McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with over 40,000 locations spread across more than 100 countries. While most of these restaurants follow a familiar design, some McDonald’s locations stand out due to their bizarre, unique, and sometimes downright surreal settings. From floating restaurants to underground locations, these McDonald’s outlets redefine fast food dining.
1. The Floating McDonald’s – St. Louis, USA
One of the most unusual McDonald’s locations ever created was the McBarge, a floating restaurant built for Expo 86 in Vancouver, Canada. While the McBarge is no longer in operation, another famous floating McDonald’s existed in St. Louis, Missouri. This location, known as the McDonald’s Riverboat, floated on the Mississippi River and featured a fully operational restaurant aboard a paddlewheel-style boat. It was a major attraction in the 1980s and 1990s but eventually closed due to declining business and high maintenance costs.
2. The Underground McDonald’s – Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s underground McDonald’s, located in the railway tunnels of the St. James Station, remains one of the most intriguing fast-food locations. This McDonald’s operated beneath the city, providing commuters with a quick meal while they navigated the transit system. Though it has since closed, the abandoned tunnels still attract urban explorers. The idea of eating a Big Mac underground added an extra layer of adventure to the dining experience.
3. The UFO McDonald’s – Roswell, New Mexico, USA
Given its connection to UFO conspiracy theories, Roswell, New Mexico, is home to one of the quirkiest McDonald’s designs. The restaurant is shaped like a futuristic flying saucer, complete with neon lighting and alien-themed decor. This location plays into the town’s extraterrestrial tourism industry, making it a must-visit spot for UFO enthusiasts.
4. The Airplane McDonald’s – Taupo, New Zealand
In Taupo, New Zealand, McDonald’s took dining to new heights by converting a decommissioned DC-3 airplane into a fully functional restaurant. Customers can order food inside the standard restaurant and then eat inside the retrofitted airplane. The airplane, painted in McDonald’s signature colors, remains a major attraction for travelers passing through the area.
5. The Ski-Thru McDonald’s – Lindvallen, Sweden
Skiers in Lindvallen, Sweden, don’t need to take off their gear to enjoy a burger and fries. This ski-thru McDonald’s allows skiers to glide up to a special counter, place their order, and continue down the slopes without missing a beat. The location blends fast food with winter sports, making it a popular stop for cold-weather adventurers.
6. The Neoclassical McDonald’s – Porto, Portugal
McDonald’s locations are usually modern and functional, but in Porto, Portugal, there’s a McDonald’s housed in a stunning neoclassical building. Previously known as the Imperial Café, this restaurant retains its opulent chandeliers, stained glass windows, and intricate architecture, making it one of the most elegant McDonald’s locations in the world. Dining here feels more like stepping into a historic European café rather than a fast-food joint.
7. The McDonald’s Inside an Old Bank – Kristiansand, Norway
Norway is home to an extraordinary McDonald’s that was built inside a former bank in Kristiansand. This location maintains the building’s original structure, including its grand columns and impressive facade. Customers can enjoy their meals in what once was the main banking hall, adding an unusual twist to the fast-food experience.
8. The McDonald’s in a Train Car – Barstow, California, USA
In Barstow, California, a McDonald’s is housed inside vintage train cars, offering a nostalgic twist on fast food dining. The restaurant is part of the historic Barstow Station, a popular stop for travelers heading to and from Las Vegas. Diners can sit inside an old train car while enjoying their meals, making it a memorable stop along Route 66.
9. The Giant Happy Meal McDonald’s – Dallas, Texas, USA
McDonald’s locations typically feature their iconic golden arches, but in Dallas, Texas, a unique McDonald’s shaped like a giant Happy Meal box stands out. This oversized red-and-yellow structure features playful design elements, making it a favorite for kids and families.
10. The McDonald’s with a Digital-Only Experience – Fort Worth, Texas, USA
One of the most futuristic McDonald’s locations can be found in Fort Worth, Texas. This restaurant operates entirely digitally, meaning customers must order through kiosks or a mobile app. There are no cashiers, and food is delivered via conveyor belt-style technology. This high-tech approach hints at the future of fast food.
11. The McDonald’s Without a Golden Arch – Paris, France
The golden arches are McDonald’s most recognizable feature, but in Paris’ Rue de Rivoli, the brand had to adapt to the city’s strict aesthetic rules. Instead of its traditional signage, this McDonald’s features a white sign with gold lettering, blending more seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. This location offers a more refined, Parisian twist on the fast-food experience.
12. The World’s Largest McDonald’s – Orlando, Florida, USA
Orlando, Florida, is home to the largest McDonald’s in the world, covering over 19,000 square feet. This location features an extensive menu, including pizza, pasta, and specialty desserts not found at standard McDonald’s locations. It also has a massive indoor play area, arcade games, and even a stage for live entertainment, making it a true McDonald’s amusement experience.
13. The McDonald’s on a Remote Island – Barentsburg, Svalbard
One of the northernmost McDonald’s locations ever existed in Barentsburg, Svalbard, a remote Arctic island. Due to the extreme climate, getting supplies to this location was a challenge, but it served as a lifeline for workers stationed in the area. Though it has since closed, its existence remains a fascinating part of McDonald’s history.
14. The Medieval McDonald’s – Bray, Ireland
A McDonald’s in Bray, Ireland, operates inside a 16th-century medieval building, keeping much of its original stonework intact. While the exterior looks like something out of a history book, inside, it’s still the same familiar McDonald’s experience, offering an intriguing blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.
15. The Green McDonald’s – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Sustainability meets fast food at the eco-friendly McDonald’s in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This location is built with recycled materials, features a green rooftop, and incorporates energy-efficient systems to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s a glimpse into how fast food might evolve to meet environmental challenges.
From floating riverboats to futuristic digital-only locations, McDonald’s has proven that fast food can adapt to any environment. Whether you’re dining inside an old train car or skiing up to a burger counter, these unique McDonald’s locations offer a memorable twist on the traditional fast-food experience.