Chipotle Mexican Grill

After being out in the area my Dad started grumbling about how he was hungry. When Dad wants…read moresomething to eat, you find some place to eat. I wasn't in the mood for going to a sit down restaurant, so fast food it was. Yes, before I get further into this review, this is the infamous McDonald's that so many people wrote (and it appears to be that they are still doing so) bad reviews. So if you see a review with reference to pest control or cleanliness of the restaurant, bypass them. Most of those reviews are from people that are from out of state, probably never been to Pennsylvania, and most certainly have never been to Altoona. Not a dis, just a fact. When we got here, I have to say that the parking lot was really confusing. Even though this sits on the main drag through the area, it abuts a residential neighborhood. I was trying to circle around the lot to head back to the front (it is one-way) I didn't think you could because only looked like the drive thru was the only lane. Not to worry, there is a road, more of the size of an alley, that you can make your way back up around. This location has indoor and outdoor seating. We chose to dine inside. Ordering wise, I chose the kiosk, tapped away at the screen, got a table number and then headed to find a seat. Dining room was decently clean even though it was busy with people. Another note on the dining area, there is a lot of space taken up for things that shouldn't be there. There is one small alcove that has two tables, but not for customers, they have a bunch of stuff there for people to apply to work there, and possible they do job interviews there. Then there is the area towards the bathrooms, large enough to accommodate several people and great enough if you want to be antisocial. However, this area was kind of off limits. You know, the area where said incident took place. The staff seem to have taken up roots here. At the end of my meal I did head back here to use the restroom and almost every table had something on it. Laptops, paperwork, general nonsense items. That way no one could sit in this area. I understand, but if it is a busy and full dining room, customers should come first. As far as the food, the order was almost correct. The prepared items were definitely right, but when our food was brought to the table there were no drinks. When we brought that up the employee asked if we ordered from the kiosk. Obviously we did, why else were you delivering the food to the table, with the table number on it? Also, that shouldn't matter if we ordered at the kiosk or not, either fill the cups in the back and at the least give us our cups. When I did go fill our cups after finally getting them, that was a hassle. We both wanted sweet tea, but the two containers were both nearly empty. It was like I was standing there waiting for the tea to be freshly brewed. For the remainder of the meal, nothing special, it's McDonald's. I still am not the biggest fan, but will make do. I am also fairly sure this location does not warrant the low, fake reviews it currently has.

manager here in 2024 called the police on luigi which is wrong and bad. Free luigi google jury…read morenullification

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Shareable menu

McDonald's

1.9(20 reviews)

3.9 mi

When home for a birthday weekend for one of my siblings, I had to run out to grab a few things. Not…read morehaving time to squeeze in dinner we had to make due. There are choices in this area, but we opted for what we thought would be fast. We should have gone elsewhere if we were looking for fast. This McDonald's has been here for decades. Outlasting the go cart track, multiple rebuilds of the Sheetz, and stores closing down nearby. We pulled in, later in the evening, and the parking lot was nearly empty. We actually wondered if the lobby was closed. But we took the chance to come inside. Like most locations, this one focuses too much on the drive thru. Which became apparent when we had placed our orders and waiting long than you should have to at a fast food place. What was surprising was the customer service. The lady that did end up serving our food to us was a delight. She was funny, didn't take any grief, and if I remember correctly, was singing while she worked. I loved that she put my Dad in his place. My Dad was being a bit too much asking for things that he could have grabbed himself. The food is what you would expect. I did give their new sandwich a try. It was decent and possibly too much food for one meal. The Big Arch is basically the Big Mac in a trench coat. Better cheese and fried onion straws. This location went through a change when McDonald's wanted to grow up, but they held onto some nostalgia things. Like Ronald McDonald outside on a bench and some of the old roofline. But, like I said, not many people will care since they are in the drive thru.

If you're into dried out burgers that taste like yesterdays and cool fries that are actually the…read moreworst I've ever had in any McDonalds, this is the place for you. This hasn't happened on just one occasion but probably three over the several years I've lived near here. There's no use complaining, I just stopped going all together.

Worm #1

Outside looking in

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Front counter

McDonald's

2.5(25 reviews)

1.8 mi

Food is good, however.. some of the time, my food gets messed up. Inside is nice and service is…read moredecent enough. Overall, there's far better options, but I suppose if you want food for cheap, get this. Just make sure your food isn't messed up.

Worst McDonald's in Altoona possibly Blair and cambria county. I wish I didn't have to give it even…read morejust one star but I have to. Complete let down and incompetent management and horrible work ethic. Nothing can save this restaurant except a closure or new management

New menu board system after a new site refit.

