Step into the world of McDonald’s during happy hour, and you’re greeted with a delightful array of menu options that promise both taste and value. Beyond being a global giant in the fast-food industry, McDonald’s has successfully harnessed the power of ‘Happy Hour’ to engage and entertain its vast customer base. This comprehensive guide explores the McDonald’s Happy Hour menu, touching upon the tempting treats and the best deals. Read Also MCDONALDS BREAKFAST MENU PRICES 2023
McDonald’s is one of the most iconic American fast food chains, known for its affordable prices and classic menu items like the Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, and French fries. While McDonald’s doesn’t have a traditional happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers, they do offer daily deals and discounts during certain hours that can help you save money on your favourite menu items.
Overview of McDonald’s Happy Hour Deals
McDonald’s refers to their happy hour as “Daily Deals” or “Daily Discounts”. These deals are only available for a limited time each day during breakfast, lunch, or dinner hours. Deals vary by location but often include:
- Discounted breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, and McCafe drinks in the morning
- $1-$2 menu items like McDoubles, McChickens, and small fries around lunchtime
- BOGO deals on Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, and Chicken McNuggets in the afternoon/evening
- Discounted McCafe shakes and frappes in the afternoon
- Regional deals like $1 soft drinks or $0.50 cone deals during the summer months
The most consistent daily deals are on the breakfast menu and $1-$2 items, with afternoon/dinner deals varying more by location. Deals typically last 1-2 hours each day with times ranging from 10:30am-12pm for lunch or 2pm-5pm for dinner.
Downloading the McDonald’s app is the best way to get alerts on happy hour deals and times for your local restaurants. You can also call ahead to ask what the current deals are for each day.
Typical McDonald’s Happy Hour Times
While times vary, here are some typical windows for McDonald’s daily deals and discounts:
Breakfast Deals
- 8am-10:30am: Discounts on breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, pancakes, biscuits, and McCafe drinks. Look for $1 coffee and $2 sandwich specials.
Lunch Deals
- 11am-1pm: This is peak lunch hour time when you’ll find the best $1-$2 deals on burgers, McChickens, small fries, etc.
- 1pm-3pm: After the main lunch rush, deals may extend into the afternoon with value menu discounts.
Dinner Deals
- 3pm-5pm: This is a common window for BOGO (buy-one-get-one) deals on Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets and more.
- 5pm-7pm: Some locations extend discounts into the dinner hour with meal bundle deals or drink discounts.
- 8pm-10pm: Late night deals may be available like $1 small fries or discounted sundaes.
Again, check your local restaurant for their specific daily deal hours. Times can vary by location.
Typical McDonald’s Happy Hour Food & Drink Deals
Here are some of the most common discounted menu items and combo meals you can find during McDonald’s happy hour times:
Breakfast Deals
- Egg McMuffin or Sausage McMuffin – $1-2 off
- Hash browns – $1
- Hotcakes/pancakes – $1-2 off
- McCafe coffee – $1 any size
- Breakfast sandwich combo – Includes sandwich, hash brown, and coffee
Lunch Deals
- McDouble – $1
- McChicken – $1
- Cheeseburger – $1
- 4 piece or 6 piece McNuggets – $1-2
- Small fries – $1
- Value meal combo – Burger, fries, and drink
- 2 cheeseburgers or McChickens for $3
- 2 Big Macs or Quarter Pounders for $5
Dinner Deals
- BOGO Big Mac – Buy one, get one free
- BOGO 10 piece McNuggets – Buy one, get one free
- BOGO Quarter Pounder with Cheese – Buy one, get one free
- 20 piece McNuggets – $5
- 2 Filet-O-Fish sandwiches for $4-5
- $1 small fries
- $1 soft drinks
- $1 sundaes or McFlurry
McCafe Drink Deals
- $1 small, medium, or large hot coffee
- $2 McCafe Mocha, Latte, or Iced Coffee
- BOGO McCafe Frappes or Smoothies – Buy one, get one free
- $2 McCafe Shakes
- $1 Soft Drink of any size
- $1 Sweet Tea, Unsweetened Tea, Hi-C Orange
Tips for Saving Money During McDonald’s Happy Hour
Here are some tips to take advantage of McDonald’s daily deals and discounts:
- Use the app – Download the McDonald’s app and enable notifications so you get alerts when happy hour deals are happening. You can also browse deals on the app.
