McDonald's: The Classic Fast-Food Experience in Midtown East

McDonald's Introduce

In a city known for its endless dining options, from fine dining to trendy food trucks, there is still a timeless comfort in a name that is recognized around the globe: McDonald's. The location at 18 E 42nd St stands as a testament to this, providing a reliable and familiar experience in the heart of one of Manhattan's busiest neighborhoods. This McDonald's serves as a hub for commuters, tourists, and locals alike, offering a wide-ranging menu that caters to a variety of tastes and needs. It’s more than just a place to grab a burger; it's a convenient coffee shop, a breakfast haven, and a late-night lifeline for those working or exploring the city. The atmosphere is consistently casual, perfect for a quick stop without any fuss, and the service is designed for speed and efficiency, making it a go-to for anyone on a tight schedule.

The menu at McDonald's at 18 E 42nd St is comprehensive, featuring all the beloved classics that have made the brand an American institution. The burger section is built on 100% real beef patties with no fillers, additives, or preservatives, and includes icons like the Big Mac®, Quarter Pounder®, and McDouble®. For those who prefer chicken or fish, the Chicken McNuggets®, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and the classic Filet-O-Fish® are always popular choices. The breakfast menu is particularly noteworthy, with favorites such as the Egg McMuffin®, Hotcakes, and Hashbrowns available to start your day. This location also has an extensive McCafé® menu, offering a variety of hot and iced coffees, lattes, and frappes. For dessert, the McFlurry® and Baked Apple Pie are timeless treats. With a menu that includes a kid-friendly Happy Meal®, as well as a range of sides and beverages, this McDonald's ensures there is an option for everyone, whether you're dining alone or with a group.

Located at 18 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, this McDonald's boasts an exceptional location in Midtown Manhattan. Its proximity to Grand Central Terminal, one of the city's most significant transportation hubs, makes it incredibly accessible. Whether you are arriving in the city via Metro-North or one of the many subway lines (4, 5, 6, 7, S), this location is just a stone's throw away. The immediate area is a major business and tourist district, filled with office buildings, shops, and attractions, which explains the constant foot traffic. The restaurant caters to this busy environment, with a layout optimized for quick service. While parking is virtually non-existent for personal vehicles in this part of Manhattan, the unparalleled access via public transit makes it a breeze to get to. The location is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that people with disabilities can enjoy their meal without any trouble.

This McDonald's location offers a variety of services to meet the needs of its high-traffic environment, from on-the-go convenience to a place to sit and relax.

Dine-in: The restaurant provides seating for a casual, sit-down meal.
Takeout: For a quick grab-and-go option, takeout is a primary service.
Delivery: No-contact delivery is available through popular third-party apps, making it easy to enjoy your meal from your home or office.
Counter Service: The staff provides quick and efficient counter service.
Kiosk Ordering: The use of self-serve kiosks helps to streamline the ordering process, minimizing wait times during peak hours.

This particular McDonald's location has several features and highlights that are consistently noted by its customers.

Great Coffee: The McCafé® offerings are a major highlight, with a wide range of coffee and espresso drinks that are popular with commuters and coffee lovers.
Late-night Food: The restaurant is open late, providing a much-needed option for late-night cravings after a concert, a night out, or a long work shift.
Fast Service: The staff is known for their friendly and professional demeanor, with one reviewer specifically praising a "young man at the front" for his helpfulness and efficiency.
Accessibility: The location is wheelchair accessible, with an entrance, seating, and restrooms that can accommodate guests with mobility needs.
Kids' Menu: The inclusion of a Happy Meal® menu makes it a family-friendly destination, even in the bustling urban environment of Midtown.
Payments: The restaurant accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including debit cards and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and seamless.
Consistency: As one reviewer noted, when the food is prepared with care, it can be "one of the best" and "quenched every Craving," which speaks to the potential for a high-quality experience.

