Fast food’s omnipresence in American culture is undeniable. The convenience, affordability, and familiar flavors have propelled the industry to a staggering $730 billion valuation in the U.S. in 2022 alone. The popularity of breakfast menus at these chains raises a pertinent question: What Fast Food Has Breakfast All Day?
While some restaurants have sadly discontinued their all-day breakfast offerings, there’s still hope for those who dream of a melty egg and cheese sandwich with crispy hash browns for dinner. With a little planning, you can find plenty of places that serve breakfast beyond the traditional morning hours.
A Brief History of Fast Food Breakfast
Believe it or not, breakfast wasn’t always a fast food staple. McDonald’s pioneered the concept of a quick, hot breakfast in the 1970s. Jim Delligatti, owner of Pittsburgh franchises and inventor of the Big Mac, initially introduced donuts to the morning menu, which proved wildly popular.
In Santa Barbara, Herb Peterson created the iconic Egg McMuffin three years later. The fast-food egg sandwich was revolutionary, requiring Peterson to encourage Ray Kroc to try it before revealing its ingredients. Kroc loved it, and the rest is history.
Wendy’s, Burger King, and other popular chains quickly followed suit, and the fast-food breakfast boom took off in the 1980s. Carl’s Jr. launched the Breakfast Burger in 2004, and Taco Bell introduced the Waffle Taco in 2014. McDonald’s briefly offered all-day breakfast but discontinued it in 2020.
Fast Food Chains Serving All-Day Breakfast
So, which fast food chains still offer breakfast throughout the day? Here are some reliable options for those late-night or midday breakfast cravings.
White Castle
White Castle, the original fast-food hamburger chain since the 1920s, introduced breakfast in 1986. Unlike McDonald’s, White Castle maintains its breakfast offerings all day. You can enjoy toast sandwiches, waffles, and breakfast sliders at any time. They even brought back their French Toast Slider for 2025. While not explicitly stated, it’s generally assumed that White Castle serves breakfast all day, but it’s best to confirm with your local branch.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Despite its name, Dunkin’ sells more coffee than donuts. It has even considered rebranding to just Dunkin’. But, rest assured, this popular chain serves breakfast sandwiches at any hour. While not all locations may offer the full breakfast menu throughout the day, they always have donuts, muffins, and bagels available. Fan favorites include the bacon, egg, and cheese croissant and avocado toast.
Jack In The Box
Jack in the Box lives up to its tagline, “Get it when you crave it,” by offering breakfast from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. in most states. With over 25 breakfast options, including sausage biscuits, waffle sticks, and loaded sandwiches, there’s something for every craving. Most locations are on the West Coast or in Texas, so plan accordingly.
Quiznos
Quiznos launched its breakfast menu in 2010, offering breakfast subs and biscuits. After a comeback, they now offer all-day breakfast in their restaurants, not just affiliated convenience stores. If you are looking for something different from standard fast food options, try a hearty steak and eggs sandwich. Confirm with your local Quiznos for breakfast availability.
Sonic
Sonic consistently serves breakfast around the clock at all locations. They also allow customers to order from the regular menu during breakfast hours. Their breakfast menu includes burritos, French toast sticks, and toasted sandwiches. With nearly 3,500 locations, mainly in the South, Sonic is a convenient option for all-day breakfast.
Subway
Subway launched its breakfast menu in 2010 and offers breakfast all day at many locations. You can customize your breakfast sandwich with classic ingredients like cheese, eggs, and bacon. Though they discontinued some popular items, Subway allows you to fully customize your sandwich, a rarity in fast food. Check with your local Subway to confirm continuous breakfast service.
Bojangles
Bojangles, primarily located in the South, offers breakfast all day. Their breakfast items are integrated into the lunch and dinner menu, featuring biscuit sandwiches with various combinations of egg, cheese, and meat. Bojangles’ biscuits are made from scratch, a unique process in the fast-food industry.
Starbucks
Starbucks offers a variety of all-day breakfast options, including sandwiches, egg bites, wraps, bagels, and muffins. These items pair well with their cold brews, making Starbucks a fast-food contender.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons offers classic breakfast options to pair with their coffee. While some locations serve breakfast all day, others may stop at lunchtime or around 4 p.m. Breakfast options include wraps, pastries, oatmeal, hash browns, and sandwiches.
The Case of McDonald’s: What Happened?
McDonald’s, the original fast-food breakfast champion, no longer serves its breakfast menu past 11 a.m. Due to a drop in profits and storage space limitations, McDonald’s discontinued all-day breakfast in 2020. However, franchises have the power to set their own rules, and some locations may still offer all-day breakfast.
Satisfying Your All-Day Breakfast Cravings
Whether you’re craving a late-night breakfast sandwich or a midday stack of pancakes, there are still plenty of fast food chains that offer breakfast all day. From White Castle’s sliders to Dunkin’s coffee and breakfast sandwiches, you can satisfy your cravings any time of day. So, the next time you’re wondering “what fast food has breakfast all day,” remember this list and enjoy your favorite breakfast items whenever the mood strikes!
