This McDonald’s location in Downey, California holds the title of being the oldest surviving in the world. There is no drive-thru at this establishment; instead, customers walk up to the windows to place their orders. The vintage restaurant also boasts a classic McDonald’s sign featuring the brand’s old mascot. The iconic 60-foot-tall neon sign stands tall at this historic location.
The original McDonald’s signs once featured Speedee, a chef with a hamburger for a head, alongside the brand’s logo of two interlocking golden arches. Some signs advertised the low price of McDonald’s hamburgers at just 15 cents. In Hangzhou, China, a McDonald’s is situated within a historic villa that was once home to a former Taiwanese leader.
Before being transformed into a McDonald’s and McCafe, the building in Hangzhou was a cultural relic that housed politician Chiang Ching-kuo for a month in the 1940s. Despite initial objections from locals, this McDonald’s has become a tourist attraction since opening in 2015. In Shenzhen, China, the McDonald’s on Dongmen Street, established in 1990, saw massive customer turnout on its opening day, setting a precedent for McDonald’s popularity in mainland China.
The building’s architecture includes traditional pagoda-style roofs and iconic golden arches atop the roof. Notable author and photojournalist Gary He has hailed this location as one of the most “epic” McDonald’s he’s visited worldwide. Taupo, New Zealand boasts a McDonald’s housed inside a decommissioned plane, recognized as one of the “world’s coolest McDonald’s.” The unique dining experience includes airplane-style seating for customers to enjoy their meals.
In Clifton Hill, Melbourne, Australia, an art-deco style McDonald’s draws attention for its 1920s and ’30s design. Originally the United Kingdom Hotel and designed by architect James Hastie Wardrop, the building is considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s structures globally.
The Rock-N-Roll McDonald’s in Chicago, built in 1983, gained national fame for its themed decor, spanning two floors and replicating Ray Kroc’s first McDonald’s. The restaurant was filled with music and pop-culture memorabilia, embodying the quintessential ’80s vibe. In 2017, McDonald’s decided to renovate and modernize the location, leading to the transfer of the memorabilia to the franchise owner’s personal collection. Another iconic McDonald’s location that permanently closed is the flashy Times Square restaurant, known for its giant marquee with thousands of light bulbs. Despite its closure in 2020 as part of McDonald’s regular review, a new McDonald’s has since opened in Times Square. In Sedona, Arizona, the unique McDonald’s with turquoise arches stands out as the only one of its kind in the world, blending in harmoniously with the stunning natural surroundings. The restaurant, built in 1993, adheres to Sedona’s strict building guidelines, including the distinctive turquoise color of the arches. A now-closed McDonald’s in Houston paid homage to the nearby NASA space center with a space-themed decor both inside and out. The world’s first floating McDonald’s restaurant opened in St. Louis in 1980, moored on the Mississippi River south of the Gateway Arch for 20 years. Lastly, the McDonald’s in Freeport, Maine, is housed in a charming colonial mansion over 150 years old, standing out as a unique McDonald’s location blending in with the local architecture.
In 1984, a McDonald’s was established in a historic building from 1892 on Rue Saint-Lazare in Paris, France. The unique Parisian location, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been affectionately dubbed the “flying saucer McDonald’s.” This extraordinary fast-food spot in Roswell, New Mexico, pays homage to the city’s extraterrestrial history with a space-themed interior. In Kristiansand, Norway, another McDonald’s resides within a former bank building, offering a distinct atmosphere for guests. São Paulo, Brazil, boasts a grandiose McDonald’s known as Méqui1000, featuring unique architectural elements and popular menu items. Porto, Portugal, hosts a stunning McDonald’s within the historic Cafe Imperial, showcasing intricate details like a bronze eagle and ornate decorations. Independence, Ohio, houses an upscale McDonald’s with gold chandeliers and elegant décor, standing out as one of the country’s fanciest fast-food spots. In Barstow, California, a McDonald’s is located within Barstow Station, a mock train station surrounded by dining train cars. Lastly, a McDonald’s inside the Denton House in New Hyde Park, New York, resides in a converted 18th-century farmhouse, now a Georgian-style mansion, preserving the historic charm of the building despite initial plans for demolition in 1985.
McDonald’s in New Hyde Park, New York. Photo credit: Paul D./Yelp.
Atlas Obscura recently reported that the fast-food behemoth faced mounting pressure from preservationists to restore a historic home in New Hyde Park, New York, to its former glory. Town officials ultimately granted permission for the chain to expand the existing structure to accommodate a drive-thru.
Notably, Budapest is home to a McDonald’s nestled within the stunning architecture of the Western Railway Station. Known as McDonald’s Nyugati, this location is a unique blend of fast food and historic charm. Originally constructed in 1877 by the esteemed Eiffel Company, renowned for its work on another iconic structure, the Eiffel Tower, the railway station now hosts this modern eatery. The New York Post highlighted that the restaurant underwent a significant renovation before reopening its doors to the public in September.
Over in Batumi, Georgia, a remarkable McDonald’s establishment catches the eye with its contemporary design. Situated in downtown Batumi, this McDonald’s boasts a striking exterior adorned with reflective glass panels. Guests dining inside are treated to serene views of a surrounding water feature and meticulously landscaped grounds. The interior design mirrors the sleekness of the exterior, creating a harmonious dining experience. Recognized for its architectural excellence, this McDonald’s location was honored with The Best Commercial Building award in 2014 by the esteemed architecture website ArchDaily.
Springtime in Batumi sees the lawns surrounding the McDonald’s bloom with vibrant flowers, enhancing the overall dining ambiance. The interior setup provides an ideal backdrop for patrons seeking a picturesque meal setting or simply a moment of tranquility amidst modern design.
In Asheville, North Carolina, a McDonald’s underwent a renovation to align with the aesthetic standards set by the nearby Biltmore Estate. The transformed restaurant now exudes the ambiance of a ski lodge, blending seamlessly with the mountainous surroundings. Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior surprises visitors with its opulent features, such as red-oak tables, a self-playing baby grand piano, ornate wrought-iron railings, and a cozy fireplace. The decor includes elegant wallpaper, curated artworks, and delicate chandeliers, elevating the dining experience for customers.
Meanwhile, in Sälen, Sweden, an enchanting McDonald’s known as McSki captivates visitors with its fairytale-like appearance. Nestled in Lindvallen, a renowned Swedish ski resort, this distinctive “ski-thru” McDonald’s allows skiers to glide in and order their meals without dismounting. Gary He, sharing his experience with Business Insider, described the pristine mountain air and peaceful setting as akin to being on top of the world. The remote location offers a tranquil dining experience, with He reminiscing about his serene visit unencumbered by crowds, surrounded only by the majestic mountains.
These McDonald’s locations worldwide showcase a fusion of modernity and heritage, blending fast-food convenience with unique architectural and design elements
