McSki, the world's only ski-thru McDonald's in Lindvallen, Sälen, Sweden
There’s a unique spot in the world where you can ski or snowboard right up to a McDonald's takeout window, and that’s at the Lindvallen ski resort in Sälen, Sweden. Known as McSki, this distinctive McDonald's is designed like a cozy ski lodge and located at the base of the slopes. You can quickly grab a meal from the takeout window without needing to take off your gear and go inside.
In the winter, McSki enjoys a bustling business serving classic McDonald's favorites such as Big Macs, fries, and Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. Additionally, there’s a McCafé offering hot beverages like coffee and hot chocolate, along with pastries like donuts and cinnamon rolls. You can warm up at the wooden tables and benches inside while enjoying views of the slopes through large windows, or opt for the outdoor picnic tables. McSki generally operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the ski season but closes during the summer months.
The DC3 airplane McDonald's in Taupō, New Zealand
There are numerous McDonald's locations in airports around the globe, so you might have enjoyed some takeout McD's while flying. However, Taup?, New Zealand, boasts the only McDonald's (or Macca's, as it's affectionately known locally) where you can dine inside a retired vintage aircraft. The stationary DC-3 airplane, constructed in 1943, served in the South Pacific Airlines fleet from 1961 to 1966. It was subsequently repurposed as a crop duster until its retirement in 1984, after which it became a feature at a car dealership. McDonald's acquired the property in 1990 and transformed the plane into a dining area.
To access the DC-3, you'll first enter through the main restaurant. Here, you can order classic items like the McChicken and Quarter Pounder, along with exclusive offerings found only at New Zealand locations. For instance, you might want to try the Serious Angus beef burger or the vegetarian Salad Burger. Once you've got your meal, make your way to the back where a staircase leads up to the plane. Inside, you'll find tables for two along each side, and you can also peek into the cockpit through glass doors.
The futuristic glass McDonald's in Batumi, Georgia
Architectural accolades may not be the first thought that crosses your mind when you see most McDonald's locations. However, the glass-domed restaurant in Batumi, Georgia, is a notable exception. Crafted by architect Giorgi Khmaladze, this cutting-edge structure boasts eye-catching glass panels and a cantilevered canopy adorned with sloping garden walls on its upper section. Surrounding the building is a tranquil reflecting pool. This distinctive, futuristic design earned the title of Best Commercial Building of 2014 from ArchDaily.
Upon entering the Batumi McDonald's, you'll be welcomed by a bright and airy atmosphere. The decor is sleek and contemporary, with various seating areas that overlook the reflecting pool. On pleasant days, you can enjoy the outdoor upper patio adjacent to the garden walls. If you opt for the drive-thru, you might be surprised to learn that the entire establishment is situated atop a gas station. The drive-thru entrance is located at the rear, next to the gas station, which is sheltered beneath the expansive canopy.
Epic McD, the world's largest McDonald's in Orlando, Florida
Orlando boasts a variety of attractions, including the world's largest McDonald's restaurant. Covering 19,000 square feet and featuring three levels, this venue serves as both a dining establishment and an entertainment hub. It includes an expansive play area for children, an arcade, a brick pizza oven, a dessert showcase, and various seating options such as bar stools, booths, and tables. It's open around the clock, every day of the week.
Epic McD not only surpasses all other McDonald's locations in size, but it also offers some distinctive menu items that are hard to find elsewhere. Breakfast selections feature classic favorites like McMuffins and hotcakes, alongside unique options such as a ham and cheese French toast sandwich and Belgian waffles topped with fruit or chocolate chips. Guests can also create their own pizza with a variety of toppings or personalize a pasta dish with their choice of noodles and sauce. For dessert, there are delightful options like cheesecake, guava and cream pie, and the Peanut Butter Explosion Cake.
The stunning Art Deco McDonald's in Porto, Portugal
It can be quite surprising to encounter a contemporary McDonald's nestled within a historic city. However, in certain instances, the chain makes an effort to preserve the unique character of a particular building or area. This is true for the Imperial McDonald's located in the picturesque waterfront city of Porto, Portugal. The restaurant occupies a stunning café from the 1930s, previously known as the Imperial Café. McDonald's acquired the building in 1995 and made some updates, yet they retained many of the original Art Deco elements, including the impressive Imperial eagle adorning the facade.