For all inquiries and to find out more, you can contact this McDonald's at the following:

Address: 18 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

Phone: (212) 599-2127

This McDonald's is worth choosing for its sheer convenience and reliability in a prime New York City location. It is the perfect place for a quick bite, whether you're rushing to a meeting, exploring the city, or just need a familiar and affordable meal. While one review points out potential inconsistencies in food quality—noting that the chicken was "not crispy" and the apple pie "tasted old," while the fries were "perfect"—it also highlights the potential for a truly satisfying meal when the food is prepared with care. The consistency of the friendly and professional staff is a major plus, as one customer specifically praised the service, noting that a "young man at the front was nice to come out and help me." The presence of modern ordering kiosks and a well-lit, clean interior further enhances the experience, as noted by the customer reviews. Its reliable menu, which includes a great selection of coffee and late-night food, makes it a valuable resource for a wide variety of customers at different times of the day. In a neighborhood where many options can be expensive and time-consuming, this McDonald's offers a straightforward, quick, and budget-friendly alternative that is a true New York staple.

McDonald's Menu

Burgers
When it comes to our burgers, we mean business. 100% real beef patties that have no fillers, additives or preservatives are the foundation for every Hamburger and Cheeseburger we proudly serve. Whether the Quarter Pounder®*, seared to stay thick a...
Big Mac®
Mouthwatering perfection starts with two sear-sizzled 100% pure beef patties and Big Mac® sauce, sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. American cheese, shredded lettuce, onions and pickles top it off.
Cheeseburger
A juicy, 100% pure beef patty with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, and topped with a tangy pickle, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and a slice of melty American cheese.
Double Cheeseburger
Double Cheeseburger features two 100% pure beef patties with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, and topped with tangy pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard and two slices of melty Ameri...
Hamburger
A juicy, 100% pure beef patty with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, and topped with a tangy pickle, chopped onions, ketchup and mustard.
Quarter Pounder® Hamburger
A ¼ pound 100% beef patty, slivered onions, ketchup, mustard on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Double Quarter Pounder® With Cheese
Two quarter pound* Ingredients: 100% Pure USDA Inspected Beef; No Fillers, No Extenders. Prepared with Grill Seasoning (Salt, Black Pepper). Layered with two slices of melty cheese, slivered onions and tangy pickles on sesame seed bun. *Weight bef...
McDouble®
McDouble® burger features two 100% pure beef patties with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, and topped with tangy pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard and a slice of melty American ch...

Chicken & Sandwiches
Irresistible flavors come to the table. Enjoy options like our chicken sandwiches and salads with chicken. Or try a Filet-O-Fish®, made with whitefish that is wild-caught and sourced from sustainable fisheries. Catch tastiness you can feel good ab...
Chicken McNuggets®
Our tender, juicy Chicken McNuggets are made with 100% white meat chicken and no artificial colors, flavors and now no artificial preservatives.
Filet-O-Fish®
Dive into our wild-caught fish sandwich! Our fish filet is made with Alaskan Pollock sourced from sustainable fisheries, topped with melty American cheese and creamy tartar sauce, and served on a soft, steamed bun.
McChicken®
Deliciously crispy chicken topped with mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, and served on a perfectly toasty bun. *Available at participating restaurants
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
This southern style fried chicken sandwich is crispy, juicy and tender perfection. It’s topped with crinkle-cut pickles and served on a new toasted, buttered potato roll.
Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
With our new spicy pepper sauce topping the new southern style fried chicken on a new toasted potato roll, this sandwich was made for those who like it crispy, juicy, tender and hot.
Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Get a little extra with toppings. Go deluxe with shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo to take crispy, juicy and tender to the next level.