Fancy& brand new kitchen layout

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McDonald's

1.9(15 reviews)

10.6 mi

It had been a long day already and by lunchtime I was in need of something to eat that would be…read morequick. Being that I had just stopped in the area for a few other things I found myself near here. At the time of my visit it appears that they were in the midst of construction, so be careful when accessing the lot. When I got here, I parked, and went inside to order. I used the kiosk in conjunction with my app. After a few taps on the screen I paid, took my table number, and ventured off to find a seat. Which was a crucial thing here. Being near lunchtime during the summer, there were a multitude of children in the restaurant. I ventured towards the back of the space and wedged myself into a table. What I thought was going to be a good spot turned out to be just as bad as if I was sitting next to the children. It appeared to be break time for at least three if not four employees. Which, good for them, they deserve a break. But when one of them is loud and in every one of their coworker's business, it's kind of annoying. She was loud the whole time, in and out of the side door. Putting her coworker's personal business on blast. Kind of a crappy thing to do when your coworker, according to you, was having a bad day. But to you, it was kind of funny, noted by your constant jokes you made on other people's behalf. You only seemed to calm down after your captive audience of coworkers dissipated and/or returned to work. Finally my food arrived. The employee that brought it to me joked about how hidden I was. I told her it was supposed to be for the quietness of the area, little did she know, it wasn't quiet. Food was on par with what I have come to expect from a McDonald's. Once I finished it, I made a pit stop and exited out the side door.

McDonald's app sucks it's timed and if the person in front of takes to long you reward number…read moretimes out of and you can't use it

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McDonald's

1.9(14 reviews)

3.3 mi

This location is a hit or miss. Right down the road from my house I visit this location more than…read moremost. Depending on whose managing, you need to avoid like the pleg. They have a older lady who manages sometimes, when she is working the time for food is unbelievable. I've seen people waiting 20 minutes for a kids meal. She is always bossing people around. One night I went for a couple ice creams. The younger lady made a cone. The can was a good size but nothing crazy. Manager told her to throw it away and make it smaller. And again with the second one. Throwing away two cones before having a man step in and make two of the smallest cones I've ever seen. Outside of that the staff is okay. Some are lazy and others do a good job. Most aren't happy as you'd expect in fast food. Outside of the older guys who flirt with the younger women. Inside is clean, odd shape but decent seating. Parking lot isn't big but plenty of parking. I have no issue eating here depending on whose working.

My mom ordered for on this place and she didn't get my sister's happy meal and she spent 50 dollars…read moreand honestly it's stupid

Subplicity

4.4(311 reviews)

34.7 mi

Best steak sub period! Get the sweet peppers, jalapeños, and provolone on white bread. You won't…read morebelieve it!

Glad we found this on yelp! Perfect travel stop with perfect sandwiches. We got a turkey club on…read morewheat to share. Plenty of turkey, bacon, cheese with lettuce and adequate seasonings. The guys were spot on. It's enough to share one instead of getting individual size. Plus that saved us some money. Service was quick and friendly! No pics because we inhaled them on the road

Restaurant interior

Philly cheesesteak w/ provolone & chicken cheesesteak w/provolone.

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Restaurant strip-mall exterior

Chick-fil-A

3.3(46 reviews)

2.3 mi

Chick-fil-A's in PA are still a rarer fast food restaurant, so it's nice to find one when staying…read morein the area. This one is located in a complex with several other businesses including a Target. Interior is the standard Chick-fil-A you'll find everywhere and includes a kid's play area. Food and service was what you would expect, it was good. The only issue here was how busy this location is. On a Saturday, from 1PM-2PM, the line was steady to the door at all times, so going back for desert might not be an option. Overall, it's a good location, just super busy.

10am on a Saturday. Extremely slow at drive through. Cars piling up and the pace is unreasonableread more

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Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

1.7(67 reviews)

1.0 mi

I will go back. on…read moremy drive to Pittsburgh another place closed earlier than their online menu noted so I have to find food. so I cut through altoona. the first visit, the staff was a bit not there, but the chicken was nice and spicy. I also figured out that I could have had a combo and gotten two more pieces and another side for $2 less. But, i did not need even as much as I got. on the way back, I stopped again, and got the good combo and then found an even better combo. that order is going in the freezer. This time, the service was on the bounce and I for an unusual even tipped them for being so good. the folks were really hustling to fill orders. so, i suspect that i will be back. there are lots fo places to eat on the way to Pittsburgh to make the trip more interesting, and the view from West Lamont, is that that this restaurant is one that is useful on the map. If the line was long, I might keep going.

Slow service even though no one is in drive thru. Dirty interior, sticky counters, and the laziest…read morestaff who are slobs! They look like they just crawled out of bed. Disgusting. Never eat here! We walked out once we saw who worked there. No way!

