One day, someone will ask where to grab a quick bite in Williamsburg, and you’ll pause, then realize you have eight perfect answers ready. Whether you’re a college student or a local veteran, these spots have already solved the question for you.
Duck Donuts
$ | (757) 258-3825 | WEBSITE
Fresh cake donuts, creative icing combos, and a staff that actually gets your order right – that’s Duck Donuts in a nutshell. It’s a cheerful spot that’s perfect for families in the morning and a sweet-tooth destination all day long. We’re still not sure if espresso frosting and bacon belong on the same donut, but this place makes it work, especially when you can customize your own warm creation right after ordering.
Plus, getting a breakfast sandwich with maple glaze that’s soooo good is a nice tradeoff for having to choose between chocolate explosion and bourbon apple bliss.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (757) 255-1949 | WEBSITE
Blaze Pizza can get busy, but it’s not chaotic by any means, so keep it in mind if you’re with people that like a spot where there’s a little energy. This popular location in Williamsburg is a wonderful place for grabbing lunch with coworkers or friends at a counter seat while building your own brick oven fired pizza with a wide range of toppings, including vegan choices.
As for what you should be ordering, start with the fresh spring mix salad with yummy veggies and Green goddess dressing, which is a crisp, vibrant side with handcrafted dressing in a chilled bowl.
Cook Out
$ | (866) 547-0011 | WEBSITE
The second the clock hits midnight, people instantly swarm to Cook Out. You should be one of those people. Whether it’s on Friday at 1am or on a Sunday at 8pm, late-night cravings (and excellent shakes) make this the best spot in Williamsburg to grab burgers, enjoy about 30 flavors of “thicc” milkshakes, and be surrounded by happy families and the smell of grilled patties.
Spread out at a picnic-style table in the casual backyard cookout atmosphere, order a fully customized tray for under $60 with dessert, and know that your decision to stop by was a fantastic one.
Taco Bell
$ | (757) 741-2441 | WEBSITE
Just thinking about cooking dinner after a long day is exhausting. Actually dealing with complicated takeout apps and delivery fees can be even more exhausting. If you’re actively looking for a place that won’t make you immediately turn around and go home, Taco Bell is always a great standby. You can consistently get your order right every time, so it works for a quick 7pm meal with family powered by terrific Volcano Tacos and cheese quesadillas.
Watching the drive-thru line outside while calmly enjoying vegetarian beans and rice from their solid menu is one of the most stress-reducing activities in Williamsburg.
Retro’s Good Eats
$ | (757) 253-8816 | WEBSITE
When you want a lively spot filled mostly with families and folks seeking classic comfort food, check out Retro’s Good Eats. It’s in a casual space that feels like a friendly family-run joint, with a clean and welcoming vibe, and the menu is creative enough to restore your faith in “fast food.” Like a veggie quesadilla that’s a popular choice, watermelon lemonade that’s a refreshing treat, or a patty melt with Swiss cheese and onion on buttered toast.
The desserts are excellent too – get the turtle sundae, a sweet treat, or one of their many-flavored shakes. The hot dogs are a highlight, and the fries made from fresh potatoes are often enjoyed, though some feel adding dried spices right after frying could improve them. The service is generally fine, and the staff maintains a lively environment, making it a solid pick for those craving American classics.
Hardee’s
$ | (757) 565-0464 | WEBSITE
Hardee’s is a fast-food spot that doesn’t feel too different from grabbing a quick meal in a familiar parking lot, so it’s ideal for actively refueling although you’ll have to leave your car to get inside. Order a breakfast biscuit while watching the morning rush and sipping bottled orange juice from the cooler. You might even be satisfied when it comes time to head out.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (757) 253-6464 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A is consistently one of the busiest fast food restaurants in Williamsburg, and it’s one of our favorite places to grab a reliably delicious meal featuring classic chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries. There’s also a spacious dining area and a drive-thru that’s impressively efficient even during peak hours.
We especially like that the staff is so accommodating and friendly here – nobody wants to deal with long waits or incorrect orders when you’re just trying to get a hot, fresh meal quickly.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
$ | (757) 271-4793 | WEBSITE
Freddy’s is the best fast food spot in Williamsburg that not a lot of people know about. That might be because of its unassuming strip mall location, but don’t let that dissuade you from stopping by for exceptional burgers with things like double bacon cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and Freddy fries. They’re all better than the soggy drive-thru fare you grab on the way home from work.