Are you navigating the vibrant food scene of Buenos Aires and looking for fast, delicious options that fit your hectic lifestyle?
Whether you’re a traveler exploring the city’s beautiful chaos, a digital nomad balancing work and play, or an expat craving a quick and tasty meal, Buenos Aires’ fast food venues have something special for you.
From indulgent burgers and custom-crafted hot dogs to the iconic fast pizza, these eateries provide quick solutions without compromising on quality.
Join ExpatPathways as we uncover the best fast food stores in Buenos Aires, perfect for satisfying your hunger in a flash while you soak in the local culture.
The Best Fast Food Stores in Buenos Aires
1. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has been a dominant presence in Buenos Aires since its first restaurant opened on Avenida Cabildo on November 24, 1986.
As the largest operator of McDonald’s restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean, and its biggest franchisee globally, McDonald’s faced initial challenges adapting to the Argentine market and competing against local chains and its global rival, Burger King.
Over the decades, McDonald’s has expanded significantly in Buenos Aires, celebrating the opening of its 225th location in the country by 2024.
The brand offers a variety of dining experiences from modestly sized locales to larger establishments with drive-thrus, and outlets in shopping centers and airports, serving everything from classic burgers and meal combos to salads, desserts, and popular kids’ toys.
2. Mostaza
Mostaza, a homegrown Argentine fast food chain established in the early 2000s, has rapidly grown to become one of the country’s most significant fast food players, rivaling international giants like McDonald’s and Burger King.
Known for its grilled hamburgers, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee, Mostaza has expanded from 50 branches in 2011 to over 180 locations across Argentina, with additional outlets in Paraguay and Uruguay.
Its success is attributed to the substantial size and variety of its burgers, which feature unique toppings and ingredients, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Mostaza’s presence in key locations such as hypermarkets, shopping centers, and public streets ensures it remains a top choice for fast food enthusiasts.
3. Wendy’s
Wendy’s made its debut in Argentina in January 2012, bringing a fresh option to the fast-food market with its first location.
Since then, the chain has expanded to eight locations across Capital Federal and Greater Buenos Aires, serving over 6,000 customers daily with the same dedication that founder Dave Thomas showed at his first restaurant.
Operated by Desarrollos Gastronómicos S.A. in Argentina, Wendy’s has become a favored spot among fast-food aficionados, particularly for its burgers, attracting a steady flow of patrons eager to experience its unique offerings in the bustling urban landscape of Buenos Aires.
4. Burger King
Burger King, a key player in the Argentine fast food scene, has firmly established itself since opening its grills in 1989.
As one of the top three fast food chains in the country, Burger King has been a consistent contender in the market, though it trails behind the ubiquitous presence of McDonald’s and the rising popularity of the local chain, Mostaza.
With over 100 outlets spread across 10 provinces including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe, Burger King employs more than 4,500 people and prides itself on a culture of winning attitude, involved leadership, surprising service, collaborative spirit, and meticulous attention to detail.
The menu features a variety of offerings including beef and chicken burgers, vegan burgers, salads, nuggets, diverse combo meals, desserts, and breakfast options, catering to a broad range of tastes and dietary preferences.
5. Subway
Subway has been a mainstay in Buenos Aires since 1996, initially introduced by a group of Brazilian partners.
After a brief retreat, the brand made a significant comeback in 2004 under the management of a new group of five partners who opened the first franchise at Diagonal Norte and Florida.
Unlike in Brazil and Uruguay, where Subway operates through a master franchise, in Argentina, the brand grows through individual franchisees.
Today, Subway boasts 67 franchises in Argentina, with plans to open three more this year, offering a vast array of customizable sandwiches made with freshly baked bread and an assortment of fresh ingredients, catering to millions of fans daily with healthy, fast, and affordable meal options.
6. KFC
KFC, known globally for its crispy fried chicken, entered the Argentine market in 2013 through DEGASA, holding the master franchise.
Initially controlled by the investment fund Inverlat, KFC was acquired by the Ecuadorian group Int Food Services in 2018, demonstrating a strategic focus on expanding the fried chicken chain due to its higher profit margins compared to hamburgers.
Today, KFC operates 22 outlets across Argentina, predominantly in Buenos Aires City and province, with additional locations in Rosario and Mendoza.
KFC continues to serve up classic fried chicken pieces, sandwiches, snacks, combo boxes, sides, and desserts, all prepared using fresh chicken and a secret recipe daily in each restaurant.
7. Green Eat
Green Eat stands out in Buenos Aires for its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle while also aiming to reduce climate impact.
This fast-food chain prioritizes sustainability and health, working closely with suppliers to ensure all eggs used are from cage-free hens, including those in their baked goods—a policy that became fully effective globally in 2021.
The menu at Green Eat features 100% plant-based dishes and gluten-free options, emphasizing natural ingredients without chemical additives or preservatives.
Each morning, fresh ingredients are delivered to their kitchens, where the day’s meals are prepared from scratch, ensuring freshness and quality.
Green Eat’s philosophy combines delicious, seasonally inspired recipes with a network of producers who share their values, positively impacting the world.
8. Dean & Dennys
Dean & Dennys originated in Buenos Aires with a clear mission: to offer premium quality burgers and hot dogs in a modern, relaxed setting.
With its own production facility, the chain produces 100% premium beef burgers, chicken medallions, and veggie options, using top-notch, customized ingredients from strategic partners.
Pioneering the “FAST GOOD” concept, Dean & Dennys aims to redefine fast food for the new generation, blending high quality with fast service.
The chain has expanded significantly, operating over 25 locations in Argentina and recently branching out to Uruguay, with plans to enter markets in Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, and the USA.
Their menu also includes two lines of burgers—the more economical Urban line and the traditional Classic line—all made with premium beef and artisan potato bread, alongside offerings of fries, salads, sandwiches, coffee, beverages, and ice cream.
9. Hot Dogs Stores
In Buenos Aires, hot dogs serve as a speedy and satisfying alternative to the usual burger and fries combo, especially when time is of the essence.
The city’s hot dog establishments, ranging from restaurants and bars to street-side stands, often offer quicker service than many of the burger joints previously discussed.
Patrons can choose from classic, budget-friendly options to more gourmet experiences featuring a variety of sausages, diverse sauces, and numerous accompaniments.
This makes hot dogs in Buenos Aires an excellent choice for those seeking a quick, delicious, and less conventional fast food option.
10. Fast Pizza Stores
“Pizza al paso” or “fast pizza” is a deeply ingrained culinary tradition in Buenos Aires, much like the popular pizza chains in the United States that combine quick service with quality.
Local favorites like Guerrin, Banchero, and La Continental cater to the city’s appetite for fast, quality pizza.
These establishments offer slices of pizza that can be enjoyed with soft drinks, water, or even beer, and many feature bars where diners can stand and eat without the need to sit down or wait for table service.
This setup reflects the city’s vibrant and fast-paced culinary scene, providing a quick and flavorful dining option for residents and visitors alike.
(Featured Image Source: Dima Valkov/pexels.com)
