Fast food’s omnipresence in American culture is undeniable. Its blend of taste, convenience, and affordability propelled the U.S. fast-food market to over $730 billion in 2022 alone (via Yahoo!). Many chains now offer breakfast menus, catering to the morning rush, saving customers time and energy. But the love for breakfast foods transcends time, leading to the question: What Fast Food Places Have All Day Breakfast?
While some restaurants have discontinued their all-day breakfast offerings, there’s still hope for those who crave a melty egg and cheese sandwich or crispy hash browns at any time of day. Knowing where to go is key to satisfying those cravings. Let’s explore some of the top contenders.
The Rise of Fast Food Breakfast
Believe it or not, breakfast wasn’t always a fast-food staple. McDonald’s pioneered the concept of a hot, on-the-go morning meal in the 1970s. Jim Delligatti, a Pittsburgh franchisee and the inventor of the Big Mac, initially introduced morning donuts with Ray Kroc’s approval. The success in Pittsburgh led to other franchises experimenting with continental breakfasts.
Herb Peterson in Santa Barbara revolutionized the market three years later with the Egg McMuffin. Peterson famously challenged Kroc to taste it blindfolded. Kroc loved it, and so did the nation.
Wendy’s, Burger King, and other chains followed suit. The fast-food breakfast explosion took off in the 1980s. Carl’s Jr. launched the Breakfast Burger in 2004, and Taco Bell introduced the Waffle Taco in 2014. While McDonald’s remains the breakfast leader, its all-day breakfast was sadly discontinued in 2020.
Fast Food Chains Serving Breakfast All Day
White Castle
White Castle, the original fast-food hamburger chain from the 1920s, introduced breakfast in 1986, taking cues from McDonald’s. Unlike Mickey D’s, White Castle keeps the breakfast going all day. You can still enjoy toast sandwiches, waffles, or breakfast sliders. They even brought back their French Toast Slider in 2025.
It’s always wise to confirm that your local White Castle serves all-day breakfast. While White Castle doesn’t explicitly state a breakfast cutoff time, it’s not officially declared either, so call ahead to be sure.
Dunkin’
“America runs on Dunkin’,” especially on the East Coast, where the chain is most prevalent. Dunkin’s coffee is often preferred over Starbucks for its simplicity, flavors, and price. Dunkin’ has you covered when a breakfast sandwich craving hits at any hour.
Despite its name, Dunkin’ serves more coffee than donuts. They even considered changing their name to just Dunkin’. While they still sell about 1 billion munchkins annually (via Enterprise Apps Today), the chain offers other breakfast options such as bacon, egg, and cheese croissants and avocado toast. Availability may vary by location, but you can always count on donuts, muffins, and bagels.
Jack In The Box
At Jack in the Box, it’s always egg o’clock. They boast their all-day menu with the tagline “Get it when you crave it,” with service from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. in most states. You can get your hands on one of the best-ranked breakfast sandwiches any time of day.
With over 25 breakfast options, from sausage biscuits to waffle sticks, it would take nearly a month to try everything. Most locations are on the West Coast or in Texas, with a few in the Midwest and the Carolinas.
Quiznos
Quiznos, a popular sandwich chain from the 2000s, launched its breakfast menu in 2010. Initially, they offered breakfast subs and biscuits at affiliated convenience stores. Breakfast was considered essential in the 24-hour convenience store setting, accounting for over 35% of food profits (via CStoreDecisions).
The toasted sandwich empire has made an impressive comeback with new international and plant-based options. What’s remained consistent is the all-day, everyday breakfast, now available in their actual eateries. Opt for a hearty steak and eggs sandwich. Confirm availability with your nearest location.
Sonic
Sonic is known for its delicious meals and limeades delivered by servers on roller skates and is one of the few fast-food places that consistently serves breakfast around the clock. Customers can also order from the regular menu during morning hours.
Sonic’s breakfast menu includes various burritos, French toast sticks, and toasted sandwiches. Although its breakfast sandwich is not rated too poorly, it’s a solid option. The restaurant has nearly 3,500 locations, mainly in the South, but most states have at least one.
Subway
Subway offers breakfast at any hour. This popular build-your-own sandwich chain launched its morning menu in 2010. While Subway’s breakfast sandwich might not be the best, it includes classic ingredients like cheese, eggs, and bacon.
The company discontinued some popular items like the Sunrise Subway Melt and the Western Egg White Muffin Melt but allows full customization. Some customers complain about price increases after 11 a.m. You can also order a regular sandwich as soon as they open. As a franchise, each location may have its own rules, so confirm breakfast availability with your local Subway.
Bojangles
Bojangles, primarily found in the South, offers a taste of regional cuisine, including cajun pinto beans and Southern gravy biscuits.
Breakfast, served all day, is mixed in with lunch and dinner biscuit sandwiches. Options include egg and cheese with your choice of meat, served on Bojangles’ signature buttery biscuit. The biscuits are made from scratch, a rare process in the fast food industry. Some customers enhance their egg and cheese biscuit by adding chicken from the cajun filet.
Starbucks
Starbucks, with its focus on speed and efficiency, is now in line with the fast-food industry.
The coffee giant offers all-day breakfast options, including sandwiches (with an Impossible plant-based sausage patty), egg bites, wraps, bagels, and muffins. Although Starbucks breakfast sandwiches are premade, they still taste great.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is a reliable choice for coffee. Breakfast availability varies; some locations serve it all day, some stop at lunchtime, and others around 4 p.m.
Originating in Canada, Tim Hortons offers classic breakfast options to pair with its coffee, including wraps, pastries, oatmeal, hash browns, and sandwiches made with buns, biscuits, bagels, or muffins. Note that some customers have complained about changes to the taste and texture of the eggs and buns.
What About McDonald’s All-Day Breakfast?
McDonald’s, the original fast-food breakfast champion, no longer serves its breakfast menu past 11 a.m. All-day breakfast was introduced in 2015, but it ended during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a drop in profits and limited storage space.
However, individual franchises have the power to make their own rules. As of now, only Columbus, Ohio, offers breakfast throughout the day.
Satisfy Your Breakfast Cravings Any Time
If you’re looking to satisfy your breakfast cravings at any hour, several fast-food chains have you covered. From White Castle’s sliders to Dunkin’s breakfast sandwiches, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just be sure to check with your local restaurant to confirm their breakfast hours.
