American Fast Food in London: Where to Go and What to Eat

Ever walk through central London and get hit with a craving for a classic American burger or a box of crispy fried chicken? You're not alone. London might be famous for its fish and chips, but American fast food has made some pretty big waves here, too.

Between familiar chains and cool indie diners, you can actually score a real-deal cheeseburger, proper curly fries, or even those loaded milkshakes piled high with toppings. The best part? You don’t have to look far—there's probably a place serving up steaming hot fries or pancakes with extra syrup just round the corner.

If you want the lowdown on where to get your American fast food fix in London—and what you should order when you get there—keep reading. There are a few insider tips that can seriously improve your next takeout run, and you'll skip the disappointment of ending up somewhere with disappointing fries (life’s too short for bad fries, right?).

• Quick Facts: American Fast Food in London
• Top Choices for American Fast Food
• What Makes American Fast Food Special?
• Best Dishes and Must-Try Menu Items
• How to Find the Best American Fast Food Near You
• Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Meal

Quick Facts: American Fast Food in London

Let’s get you up to speed on what’s really going on with American fast food in London. It’s not just about McDonald’s and KFC—London now has both the big brands and those small joints that feel straight out of LA or New York.

• London has over 150 American fast food restaurants, ranging from big chains to indie diners.
• The city’s first McDonald’s opened in 1974 in Woolwich, and there are now more than 200 outlets across Greater London.
• Aside from classics like McDonald’s, you’ll find Five Guys, Shake Shack, Wingstop, and Taco Bell in key spots like Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and Camden.
• American-style burgers, fried chicken, loaded fries, and thick milkshakes are the top sellers here.
• Many Londoners see American fast food as a treat, making it popular for late-night eats or hangover cures.
• You can often find “secret” menu items or limited-edition US-style specials—like pumpkin pie shakes at Five Guys or Nashville hot chicken at local pop-ups.

One more thing—don’t assume places will taste exactly like the US. Sometimes recipes or spices are tweaked for the UK vibe. Still, you’ll get pretty close to the real deal, and some say the London locations even one-up their American cousins with better service or quality (those fries at Shake Shack, anyone?).

Top Choices for American Fast Food

When you’re serious about that Stateside bite, London’s got a line-up of places that really deliver. No need to cross the pond—these spots hit the mark whether you’re craving smoky BBQ, stacked burgers, or golden fried chicken. Here are some tried-and-tested favorites that locals and expats both swear by.

• Five Guys – It feels like they’re everywhere now, but for good reason. Five Guys gets you custom burgers with all the toppings you want, hot dogs done right, and those Cajun fries that come in serious portions. Their peanut oil-fried fries are a crunchy highlight. Don’t miss their freestyle Coca-Cola machines if you want a root beer or cherry vanilla Coke—nearly impossible to find elsewhere in London.
• Shake Shack – Another New York transplant, Shake Shack at Covent Garden, Canary Wharf, and Stratford brings you smash burgers and those legendary crinkle-cut fries. Their frozen custard shakes are thick, rich, and way more than just a drink—they’re practically dessert in a cup.
• Wingstop – Chicken wing cravings? Wingstop’s got you. Their wings come in over 10 flavours like Lemon Pepper or Mango Habanero—be ready for spice! Garlic Parmesan fries are a cult favorite. Order a platter and bring friends—these wings are made for sharing.
• MEATliquor – For a grungier, indie vibe, MEATliquor is famous for its juicy burgers and onion rings big enough to wear as bangles. The Dead Hippie burger is a local legend—a double patty burger with their own secret sauce. They’ve got vegan options too, so everyone eats happy.
• Honest Burgers – While it’s London-based, this spot does honest-to-goodness American style burgers with a British twist. Their rosemary salted fries are golden and crispy every time, and they showcase guest burgers inspired by U.S. comfort food classics.
• Chick-fil-A (Pop-ups) – Wild but true, Chick-fil-A has hosted pop-ups in London, usually drawing huge crowds. If you ever spot one scheduled, get in line for those signature chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. They vanish fast!