Upon entering the Imperial McDonald's in Porto, the first thing that catches your eye is the expansive wall of Art Deco stained glass windows, depicting vibrant scenes of people harvesting, shipping, and enjoying coffee. High above, friezes of dancers grace the walls, and ornate chandeliers hang elegantly from the ceiling. It’s a rather sophisticated place to enjoy a Big Mac or some Chicken McNuggets. Additionally, you can sample local Portuguese specialties such as sopa de feijão verde (green bean soup) or pastel de nata (egg custard tart).
The only McDonald's in Cuba on the Guantánamo Bay military base
While the Golden Arches boast a vast global presence, there are still numerous countries without McDonald's outlets due to political factors or local customs and preferences. You might assume that Cuba is among those nations, but surprisingly, there is one McDonald's on the island. Located at the Guantánamo Bay military base, it serves exclusively American military personnel and their families stationed there. Established in 1986, this McDonald's is one of the few American fast-food chains on the base, alongside KFC, Subway, and Taco Bell.
Aside from its location on a military base, there isn't much that distinguishes the McDonald's in Guantánamo Bay from its counterparts in the U.S. The design is reminiscent of typical American outlets, and the English-language menu includes classic offerings such as the Big Mac, Spicy Deluxe Crispy Chicken, and Filet-O-Fish. However, a TikTok video by a user named Sarah Dogs showcased some enticing chicken wings available at this location.
McBoat, a paddle-thru McDonald's in Hamburg, Germany
The inaugural McDonald's drive-thru window was introduced at a restaurant in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in 1975. Since that time, it has become a standard feature in numerous McDonald's locations worldwide. One particular restaurant in Hamburg, Germany, elevates the idea with its unique float-thru service. The McBoat is the only McDonald's in the world where customers can place orders while on the water, with food delivered directly to their paddleboards, kayaks, or boats.
Situated on a canal near the Elbe River, the McBoat features a wooden dock that can be accessed via a staircase located behind the McDonald's restaurant. Patrons can float up to the dock, place their orders using the McDonald's app on their smartphones or other devices, and a staff member will bring the food to them once it's prepared. This dock service operates 24/7 during the spring and summer months. However, in the fall and winter, customers must dock their boats and head inside the restaurant to enjoy their favorite items like Big Tasty Bacon burgers, McFlurries, and pommes frites (fries).
The world's oldest active McDonald's in Downey, California
If you're interested in experiencing McDonald's as it was in its early days, head over to the location on Lakewood Boulevard in Downey, California. This is the oldest operating McDonald's in the world, and it retains much of the charm it had when Roger Williams and Bud Landon opened it in 1953. It was the third McDonald's franchise to launch and is the only one of the original three locations still functioning as a restaurant today. In contrast, the first McDonald's that opened in San Bernardino in 1940 is now merely a museum.
The Downey McDonald's boasts a large vintage sign featuring the chain's first mascot, Speedee. The restaurant is adorned with neon Golden Arches on both sides and classic glass windows for ordering. The main changes here are the menu and prices; in the 1950s, you could enjoy the entire McDonald's menu for under $2, which is certainly not the case today. Nevertheless, the Downey location has preserved one unique tradition — it is the only place in the continental United States, aside from Hawaii, where you can indulge in a deep-fried apple pie.
The Tudor-style McDonald's in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
Immerse yourself in history while enjoying burgers and fries at the McDonald's in Bray, Ireland. This distinctive location is situated in a charming Tudor-style building dating back to 1882, which once served as the old town hall and featured a covered market. The striking red brick structure boasts unique windows adorned with black and white accents, along with gables showcasing intricately carved coats of arms. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a spacious interior with impressive timber ceilings and beams.
Dining at the Bray McDonald's may evoke the ambiance of a medieval tavern, yet the menu will be quite familiar to most patrons. You'll find beloved classics such as the Big Mac, McChicken, and Sausage & Egg McMuffin. However, there are some regional variations not typically found on American menus. For instance, breakfast options include a Bacon Roll, while lunch and dinner feature wraps and salads. For dessert, you might indulge in an apple pie or a refreshing McFreezy ice pop.
The most controversial McDonald's in the world in Hangzhou, China
When a McCafé opened in a historic villa in Hangzhou's West Lake district, it captured national attention. This two-story villa, constructed in 1931, once served as a residence for Chiang Ching-kuo, a prominent political figure and the son of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party. Following the Chinese Communist Party's victory over the Nationalists in 1949, both Chiang Ching-kuo and his father moved to Taiwan. After his father's passing, Chiang Ching-kuo succeeded him as president of the Nationalist government in Taiwan.
