Some McDonald’s restaurants in the United States have become attractions in themselves, not for the food they serve, but for their unusual architecture and the amenities they offer, among other reasons. These locations aren’t like your average McDonald’s near your house; they’ve caused a sensation on Reddit and are must-see spots for many travelers. Check out these historic, quickly and coolest McDonald’s locations!
The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s – Orlando, Florida
The experience you’ll have upon entering the McDonald’s on Sand Lake Road in Orlando, Florida is unlike any other fast-food restaurant you’ve ever had. This restaurant spans 19,000 square feet and boasts the largest entertainment center in the franchise worldwide. From arcade games, children’s ball pits, and basketball mini courts, among many other options, to ordering pizza, pasta and specialty desserts on the menu. Reddit users indicate that inside, it doesn’t feel like a typical McDonald’s, even though the logo and characters remind you of it at every turn.
The Historic Mansion McDonald’s – New Hyde Park, New York
A McDonald’s in a real mansion seems like something out of a dream, but it’s a reality in New York. The company decided to incorporate its restaurant into the existing historic architecture of the Denton House of the 18th century. Upon walking in, you’ll see an opulent grand staircase, restored woodwork and traditional flooring. TripAdvisor user Howard K commented: “McDonald’s should continue restoring and converting these historic places into shops, because it saves them from being torn down”.
The Sedona McDonald’s With Turquoise Arches – Sedona, Arizona
The turquoise arches of the McDonald’s in Sedona, Arizona, are a unique feature of this chain. Companies generally refuse to change their signature colors, as they are part of their identity, but to visually harmonize with Sedona’s Red Rock Landscape, McDonald’s made an exception. Passersby don’t hesitate to get out of their cars to take pictures with these arches which aren’t actually gold. Because of these turquoise arches, this restaurant has become a rare tourist attraction.
The Rock-N-Roll McDonald’s – Chicago, Illinois
The McDonald’s in Chicago, Illinois, was a tourist attraction because of the Rock-N-Roll theme but it has changed its appearance over the years. Its connection to rock and roll stems from the fact that both fast food and this style of music are cornerstones of Chicago, but also because the first chain McDonald’s in history was established in that city, according to McDonald’s official website. For several years, rock and roll memorabilia related to Elvis Presley and The Beatles was on display inside the restaurant, but it’s no longer there. This McDonald’s even had a museum on the upper level, explaining the birth of pop culture and relating it to the company’s history.
The Floating McDonald’s – St. Louis, Missouri
The floating McDonald’s in St. Louis, Missouri, was quite an attraction in the past simply for being unusual, because nobody expects to see a McDonald’s on a boat. It was a 750-ton paddle boat, build on a cement barge in 1980 and offering a view of the Mississippi River. This restaurant had to close its doors in 2000 because the constant flooding and rising river levels created a problem with ongoing repairs. In addition, the price of the food tended to be somewhat higher there to cover all those expenses. Some locals remember it fondly because they used to visit it with their families during vacations or weekend trips.
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McSki – Lindvallen, Salen, Sweden
Another of the most unusual McDonald’s locations you’ll find is outside the US, in Lindvallen, Salen, Sweden. It’s the only McDonald’s designed so you can order your food while you’re on skis. Known as McSki by the community, this restaurant became famous because once you come down from the mountain, you’ll find it with a side window to serve customers from outside. It’s quite a mountain attraction.
The UFO McDonald’s – Roswell, New Mexico
The obsession with aliens in Roswell has even led McDonald’s to join the trend. In 1947, a UFO was believed to have crashed in the city, but this was later dismissed by the CIA, though the alien craze hasn’t stopped. At the McDonald’s, you can see a giant flying saucer, and the entire architecture, both inside and out, contributes to the theme. On the inside, it features a large space-themed kid’s play area with astronaut-suited characters and bright neon lighting.
Times Square McDonald’s – New York City
The McDonald’s in the world-famous Times Squares has three floors, offering a view of the crowds of people walking around the area. It’s a McDonald’s that can be packed during the day, equipped with advanced technology and where you’re likely to encounter tourists from all over the world. Once you’ve made a purchase on the first floor inside of what it looks like a theatre, you can access the tables on the upper floors.
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Vintage Sign McDonald’s – Downey, California
At the McDonald’s in Downey, California, there aren’t two enormous yellow archways marking its location; there’s only one, and it features vintage signs reminiscent of the first restaurants in the multi-billon dollar franchise. It’s the oldest operating McDonald’s in the world, and what makes it unique is that it was directly franchised by the McDonald brothers, which explains its differences from most other locations. Its architecture and aesthetic remain vintage.
Savannah Historic District McDonald’s – Savannah, Georgia
The McDonald’s near Savannah’s historic district in Georgia is located at 246 W Broughton Street. It’s surrounded by a picturesque town, popular for its 22 lush oak-shaded squares, cobblestone streets, and architecture that has retained its 18th century appearance. If you’re exploring the area, between the river and the old cotton warehouses, you can eat at that McDonald’s. Seek out one of these coolest McDonald’s locations among all the ancient art.
Historic Train Depot McDonald’s – Barstow, California
The McDonald’s at Barstow Station in California is truly striking, famous for its Route 66-style architecture with vintage train cars. You’ll find the same menu of all this coolest McDonald’s locations but it’s a very eye-catching building and you can use vintage trains cars from the mid-20th century inside for eating. And also you can take a photo with a life-sized statue of the famous clown Ronald McDonald.
Pearl Harbor McDonald’s – Honolulu, Hawaii
What makes the McDonald’s at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii special is if you want to tray local specialities like the island’s breakfast dishes, with spam, Portuguese sausage, eggs and white rice. And among the desserts is the deep-fried taro pie, a local favorite. Would you try this food in one of the coolest McDonald’s locations that ever existed?
Old Town McDonald’s – San Diego, California
Similar to the McDonald’s in Savannah’s Historic District, the McDonald’s in San Diego presents a different picture because the franchise designed it to blend in with the surrounding community. This McDonald’s looks old-fashioned, like the neighborhood it’s in, and has a European vibe. Inside, it feels more like a cafe, with crystal chandeliers and seashell-sculpted sinks, as well as an underwater-themed ceiling mural. None of these coolest McDonald’s locations maintain such elegance!
Las Vegas Strip McDonald’s – Las Vegas, Nevada
What’s striking about the McDonald’s on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada is that the prices are significantly higher than at other locations in the franchise. Another notable feature is that it gets incredibly crowded at night, due to the city’s general attraction to gambling, restaurants and nightlife. Definitely chaos on one of this coolest McDonald’s locations!
What These Locations Have In Common
This guide shows us that McDonald’s is much more than just delicious fast food burgers. The relationship the company maintains with each region. it’s respected for integrating into the community without harming the ecosystem, and its adaptation of its rules to those of the local people is courageous and valuable. Geography, architecture, history and culture are not a problem for McDonald’s, on the contrary, it blends its greatness with them. ¿Do you agree with this coolest McDonald’s locations?
