McDonald's stands tall as one of the world's fastest-growing fast-food chains, and with each new establishment, the brand offers a beautiful blend of creativity, regional nods, and the legendary burgers and fries combo, among other things.
From stunning architectural designs to exclusive menu items that capture the essence of their location, these unique McDonald’s stops make for an unforgettable experience.
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Here are ten McDonald's stops across various continents that go beyond the classic burgers and fries, offering an unparalleled dining atmosphere and a taste of local culture.
Here are ten stunning McDonald's outlets to keep an eye out for
1) Budapest, Hungary
Budapest boasts one of the world's most beautiful outlets, located in the Nyugati Railway Station. It opened its doors to the world in 1990. By January 2024, it shut down for a bit, but quickly opened things up for business this September. This outlet in particular has many comparing it to a “5-star hotel," but even back in its heyday, it was christened the “world’s most beautiful McDonald’s.”
2) Taupo, New Zealand
This golden arches outlet is nestled within a vintage, once-abandoned, luxury DC-3 plane. The plane was revamped to become home to what we know and love today, but much of its essence was left intact, such as its propellers and cockpit. The space is comfortable enough for twenty people and fits ten tables.
3) Orlando, Florida
This Florida outlet stands tall as the brand's largest, with three stories and an area of 19,000 sqft. Also known as "Entertainment McDonald's", or "Epic McD," the outlet features a vast menu with several customizable options, including brick oven pizzas, Belgian waffles, as well as pasta. Plus, it has its arcade, playpen, and a 30-foot Ronald McDonald, also the tallest in the world, stands guard outside.
4) Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell is home to countless conspiracy theories involving UFOs, an alleged UFO crash in 1947, and a McDonald's outlet that leans into the theories. Better known as the “flying saucer McDonald’s,” it features a UFO-shaped build, space-themed interiors, and statues of Ronald McDonald and his friends clad in spacesuits.
5) Downey, California
This is the oldest Golden Arches outlet to operate to this day, and more notably, the third to ever be erected. The store, which opened its doors to Downey in 1953, showcases a winking, moon-faced chef named Speedee, who, largely unbeknownst to the world, was the brand's original mascot. The neon lights that line the exterior and the single arch on either end make it all the more legendary.
6) Imperial, Porto, Portugal
This outlet in Portugal gives the others a run for its money, and has often posed as a strong contender for the title of the "most beautiful McDonald's store in the world." The outlet opened in 1995, after taking over for Cafe Imperial. It features the same architectural quirks as its predecessor, including a giant bronze eagle that sits at the entrance, stained glass windows, and crystal chandeliers.
7) Freeport, Maine
Walk by this house in Freeport, Maine, and you might just miss it-- this McDonald's outlet looks nothing like one that would serve a burger and some fries, and more like a quintessential house. The place was made into a restaurant in 1984, and before that, it was a 150-year-old colonial mansion. Its interior features an inactive chimney, some ordinary wooden paneling, and more.
8) Fuzhou SanFang QiXiang, China
Notably, this outlet is one of the more contentious ones on this list. Located in one of the most culturally significant outlets, it sits within a villa that's almost a century old. It was once the home of Taiwanese leader Chiang Ching-kuo, prompting several locals to contend that the restaurant stifles the continuation of culture and history.
Regardless, the store serves local items tough to find abroad, like boba milk tea, and pineapple pie.
9) Clifton Hill, Melbourne, Australia
Yet another one on the list that sits within a building of historic significance, the Clifton Hill McDonald's outlet was once the United Kingdom Hotel. However, while it closed shop in 1988, the current outlet still features the same curved wings, deep rounded balconies, and bands of bricks in different colors. It was designed in Art Deco style and boasts two stories.
10) Rue Saint-Lazare, Paris, France
This charming building sits snugly between two others in Rue Saint-Lazare. It has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, given that like the others, it once played host to another historic restaurant called Au Roi de la Biere, constructed in 1892. It still shows off the intricate detailing, mosaic floors, and carvings, as well as a stork on the roof and a king clutching a pint of beer.
These ten unique McDonald’s stops offer a taste of global culture, distinct architecture, and unforgettable dining experiences beyond the usual fare.
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