Looking for the best quick service restaurants at Downtown Disney?
Whether you’re taking a break from the parks or looking for a fun Disney experience without theme park tickets, Downtown Disney is a great destination all on its own. Since we live so close to Anaheim, sometimes I’ll just go to Downtown Disney for a little Disney fix.
While there are plenty of nice restaurants, Downtown Disney also offers some fantastic quick service dining options. From gourmet sandwiches to artisan pizza, I’ve rounded up all the options for cheap food at Downtown Disney to help you plan this visit.
Let’s dig in!
Best Quick Service Restaurants at Downtown Disney
Here are my picks for the best quick service restaurants at Downtown Disney and the must-try items at each one.
1. Earl of Sandwich
One of the most popular quick service restaurants in Downtown Disney, Earl of Sandwich is famous for its hot artisan sandwiches, generous portions, and reasonable prices. It’s also one of the best values at Disneyland Resort.
Earl of Sandwich is currently located in a pop-up location near Star Wars Trading Post, as its future location in a new two-story building is under construction. The restaurant’s original spot near the Disneyland Esplanade is being transformed to make way for Porto’s Bakery. (Lot’s of changes underway all around!)
Why Families Love It: Affordable prices, large portions, and menu options that appeal to both kids and adults.
Must-Try Items:
- The Original 1762
- Holiday Turkey
- Chipotle Chicken Avocado
- Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich
2. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
Black Tap has become a Downtown Disney favorite thanks to its oversized burgers and Instagram-famous CrazyShakes.
While it’s not technically a full-service restaurant, it’s close! You order at the counter and then they’ll bring the food to you. Unlike some Downtown Disney quick service spots, there is plenty of seating both inside and on the patio.
The portions at Black Tap are huge, making it easy to share a meal. I love their big salads and burgers are of course phenomenal. There is also an outdoor walk-up window where you can order shakes.
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If you are craving a sweet treat at night, Black Tap offers a Happy Hour from 9 p.m. until close at their walk-up window where you can snag a classic shake for $8.
Why Families Love It: Massive milkshakes, fun atmosphere, and burgers that satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Must-Try Items:
- All-American Burger
- Texan Burger
- The Cali Chicken Sandwich
- Strawberry Shortcake CrazyShake
3. Napolini Pizzeria
If you’re craving pizza without committing to a full sit-down meal, Naples offers made-to-order pizzas and grab-and-go options right next to their main restaurant.
Napolini Pizzeria is one of our favorite spots to grab quick service at Downtown Disney. First of all, it’s one of the cheapest meals you can find at Downtown Disney. More importantly, the food is really good! The pizzas are made with imported Italian ingredients and wood-fired for authentic flavor. I love their Hawaiian Pizza, as well as the Margherita if you are craving something simple. On our most recent visit, I ordered the BBQ Chicken Pizza and then added pineapple, as well. It was delicious!
Must-Try Items:
- Margherita Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Caesar Salad
- Garlic Bread
4. Beignets Expressed
For a taste of New Orleans, stop by Beignets Express. It is tucked away right next to Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio.
Beignets are one of those Disney must-tries, although sadly they do not sell Mickey-shaped beignets – only square ones. These fluffy, powdered sugar-covered pastries are great for sharing. You can get four beignets for around 11 bucks, or six for $14. It’s a great stop for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack while exploring Downtown Disney.
Top Tip: Order a variety of dipping sauces and let kids pick their favorite. Chocolate is usually the big winner.
Must-Try Items:
- Original New Orleans Beignets
- Glazed Beignets
- Dipping Sauces
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
5. Tiendita
Tiendita is the place to go for authentic Mexican street food.
Created by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, Tiendita offers food inspired by the flavors found throughout Mexico. This vibrant walk-up location serves fresh tacos, burritos, and snacks that are perfect for enjoying while exploring Downtown Disney.
The quality here is noticeably elevated compared to many quick-service locations, making it a favorite among foodies visiting the resort.
Tiendita is also a great option if you are looking for breakfast at Downtown Disney. They open early and serve great breakfast burritos and other tasty grab-and-go meals.
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Tiendita is a great option if you want Mexican food without committing to a full table-service experience at Céntrico. My one major complaint about Tiendita however is that they do not have a dedicated seating area.
Must-Try Items:
- Street Tacos
- Carne Asada Burrito
- Street Corn
- Acapulco Ceviche
6. Parkside Market
Part of Downtown Disney’s reimagining, Parkside Market is a new food hall near the entrance to Downtown Disney. The two-level building is home to several Downtown Disney quick-service restaurants:
- Seoul Sister
- GG’s Chicken Shop
- Parkside Market Coffee
- Vista Parkside Market Bar
Seoul Sister is one of the most exciting quick service options at Downtown Disney. This Korean-inspired eatery serves flavorful rice bowls, salads, and dumplings packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The portions are generous and customizable, making it easy for everyone in the family to find something they enjoy.