Breakfast
Meals include hash browns and small coffee or soft drink. Pick a different drink or side for an additional charge. Promotion pricing may be lower than meal pricing.
Egg McMuffin®
An excellent source of protein and oh so delicious. We place a freshly-cracked Grade A egg on a toasted English Muffin topped with real butter and add lean Canadian bacon and melty American cheese. And all that for 290 calories.
Sausage McMuffin® With Egg
Sausage McMuffin® with Egg features a savory hot sausage, a slice of melty American cheese, and a delicious egg all on a freshly toasted English muffin. For a different taste, try it with freshly grilled egg whites and smooth white cheddar*. *past...
Sausage McMuffin®
Sausage McMuffin® features a warm, freshly toasted English muffin, topped with savory hot sausage and a slice of melty American cheese.
Sausage Biscuit
Sausage Biscuit with sizzling hot sausage on a warm buttermilk biscuit that’s topped with real butter and baked to perfection.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles®
Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles® feature soft, warm griddle cakes with the sweet taste of maple, holding our thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, a fluffy folded egg, and a slice of melty American cheese. McGriddles cakes have no artificial preservati...
Sausage McGriddles®
Sausage McGriddles® feature soft, warm griddle cakes—with the taste of sweet maple—that hold our savory, sizzling hot sausage. McGriddles® cakes have no artificial preservatives or flavors and no colors from artificial sources.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles®
Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles® feature soft, warm griddle cakes—with the sweet taste of maple—that hold a fluffy folded egg, savory sausage, and melty American cheese. McGriddles cakes have no artificial preservatives or flavors and no colors f...
Sausage Burrito
Start your morning with a Sausage Burrito—fluffy scrambled egg, sausage, melty cheese, green chiles, and onions, all wrapped in a soft tortilla.
Hotcakes & Sausage
Hotcakes and Sausage feature three golden brown, melt-in-your-mouth hotcakes with a side of real butter and the sweet flavor of maple. Plus, a side of our savory hot sausage.
Hotcakes
Three golden brown, melt-in-your-mouth hotcakes with a side of real butter and the sweet flavor of maple.
Big Breakfast
Wake up with a warm biscuit, fluffy scrambled eggs, savory hot sausage, and crispy golden hash browns. For a different taste, try it with freshly grilled egg whites.
Big Breakfast With Hotcakes
Fill up with a warm biscuit, savory hot sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and golden brown hotcakes with a side of real butter and the sweet flavor of maple. For a different taste, try it with freshly grilled egg whites.
Hashbrown
Deliciously tasty hash browns. Fluffy on the inside, crispy and toasty on the outside.
Apple Slices
Specially selected varieties mean our apple slices are always crisp and juicy.
Fruit N Yogurt Parfait
Creamy Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait with low-fat vanilla yogurt, layers of plump blueberries and sweet strawberries, and a crunchy granola topping. *Available at participating restaurants
Egg White Delight McMuffin®
Made with 100% freshly grilled egg whites, extra lean Canadian bacon, smooth white cheddar* and a warm, freshly toasted English muffin. The Egg White Delight is 250 calories and packed with protein. *pasteurized process
Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit features a warm, buttermilk biscuit brushed with real butter, thick cut Applewood smoked bacon, a fluffy folded egg, and a slice of melty American cheese. Or, put a different spin on breakfast and try it with 100%, fres...
Sausage Biscuit with Egg
Sausage Biscuit with Egg features a warm biscuit brushed with real butter, sizzling hot sausage, and a fluffy folded egg.
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Our oatmeal starts with two full servings of whole-grain oats and a touch of cream. Loaded with red and green apples, cranberries and two varieties of raisins. And you can have it just how you like it, with or without brown sugar.

Snacks & Sides
Grab somethin’ for your SNACKS & SIDES. We know you aren’t always looking for a full meal, so no matter what you’re craving, we’ve got easy snacks and sides that’ll have you covered.
Hashbrown
Deliciously tasty hash browns. Fluffy on the inside, crispy and toasty on the outside.
World Famous Fries®
Our French fries are born from premium potatoes such as the Russet Burbank and the Shepody. With zero grams of trans fat per labeled serving, these epic fries are crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Apple Slices
Specially selected varieties mean our apple slices are always crisp and juicy.
Side Salad
Freshly prepared with crisp chopped romaine, baby spinach, baby kale, red leaf lettuce, ribbon cut carrots, tasty grape tomatoes and served with your choice of Newman's Own dressing.

