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When Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch? (Full Guide)

when does mcdonalds serve lunch

Unsurprisingly, McDonald’s comes in at number one as the leader in fast-food sales throughout the USA.

 Why is this, you may ask? The extensive menu choices, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner quickly to the masses on a budget is appealing. Regardless of the negative press McDonald’s often face, they still manage to outsell their peers.

When it comes to lunch, though, when does McDonald’s begin serving? What time does the McBreakfast end, and what are the options? 

Let’s find out as I take a detailed look into When Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch?

What Time Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch?

What Time Does McDonald's Serve Lunch?

Lunch service at McDonald’s begins at 10:30 am Monday through Friday. This does change on weekends when service starts at 11:00 am as the McBreakfast runs longer, which will suit those who struggle to get out of their beds on the weekend!

Lunch is served from 10:30 am all day until the store closes. If the store runs a 24-hour service, they will serve lunch until 5:00 am the following day, when breakfast begins.

Every franchise is different…

McDonald’s is a franchise, so it really comes down the when the franchise owner decides to serve lunch. However, most go by the same time, that is 10:30 am. The reason for later lunch service on the weekend is due to the higher demand for breakfast items. 

This may please some people or perhaps disappoint those looking for a Big Mac before 11:00 am.

Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch All Day?

Luckily yes. McDonald’s features more than 150 items on its Lunch menu, and options are available after breakfast every day. If the store is open 24 hours, you can order lunch items from 10:30 am – 5:00 am on weekdays. If the store closes, you will be able to order these items until closing time. 

Depending on your state and location, times vary for closing. However, with over 38,000 stores worldwide, it is likely you won’t be far off a 24-hour McDonald’s if you have the cravings. Remember, by 5 am, these items will completely stop, and only breakfast items can be purchased for the next five and a half hours.

What Days of the Week does McDonald’s serve Lunch?

There are no days off for McDonald’s, which is fortunate for you but perhaps not if you are a member of staff looking for a Sunday lie-in. The fast-food chain operates a service allowing customers to get their favorites Monday through Sunday. 

Is McDonald’s open during the Holidays?

McDonald’s may close for major holidays such as Christmas, depending on where you live. However, they may open but operate under reduced hours, so there is a possibility your local McDonald’s will be open during the holidays. It is advisable to check your store locater before jumping in your car to visit a restaurant. You can do that on the Mcdonald’s website.

Can you order Lunch during Breakfast Hours?

Unfortunately not. The grill is not operational during the morning hours as there isn’t enough demand. Due to health and safety procedures, the lunch menu items must be cooked on a specific grill to ensure the temperature of the meat. 

Why Do McDonald’s Not Serve Breakfast All Day?

Why Do McDonald's Not Serve Breakfast All Day?

You may have noticed many fast-food chains offering breakfast items all day. McDonald’s hasn’t jumped on that bandwagon, and here’s why…

First of all, while there are obvious economic reasons for this decision, other health issues come into play. One is the temperature differences in which the breakfast items are cooked and the differing temperature for lunch items. 

They know what they’re doing!

Another could be described as ‘The Law of Scarcity.’ This encourages people to get out of bed in the morning and spend their money on a McDonald’s breakfast.

 Because breakfast is only available for five and a half hours a day, it’s more likely that if someone wants it there and then they will go out and spend their money there instead of being swayed by other options because they can get that item let’s say tomorrow afternoon. These are smart business practices McDonald’s has perfected over the years. 

When Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch? – Do They Deliver Via Apps?

Do They Deliver Via Apps

If you are looking to get your cravings fixed but can’t make it to a McDonald’s location, you can order through DoorDash or UberEats. However, if you are looking for a hamburger or fries, you must place your order after 10:30 am on weekdays to ensure you get the lunchtime option. Accessing the app before then will only offer you breakfast items. 

Additionally, using the same service, you must wait until after 11:00 am on weekends for the same reasons. Remember, just because you are ordering via an app or delivery service, the same restaurant rules exist, just as if you were visiting the restaurant yourself. 

Can You Use Coupons At McDonald’s?

McDonald’s offers their customers great discounts and coupons, which can be used digitally or printed out to use in-store. You can even use the McDonald’s app to find discounts and deals. Use these coupons both in the restaurant and in the drive-thru. 