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Chef Paul's Kitchen & Catering

5.0(8 reviews)

56.9 mi

Today was the first time I had a meal from a food truck in about 40 years. After watching various…read morefood truck shows, I was a little excited about getting dinner. I was a little hesitant also, to be totally truthful. My son Matthew, had bought sandwiches from Chef Paul's food truck several and raved about it. It didn't hurt that he was paying for dinner either. We went to Rita's in LaVale at around 5:30, where he was set up. I was instantly drawn to their shrimp pita sandwich. My wife and son decided to get that as well. Copy cats. It came with their version of a "blooming oninions". The chef and his wife extremely nice and thankful. When we got home to eat dinner, I was amazed at how much shrimp was loaded into the pita. It literally bursted at the seams. The taste was fantastic!! I was full before I even got close to the end of eating it. The onion was okay. Nothing fantastic, but not bad at all. But remember, the main item was more than I expected. For the price of $11, the meal was more than worth it. I rather spend a couple dollars more there versus going and spend $8 or $9 dollars at a fast food restaurant. I look forward to the next time I go back to Chef Paul's.

One of the first of its kind in the area, this food truck has not disappointed. Originally from…read morethis area- I came across it recently and ordered several things since. I have had the chicken Caesar salad (my go-to choice) which is very good and even as a no -crouton guy the croutons are incredible. Dressing is good and the chicken is tender and not dry. I have also had the MD crab soup, the cream of crab soup, and the onion nest. All incredible- properly seasoned and just the right portion size! Cleanliness- all food is prepared and packaged very nicely and the food is very fresh. Friendly staff (husband and wife) that are attentive to customers and listen to suggestions and don't mind chatting while you wait for your meal. Well done! Will continue to search where they are at when I'm in town!

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Fish tacos

Pappy D's BBQ

4.8(4 reviews)

41.5 mi

A local favorite in my hometown, and their food truck is a hit at any party. The loaded dawg comes…read morewith hot dog, pulled pork, bbq sauce, cheese, and cole slaw (but of course I add jalapeños!) the seasoned fries have a bbq seasoning and are delicious!

The Johnstown Galleria doesn't have much going for it, but bringing in Pappy D's to fill out their…read morenearly deserted food court was an unconventional but excellent decision. Great smoked barbecue with some traditional BBQ sides as well as some other more local favorites (like pierogies.) I haven't had anything that wasn't excellent, but their ribs are probably my favorite. Be aware that you'll probably wait 5+ minutes for your food as barbecue isn't exactly fast food, but it is well worth the wait, and if you park near the food court entrance, it's convenient enough to take it home as takeout.

Pappy D'Souza Loaded Dawg

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13 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Unknown U.

2 years ago

One of the worst experiences of racial profiling me and a group other Penn state students entered this location and everyone stopped to observe us entering. I asked for a side of vinaigrette and was told they were all out the lady next to me of another race asked and she was granted one. One of my friends asked for a water cup and employee slapped the cup out the of her hand accusing her of getting something other than water. The manager gave us all free food but if we knew better we should have called the cops to file charges for assault as he was a grown man slapping the cup out of a young ladies hand. Will never eat from this chain due to this one experience. read more

Mar R.

15 years ago

I have been here several times. Must say..super quick service! I usually get a burrito bowl, easy on the cheese and sour cream, mix ALL the salsas, and add lettuce. Chips and guacamole are fresh made & great tasting, but I can't finish it all, even though the cup they serve it in looks small before I start. I'd recommend! read more

Josh L.

10 years ago

Ok it's a chain so and fast casual so can't be five stars. However every time I come to this chipotle they give big old servings of meat and guac. Line moves fast and employees are always super nice. I love to stop here any time I'm in Altoona for shopping or anything else real quick. Good burritos. read more

Logan H.

5 years ago

This chipotle is Always busy with the best service and the most amazing food I come here usually 2 days out of the week and never have been let down my the food or services understaffed or not everything is always on point !!! read more

Cathy G.

2 years ago

The food was cold. The machine fountain drinks especially the ones with the "fresh" juices had mold. It's disgusting! The service was decent. But overall it seems not very sanitary and the food was cold. read more

Chris M.

3 months ago

I have bought my last burrito from this location. The team is trash, angry young teens that dont want to be there. The food looks so bad in comparison to every and any location I have ever visited. read more

Joe A.

15 years ago

Their burritos are always very good and they use great ingredients for their food. This is a company that is fighting for better food so go out and support them read more

Sandra V.

15 years ago

I've been there many times and have found the food very good. I've been there when the lines were long and they got me through fast. The service was friendly. read more

Nicole L.