Burgers might get all the spotlight, but let’s not ignore fries, milkshakes, and fried chicken—classic fast food sides that say "American comfort food" like nothing else. Some places go all out and let you build your own burger, choosing everything from the bun to extra toppings; others stick to tried-and-true combos that just work.

Here’s a quick look at how top American fast food chains stack up in London, based on what people rave about:

So if that all-American fast food urge hits, you’re sorted. Just pick your craving and hit one of these spots. It’s as close as you’ll get to that *strong* American fast food London experience without a transatlantic flight.

What Makes American Fast Food Special?

There’s something almost addictive about American fast food. It’s not just the taste—it’s the whole experience. Walk into an American-style fast food spot, and you’ll notice it’s built for convenience. Quick service, big, bold flavors, and portions that don’t hold back. This combo hit the sweet spot for busy folks, and it’s the core reason these places caught on in London.

Let’s break down why this food stands out:

• Bold, Rich Flavors: Whether it’s zesty buffalo wings or double-stacked cheeseburgers, these dishes are made to be crave-worthy. Think special sauces, extra seasoning, and juicy patties.
• Customizable Options: Want extra pickles? Swap out regular fries for curly ones? Most American fast food menus let you build your meal your way.
• Quick Service: Everything is designed to get your food out fast, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or feeding a group of friends after a night out.
• Signature Combos: Classic pairings (fries with burgers, a shake on the side) are everywhere. It saves you from decision fatigue—you just pick a combo and dig in.
• Fun Atmosphere: Bright colors, quirky posters, refill stations, and sometimes even classic American rock on the speakers. Some London diners really commit to the theme, right down to the checkered floors.

Another reason American fast food works so well in London? Consistency and nostalgia. When you’re homesick or just want a taste of something familiar, these spots rarely let you down. People who’ve traveled across the States will tell you how much they look forward to the same reliable experience, whether it’s Five Guys’ peanut oil fries or Shake Shack’s frozen custard.

If you’re wondering what’s most popular in London right now, burgers and fried chicken are neck and neck. In fact, check out these recent stats from a 2024 survey on London’s fast food scene:

If you’re after the real American fast food experience, those top picks deliver every time.

Best Dishes and Must-Try Menu Items

If you’re hunting for legit American fast food in London, you’ll want to hit the essential classics—think juicy burgers, thick milkshakes, and crispy fried chicken. Not all spots are created equal, though. Some places are known for one signature dish, while others pull off a good spread. Here’s what you don’t want to miss:

• Burgers: London favourites like Five Guys, Shake Shack, and Patty & Bun are killing it with their smash burgers. At Five Guys, you can pile on as many toppings as you like—try the bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions and jalapeños. Shake Shack’s signature ShackBurger gets rave reviews for its soft potato bun and tangy ShackSauce. If you want something with a local twist, Patty & Bun’s ‘Ari Gold’ is a winner.
• Fried Chicken: There’s no shortage of fried chicken options, but people rave about Popeyes for its Louisiana-style spicy chicken sandwich. If you want something loaded and a bit messy, visit BIRD—their fried chicken burgers and waffles combo is comfort food heaven.
• Hot Dogs: If you’re craving a true American hot dog, try Bubbledogs. This spot puts a creative spin on the classic, with toppings like truffle mayo and crispy onions. Honest Burger also throws in American-style hot dogs during special seasonal menus.
• Pancakes & Breakfast: The Breakfast Club is basically an institution for American pancakes—fluffy, stacked high, and dripping with maple syrup. Don’t miss the all-day breakfasts with streaky bacon and hash browns.
• Fries & Tater Tots: You want your fries hot and super crispy. Five Guys lets you order them “Cajun style” (spicy!) or classic. For something you can’t always get in the UK, check out tater tots at Ed’s Easy Diner.
• Milkshakes & Desserts: You’re not doing American fast food right if you skip the shakes. Shake Shack’s frozen custard and Five Guys’ customizable mix-ins (like peanut butter, Oreo, and salted caramel) are low-key addictive. Some indie diners even stack donuts right on top of their milkshakes for the ‘freakshake’ experience.