Desserts & Shakes
Our cool options don’t disappoint.
McCafé® Chocolate Shake
Chocolate Shake featuring our deliciously creamy vanilla soft serve and chocolate syrup, topped with whipped topping. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® Strawberry Shake
Strawberry Shake made with creamy vanilla soft serve, blended with strawberry flavored deliciousness, topped with whipped topping. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® Vanilla Shake
The classic vanilla shake, made with our creamy vanilla soft serve, topped with whipped topping. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
Vanilla Cone
Enjoy a treat made with sweet, creamy vanilla soft serve in a crispy cone.* *Available at participating restaurants.
Hot Fudge Sundae
Vanilla soft serve, smothered in chocolaty fudge sauce. *Nuts optional
McFlurry® With M&M's® Candies
Dig in to a McFlurry® with M&M'S® made from vanilla soft serve with colorful chocolate candies swirled in. Enjoy these classic M&M’S® desserts in Regular Size and Snack Size.
Kiddie Cone
Creamy vanilla soft serve in a crispy little cone.
Hot Caramel Sundae
Cool and creamy vanilla soft serve meets warm, rich, buttery caramel. *Nuts optional
Strawberry Sundae
Creamy vanilla soft serve topped with sliced strawberries in a sweet and tart strawberry sauce. *Nuts optional
McFlurry® With Oreo® Cookies
Vanilla soft serve with OREO® Cookies mixed in. Available in Regular Size and Snack Size.
Baked Apple Pie
Delicious apples, lightly spiced with cinnamon, baked in a flaky pastry.
Strawberry & Crème Pie
Made with strawberries and vanilla flavored crème, baked side by side in a sugar-coated crust.
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Our classic cookie, loaded with chocolate chips and baked to soft, warm perfection. *Available at participating restaurants.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Made with crunchy oats and packed with raisins for sweetness. *Available at participating restaurants.

Happy Meal
You want the best for your family. So do we. Our kid-friendly restaurants have great Happy Meal® options like a Hamburger made with a 100% beef patty that has no fillers, additives or preservatives. Or enjoy our tender and juicy Chicken McNuggets®...
Happy Meal Hamburger
Happy Meal Cheeseburger
Happy Meal 4 McNuggets®
Mighty Kids Meal 6 McNuggets®

McCafé®
McCafé® Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Made with the perfect combination of fruit purees and juices, such as strawberry and banna, blended with creamy low fat yogurt and ice. Available in Small, Medium, and Large. Ala carte only. Price and participation may vary.
McCafé® Mango Pineapple Smoothie
Made with the sweet combination of fruit purees and juices, such as mango and pineapple, blended with creamy low fat yogurt and ice. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® Mocha Frappé
Made with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of coffee, our Frappé Mocha is blended with ice and covered with whipped topping and chocolately drizzle. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® Caramel Frappé
Made with rich caramel flavor and a hint of coffee, blended with ice, and topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® Mocha
Made from 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso, steamed with whole or nonfat milk, chocolate and caramel syrup, topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
McCafé® Caramel Mocha
The Caramel Mocha is made with expertly roasted espresso beans that are sustainably sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, steamed whole or nonfat milk, chocolate caramel syrup, and topped with whipped topping and caramel drizzle.
McCafé® Iced Mocha
Made from 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso, whole or nonfat milk, chocolate and caramel syrup, topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
McCafé® Iced Caramel Mocha
Iced Caramel Mocha, sustainably sourced and made with espresso beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, our refreshingly cool iced mocha is made with whole or nonfat milk, chocolate and caramel syrup, and topped with whipped topping and ca...
McCafé® Latte
Warm up with a rich Latte, made from Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso. Customize the Latte that’s made fresh just for you with steamed whole or nonfat milk, mixed with your choice of flavor at certain locations. Available in Small, Medium, a...
McCafé® Caramel Latte
Warm up with a rich Latte, made from Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso. Customize the Latte that’s made fresh just for you with steamed whole or nonfat milk, mixed with your choice of flavor at certain locations. Available in Small, Medium, a...
McCafé® French Vanilla Latte
Warm up with a rich Latte, made from Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso. Customize the Latte that’s made fresh just for you with steamed whole or nonfat milk, mixed with your choice of flavor at certain locations. Available in Small, Medium, a...
McCafé® Iced Latte
Cool down with a cold McCafé® Iced Latte, made from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ espresso. Customize the Iced Latte that’s made fresh just for you with cold whole or nonfat milk, mixed with your choice of flavor at certain locations. Available i...
McCafé® Iced Coffee
Refreshingly cool and made with sustainably sourced 100% Arabica beans, cream, and your choice of flavored syrups. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® Hot Chocolate
Taste the delicious chocolaty flavor of a McCafé® hot chocolate. Hot chocolate made with steamed whole or nonfat milk, rich chocolate syrup, and topped with whipped topping and chocolate drizzle.
McCafé® Coffee
Treat yourself to a cup of our simple, satisfying morning coffee. Made with 100% Arabica beans, McCafé® Coffee is expertly roasted and freshly brewed every 30 minutes. Enjoy your hot coffee black or with your choice of sugar, sweetener, and dairy ...
McCafé® Caramel Iced Coffee
Refreshingly cool and made with sustainably sourced 100% Arabica beans, cream, and your choice of flavored syrups. Available in Small, Medium, and Large.
Iced Tea
Ice Tea with a brisk blend of orange pekoe and pekoe cut black tea, served ice cold. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
Sweet Tea
Sweet Tea with a briskly refreshing blend of orange pekoe and pekoe cut black tea, sweetened to perfection. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
McCafé® French Vanilla Iced Coffee
Refreshingly cool and made with our dark roast beans and smooth French vanilla flavor. Personalized with your choice of sweetener and creamer for a taste that’s unmistakably yours.