12 years ago

Best chipotle location! They are always consistent and it's always very tastey!! We have been to a variety of chipotles and this one is the best! read more

Brian B.

10 years ago

Always great service. But this location is never busy. And like the other locations the food is just as great.

Jessica H.

11 years ago

My new favorite place to eat! The food is awesome!

Michael E.

11 years ago

Best food in town!

Iggy I.

472

144

133

14 years ago

yum enough said! read more

Chipotle Mexican Grill - mexican - Updated October 2026

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I stopped in for a quick bite. I was disappointed to see tuna is now a $6 footlong (at least…read morehere). With this revaluation I decided to get crazy and try its' new line of avocado sandwiches. I got a BLT avocado on Italian Herbs & Cheese and it was better than I expected. It isn't so much chopped avocado but more like a guacamole paste that had nice texture and flavor. This combined with a clean place that had a worker constantly cleaning like she's got OCD gets my 5 stars. One last note: this place has a drive-through which I haven't seen at a Subway before. If management kept it open late, imagine the possibilities: dozens of drunk & stoned youth having the option of healthy eating at 3am. Perhaps this could be a new approach to slimming down America.

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Finally, a Five Guys that has good service and can make a proper patty melt. We frequent these on…read moretrips because they are pretty reliable with food allergies such as gluten. Fries are gluten-free and nothing else shares the fryer. Sandwiches can be served in an aluminum tin without a bun. Milkshakes are good to go. I got the blackberry special edition shake and it was great. I gotta remind myself to only get a single patty going forward...double with bacon is too much! The restaurant was clean and the staff was friendly.

Most of us are already familiar with Five Guys, the delicious burger spot. But I wanted to…read morehighlight this location specifically after my boyfriend and I stopped at this location the day-after a snowy night, and I want to acknowledge that they actually did a great job of shoveling out a good spot for customers to enter and exit. Thank you Five Guys for giving us a SAFE place to come for food!

Taco Bell

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What can you say about a Taco Bell? It's not gourmet, but it's cheap, quick, tasty, and fills you…read moreup! This storefront was actually very clean and well-managed -- I was impressed. I'm not in this area often, but I'd probably return to this particular Taco Bell if I were passing through again!

I often joke with friends that this is the best taco bell on earth. I'm not from the area but my…read morefather lives near by so I'm in the area 6-10 times a year and I normally pop in to the bell to live mas at least once a trip if not on the way into and out of town. I have the app and use it religiously since they give much better deals when ordering through the app. I often customize my items since adding black beans to a great way to up your protein intake for a few dimes. In all of my times stopping in here I've only had my order given to me incorrectly once and when I showed the person working behind the counter and they quickly fixed the issue and even gave me a little free taco coupon for next time even though it wasn't much of an inconvenience for me. Very good customer service there.

Jethro's

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Keeping reading to the second paragraph. Many years ago, I think 2021, I stopped in here. When I…read moreasked the waitress for bread, she got the left overs at another table and put on my table. I swore I would never go back. I got into the habit if I didn't eat all the bread, I crumpled it up before I left. Fast forward to 2025. The interior is still the same. The staff is friendlier and the food is excellent. I would now go back.

Sorry but overall one of the worst restaurants we've ever been to. We were just stopping by to see…read morefamily and it was our fault for picking this place..

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My second time here, tonight met people for supper. Like my first time, the food was terrific and…read moreJoshua was super friendly and attentive. This is such a pleasant local restaurant: friendly staff, terrific food, comfortable seating, a nice bar area. I'd come here more often if I was a local ... no wonder there's always so many people here. Despite the parking lot appearing to be crowded, the inside doesn't - at least the two times I've been.

Very nice ambiance inside the restaurant, but the waiting area is lacking. Our party had to wait…read morealmost 30 minutes past our scheduled reservation time. We were seated next to a very loud group who seemed to have no regard for anyone else and appeared to know some of the kitchen staff. Our waitress was inattentive glasses sat empty and the food took a long time to come out. The food, once served, was very good though. Maybe the only redeeming thing of the night.

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When we went there we got put into a booth and there were mats and flys everywhere we all lost are…read moreappetite and we only got 20% off

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This is one of the best sushi restaurants I've ever been to. The lighting and decor is really…read morerelaxing and comfortable. The wait staff are all very good at good at their jobs and make you feel welcome. The sushi itself is awesome, the presentation and the care that's put into the plating is always beautiful. I haven't tried the hibachi yet but from seeing other people's plates it looks like they have huge servings. Some of my favorites are the sexy jalapeño, the rock shrimp, the fantastic role, and the volcano roll. Although, I've never had a roll from here that I haven't liked. I've been here many times and I've never had a mistake made on any of my orders and am always so impressed by how fast the food comes out.

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