienerschnitzel is one of our favorite spots in Westminster for classic hot dogs and seasonal bratwurst specials. After a few bites of their consistently good food here, things should be looking up. It’s ideal for a casual late-night meal where you appreciate exceptional service, so bring your friends or family, too.
Quynh Huong Egg Rolls
$ | (714) 897-0900 | WEBSITE
Someone cleaned out your fridge and already polished off your last frozen pizza. Head to Quynh Huong, get a pork egg roll, and do two orders of their specialties: the classic pork and the beef with garlic and lemongrass. Repeat as needed. Just bring a buddy who’ll spot you the cash.
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers
$ | (714) 895-4320 | WEBSITE
You have no time for a sit-down meal, but that’s hardly a good enough reason to skip a proper burger. The chili-cheese burgers here are hot and crispy, and come with fresh toppings – plus the fries stay delicious even if you can’t linger and opt for takeout. If you do stop by the pleasant dining area to wait, you won’t get rushed for wearing casual clothes, and you can watch your food being cooked right in front of you while it’s made.
In-N-Out Burger
$ | (800) 786-1000 | WEBSITE
In-N-Out Burger is slightly more convenient than other fast-food spots, and serves the best burgers in the city – only downside is, it takes more effort to park. Once you’re here, though, you can also enjoy perfectly grilled patties and fresh ingredients with friendly service. We’re hungry already.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (714) 901-5513 | WEBSITE
If your hunger has started gnawing even at you, you may find yourself craving the breakfast burger at Carl’s Jr. The super-fresh ingredients just make this special. Sit in the fast-casual brightness where nobody can see you devour your hot burger and on-tap soda. The staff’s kindness shines through even when the ordering machine acts up, and those burritos from the spot inside hit just right.
Sure, you might need a code for the restroom, and sometimes promotions get tangled, but the manager sorts it out. It’s that 24-hour consistency that keeps you coming back.