I wrote this review almost 3 years ago, and upon looking over it today, realized my views have changed. McDonald's has really made great improvements with their menu and service here in Lincolnton, so my whole review has been updated to reflect their very positive changes.

My bitter hatred of McDonald's is a thing of the past. While I can't say they are at the very top of my "Love To Eat" list, they have made so many improvements with their menu and with their service, that I'm forced to admit that they really aren't all that bad anymore.

The Drive-Thru

For ease and convenience, most people use the drive-through. While ours used to be slow and completely inefficient, now has made vast leaps in their speed of delivery. Even the employees who work it are nice and make sure to tell you to "have a good day" which I really do appreciate. Ours has a pretty good speaker system, so it doesn't sound too fuzzy, but you better make sure the person on the other end is able to type in your order correctly! Check your order at the window to avoid tears later.

Kids Meals

McDonald's started this happy little trend. Now, I'm all for my child getting a little prize after lunch, but price this stuff individually; not much of a prize, huh? Just one more thing to suck you into the store. I shouldn't be so cynical, though, since nearly all children are thrilled by this prize. The kids meals come with your choice of Cheeseburger, Hamburger or Chicken Nuggets, French fries and a small drink.

Now that my 3 year old has become a big nearly seven year old, he eats a lot more, but still wants a toy. Thus McDonald's has introduced the "Big Kid's Meal." It has a little more food, and a better prize! The Big Kid's Meals feature a double hamburger, double cheeseburger and a 6 piece chicken nugget, instead of only 4 pieces.

Menu

They have the standard burger fare. Cheeseburgers, Hamburgers, Quarter-pounders (little more meat), Big Macs (Special sauce and extra piece of bun), Fish-Filets (my favorite!), Chicken (Grilled or Fried) and the occasional specialty item, like the McRib, which is a piece of meat covered with barbecue sauce and fashioned to look like it has bones in the sandwich...ummm ummmm. They have French fries, baked apple pies, ice cream cones, sundaes, milk shakes (when the machine is working) and sodas. They also have salads for the health conscious.

Speaking of salads, McDonald's has introduced a new line of premium salads that I must grumpily admit to being good! The first of these is the California Cobb. With this you may choose grilled or crispy (read fried) chicken. All on top of a bed of premium greens, not just wilty old iceberg lettuce! Toppings include grape tomatoes, bleu cheese, bacon, carrots and chopped egg. Also available is the Caesar and the Bacon Ranch Salads, both with grilled or fried chicken. McDonald's has also lost the old tired dressings and is offering Newman's own! They are delicious.

Breakfast is a big business in my town. McDonald's offers biscuits of every variety for morning-goers: Bacon, Egg and Cheese, Sausage, Ham, and steak are just a few. Another morning treat that no one seems to be able to duplicate is the tasty Egg McMuffin. For those who don't know, it is a poached egg served on a toasted English Muffin topped with cheese and Canadian bacon and it is my favorite breakfast item! Now, McDonald's has created a new spin on this popular favorite: The McGriddle. This breakfast sandwich combines sausage or bacon, eggs and/or cheese on top of a sweet griddle cake, with the maple baked right in. I haven't had the courage (nor proclivity) to try one of these yet. McDonald's also offers hotcakes and syrup and an egg, meat, and hashbrown plate.

McDonald's has finally gotten on the value menu bandwagon! Which is good, because everyone I know is budget conscious these days. On their new $.99 menu you can find such goodies as a double cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, fries, drinks, fresh fruit and yogurt parfait, 2 baked pies, and a side salad. Also offered are many very reasonably priced Value-meals that come with fries and a drink. Avoid the upsize!

Atmosphere

The restaurant we go to has just been revamped, so it is very clean on the inside. They even have ceramic tile floors, which really impressed me! The staff, while mostly teenagers, seemed efficient and nominally kind. At this restaurant, they have a section where you get your own drinks, which I love. No more begging someone to look at you and then shaking your cup at them!

Playground and Parties

Our playground is brand new and I noticed they did away with the ball pit. I don't know if all those urban legends about hypodermic needles or rattlesnakes inside them are true, but they are gone and my son really loved them! This playground is outside and it is one of those enclosed structures that looks like a series of tunnels. It seems fun for older kids, but my son used to get to the top, get scared and scream for me to come up and get him. Not easy navigating this grown up through those stuffy tubes! They also have a few slides to come down.

McDonald's is a great place to have a party for your child, I will have to admit. They set it all up, each child gets a happy meal and some ice cream and cake. McDonald's also provides games and party favors. Not a bad deal!

Charities

My final category for this review. McDonald's isn't my favorite place, but they do a lot for the world. They are involved in numerous charities such as Hope on Wheels, offering free healthcare to underprivileged children and Youth Suicide Prevention. They also offer high school-to-college scholarships to Hispanic youth and they participate in "Changing the Face of the World" which gives plastic surgery to children for cleft pallets, etc., all around the world. I do highly commend them for this.

McDonald's has really improved themselves in a lot of ways. This earns them an extra star in my book! You just can't beat the price and the kids love it!









Recommended: Yes