Weeknight dinners, lunch breaks, after-school hunger emergencies - sometimes you just need food fast. These Bay Area restaurants specialize in quick service while still offering the kid-friendly amenities and quality food that parents appreciate.
Food arrives in 20 minutes or less
Fast doesn't mean sacrificing freshness
Options that kids actually want to eat
Quick service, but not rushed dining
Most quick-service restaurants offer mobile ordering or call-ahead options. Place your order on the drive over and walk in to grab your food. This works especially well for takeout.
Even fast restaurants get busy. Skip peak lunch (12-1pm) and dinner (6-7:30pm) times when possible. Early dinner (5pm) or late lunch (2pm) means faster service and less chaos.
Preview menus online before you go. Help kids decide ahead of time so you can order quickly. Many regulars have their "usual" order memorized for even faster service.
If kids are hungry and cranky, order drinks immediately. A beverage in hand while waiting for food can make a huge difference in everyone's mood.
Ask for bread, chips, or something to munch on while you wait. Many restaurants will bring this quickly, even if main courses take a bit longer.
Even quick restaurants can have delays. Keep crackers or fruit snacks in your bag for emergency hunger management, especially with younger kids.
Order at counter, food brought to table. Higher quality than fast food, faster than full service. Examples: chipotle-style bowls, gourmet pizza, sandwich shops.
Order and pick up at counter. Quick turnaround, casual atmosphere. Great for takeout. Examples: delis, bakery cafes, food court style.
Traditional table service but with streamlined menus and faster kitchen times. Best for sitting down but getting food quickly. Examples: diners, family chains.
Customize meals assembly-line style. Very fast and kids love choosing their ingredients. Examples: bowl concepts, make-your-own pizza or salad bars.