- Mix and match deals – Order from both the breakfast and lunch/dinner menus during transition times to maximize savings.
- Upgrade your drink – Getting a large vs small drink often costs only a bit more with happy hour drink discounts.
- Split BOGO deals – If getting two sandwiches, split the BOGO deal with a friend.
- Request extra sauces – Ask for extra mac sauce, bbq sauce, or honey mustard to make your meal feel special.
- Substitute sides – Substitute large fries for two small fries to get more food for around the same price.
- Order off the value menu – Stick to the $1-$2 menu during non-discounted hours to keep your meal under $5.
- Check late night hours – You can often find great late-night deals from 8pm-10pm like $1 fries or shakes.
- Ask about unadvertised deals – There may be additional regional or unadvertised deals the staff can let you know about.
McDonald’s National Happy Hour Deals
While local deals vary, McDonald’s also offers periodic national happy hour discounts through their app. Here are some recent examples:
McDonald’s $0.50 Double Cheeseburger Fridays
- What: $0.50 Double Cheeseburgers every Friday
- When: Only on Fridays from 11am-2pm local time
- How: Must order through McDonald’s app, limit 5 burgers
McDonald’s $0.25 Cheeseburger Wednesdays
- What: $0.25 Cheeseburgers every Wednesday
- When: Only on Wednesdays from 11am-
Most Popular Food & Drinks at McDonald’s During Happy Hour
Dive into the world of McDonald’s and uncover the culinary treasures that have become synonymous with the brand during its coveted Happy Hour.
The Irresistible Charm of McDonald’s French Fries
Standing tall as the undisputed champion of McDonald’s menu, the French fries have carved a niche for themselves. Perfectly frozen before being fried to golden perfection in high-quality vegetable oil, they offer a crispy delight in every bite.
The Legendary Big Mac
Following closely is the iconic Big Mac. A gastronomic marvel with two 100% pure beef patties, it’s the special sauce that sets it apart. Nestled between a sesame seed bun, the patties are adorned with creamy American cheese, fresh shredded lettuce, finely minced onions, and tangy pickles, offering a burst of flavors with every mouthful.
When is it Most Crowded at McDonald’s?
Understanding the rhythm of McDonald’s can enhance your dining experience.
The Midday Rush
The zenith of activity is observed during lunch hours, specifically from noon to 2 pm. It’s the time when the aroma of freshly cooked meals fills the air, drawing in crowds.
The Early Birds and Night Owls
Breakfast enthusiasts mark their presence from 7 am to 10 am, while the evening sees a resurgence of activity around 5:30 pm. Interestingly, McDonald’s also witnesses a unique set of patrons between midnight and 5 am, proving its allure knows no bounds.
Enjoy the McDonald’s Happy Hour
McDonald’s isn’t just about food; it’s an experience, an emotion.
A Feast for All
With the introduction of Happy Hour, the brand promises even more enticing deals. Whether you’re craving the classic Big Mac, crispy French fries, or a chilled beverage, there’s something for everyone. And for those who relish breakfast, McDonald’s has you covered all day.
A Haven for Families
McDonald’s has always been more than just a restaurant; it’s a family destination. The joy of a child unwrapping a Happy Meal, choosing between a hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken nuggets, and the anticipation of discovering the toy inside, is unparalleled. Add to that the indoor playground, and it’s a paradise for kids.
The McDonald’s Ethos
At its core, McDonald’s believes in delivering quality. Their commitment to real ingredients and authentic flavors is unwavering. They envision a world where sustainability isn’t an exception but a norm. With a diverse and dedicated service staff, they aim to offer not just a meal, but an experience, in a pristine, welcoming environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What time is McDonald’s Happy Hour?
- Typically, it’s between 2 and 5 p.m., but it’s best to check with local outlets as times may vary.
- Are there any special discounts during Happy Hour?
- Absolutely! There’s much to explore, from buy-one-get-one-free deals on select beverages to discounted snacks.
Why This Guide?
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of McDonald’s offerings, this guide aims to serve readers like you. Our expertise in the field, backed by credible sources, ensures the information’s authenticity. We aim to enhance your McDonald’s Happy Hour experience, making it not just about food but about moments, memories, and mouth-watering delights.
Conclusion
McDonald’s Happy Hour is more than just a marketing gimmick. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering value-packed deals and an unparalleled dining experience. So, the next time the clock approaches the afternoon, you know where to head for an enticing escapade.
