On recent weekday mornings, lines of cars have formed outside fast-food chains in the outer boroughs, especially along stretches of Queens Boulevard and the Bronx’s East Tremont Avenue. The drive-thru, once a suburban convenience, now serves as a daily stop for city residents heading to work or school.

Operators at a Burger King near the Van Wyck Expressway say orders spike from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Egg sandwiches and coffee move quickly, with most customers spending less than five minutes at the window.

The popularity of drive-thrus for breakfast is not new nationally, but the trend has intensified in New York this season. Some point to the return of office commutes and busier school drop-offs as reasons for the uptick. Others cite the appeal of minimizing indoor contact in the lingering wake of public health concerns.

Debate continues over which American chain first offered a drive-thru. Some credit In-N-Out Burger in California in the late 1940s, while others mention Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri. Regardless, the format now extends across fast-food brands, especially in neighborhoods with more parking and car traffic.

For now, lines at drive-thru windows remain a fixture of New York’s autumn mornings, reflecting the city’s shifting relationship with speed and convenience at the start of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are drive-thrus becoming more popular for breakfast in New York City?

Drive-thrus are becoming more popular for breakfast in New York City due to the return of office commutes, busier school drop-offs, and the desire to minimize indoor contact.

Where in New York are breakfast drive-thrus especially busy?

Breakfast drive-thrus are especially busy in the outer boroughs, particularly along Queens Boulevard and the Bronx’s East Tremont Avenue.

What time do drive-thru orders spike at the Burger King near the Van Wyck Expressway?

Orders spike from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Burger King near the Van Wyck Expressway.

How long do most customers spend at the drive-thru window in the morning?

Most customers spend less than five minutes at the drive-thru window in the morning.

Which fast-food chain was the first to offer a drive-thru?

There is debate over whether In-N-Out Burger in California or Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri was the first to offer a drive-thru.

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