GG’s Chicken Shop specializes in crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fries that elevate classic comfort food. The menu is simple, but that’s part of the appeal. Everything is made fresh and packed with flavor.
Parkside Market Coffee (briefly called Sip & Sonder before it was rebranded) has a walk-up counter and offers craft coffee drinks and light breakfast options such as cinnamon rolls and croissants. It’s great if you are looking for something on the go while heading to the parks.
Top Tip: More than the food, the thing I love best about this place is their open-air seating area upstairs, so that’s where I recommend you grab your food and sit for a pinch.
With indoor and outdoor seating, a convenient location, and a variety of cuisines, Parkside Market has quickly become one of the best places to grab a quick meal at Disneyland Resort.
Must-Try Items:
- Signature Bowls from Seoul Sister
- Korean Chicken Salad from Seoul Sister
- Sweet Chili Fried Chicken from GG’s Chicken Shop
- Waffle Fries from GG’s Chicken Shop
7. Salt & Straw
No Downtown Disney food guide would be complete without Salt & Straw. This beloved ice cream shop is known for its creative flavors and seasonal offerings that change throughout the year. Their small-batch seasonal flavors are created with local ingredients in collaboration with artisans, chefs, and farmers.
The shop can get very busy, especially on hot afternoons. The line often looks intimidating, but it moves surprisingly fast.
Why Families Love It: Unique flavors, generous samples, and fun seasonal creations.
Must-Try Flavors:
- Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons
- Double Fold Vanilla
- Chocolate Gooey Brownie
- Seasonal Flavors
8. Wetzel’s Pretzels
A longtime Downtown Disney staple, Wetzel’s Pretzels is perfect for a quick snack between shopping and entertainment.
The freshly baked, hand-rolled pretzels are always popular, and there are plenty of sweet and savory options (such as Cheesy Dog Bites) if you are looking for more of a “meal” on the go. (Notice I put the word meal in quotes? It is not the healthiest option and as a mom kind of makes me cringe, but it will fill you up and makes a fun treat!)
Why Families Love It:
Budget-friendly snacks and kid-approved menu choices.
Must-Try Items:
- Wetzel’s Original Pretzel
- Pepperoni Twist Pretzel
- Sinful Cinnamon Pretzel
- Frozen Lemonade
9. Downtown Disney Food Carts and Kiosks
Some of the best quick bites at Downtown Disney don’t come from restaurants at all. Throughout the district, you’ll find food carts and kiosks serving everything from corndogs to churros to seasonal treats.
These locations are perfect when you’re looking for a quick snack on the go. They also tend to have shorter lines than many of the more popular quick service restaurants, making them a convenient option when you’re short on time.
One of the biggest advantages of Downtown Disney’s carts and kiosks is that the offerings frequently change throughout the year. Seasonal churros, holiday treats, specialty beverages, and limited-time snacks often make appearances during festivals and special events.
Why Families Love Them: Affordable snacks, convenient locations, and plenty of shareable treats for the whole family.
Downtown Disney Dining Tips
Here are just a few more random tips to keep in mind:
- Share plates – Portions are large at many locations; splitting saves money and avoids waste.
- Mobile order when possible – Especially handy for Starbucks in the morning when you are in a rush.
- Time it right – Consider dining here on arrival or departure day when you may not have park tickets.
- Avoid long lines – Most restaurants are busiest between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Take a break from the parks – Downtown Disney quick service meals are a great option if you want to take break from the parks. You can even ride the monorail from Disneyland Park right to Downtown Disney and then meander back after you eat.
Final Thoughts: Best Downtown Disney Quick Service Spots
Downtown Disney has evolved into a destination for food lovers, offering everything from gourmet sandwiches and artisan pizza to creative desserts.
One of the things I love most about Downtown Disney is that the food feels a bit more elevated than typical theme park fare, while still being convenient and family-friendly. Many locations also offer spacious outdoor patios, making them perfect for relaxing after a busy day at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure.
My personal favorites are Earl of Sandwich for value, Salt & Straw for dessert, and Napolini Pizzeria for a quick and satisfying meal. Together, they showcase why Downtown Disney has become one of the best places to eat at Disneyland Resort.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast before heading into Disneyland, a casual lunch between park visits, or a sweet treat after dinner, there’s something here for every taste and budget.
For more help planning your Disneyland vacation, check out these other articles:
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