Ranking fast-food restaurants near Azusa Pacific University from best to worst.
Azusa is a hot spot for fast-food restaurants. Whether you’re craving tacos or chicken tenders, Azusa has them all. There are more options than I know what to do with sometimes. I’m sure we can all agree to disagree that some restaurants are simply better than others. Let’s take a look at the rankings:
1. Urbane Cafe (0.3 miles from East campus)
Urbane Cafe is the newest addition to the Azusa area. It offers a wide variety of sandwiches and protein bowls that accommodate a lot of dietary restrictions. Urbane is also one of the few healthier options in Azusa. If you’re debating whether this place is worth the hype or not, I’m here to tell you it’s very deserving. Fresh and flavorful food paired with a welcoming atmosphere made me want to go back.
2. Tacos El Superior (0.4 miles from East campus)
The best tacos and quesadillas you can find in Azusa can be found at Tacos El Superior. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true. If you’re going to try anything, get the quesabirria with a side of consommé — it’s to die for. The cheesy, crispy shell filled with birria (slow-cooked Angus beef) and savory consommé was mouth-watering. The tacos are another great option. You can never go wrong with three street tacos served with your choice of meat. Tacos El Superior definitely lives up to its name.
3. Chick-Fil-A (0.2 miles from East campus)
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner — Chick-fil-A has it all. With a wide range of options, you can satisfy all of your chicken cravings. You can order a classic chicken nugget meal or mix it up with a cool wrap. I love that Chick-fil-A is real fast food and you don’t have to wait forever in a long line. Their above-and-beyond service also brings me back because they’re always willing to fix any problem. You can’t go wrong when you choose Chick-fil-A.
4. The Habit (0.3 miles away from East campus)
A good alternative choice for American food is the Habit. Their sandwiches and chargrilled burgers are loaded with toppings and flavor. I even had an obsession with the grilled chicken sandwich for the longest time. The sandwich has juicy, tender chicken served on a ciabatta bun, topped with cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and your choice of BBQ or teriyaki sauce. I was in heaven from the first bite. If you’ve never tried The Habit, maybe you should make a habit of eating there.
5. Raising Cane’s (0.2 miles away from East campus)
The most popular spot to eat in Azusa is by far Raising Canes. It’s always busy no matter what time you go and even though the menu is so simple, the food is always so good. I love the juicy, crispy chicken tenders, buttery Texas toast, and sweet lemonade. But, only eating chicken can get old, especially when there’s no variety. In my opinion, Canes is only good when you’re desperately craving something greasy. When I first came to APU, I ate Canes like it was my job. Now that I’ve been here for four years, I’m not a big fan. It’s one of those restaurants that you crave when you don’t have it nearby, but avoid when you live two minutes away. Agree with me or disagree with me — that’s just how I feel.
6. In-N-Out Burger (0.3 miles away from East campus)
Along the same lines as Canes, In-N-Out Burger is one of those restaurants that you crave because it’s not easily accessible. While In-N-Out is a great bang for your buck, the lack of variety and greasiness deters me. Paired with flavorless fries, the food really isn’t that great. If I’m going to eat there, I have to be starving or really craving a burger. You also have to wait in an insanely long line each time you go. I would rather sit down at an actual restaurant than wait in my car for 20 minutes for a burger and cardboard flavored fries.
7. McDonald’s (0.2 miles away from East campus)
McDonald’s has been at the bottom tier of fast-food restaurants for a long time. The quality of the food has decreased and the service is hit or miss. The one thing they have going for them is their fries and — if you’re lucky — their ice cream. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy a McChicken every now and then, but it’s definitely not my first option. McDonald’s is mediocre and that’s the truth.
8. Taco Bell (0.3 miles away from East campus)
Taco Bell has to be one of the worst places you can go for tacos, unless it’s late at night and nothing else is open. Nothing on that menu is good for your stomach, and it will show after you eat it. The one item on their menu that I will allow is the crunchwrap supreme. Other than that, there’s no good reason to go to Taco Bell. Azusa has several authentic and better tasting options. So do yourself a favor and don’t settle for Taco Bell.
9. Popeyes (0.2 miles away from East campus)
If you asked me the last time I went to Popeyes I wouldn’t be able to tell you. I genuinely don’t know someone who actually goes to Popeyes for anything. After the hype for the chicken sandwich died down a few years ago, it seemed as if everyone stopped going there. The chicken sandwich was good, but Popeyes’ can’t just rely on one sandwich to keep them in business. There are far better options, especially in Azusa.
10. Jack in the Box (0.2 miles away from East Campus)
Jack in the Box is the worst place to get any food in Azusa. You’re signing up for a night of stomach aches when you order from there. It’s expensive and the food is never satisfying. Plus, there’s always a minimum 10-minute wait. Long story short, avoid Jack in the Box.
These are just a few of the many fast-food restaurants in Azusa that made my list. Honorable mentions for good fast food can be made to Chipotle, Rakuten Ramen, and Blaze Pizza. Azusa has so many options for food, especially within walking distance from campus, and it’s hard to go wrong. In the end, you like what you like and no one can change that.