Looking for a challenge? Some places (like Maxwell’s in Covent Garden) offer gigantic burgers or milkshakes piled so high you’ll need your phone out for a photo before you dig in. And if you’re in the mood for something deep-fried and sweet, American-style funnel cake sometimes makes pop-up appearances at food markets—well worth a try.

Short version? If there’s one thing London’s American food scene does well, it’s the full plate. Try a bit of everything—or just double down on what you love best.

How to Find the Best American Fast Food Near You

Hunting down the best American fast food London has to offer doesn’t have to be a guessing game. The city’s packed with options, but a few tricks can help you find a spot that hits the spot every time.

First up, location matters. Zones 1 and 2 are loaded with solid places, especially around Soho, Covent Garden, and Shoreditch. You’ll run into big chains and small diners just by cruising the high street. But don’t ignore malls like Westfield Stratford or White City—they’re basically American fast food central with all the big names under one roof.

If you’re glued to your phone (who isn’t?), use delivery apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. These apps don’t just bring you burgers—they show reviews, average wait times, and what’s popular right now. Use the search tool to filter for “American” and you’ll see everything from Five Guys and Shake Shack to indie joints like MeatLiquor or Dirty Bones.

• Check Google Maps for “best burger London” or “American diner London.” You’ll see ratings, photos, and even busy times, so you can avoid long queues.
• Look out for pop-up events and food festivals. London hosts tons of street food markets—like Camden Market or Southbank Centre Food Market—that often feature American-style stalls with creative twists on classic dishes.
• Social media is your friend. Instagram hashtags like #LondonBurger or #LondonFriedChicken are goldmines for real customer pics and honest takes. If something looks drool-worthy, it’s probably worth a shot.

Here’s a quick look at the top-rated American fast food spots by average Google rating (as of May 2025):

Bottom line: check reviews, trust real photos, and use apps to compare your choices. With so many options, it’s way easier to skip the duds and score the perfect meal—whether you’re in the mood for a classic cheeseburger, fiery wings, or something totally new.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Meal

It’s easy to be tempted by shiny menus or flashy deals, but here’s how savvy locals and homesick Americans get the most from their American fast food London experience without wasting cash or calories.

• Go for combos: Most American spots in London offer meal deals. Combo up your burger with fries and a drink—ordering separately almost always costs more.
• Don’t skip the sides: London branches of American fast food joints love experimenting with sides. Think curly fries at Five Guys, tater tots at Ed’s Easy Diner, or loaded fries at Shake Shack. These often outshine the mains.
• Ask for custom orders: Want extra pickles or sauce? Asking for tweaks is totally normal at most American places, and often doesn’t cost extra. Secret menu items (like “animal style” fries at some Shake Shack branches) are a thing if you know to ask.
• Look for deals on apps: Fast food chains in London regularly roll out exclusive discounts if you order through their app or sign up for their newsletter. Downloading might seem fussy, but the savings stack up—think free burgers or half-price milkshakes at certain times.
• Avoid peak lunch hour: Between noon and 2pm, queues at popular American fast food places spill out the door. Visit a bit earlier or later to get fresher food and actually snag a seat.
• Mind the portion sizes: American-style portions can be a shock if you’re used to British chains. Plan on sharing, or ask for a takeaway box—leftovers are no problem at most London joints.
• Try the local twists: Some spots have UK-only menu items, like Eton Mess shakes or Veggie burgers with British cheddar. These spin-offs can be just as good, and add a London flair to your Americana meal.

And if you care about fresh ingredients, Five Guys actually posts the origin of its potatoes on a board every day. It’s a neat touch and helps you spot places that put effort into their food rather than just the theme. So next time you’re hunting for that proper American bite, use these tips—your taste buds will thank you.