However, many coupons are limited to one order, so make sure to read the terms and conditions before ordering. 

McDonald’s Monopoly Game

McDonald’s likes to stand out among its competitors and often offers coupons to customers as incentives to show their value and bring a smile to their faces if they win. 

One particularly fun incentive is the Monopoly game. This involves a sticker on your drink, fries, or hamburger box that you can add to your monopoly board. These are the usual Monopoly road names, such as Fleet Street and Mayfair.

Getting customers to come into the store!

However, some of the stickers win you a free item in-store. Not only are in-store prizes to be won, but you can also win cars, TVs, and other amazing prizes. This is an excellent business idea to get people to come back and try to finish their monopoly board.

Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch In Other Countries?

McDonald’s has over 38,000 restaurants worldwide in 120 different countries. That is impressive. Let’s take a look at some countries you will find a McDonald’s in.

  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Vietnam
  • Thailand
  • Mexico
  • The Netherlands
  • Brazil
  • South Korea
  • Poland

McDonald’s Meals Around The World

McDonald's Meals Around The World

It may come as a surprise, but McDonald’s doesn’t just serve burgers, fries, and nuggets. You’ll find some McDonald’s serving rice, soup, and even spaghetti. Let’s take a look at some of the menu items across the globe.

Chicken McDo With McSpaghetti – The Philippines

McDonalds.com.ph

Consisting of a crispy fried chicken leg accompanied by spaghetti with a sweet tomato and minced meat sauce topped with cheese, this is probably one of the most unusual items for a Westerner to spot on a McDonald’s menu.

Kraprao Crispy Chicken – Thailand

McDonaldsthailand/Instagram

If anyone has been to Thailand, Pad Kraprao is a very popular dish mainly consisting of a choice of meat with garlic, chili, and Thai basil. The McDonald’s Karprao Chicken is served with rice and the option of a fried egg. 

Nasi Lemak – Malaysia 

McDonaldsMalaysia/Instagram

The unofficial dish of Malaysia can be found everywhere, that’s including in McDonald’s. Rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan comes with fresh cucumber, fried anchovies, and your choice of a boiled or fried egg. It comes with spicy sambal and comes with a piece of fried chicken. 

Big Vegan – Germany

McDonalds/Facebook

The introduction of vegan food at McDonald’s was considered quite controversial. However, those who love it, love it! And Germany has one-upped the world by going from the McVegan to the Big Vegan. It consists of a vegan patty made with soy and wheat protein. Added on top is a layer of veggies and special sauce to make the vegan burger extra special.  

Matcha Red Bean Layer Cake – Hong Kong

mcdonalds.com.hk

McDonald’s isn’t just famous for its savory foods. It also caters to those with a sweet tooth and coffee lovers. The sweet treat combines very thin layers of matcha cake, matcha cream, and red beans. 

More Interesting Facts About Mcdonald’s!

If your daily staple is “Mickey D’s,” then you’d probably also like to know Does McDonalds Have An All Day Breakfast, or if you’re not a meat-eater, Are McDonald’s Fries Vegetarian, as well as Do McDonald’s Frappes Have Caffeine.

If you’re thinking of applying, then let’s start with the McDonalds Mission And Vision Statement Analysis to see what the company is all about; and you’ll also want to know, Do McDonalds Pay Weekly and How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at McDonalds, if you’re still in school.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, check out our McDonalds Application and most common McDonalds Interview Questions; plus, if you have a criminal record, Does McDonalds Drug Test, and Does McDonalds Run Background Checks before moving forward in 2023.

When Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch? – Final Thoughts

While the owner of a specific Mcdonald’s franchise can choose when to serve lunch, the general rule of thumb is from 10:30 am onwards in most places. It can be a little confusing as some stores may change depending on the owner’s choice.

With McDonald’s now catering to many dietary requirements, it’s a great option if you are on the go. Especially for busy workers or nightshift workers who fancy a bite to eat during their working hours. 

Remember, though, if planning to visit McDonald’s during the holidays for lunch, check to see the opening hours in your area. As 95% of McDonald’s have franchise owners, this means that closing days can vary from location to location.

So, go and enjoy your lunch at McDonald’s today!

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