Beverages
Hit refresh when you sip our DRINKS. Satisfy your thirst with a variety of drinks. From refreshing options like $1 any size soft drinks*, to $2 small McCafé Smoothies, Frappés, or Shakes**. Grab a straw and go.
Coca-Cola®
A cold and refreshing complement to all of our menu items. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
Diet Coke®
Icy cold Diet Coke®, with zero calories. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
Sprite®
Delicious lemon-lime taste with no caffeine. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
Dr. Pepper®
Every sip is truly unique. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
Diet Dr. Pepper®
Enjoy the unbelievably satisfying taste with no calories. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.
Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast
POWERADE® Mountain Berry Blast® is a blast of refreshment. Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large. *Available at participating restaurants
Dasani® Water
Purified with minerals for sheer refreshment.
1% Low Fat Milk Jug
Wholesome low fat milk, an excellent source of Calcium and Vitamin D.
Fat Free Chocolate Milk Jug
Fat free chocolate milk, an excellent source of Calcium and Vitamin D.
Honest Kids Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink
Honest Kids Juice drink is sweetened only with fruit juice, and it’s an organic drink perfect for a kids meal!

McDonald's Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Late-night food
Quick bite

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Groups

Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Kids' menu

Parking
Parking

McDonald's Photos

McDonald's Location

McDonald's

New York New York County New York East 42nd Street

18 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

McDonald's Reviews

An average rating of ★3.6 from 3598 user reviews.

cleanattentionbig mackiosknapkinsstairsapple piesmcflurrybryant parkcrowd

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

just went in there a young man at the front was nice to come out andnhelp me a the kiosk and was very sure to not make any mistakes he helped me with outting the cash in machine and reordering my order with im sorry about the picture Ladies and Gents but oh my One of the Best if not the best time to come to McDonald's Who ever did this put some love in this made hit my pallet and quenched every Craving that I Had everything was just right many blessings .both all three gentlemen were in full attire clean very professional
September 11 · Jahrell Thompson
McDonald NYCParking no.Walk in traffic only?Well lit.Not really cleaning outside and inside.Chick not crispy.Apple pie tasted oldFrench fries were perfect.Staff ,friendly.
June 30 · Lonnie McDonald
It is a nice McDonald’s location with upstairs seating (free in-app Big Mac broke my vegetarianism streak it was rly yummy 🤡)
June 15 · Genie
Just so we're fair, the two stars I'm giving this place in the food category is for the coffee. I haven't really had any issues with their food. This particular location consistently offer subpar coffee. For coffee lovers, this can make or break a restaurant. For a McDonald's at a flagship location, it's incomprehensible they would not get their coffee right. Question: If your coffee's not right, what does that say about all your coffe-based menu items?🤔If you don't know how to brew McDonald's coffee, simply go to the McDonald's location in Jamaica, Queens, at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and Parsons Boulevard. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have a problem coaching a fellow franchise owner.
September 08 · Antoine Pierre-Pierre
I went to this fast food restaurant today with my son,we wait in line for about 15 minutes to use the self service machine,l order two happy meal ,I choose the option to pay at the register ,l took the receipt as you can see in the picture and went to the register to pay. The manager told me that she can’t take any payment and that l have to go back make the line again and use the self service machine and pay there,l inform her that l was in line for about 15 minutes and is insane for her to tell me that l have to make the line again,”she replied to me very rude and with a nasty attitude “that is no my problem,you have to make the line again,l ask her for her name and she refused to give me her name,l took a picture of her and posted so her boss can give her some costumer service class ,she should not be working with human beings,lm very disappointed with the horrible service that l received.
October 20 · Shelcey Alcantara