We all have those days on the road when there isn’t time for a sit-down restaurant meal or when a pet or sleeping child prevents us from eating inside. The answer? A drive-thru, of course. But, if you’re like me, you probably don’t know which restaurants (beyond the national chains) have one.
Luckily, Chandler has plenty of options—from local restaurants to regional favorites. Here are seven to consider the next time you’re on the road and need a bite to eat.
Senor Taco
4200 S. Chandler Ave., Chandler 85248
(480) 895-5580
The Chandler Avenue location of this Phoenix chain has a drive-thru where you can order huge breakfast burritos, hard- and soft-shelled tacos, or one of 16 different burritos, including the shrimp burrito that put Senor Taco on the map. You’ll also find tortas, quesadillas, and seafood on the menu.
Everything is made fresh to order, so at times, there can be a slightly longer than usual wait in the drive-thru, but don’t let that deter you. The authentic Mexican cuisine is definitely worth it. Tip: Come on Tuesday for $1 tacos.
Planet Sub
1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler, 85286
(480) 245-6503
In the mood for a sub sandwich? Try Planet Sub. For a sandwich shop, it has a surprisingly extensive menu featuring not only the classics like turkey or roast beef but unique offerings like the bacon mushroom melt. It also has nine vegetarian sandwich options, Romaine lettuce wraps, and tortilla wraps on the menu.
Everything is made fresh to order and even the bread is made on site. (Note: Bread for the sandwiches is always toasted unless requested otherwise.)
Planet Sub is a chain with locations mostly in the Midwest and Texas. If you don’t mind chains, Potbelly Sandwich Shop on Chandler Boulevard also has a drive-thru.
Salad and Go
5985 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, 85226
Salads probably aren’t the first food that come to mind when you’re looking for a drive-thru, especially when you’ll be eating on the road, but Salad and Go gives you the option to order any of their salads as a wrap. Choose from a traditional Caesar or Cobb salad or get more creative with options like the roasted sweet potato and strawberry salad. You can add chicken, steak, shrimp or organic tofu for a heartier meal.
This Phoenix area chain also serves breakfast burritos and organic smoothies for breakfast if you want to pick something up in the morning on your way into work.
China Way Restaurant
3021 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 839-0905
Surprisingly, one of Chandler’s most established Chinese restaurants offers drive-thru service. China Way Restaurant serves a la carte entrees, rice bowls, and combo meals at lunch and dinner. Combo meals ($1.50 more) come with an egg roll, crab angel, and white or fried rice. Although most menu items are Chinese favorites, the restaurant also has a limited number of Thai dishes.
Because the food is cooked-to-order, it’s best to call ahead and let them know you’ll be coming through the drive-thru.
BLD Chandler
1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler 85286
(480) 779-8646
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD), this local favorite has a drive-thru for barista-made beverages, protein shakes, and smoothies. You can also call ahead and pick up food to go at the drive-thru window. In the morning, you may be limited to breakfast burritos if you’ll be on the road, but you can also order benedicts, omelets, and hashes to go.
At lunch, you can get a salads, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers to go. In the evening, BLD Chandler expands its menu, adding entrees like short ribs, fried chicken, and risotto. The restaurant also serves BBQ throughout the day, including sandwiches, ribs, and brisket.
Black Rock Coffee
4050 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler 85248
(520) 477-2134
Just want coffee? Black Rock Coffee, a Portland-based coffee house with locations in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, and Arizona, serves excellent hot and cold coffee drinks, chai, smoothies, hot chocolate, and Italian sodas. What it doesn’t serve is food so it can focus on making connections with its customers.
That means when you drive-thru at Black Rock Coffee, the barista won’t just stick out a hand for money and shove a cup in your face. Instead, you’ll be greeted with genuine warmth and a smile. If you ever get the chance to go inside for coffee, baristas will spend extra time explaining the menu, and if the drink is not to your liking, they’ll happily remake it.
Other options
Some larger chains are worth mentioning. For example, although In-and-Out Burger has an impressive network of restaurants spread across California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, it consistently ranks as one of the top burger chains in the nation. There are three In-and-Out locations with drive-thru windows in Chandler, one on Chandler Boulevard, one on Ray Road and one on Germann Road.
Culver’s is another popular burger chain with restaurants mostly in the Midwest, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. In addition to its Butterburger served on a buttered and toasted bun, Culver’s is known for its fresh frozen custard and frozen treats.
If you’re in the mood for chicken, Slim Chickens’ Chandler location has a drive-thru where you can get made-to-order, hand-breaded tenders, fresh chicken sandwiches, and wings with house-made dipping sauces. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has a similar menu and a drive-thru at its Chandler restaurant.
Another option is Filberto’s Mexican Food, a regional Mexican chain with four restaurants in Chandler. Two of those—the one on Arizona Avenue and the one on Pecos Road—have drive-thru windows.
Finally, the Chandler location of Kneaders Bakery and Café has a drive-thru serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Order pancakes, pastries, and egg sandwiches to go for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, opt for soups, salads, and sandwiches.