While the complex history between mainland China and Taiwan plays a role, it wasn't the primary reason for the controversy surrounding the McCafé in Hangzhou. In 2004, the villa was designated a cultural relic, leading many to believe it should have been transformed into a museum rather than a Western fast-food outlet. Officials contended that the building was in poor condition and that the income generated by the McCafé was essential for funding renovations and ongoing upkeep. A spokesperson for McDonald's assured CNBC that the company is committed to preserving the building's historical significance.
The flying saucer McDonald's in Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico, is renowned for the alleged UFO crash that took place there in 1947, so it’s no surprise that many local businesses embrace an extraterrestrial theme. The Roswell McDonald's is a prime example. It stands out as the only McDonald's in the world designed to resemble an alien spacecraft. Constructed from metal and shaped like a flying saucer, this restaurant is a must-see for UFO enthusiasts and space aficionados alike.
During the day, the metallic exterior shines brightly, attracting the attention of cosmic visitors, while at night, it glows with neon lights, giving the impression that it’s ready for launch. Inside, you'll find futuristic decor and a spacious play area featuring statues of McDonald's characters dressed in space suits. With its distinctive UFO theme, one might expect to find special menu items inspired by flying saucers or space cuisine. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. However, you can enjoy a cheeseburger topped with green hatch chiles, a unique offering available only at McDonald's locations in New Mexico.
The unusual Alsatian brasserie McDonald's in Paris, France
From street level, the entrance to the McDonald's located at 119 Rue Saint-Lazare in Paris appears similar to any other fast-food outlet around the globe. However, if you view it from across the street, you'll notice a striking facade. The front of this slender building is adorned with dark wood and brick, featuring intriguing details such as a stork perched on the chimney, the Strasbourg coat of arms, and a king holding a beer stein.
The history of the building is as captivating as its exterior. Following the German annexation of the Alsace-Lorraine region in 1871, many Alsatians migrated to Paris to establish businesses. Among them was Alsatian restaurateur Jacqueminot-Graff, who designed this elaborately decorated brasserie (brewery) featuring the figure of Gambrinus, the "King of Beer." It is said that the brasserie was a popular haunt for literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Ezra Pound. The brasserie closed its doors in 1994 and was designated a national historical monument in 1997. A year later, McDonald's took over the ground floor.
The only Art Nouveau McDonald's on the planet in Subotica, Serbia
It's difficult not to adopt an artistic mindset at the McDonald's located in City Hall, Subotica, Serbia. Crafted by architects Deszo Jakab and Marcell Komor in the Hungarian Art Nouveau style, this location boasts stunning tiled floors, stained glass windows, rich wooden details, and elaborate wrought iron features adorning the windows and the gracefully curved staircase. This is the only McDonald's in the world that showcases authentic Art Nouveau elements.
You could opt for a classic choice at the Subotica McDonald's, such as a cheeseburger or McChicken. However, the inspiring atmosphere might encourage you to venture into more daring options. For instance, you might be drawn to the Maestro Pulled Paul, which includes pulled pork, barbecue and green pepper sauces, cheddar cheese, pickles, and arugula, accompanied by a side of spicy waffle fries. To cap off your meal, indulge in some pistachio ice cream or a slice of cheesecake.
The colonial McMansion McDonald's in New Hyde Park, New York
The term "McMansion" often carries a negative implication, typically describing an extravagant, oversized home lacking in architectural merit. However, what if we told you that there exists a McDonald's McMansion that exudes sophistication? Located in New Hyde Park, Long Island, the Denton House McDonald's (affectionately known as the McMansion) showcases its historic splendor. Here, you can indulge without feeling out of place, even if you opt for the Dollar Menu.
This remarkable two-story structure was originally a farmhouse constructed by Joseph Denton in 1795. It was transformed into a Georgian-style mansion in 1860. Unfortunately, by the early 1980s, the property had seen better days. McDonald's acquired the site in 1985 and undertook a complete renovation, restoring it to its former magnificence. Today, it features a classic white exterior adorned with black shutters and a discreet black McDonald's sign. Guests can dine in the grand foyer on the ground floor, in a glass-enclosed gazebo on the side, or ascend the elegant staircase to the upper level. A drive-thru is also available for convenience.
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