McDonald’s breakfast is a beloved tradition for many, with iconic menu items like Egg McMuffins, McGriddles, and hash browns. But when can you get breakfast at McDonald’s? Here is a comprehensive guide to McDonald’s breakfast hours, menu, history, and more to satisfy all your morning meal cravings.
When Does McDonald’s Serve Breakfast?
McDonald’s breakfast hours can vary slightly by location, but generally breakfast is served during the following times:
- Weekdays: 5am to 10:30am or 11am
- Fridays: 5am to 11:30am
- Weekends: 5am to 11am
Some 24-hour McDonald’s may have expanded breakfast hours. Customers should check with their local restaurant for exact times.
McDonald’s starts serving breakfast is served between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. every day except Fridays
So if you want hash browns or an Egg McMuffin, be sure to go early! However, keep in mind closing times can vary.
The Return of All-Day Breakfast
McDonald’s used to offer all-day breakfast nationally from 2015 to 2020. This allowed customers to order breakfast items anytime. However, it was discontinued during the Covid-19 pandemic to simplify operations.
There is still consumer demand to bring back all-day breakfast. A few McDonald’s locations across the country have continued serving it all day. But most switch back to lunch items after breakfast hours end around 10:30 or 11 am.
McDonald’s has said any decisions on all-day breakfast would be made jointly with franchise owners based on customer demand. So let your local McDonald’s know if you want breakfast beyond the morning!
History of McDonald’s Breakfast
McDonald’s first began experimenting with breakfast in the 1970s after the Egg McMuffin was created by a California franchise owner. By 1977, McDonald’s was testing a national breakfast menu. This early McDonald’s breakfast menu featured classics like:
- Egg McMuffin
- Hotcakes
- Toasted English muffins
- Scrambled eggs
- Sausage
- Hash browns
- Danish pastries
The launch was a huge success. By 1987, McDonald’s breakfast accounted for 25% of all breakfasts eaten outside the home.
McDonald’s has innovated with new breakfast items over the years, like griddles, bagels, burritos, oatmeal, and McCafe bakery items. But the original staples remain popular choices during breakfast hours.
McDonald’s Breakfast Menu Favorites
The McDonald’s breakfast menu includes all the classics that customers know and love. Here are some of the top items you can order during breakfast hours:
Sandwiches
- Egg McMuffin: A fried egg with Canadian bacon and cheese on a toasted English muffin.
- Sausage McMuffin: Sausage patty with egg and cheese.
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: Bacon, egg, and cheese on a buttery biscuit.
- Sausage Biscuit: Sausage patty with cheese on a hot biscuit.
- Sausage Burrito: Sausage, eggs, cheese, and salsa wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Platters
- Hotcakes: Fluffy pancakes with butter and syrup.
- Hotcakes with Sausage: Pancakes served with savory sausage patties.
Sides
- Hash browns: Golden fried potatoes.
- Fruit & Maple Oatmeal: Warm oatmeal with apples and cranberries.
Don’t forget McCafe coffee drinks and juices to complete your balanced McDonald’s breakfast!
Why McDonald’s Breakfast Is So Popular
There are several reasons McDonald’s breakfast remains a preferred choice for those early morning meals:
Convenience: With most locations open by 5am, McDonald’s breakfast fits conveniently into rushed morning routines. Drive-thrus make it easy to grab food on-the-go.
Value: McDonald’s breakfast meals are affordable, especially with frequent promotions. This makes it an accessible choice for many budgets.
Speed: McDonald’s fast service gets customers their meal quickly, unlike sit-down breakfast restaurants.
Comfort Foods: Warm sandwiches, pancakes, and hash browns satisfy cravings for filling, comforting breakfast foods.
Nostalgia: McDonald’s breakfast brings back happy memories for many who have eaten it since childhood.
With a convenient, tasty, and affordable menu, McDonald’s breakfast remains a strong tradition across America over 45 years after it first launched nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald’s Breakfast
Here are answers to some top frequently asked questions about getting your McDonald’s breakfast favorites:
What time does McDonald’s stop serving breakfast?
Most McDonald’s locations stop serving breakfast around 10:30am or 11am. Weekend breakfast hours may extend until 11am. Check with your local restaurant for specific end times.
Does McDonald’s serve breakfast all day?
Currently the majority of McDonald’s locations do not offer all day breakfast. It was discontinued during the pandemic in 2020. Some franchises may still serve select breakfast items later, but traditional breakfast hours end by 11am.
What if I miss breakfast hours?
If you show up too late for breakfast, most McDonald’s locations will be serving lunch and the regular menu. Certain bakery items or coffee drinks may still be available. Your only other option is to come back earlier tomorrow morning!
Can I get breakfast at a 24-hour McDonald’s?
Some 24-hour McDonald’s may offer breakfast for longer hours or even all day. Check with the restaurant near you to see if their overnight or late-night menu includes breakfast sandwiches or other items. Availability varies by location.
Does McDonald’s serve lunch food at breakfast?
No, McDonald’s breakfast and lunch menus are separate. Most locations strictly serve breakfast items until switching over to lunch around 10:30 or 11am. So if you want a Big Mac or McNuggets, you’ll have to come later in the day.
Satisfy Your Breakfast Cravings at McDonald’s
McDonald’s breakfast remains a beloved tradition for good reason – it’s convenient, comforting, and delicious. So rise and shine early to get your favorite Egg McMuffin, pancakes, or hash browns during breakfast hours. Just be sure to check the times at your local Golden Arches.
With this guide to McDonald’s breakfast menu offerings, history, hours, and FAQs, you’ll be ready to start your mornings right with a signature McDonald’s breakfast. Now the only question is: sweet or savory?
